Civil Engineering/Tower cranes

Advertisement

Expert: - 6/20/2005


Question
I saw your earlier response about how the tower cranes are supported, but my question is how are they dismantled when the building encloses the tower? We have a building going up across the street in Washington DC, so I guess I'll find out later this year.

I am a civil engineer, but not engaged in construction management, although my state-of-the-art construction courses date back to 1971.
The tower crane is a marvelous capability.

Answer
Hi Brian,

The crane within a building is usually mounted on the walls of the lift shaft and it is jacked up as construction proceeds. So at any one time, the actual length of the crane tower itself is only about 2-3 floors height- say between 20-30 metres. When the roof has been cast, they simply dismantle the crane from the roof level and lower the pieces down the lift shaft before the lifts are installed.

I hope that helps!

Kind regards,

Arshad

Civil Engineering

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Arshad Khan

Expertise

I can answer any questions to do with civil and structural engineering consultancy and construction industry in East Africa and the Middle East, and specifically with the analysis and design of reinforced concrete structures. My particular expertise is in the aseismic design and optimisation of tall buildings.

Experience

Employment history: 36 years in Construction and consultancy in the UK, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Africa, Somalia, Zambia, Austria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Doha and the U.A.E.

Organizations
.Fellow of Institution of Structural Engineers (UK) .Fellow of Institution of Civil Engineers(UK) .Member of the Institution of Engineers, Kenya .Registered Engineer, ERB, Kenya .Member of the Architectural Association of Kenya (Engineers Chapter) .Chartered Engineer (UK)

Publications
•1984: International Conference on the Art and Practice of Structural Design, London •1994: 3rd Int. Kerensky Conference in Structural Engineering, Singapore •2008: International Conference on High-Rise Towers, Abu Dhabi

Education/Credentials
BSc, 1st Class Hons, in Building Engineering, University of Bath, UK MSc in Concrete Structures and Technology, University of London. Diploma of Imperial College, UK.

Awards and Honors
•Science Congress Special Award (for 2-seater Hovercraft - 1968) •Institution of Civil Engineers Award for outstanding performance at Bath University (1975) •Concrete Society Postgraduate study Bursary Award (1976) •Consular Representative for British High Commission, Nairobi. (1995 to 1998) •Examiner for Institution of Civil Engineers Professional Interviews, Nairobi. (1997 to 1998) •Branch Representative in Vienna for PI assessment for Inst. of Struct. Engrs. (1999 to date)

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.