Lifting lug design is a critical operation in the heavy industries to ensure the safe lifting of loads. Lifting lugs provide stability and reliability during the lifting of heavy equipment, and the accuracy of their design plays a vital role in preventing accidents. This article explores the key aspects of lifting lug design as per ASME BTH-1, with a particular focus on pin connection design to ensure a safe and reliable lifting process.
Pin connections allow relative rotation between two components and serve as a temporary connection. In lifting lugs, pins transfer the load to the lug plate while allowing relative movement during lifting operations. These pin connections are subjected to the following three primary load conditions:
Tensile Load (Tension): Acts perpendicular to the load direction at the pin connection area.
Shear Load (Shear): Resists shear stress between the pin and the hole.
Bearing Load (Bearing): Handles localized compressive stress at the interface between the pin and the hole.
According to ASME BTH-1, pin connection designs must account for these load conditions to ensure safety. Even when threaded fasteners are used as pins, they should be treated as temporary connections to maintain design flexibility.
Failure Modes of Pin-Connected Plates
ASME BTH-1 identifies several potential failure modes for pin-connected plates. Designers must evaluate these during the design stage to prevent failure:
Tension Failure:
Occurs along the net cross-sectional area passing through the pin hole. As the presence of the pin hole reduces the effective cross-sectional area, tensile failure may occur if the load exceeds allowable limits.
Single-Plane Shear Failure:
Happens when the shear stress along one plane of the pin hole exceeds allowable limits. This is common in thinner plates.
Double-Plane Shear Failure:
Occurs in two parallel planes, typically seen in thicker plates or composite connections.
Bearing Failure:
Caused by localized compressive stress at the interface between the pin and the hole. The design must ensure that the stress does not exceed allowable limits.
Accurate Evaluation of Soil Characteristics:
Prior to design, thorough geotechnical investigations must assess soil strength, permeability, and deformation behavior. The non-linear characteristics of soil should be accounted for in the analysis to enhance structural safety.
Strict Compliance with Codes:
All provisions of ACI 318M must be adhered to, with additional consideration given to regional regulations and site-specific conditions.
Precise Preparation of Design Reports:
Design reports must clearly document the entire design process and results, systematically recording code applications and interpretation outcomes. These reports are vital for proving the reliability and validity of the design.
Designing lifting lugs according to ASME BTH-1 is essential to ensure safety and performance. Designers must rigorously follow these guidelines while considering real-world operating conditions and requirements to create optimal designs. In lifting lug design, even small details can have a significant impact. Utilize a comprehensive Excel calculation sheet to understand ASME BTH-1 lifting lug design and create systems that are both safe and reliable.