In lifting operations, what is the purpose of cribbing when ground is soft or unstable?

• A. To decorate the rigging site.
• B. To increase the load capacity of the ground.
• C. To create a solid base and prevent settling as needed.
• D. To speed up the lift.

Answer: (C)

Cribbing on soft or unstable ground creates a solid, level base that distributes the lift’s load over a larger area. When the ground is weak, a heavy load can push down and shift, causing uneven support or sinking. By stacking rated blocks in a crib pattern, the load is spread across multiple contact points, reducing differential settlement and keeping the rigging aligned and stable during the lift. It doesn’t increase the ground’s inherent strength or capacity, and it isn’t about decoration or speeding up the lift.