Replacement investments of crane rail beams make up a significant expense items at SSAB Europe Raahe steel factory. Aging crane rail beams need to be rebuilt in the next few years in heavily loaded structures. Since the situation is regarded to be serious, SSAB Europe made a decision to subscribe a thesis work about this subject so it could improve the predictability of replacement investments of crane rail beams.

The aim of this thesis was to map out how to schedule crane rail beams investments by getting acquainted with the use of historical data, service life calculation and maintenance statements. The targets of replacement investments are rolling mills and steel plant’s welded and riveted crane rail beams.

The thesis focuses on crane rail beams in general. Features of welded and riveted steel I-beams were also investigated. In addition, the maintenance and life cycle of crane rail beams were discussed.

The main results of this bachelor’s thesis were current schedules of replacement investments of crane rail beams at SSAB Europe Raahe factory’s rolling mill and steel plant. Simplified planning bases to facilitate designing replacement investments was developed and will be taken to use by the personnel of SSAB Europe.