How to Design an Industrial Structure With a Gantry Crane
29 Nov 2022. By Shane Barker, Pre-Construction Manager
IN BRIEF
- Gantry cranes offer benefits such as increased lifting capacity, better space utilisation and safer materials handling in
industrial, fabrication and manufacturing facilities.
- Discussing the inclusion of a gantry crane with your design team from the very start will ensure you end up with a purpose-designed structure that can handle the extreme loads and forces of your crane.
- For property investors, designing your structure to accommodate a gantry crane can expand your future tenanting opportunities.
Building Requirements for Gantry Cranes
If your business operates in manufacturing, distribution, or heavy industry, there’s a high chance your industrial shed or warehouse project will require a gantry or overhead crane. While industrial buildings are designed to be robust, incorporating a gantry crane can strain the structure if not properly engineered.
In this article, Steelcorp’s Shane Barker highlights the importance of structural engineering to ensure your building can safely support the loads and forces exerted by a gantry crane.
“Due to the incredible strength of these cranes and the loads they are capable of lifting, there can be significant forces at play that need to be accounted for when designing your structure,” explains Shane.
“One of the most critical aspects of designing your building is structural engineering. This process ensures that the inclusion of a gantry crane is appropriately planned. Every project is unique, but there are some general considerations worth noting when incorporating a crane into your building design.”
How Do Gantry Cranes Work?
Gantry cranes simplify heavy lifting by enabling the safe and efficient movement of large components, materials, or products across your facility. Whether you’re manufacturing machinery or managing a busy warehouse, a gantry crane can be integral to your operations.
Using an overhead girder and runners along the length of the building, single-girder travelling cranes are among the most common types. The hoist is usually underslung on the bridge girder, while double-girder cranes feature a hoist straddling two bridge girder elements.
Proper training and adherence to the specified lifting limits are essential when operating gantry cranes. When installed and maintained correctly, these cranes offer significant benefits over other materials-handling equipment, such as forklifts:
- Enhanced lifting capacity: Unlock new business opportunities with greater capability.
- Space efficiency: Operates overhead, freeing up valuable floor space.
- Improved safety: Operate remotely to reduce risks when handling bulky or uneven loads.
What Impact Does a Gantry Crane Have on My Structure?
Considerations for Owner Builders
If a gantry crane is central to your operations, it’s essential to ensure your industrial shed or commercial building is engineered to handle the additional structural demands.
“Adding a gantry crane may increase initial costs due to the need for stronger materials and reinforced structures. However, this investment can lead to significant savings over time thanks to the productivity gains achieved,” says Shane.
Engage your design team early to communicate your current and future building requirements. Doing so ensures your industrial steel builders can tailor the structure to accommodate a gantry crane, helping your building evolve with your business needs.
Consulting a structural engineer ensures every detail—from orientation to connection points and fixings—is purpose-designed to support the crane’s forces.
Things for Owner Builders to Consider
Even if you’re building as an investment and don’t plan to occupy the site, it’s worth considering gantry cranes. Engineering your building to support a crane increases its versatility for future tenants.
For example, you can prepare the structure with crane-ready guide rails, allowing future tenants to install a crane without significant modifications. Shane also highlights other factors, such as structure height, that influence suitability for gantry crane use.
“Installing a crane impacts the size and spacing of bays, the type and location of trusses, and the building’s overall height. Whether you’re installing a crane now or planning for the future, share this information upfront with your building designer,” Shane advises.
Partnering With Expert Industrial Steel Builders
At Steelcorp, we bring decades of experience in designing complex industrial buildings and steel construction services for owner-builders and investors. From structural engineering to construction, our team is here to ensure your warehouse project meets all your operational needs while providing flexibility for the future.
Get Started Today

Whether you’re planning an industrial shed with a gantry crane or exploring options with a trusted commercial steel supplier, Steelcorp can help. Contact us today to discuss your project requirements and discover how we can bring your vision to life.
