how are tall cranes assembled

Tall cranes, also known as tower cranes, are essential in the construction industry. They are used for lifting heavy materials and objects to great heights, and their assembly is critical to their proper functioning. A tall crane is assembled piece by piece in a specific manner to ensure safety and efficient operation. In this article, we will explore how tall cranes are assembled.

Foundation

Before assembling a tall crane, a foundation needs to be prepared. The foundation is of utmost importance as it will ensure that the crane remains stable during its operation. The foundation is usually made of concrete and is designed to distribute the weight of the crane to the ground. The concrete foundation is laid out in an area that is large enough to accommodate the crane's base. Once the foundation is dry, the base of the crane is attached to the foundation. The base is usually bolted down to further enhance stability.

Building the Mast

The mast, also known as the tower, is the long vertical structure that gives the crane its height. The mast is assembled piece by piece. The first segment is lifted and attached to the base of the crane. The next segment is then attached to the preceding segment and lifted to its position. This process is repeated until the desired height is reached. The mast segments are connected using bolts or pins, and each segment is secured in place to prevent it from moving. The mast sections vary in shape and size, and they are designed to fit precisely together.

Installing Jib

After the mast is fully built, it's time to install the jib. The jib is the horizontal arm that extends from the top of the mast. Like the mast, the jib is assembled in sections. The first section is attached to the mast, and the subsequent sections are added one after the other until the desired length is achieved. Cranes with longer jibs have more lifting capacity, but the downside is that the longer jibs are heavier and require more support from the mast. The jib is secured to the mast using pins or bolts and is tested for stability.

Installation of Counterweights

The final step in the assembly of tall cranes is the installation of counterweights. Counterweights are usually installed at the back of the crane and are designed to balance the weight of the lifted material. Different loads require different counterweights, and the crane's manufacturer determines the number and weight of the counterweights to be installed. The counterweights are bolted onto the crane's base to prevent them from falling off during operation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the assembly of tall cranes is a process that requires skill, precision, and attention to detail. The process involves laying the foundation, building the mast, installing the jib, and finally installing the counterweights. All these steps need to be performed correctly to ensure the crane is safe and operates efficiently. As cranes become taller and more complex, the assembly process becomes even more critical. The safety of the crew operating the crane and those working on the construction site depends heavily on a correctly assembled crane.