Numerical modelling of the Armstrong, Mitchell & Co. hydraulic crane of the Arsenal of Venice

In this paper, the preliminary study of intervention on cast iron and puddle iron Hydraulic crane, situated in the “Arsenale” of Venice is proposed. The crane was built by Armstrong, Mitchell & Co. in 1885. It is one of the most important examples of XIX century innovation of English engineering and the last remained one, after the disposal of other Armstrong Company cranes. Thanks to the interest of the Soprintendenza B.A.P. di Venezia e Laguna (local office of the ministry of fine arts responsible for the conservation of the cultural and landscape heritage of Venice and its lagoon), Peril Fund and UNESCO, the crane is now under restoring. In order to design and execute the restoring interventions of the crane, a preliminary study was necessary. The first fundamental step consisted on performing a detailed historical research, in particular of the past interventions and on identifying the most important causes of damage. Then, a numerical model simulating the crane behaviour throughout different restoration phases is discussed.