how a tower crane is built

The use of tower cranes has become indispensable in modern-day construction sites. These cranes support the movement of huge loads of construction materials and equipment throughout the building process. However, many of us don't know how these towering machines are built and erected. In this article, we'll provide an in-depth look at how a tower crane is built from the ground up.

Foundation

The first step in building a tower crane is to lay the foundation. The foundation is usually a concrete slab, and its size and thickness are dependent on the crane model's size and weight. In addition to the foundation, a tower crane requires anchor bolts. These anchor bolts are embedded into the concrete foundation to provide stability to the crane's base.

Mast Section Assembly

The mast section forms the crane's tower, and it is assembled in sections. The sections are usually fabricated from welded steel, and each section is bolted to the previous one. For some crane models, the mast sections are designed to be interchangeable, allowing the crane to be built to various heights and configurations.

Slewing Units and Counterweights

The slewing unit is the mechanism that allows the crane to pivot and rotate. In most tower cranes, the slewing unit is located at the top of the mast. The slewing unit is connected to the mast through the cathead, which transfers the crane's weight to the foundation.Counterweights are used to balance the crane and provide stability during lifting operations. These weights are usually stacked on the opposite side of the crane's arm, counterbalancing the weight of the loads being lifted. The size and weight of the counterweights are dependent on the crane model's maximum capacity and required reach.

Arm Assembly and Attachments

The arm assembly, also called the jib, extends from the crane's mast and is used to lift and maneuver loads around the construction site. The arm assembly is usually constructed in sections and bolted together. These sections can be configured to provide various lengths of the jib.Attachments, such as the hook or the block, are mounted on the end of the arm assembly, and they're used to lift and hold the construction materials. These attachments can be swapped out based on the construction materials' weight and size. Different types of attachments are designed to handle specific kinds of loads.

Conclusion

In conclusion, building a tower crane requires a lot of expertise and resources. The process starts with the construction of a sturdy foundation and progresses to the assembling of the tower components. Tower cranes are specifically designed for heavy-load lifting, and they provide a significant advantage when used in modern-day construction sites. Understanding how these cranes are built is essential for construction workers to ensure their safe and efficient use.