Crane Foot Base Options

The following image is a rendered picture of four potential crane foot base options.



These foot bases will be analysed from left to right:

- The first is the original foot base, as described by the previous CAD drawings. This foot base is quite basic and versatile, though since it will be supporting the crane foot on an angle it may be prone to slippage in wet conditions.

- The second is a revised foot base. This foot base has been slanted to the angle of the crane foot. The bottom has also been altered to have a series of groves, increasing the friction of the foot base with the ground. This design would greatly improve the stability of the crane, though would require a small flat surface to rest upon. It would also require orientating to the angle of the crane foot.

- The third design is a modified version of the previous design with all the same benefits over the original design. However this design has a reduced surface area of contact, thus the area beneath the foot base need not be as flat. This however may slightly reduce the stability of the crane, and this type also requires orientating.

- The final design is a spike design. This would be particularly useful in soft ground to help anchor the crane, however it would be useless on a solid surface such as concrete or tarmac.

In conclusion, I believe that since these foot bases have been designed to be removable, multiple types should be provided in the pack to suit different situations. I will take this matter up with the rest of the team in the next group meeting.