What happens to ground bearing pressure when moving a crawler crane from soft ground to harder ground?

When a crawler crane moves from soft ground to harder ground, the ground bearing pressure increases. This occurs because the weight of the crane, which is distributed over a certain area by its crawler tracks, exerts more pressure on a smaller surface area when transitioning to a more rigid surface.

In soft ground, the crane's weight is more effectively distributed, allowing for better weight management without exceeding the ground's bearing capacity. However, as the crane moves to harder ground, the interaction between the crane’s weight and the underlying surface leads to greater pressure being exerted on the ground. Harder surfaces, such as packed soil or asphalt, can handle significant weight, but when the crane is positioned upon it, the pressure can exceed what is typically experienced on softer surfaces due to the rigidity and limited deformation of the hard ground.

Understanding this concept is critical for ensuring safety and preventing damage during crane operations, as increased ground bearing pressure can lead to instability or tipping if not accounted for properly.