tipukoormus

Tipukoormus is a term used in engineering to describe the load condition that tends to cause tipping of a structure, vehicle, or equipment about a pivot point or edge of its base. It arises when the line of action of the resultant external forces falls outside the base of support, creating a tipping moment that must be resisted by the geometry and restraining forces of the system. Understanding tipukoormus is essential for assessing stability under static and dynamic loads.

Origin and usage: The word tipukoormus is Finnish, formed from tipu (“to tip”) and kuormitus (“load”). It is used in structural engineering, machine design, lifting operations, forestry equipment, and related fields to describe conditions that may cause overturning or instability.

Calculation and design: The tipping moment is the product of the external force and its horizontal lever arm relative to the tipping axis. Stability requires that the resisting moment—provided by weight, friction, counterweights, and base geometry—exceed the tipping moment. A common design criterion is a factor of safety against tipping greater than unity. Designers consider the footprint, height of the center of gravity, dynamic effects (acceleration, braking, wind), and load distribution. For mobile equipment, the track width, wheelbase, and counterweights are critical considerations.

Applications and mitigation: In buildings on sloped sites, cranes, trucks carrying uneven loads, tipukoormus is a key stability concern. Mitigation strategies include lowering the center of gravity, widening the base, adding counterweights or stabilizers, employing anti-tip devices, and controlling operational speed and terrain to reduce tipping risk.

See also: center of gravity, stability, tipping moment, base of support.