Intro

The tower crane is a modern form of balance crane. Fixed to the ground (and
sometimes attached to the sides of structures as well), or mounted on rails, the
tower crane often gives the best combination of height and lifting capacity and are
used in the construction of tall buildings.

The jib (colloquially, the 'boom') and counter-jib are mounted to the turntable,
where the slewing bearing and slewing machinery are located. The counter-jib
carries a counterweight, usually of concrete blocks, while the jib suspends the load
from the trolley. The Hoist motor and transmissions are located on the mechanical
deck on the counter-jib, while the trolley motor is located on the jib. The crane
operator either sits in a cabin at the top of the tower or controls the crane by radio
remote control from the ground. In the first case the operator's cabin is most usually
located at the top of the tower attached to the turntable, but can be mounted on
the jib, or partway down the tower. The lifting hook is operated by using electric
motors to manipulate wire rope cables through a system of sheaves.

In order to hook and unhook the loads, the operator usually works in conjunction
with a signaller (known as a 'slingger' or 'Banksman'). They are most often in radio
contact, or use hand signals. The rigger directs the schedule of lifts for the crane,
and is responsible for the safety of the slings and loads.

A tower crane is usually assembled by a telescopic jib (mobile) crane of greater

reach (also see "self-erecting crane" ) and in the case of tower cranes that have
risen while constructing very tall skyscrapers, a smaller crane (or derrick) will often
be lifted to the roof of the completed tower to dismantle the tower crane afterwards.

How it work?
Crucial support for a tower crane is provided in the base that is usually bolted into a
large concrete pad. This base is connected to a mast or tower and stabilizes the
crane that is affixed to the inside of the building structure, namely to a concrete lift
or elevator shaft. The mast is typically a triangulated lattice structure, 10 feet
square (0.9 m2).[14] Attached to the very top of the mast is the slewing unit
comprised of a gear and motor that gives the crane the ability to rotate. This
slewing unit consists of three parts: a long horizontal jib or working arm is the part
of the crane that carries the load; fastened to the jib is a trolley that moves the load
in and out from the center of the crane; the machinery arm contains the cranes
motors and electronics as well as large concrete counter weights. The crane
operators cab is also located on top of the crane just below the horizontal boom.
Tower cranes can also be controlled on the ground by remote control.
Height, Reach, and Lift

Tower cranes can have a maximum unsupported height of 265 feet (80 m). A tower
cranes maximum reach of 230 feet (70 m) and maximum lifting power of 39, 690
pounds (16,642 kg) with counter weights of 20 tons and two limit switches are used
to ensure the operator does not overload the crane. A maximum load switch
governs the pull on the cable and guarantees the load doesnt exceed 18 tons.[15]
A load moment switch ensures the crane operator does not surpass the ton meter
load rating. Something called a cat assembly head in the slewing unit is used to
sense when a possible overload may occur.
Erecting a Crane

Due to there sheer 666 height, there is a definite science to erecting a tower crane.
The stationary structure must first be transported to the construction site on large
tractor-trailer rigs. A mobile crane is often used to first assemble the jib and
machinery section of the crane and then these sections are attached to the mast.
The mobile crane than adds counter weights. Other equipment that may be used to
erect a crane includes forklifts, and crawler cranes.

As the building rises up, mast extensions are added to the crane so its height
corresponds to height of the building. Crew use what is called a top climber or
climbing frame that fits between the slewing unit and the top of the mast. Work
crew hangs a weight on the jib to balance the counterweight and then detach the
slewing unit from the top of the mast. Hydraulic rams in the top climber then are
used to adjust the slewing unit up an additional 20 feet (6.1 m). [16]The crane
operator then uses the crane to insert and bolt into place another piece of mast
section.

Commom Manufacture For Tower Crane

Comedil

Liebherr

Potain

Pinguely-Haulotte

Operating tower cranes

For a tower crane a documented risk assessment should be carried out in relation to
wind
conditions to determine:
the types of loads that can be lifted under these conditions, and
the control measures to be applied.
The risk assessment should be conducted by a competent person and involve a
consultative process between the principal contractor, crane owner and operator,
and other crane crew members. Matters to be considered include the:
load surface area
size to weight ratiodensitye.g. a timber wall form will be more easily affected
by
the wind than a concrete panel of the same frontal area
boom length and surface area of the boom including attachments
ability of the cranes slew motors and brakes to operate safely in high winds
ability of doggers to control load movementparticularly when it is being slung
or unloaded
ability of the crane operator to see the loadparticularly when the load is being
slung
or unloaded, and
effect of wind on crane movement e.g. slewing against wind or luffing down
against
wind which may present a risk of rope bunching on the drum and the boom
dropping
on rope luffing tower cranes.
Only operate tower cranes in wind speeds for which they are designed.