Self Erectors Speed Up Construction at the University of Indianapolis
 |
Enlarge Image
Two Potain self erectors are used in place of rough-terrain cranes on the dorm project. | May 12, 2009 – At the University of Indianapolis, a student dormitory under construction fell behind schedule due to winter weather. In order for the dorm to be ready for the fall semester, which begins on August 24, a Potain HDT 80 self-erecting crane was called in to help the pre-existing Potain Igo T 70 self erector onsite.
East Hall, the four-story dormitory project, features specialized concrete panels that are fireproof and have superior insulating qualities. On the project since November 2008, the 4.4-ton Igo T 70 has been used to lift and place the concrete floor and wall panels, which range from 1,200 to 2,000 pounds. With a telescopic mast, mast sections can be added to vary the Igo T 70's working heights from 49 to 105 feet. The second self-erector, a 6.6-ton Potain HDT 80, was added in February to help pick up the construction pace. It also has a telescopic mast that can offer three different working heights with a maximum hook height of 176 feet.
For both general contractor Shiel Sexton and lifting subcontractor Charles Masonry, this project was their first exposure to self-erecting crane technology. Jerry Charles, president of Charles Masonry, says his company would typically use a rough-terrain crane to lift the concrete panels into place.
“We considered the ground adjustments needed to avoid making tire ruts with a rough-terrain crane and decided to use a self-erecting crane instead,” he said. “Our operators found these cranes extremely easy to erect and operate. I would recommend them to other contractors.”
Josh Whitt, Shiel Sexton’s project superintendent on the job, said there was significantly less ground preparation required for the self erectors. “For the two Potain self-erecting cranes, I only had to prepare two 20’x20’ compacted stone pads,” he said. “There was no heavy concrete and steel mat and 30-day curing time required.”
Self-erecting cranes are replacing multiple pieces of mobile equipment on projects like East Hall across the country. According to Ed Albany, crane rental specialist for Indianapolis-based Potain dealer R.H. Marlin, which rented the cranes to Charles Masonry, reach and height are the main reasons for this.
“Both the Igo T 70 and HDT 80 have enough height and reach to pick the concrete panels from the staging area and lift them into place on the building,” he said. “The contractor was able to eliminate a number of rough-terrain forklifts that would have been used to feed the cranes.”
Whitt said eliminating this equipment ultimately led to a much faster construction process. “With these cranes, we are able to have full access for equipment and other trades all the way around the building from day one, which should help the overall schedule,” he said. “We are anticipating good time savings with the self-erecting cranes.”
Another feature that adds to the efficiency of Potain’s self-erecting cranes is the remote control. The remote allows operators to stay with the load they are picking and help guide it into place. This eliminates some of the chance of error in hand signals and communication between the crane operator and a worker guiding the load into place.
Potain self-erecting cranes also have a minimal environmental impact. The cranes employ electric motors, which have no engine emissions, reduced fuel costs, and are very quiet. And, quiet cranes are particularly important when working in a close campus setting, Whitt said.
“The fact that these cranes operate very quietly is certainly an asset for contractors working in close proximity to other commercial or educational facilities,” he said. “Furthermore there are no fumes from a diesel engine, which suits a lot of working locations.”
Read more on self-erecting cranes in the upcoming June issue of Lift and Access.
|
