STS Cranes: New Approach to the Pipe-to-Gusset Plate Connection

Pipe-to-Gusset plate connections have frequently experienced fatigue cracking on ship-to-shore cranes. The cracking at fracture critical pipes has led to several catastrophic failures. There are several common design approaches to this connection, but all are susceptible to fatigue failure. Some approaches include details that are difficult to inspect, and especially unless cracks are quite large. Some common types of connections and issues leading to fatigue cracking are discussed.

Access to the connection for inspection and repair is improved. The key element to this new approach is a removable and resealable seal plate, attached without welding. This paper introduces a concept for the removable seal plate.

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