Logistics Sector

Crane rail systems and ancillaries for the logistics sector

Rail systems for warehouses

The pace of commerce, trade and the movement of goods is continuing to rise rapidly and the internet has given it a significant boost. Times from order to delivery must be continually reduced. This has led to ever increasing pressure on companies to install systems which can respond in the time required. Thus there are more automated warehouses, high bay warehousing and even cold storage facilities being used. These employ special cranes that run on a single rail at ground level and a further steady rail at their top. The level of accuracy required for the rail position is needed to prevent sway of the tall crane mast during rapid motion.

Logistic systems are subject to ever closer integration of the individual components including transport, warehousing, and containerisation which are feeding into intermodal facilities. Where rail mounted equipment is used Gantrail is on hand to get the installation right and on time.

Crane Rail systems for Rail systems for warehouses
Crane Rail systems for Airports, Cargo Handling, Freightliner Terminals

Airports, Cargo Handling, Freightliner Terminals

Airports present particular challenges for the logistics managers. There are specific containerisation systems which have introduced more sophisticated automation and these often require some degree of storage to schedule items with flights and not impede the flow-line systems. Steel rail mounted cranes are one of the ingredients in these systems. Gantrail have been active supplying and installing rails at a number of airports.

Freightliner terminal are a specific element in intermodal systems where containers are transferred between road and rail transport. They normally have an element of storage but this is seldom the prime purpose. However they are effective in removing vehicles from roads which is judged as environmentally desirable. Needless to say they require reliable long term availability of steel rail mounted cranes.

Specialists in design and support for crane rail interfaces worldwide

From ship to shore, power stations to international sporting venues, we are able to apply our proven expertise and engineering capability to fulfil the most complex and challenging of project needs.

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Providing full installation solutions

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Over 50 years expertise

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Technically adept support

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Range of specialist support services

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Crane Rails

Crane rails come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. The designs have been developed to meet individual countries requirements with some being squat and wide and others are taller and similar in shape to railway rails but they are all more robust. There are now only a few ‘families’ of rails with similar shapes and a range of sizes. Most crane rails range in head width from 45mm to 150mm. A common feature is a thick web to carry the load to the base. There are also a range of steel metallurgies. At their most basic they are made from high carbon manganese steel but some are more highly alloyed. They are all difficult to weld. Gantrail will normal comment on any chosen rail for a project or propose the most suitable choices.

Crane Rail Pads

It is an advantage if a rail can rotate a small amount around an axis along its length. This allows the rail to take up a position that matches the wheel and as a result reduces the compressive stresses in the tread of the wheel and the head of the rail. Gantrail supply steel reinforced crane rail pads that allow this. They have been proven in thousands of applications for over 50 years. They also eliminate the metal to metal contact and reduce corrosion between the rail and its support.

Crane Rail Fixing Clips

It is not practical to fasten crane rails rigidly to the support on which they are mounted. Rails need to be adjusted to the correct position and to be able to move small amounts along the support. They also need to be able to rotate about an axis along their length. But they should be fixed rigidly from significant sideways movement. Gantrail have developed a range of adjustable crane rail fixing clips for all sizes of rail. These can be fastened by means of bolting or by welding to a steel surface. Some in the range will resist the highest expected loads but other are compact and light and are for smaller applications.

Steel Soleplates & Bolts

Most sole plates look like simple plates of steel with many holes. But the challenge for the track system designer is to combine the requirements of the concrete foundations with its reinforcement and expansion joints with the needs of the rail system. Hole positioning is most important. There may be a need for rail fixed points and earthing. There is also a need for high accuracy sometimes combined with corrosion protection. Bolts for fixing sole plates need to be made such that they will not rotate on being tightened. Gantrail also supply more sophisticated system which allow for releveling a rail after installation.

Grout

The upper surface of poured concrete it very weak and will not support the loads imposed by a steel crane wheel. The surface needs to be cleared of soft material before the gap between the structural concrete and the steel sole plate.is filed with high strength grout. Gantrail supply two types of grout for the majority of applications. Some cases require the strength of an epoxy based system whereas others can accept special cement bases grouts. Smaller qualities of fast curing polyester grouts are used to secure bolts in premade holes in concrete.

Case Studies

We work on a diverse range of projects throughout the world, each bringing its own specific requirements, challenges and examples of best practice and innovation.

Port Botany

Port Botany in Sydney is Australia’s second largest container port. It was of strategic importance for Hutchison Ports, who were looking to increase...

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Aqaba Port

Aqaba Port

Aqaba is strategically important to Jordan as it is the country’s only seaport. The container port needed to be expanded to cope with a signific...

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Perth Arena Moving Roof

Perth Arena | Opening Roof

Drawing  upon their experience of similar projects around the world, the Gantrail design team supplied technical expertise – 89 kg Railtrack an...

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Clients we've worked with