FTQ’s – Cranes

Question
Can a static crane be fixed into sandstone?

Answer

Not normally – the structure of sandstone is too friable to take the stresses and torque loads that static cranes generate. Sandstone is essentially compressed, crushed laminated rock, created either by aqueous or wind actions. Their bonds are not chemically fused sufficiently for any “block” of sandstone to be considered a homogeneous sold object.

However, if this question comes up during project / design reviews, it would be best to obtain a definitive response from a Structural Engineer who is familiar with the site in question and the specific section of sandstone being debated.