Crane Safety on Construction Sites

Supervision and Management of Crane Operations

Alternative Lifting Methods

Presented by the Construction Institute of ASCE Funded by an OSHA Susan Harwood Training Grant

Disclaimers

This material was produced under grant SH-17794-08-60-F-51 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. This course is intended to provide general information to engineers and managers for use in identifying and addressing their responsibilities with respect to construction worksite safety. The program cannot possibly cover all safety issues that may be encountered at the construction worksite, and it is not a substitute for prudent judgment or professional expertise. It does not constitute legal advice. The information provided in this course should not be used without first securing competent advice with respect to its suitability for any general or specific application. ASCE and the Construction Institute disclaim all warranties regarding this course, whether implied, express or statutory, including without limitation, any implied warranty of merchantability, fitness for use, or fitness for a particular purpose. ASCE and the Construction Institute make no representation concerning the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or utility of any information, apparatus, method, product, or process discussed in this course and assume no liability therefore. Anyone utilizing the information provided in this course assumes all 2 responsibility or liability arising from such use.

Multi-Crane Lifts

Two cranes- horizontal load Two cranes- vertical load Tailing a vertical load More than two craneshorizontal loads

Multi-Crane Lifts

May be preferred when:

Handling long pieces When obstructions may restrict a single crane Utilization of equipment on site The extra capacity works well with the nature of the load Loads must be placed at an angle When dictated by center of gravity issues To offload from double-bolstered railcars or hauling equipment
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Multi-Crane Lifts

Things to Consider:
Nearly all crane and lifting safety plans mandate a reduction in chart capacity for multi-crane lifts (some exclude tail cranes) A greater chance of side loading either crane exists Load distribution can change if one crane gets noticeably higher than the other Swinging and hoisting at the same time are not recommended If one crane fails, the other will have all of the load A first rate signalman is required as well as good communications
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Multi-Crane Lifts

Two Cranes Horizontal Loads

The two cranes used on this concrete beam allowed the beam to be landed first on one end The two cranes were probably on the jobsite, resulting in cost savings

Multi-Crane Lifts

Two Cranes Horizontal Loads

Here two matched cranes lift an asymmetrical load Careful CG calculation and load distribution is very important

Multi-Crane Lifts

Two Cranes Horizontal Loads

Two unequal cranes lifting a process module This lift was carefully planned, allowing the larger crane to lift at a greater radius and allowing for a proportional lift

Multi-Crane Lifts

Two Cranes Horizontal Loads

Connecting two similar cranes with a long lift beam enables the cranes to reduce their respective operating radii, thereby increasing their lifting capacities

Multi-Crane Lifts

Two Cranes Horizontal Loads This is an excellent use of two cranes The duct needs to be lifted at an angle for correct placement With a single crane lift, the rigging must be selected to provide the correct angle
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Multi-Crane Lifts

More Than Two Cranes Lifts like this roof raising are normally restricted to lifting only Loadings must be carefully calculated Communication is most critical Chart deductions are essential Ground surface should be level, firm, and matted as deemed necessary
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Multi-Crane Lifts

More Than Two Cranes: Roll Up

Another possibility is this this roll-up of an offshore jacket section The many cranes will lift only and walk in tightly-controlled unison until the jacket section is rotated to the desired position
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Multi-Crane Lifts

TWO CRANES: VERTICAL LIFTS

Utilizing two cranes to make a vertical lift should require a high level of planning . It is essential to consider:
The orientation and the initial layout Boom side clearance and two-blocking The changing of loads on all cranes Minimum and maximum radii Method of safely unhooking the rigging Insure one crane doesnt get ahead of the other A lift of this nature should always be an engineered lift 13

Multi-Crane Lifts

Two Cranes: Tailing

Most larger vertical loads require trailing with a crane or an equivalent tailing device Sometimes two tail cranes are used The crane or device must be able suspend (or support) the proportionate load- whether moving into the hook of the main erection crane or remaining at radius while the erection crane booms out to the tail crane
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Multi-Crane Lifts

Two Cranes: Tailing Not all vertical loads require tailing with a second crane

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Multi-Crane Lifts

Tailing to the Vertical Not all upendings require a tail crane This HRSG module uses a roll up skid attachment

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Multi-Crane Lifts

Multiple Cranes: Tailing This is a typical erection of a pressure vessel using two erection cranes and a tail crane Note that the tail load should be relatively low due to the location of the lifting trunnions This slide is used to illustrate how tail loads vary throughout the lift

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Tailing to the Vertical

This is a graph of the tailing load in relation to the horizontal angle The solid line is the actual case for the previous slide The curve is variable and dependent upon the relationships between the dimensions between the center of gravity and the lift points The dotted lines show curves if the offset distance c were greatly reduced

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Tailing to the Vertical

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Alternate Lifting Methods

Manual and hydraulic jacks Hydraulic gantries Jacking towers Helicopters

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Alternate Lifting Methods: Jacks

For years, mechanical track jacks (and similar products) were the standard for much jacking, and are still used today

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Alternate Lifting Methods: Hydraulic Jacks

Hydraulic jacks can be used in an endless number of applications From the small, as with the placement of these precast planter boxes

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Alternate Lifting Methods: Jacks

To the large, as with lifting this large truss bridge with center hole strand jacks

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Alternate Lifting Methods: Flat Jacks

Flat jacks have proved effective in the raising of heavy structures, such as bridges, only a few inches for inspection, repairs, or other applications The jacks remain extended and can only be used once They can also be filled with grout and remain in place
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Alternate Lifting Methods: Air Jacks

Compressed air jacks have also found their niche in the construction world They are also effective jacks for some tasks in the maintenance of construction equipment

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Alternate Lifting Methods: Hydraulic Gantries

Hydraulic gantries can be utilized in open spaces or tight spots

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Alternate Lifting Methods: Hydraulic Gantries

Hydraulic gantries are highly versatile, portable and have high lifting capacities They can also translate a suspended load on tracks or even tail up certain loads to the vertical The use of these gantries requires good planning and engineering
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Alternate Lifting Methods: Jacking Towers

For very heavy and high loads, jacking towers are frequently used. Most, as with this system, utilize large multiple center hole jacks and bridge strand. Others may use chain or special links, while others use a push-up jacking system These lifts require extensive engineering
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Alternate Lifting Methods: Forklifts

Forklifts, especially with the increasing popularity of rough terrain forklifts, have taken over many jobsite lifting activities

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Lifting With Helicopters (Rotorcraft)

Lifting with helicopters is most feasible when working in remote areas Risk factors include:
Near hurricane winds below the craft A very limited amount of time that the craft can remain over the set pointonly seconds The inherent possibility of a crash
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Lifting With Helicopters (Rotorcraft)

When working around people or operating plants, such as at this truck plant, special care and planning must be implemented

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