When you look at a skyscraper that is being built, you will usually see a crane sitting somewhere near the top of it. That crane is responsible for helping contractors to build the skyscraper, and without it, they probably wouldn’t be able to do their jobs. Nevertheless, how do the contractors get the crane to the top of the skyscraper in the first place?
There are several answers to that question, as there are a few different methods that contractors use to get cranes to the top of skyscrapers, according to Slate. Let’s take a look at the methods that are used most often.
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The external climbing method
When this method is used, the base of the crane that will utilized during the building of a skyscraper is attached to a concrete slab located at the ground level. Then, once the skyscraper reaches a height of approximately 15 stories, the crane is fastened directly to the building. A large metal sheath is used to scale the outside of the skyscraper, and new segments are added to the crane to gradually make it taller. Once 15 more stories are added to the skyscraper, this process is repeated as the crane makes its way up the outside of the skyscraper.
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The internal climbing method
When this method is used, the crane is placed at the center of the building, and a hydraulic cylinder is used to lift it through the hollow interior of the skyscraper as each floor is completed. Contractors use steel beams to provide the skyscraper with the sturdy base that it needs to do its job effectively.
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The “skycrane” method
When this method is used—and it’s only used sparingly because of the costs and logistics associated with it—the crane is airlifted by a heavy-lift helicopter one piece at a time. A segment of a crane can weight up to 20,000 pounds, so each piece must be lifted to the top of the skyscraper and placed down safely before another piece is lifted. Contractors are responsible for using these pieces to construct the crane.
If you are a contractor working on a skyscraper and you need a crane to get the job done, Astro Crane can assist you. We have more than 30 years of experience when it comes to providing crane rentals for companies, and we can help you with your next project, regardless of how large or small it might be. Call us at 978-429-8666 today to hear about the services we can offer to you.
