how do construction cranes get raised

The Marvelous Process of Raising Construction Cranes

The sight of tall construction cranes towering over a building site is an everyday occurrence, but have you ever stopped to wonder how they get there in the first place? From the construction of a crane base to the assembly and raising of the crane, a great deal of planning and engineering goes into the process. In this article, we will take a look at the remarkable way in which construction cranes are raised.

The Preparation Process

Before construction cranes can be raised, a lot of preparation work has to be done. This includes creating a stable base for the crane to stand on, which is typically a concrete foundation that is several meters thick. The size of the foundation will depend on the type of crane to be erected. Once the foundation is in place, the crane's components are delivered to the construction site in sections.

Assembly of the Crane

The next step is the assembly of the crane. Assembly is typically carried out on the ground before the crane is raised, as it is easier and safer to handle the parts at a lower height. The base of the crane is anchored to the foundation, after which the tower section is attached, piece by piece, until the full height of the crane is reached. The crane's boom and counterweights are also attached during assembly.

Raising the Crane

Once the crane is fully assembled, it's time to raise it into the air. A climbing frame is used to erect the tower section of the crane, one section at a time. The climbing frame is placed at the base of the crane and attached to the tower section, and then hydraulically lifted upwards by jacks or pulleys. The crane's tower is then connected to the climbing frame at the top, and then the process is repeated until the crane reaches its full height.

The Counterweight System

Throughout the raising process, a balance counterweight system is used. The counterweight system consists of weights that are attached to the opposite end of the crane's arm, which helps to offset the weight of the crane's sections as they are raised upwards. As the crane is raised further, additional counterweights are added to maintain balance.In conclusion, raising a construction crane is an intricate process that requires careful planning, precise engineering, and expertise. While it may seem like a daunting task, it is a necessary step in the building process that allows us to create the incredible skyscrapers we see today.