An algorithm for mobile crane selection and location on construction sites

This paper presents a newly developed algorithm for selecting and locating mobile cranes on construction sites. The algorithm is incorporated into a computer system that integrates a selection module and three databases, dedicated respectively, for cranes, rigging equipment, and projects’ information. This paper focuses primarily on the selection module and its algorithm to support an efficient search for most suitable crane configurations and their associated lift settings. Data pertinent to crane lift configurations and settings are retrieved from the databases and processed to determine the near optimum selection of a crane configuration. The developed selection module features powerful graphics capabilities and a practical user-friendly interface, designed to facilitate the considerations of user imposed lift and site constraints. The selection algorithm has been implemented within the crane selection module using MS-Visual Basic programming language. A case example is presented in order to demonstrate the use of the developed selection module and to illustrate its essential features.