GLAD
Learning the language of cranes is essential for any engineers looking to break into the industry.
advanced analysis techniques, such as non-linear time history. “The genesis of the BASIS system was based on our experience with the seismic upgrade of Boeing Everett; after studying the problem we discovered friction dampers were the best solution,” said Phillips. “When you use dampers of any kind, this
will create a non-linear response so typical seismic design procedures, such as a response spectrum based on the soil class and periods of vibration, are not always appropriate. This is where non-linear time history comes into play. These are called performance-based design procedures.”
Lifting awareness This years’ Global Lifting Awareness Day (GLAD) will place a stronger focus on education than ever before as it returns for its sixth edition on 12 June.
Driven by the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) and its partner organisations, the day has become a widely recognised event. Manufacturers, suppliers, and end users come together to share content that promotes safe, high-quality load lifting practices. Social media posts, videos,
40 | June 2025 |
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articles and live events will once again be unified under the hashtag #GLAD2025. “I think most people see cranes as something necessary to build important structures, but the focus stays on the end product and not the process to get there. The GLAD movement gives us a chance to help showcase what makes the crane industry so interesting. And we have much to build on. The entry level hires we’ve brought on board are as well prepared as any generation, and they take to our mentoring system. It’s just difficult to find the right engineers,” said Phillips. “From the outside looking in, it appears that the other industries are doing a better job at attracting students. Anecdotally, we aren’t seeing as many civil engineering graduates who focused on structures. Computer science and AI are generating a lot of interest. Environmental and water resources management are both sub- disciplines under the civil engineering umbrella that tend to be attracting more students.”
For any trainee or experienced structural engineers who feels inspired by this to explore the crane industry, the first step is
learning the language of cranes – the rest will come naturally. While crane design has its own specific requirements and objectives, the underlying principles remain the same. The physics don’t change, and the core approach to structural design is more alike than different when compared to other industries. “The pinnacle of each engineer’s career is very personal, and each engineer will have a unique experience,” said Phillips. “Most engineers take great pride in handing over a custom crane design to a client. For me, that has been the biggest source of accomplishment and a very real symbol of the impact we make as engineers. “Sometimes, I have to take a minute and
let it really sink in what I am designing. AI and computers are great at refining solutions to problems that have been previously solved,” explained Phillips. “When you design a custom crane, you are solving a new problem that potentially hasn’t been solved before. Computer programmes are great at doing the routine busy work for us so that we can spend more of our budget on the cutting- edge. Most projects are unique when we get involved.”
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