TRANSPORT OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS UNSING A CRANE EQUIPPED WITH A CLAMSHELL GRAB

Abstract

This paper investigates the application of clamshell-grab portal
cranes for the efficient handling and direct transfer of bulk construction
materials—sand, gravel, soil, crushed stone—from barges or vessels to
land-based transport. The study covers crane typology, grab design,
workflow organisation, parametric 3D modelling of a clamshell-grab in
Siemens Solid Edge, and finite-element validation of a heavily-loaded
quick-change coupling. Operational and economic performance metrics
are analysed, with emphasis on energy consumption, life -cycle costs, and
carbon footprint.