What factor is used to determine the size of the block under outriggers?

What factor is used to determine the size of the block under outriggers?

• A. Ground bearing pressure generated by crane
• B. Crane color
• C. Time of day
• D. Operator preference

Answer: (A)

Outriggers are meant to spread the crane’s weight over a larger ground area so the soil isn’t overloaded. The size of the block or pad under each outrigger is chosen to keep the vertical bearing pressure on the ground within what the soil can safely support. In practice, you compare the load carried by each outrigger to the pad’s contact area, ensuring pressure (load divided by area) does not exceed the soil’s allowable bearing capacity. If the ground is weak or the crane is heavily loaded, you use larger blocks or mats to increase the contact area and reduce pressure. The color of the crane, the time of day, or operator preference don’t affect soil bearing capacity or load distribution, so they don’t determine block size.

Outriggers are meant to spread the crane’s weight over a larger ground area so the soil isn’t overloaded. The size of the block or pad under each outrigger is chosen to keep the vertical bearing pressure on the ground within what the soil can safely support. In practice, you compare the load carried by each outrigger to the pad’s contact area, ensuring pressure (load divided by area) does not exceed the soil’s allowable bearing capacity. If the ground is weak or the crane is heavily loaded, you use larger blocks or mats to increase the contact area and reduce pressure. The color of the crane, the time of day, or operator preference don’t affect soil bearing capacity or load distribution, so they don’t determine block size.