How Do They Get Cranes Off Top Of Buildings

How Do They Get Cranes Off Top Of Buildings

Meta Description: Discover methods like helicopters and combination lifts for safely removing tower cranes from atop buildings. Learn how they get cranes off the top of buildings.

Tower cranes play a vital role in the construction of tall buildings. Once their job is complete, they must be safely dismantled and removed from construction sites.

This article discusses the different methods equipment operators use to get tower cranes off the tops of buildings. From helicopter lifts to mobile crane combinations, we will explore the various processes to lower cranes and ensure worker protection safely.

Key Takeaways

• Tower cranes are erected using internal or external climbing methods and dismantled by securing sections and removing counterweights and jibs.
• Tall structures use heavy-lift helicopters to lift crane pieces individually from high floors, while mobile cranes remove shorter cranes by reaching pieces from the ground.
• Complex projects combine methods with helicopters lifting upper pieces coordinated with mobile cranes on lower floors to transfer cranes piece by piece safely without any issues.

How Are Cranes Removed From the Tops of Buildings?

Here are a few methods that they get cranes off the top of the buildings, including:

1. Dismantling Process

The dismantling process starts with securing the tower crane structure using steel collars and preparing it for lift. The counterweights and jib of the crane are then removed piece by piece with the help of a mobile crane or heavy-lift helicopter.

2. Helicopter Lift Method

For taller skyscrapers, the heavy lift helicopter is used to remove tower cranes from construction sites. It positions itself near the skyscraper and lifts the crane sections one by one, transferring it safely to the ground. The entire process requires careful coordination between the helicopter pilot and workers on the site.

3. Combination Lift Method

A combination lift method is used for taller skyscrapers and heavy tower cranes that exceed the lifting capacity of a single mobile crane or helicopter. In this process, sections of the crane tower, like the jib and counterweights, are detached using hydraulic cylinders.

A heavy lift helicopter works on the ground or roof with a mobile or second crane. The helicopter lifts parts from the upper floors while the mobile crane supports from below. This method requires careful coordination between the multiple cranes, helicopters, and workers on site to safely transfer the crane constructs piece by piece to the ground.

Erection of Tower Cranes

Tower cranes are erected on construction sites using either an internal or external climbing method. The heavy lift helicopter or a mobile crane is used to lift the crane sections piece by piece from the ground. Steel collars connect the sections securely as they climb up the few floors of the building under construction, with workers ensuring safety during the entire process.