D-CRANE: a database system for utilization of cranes

Crane selection is a time consuming process that involves extensive data manipulation. Several systems have been developed to assist in selecting cranes and in planning their lifts. These systems lack the support of a comprehensive database to provide information about crane configurations, their lift capacity settings, and rigging equipment. Although crane manufacturers provide data for their cranes, these data are not always consistent and do not follow a standard format. This creates frequent problems for crane users, especially when interpolating the load charts. This requires the users to make decisions based on job conditions and categories of cranes, which can lead to costly mistakes. This paper describes the development of a comprehensive database (called D-CRANE) designed to support efficient selection of cranes. D-CRANE has been developed in collaboration with an industrial partner. It includes operational information about crane geometry, lift configurations, lift capacity settings, accessories, and attachments. D-CRANE has a number of interesting features: (i) powerful graphics capabilities, featuring a multimedia environment and a practical user-friendly interface; (ii) capacity to accommodate different types of commercially available cranes; (iii) powerful storage, sorting, and query routines; (iv) flexibility in using metric and empirical units; (v) capability of operating in a network environment, and (vi) minimum disk storage space. D-CRANE is a relational database designed using entity relation diagram and is implemented using MS-Access database management system. A case example is presented to demonstrate the use and capabilities of D-CRANE.