Because of these challenges, Steel Fab Enterprises pulled in crane, rigging, and industrial contractor, Greiner Industries of Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, during early stages of planning to determine which crane and pick weights would be cost effective and time efficient.
“Lifts could only be done between midnight and 4 a.m.,” said Steve Fisher, President of Steel Fab Enterprises. “Not only did we have time constraints to execute the lifts, but we also had low visibility and obstructions to the lifting path.”
“Given the short timeframe to work around Amtrak’s closure schedule, Steel Fab wanted to limit the amount of time spent on field connections and crane picks, without up-sizing the crane too drastically,” said Dane Bortzfield, Project Manager, Crane Division, Greiner Industries. Steel Fab Enterprises decided to pre-assemble unitized sections of column bents, stairs, canopies, and the bridge and roof structure on an adjacent jobsite. By completing these sections off site, they were able to reduce the number of lifts needed.
Bortzfield needed to create a lifting path that would ensure the load, rigging, and crane boom had adequate clearance from the Amtrak powerlines and other obstructions. “Even though powerlines were de-energized during the crane work, the brief closure period each weekend required a thorough plan to detail every lift of the steel erection,” he said.
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The job consisted of two phases, which was originally going to require two different crane sizes. “The crane selection tool was used to determine that we could place a single crane on-site for the duration of the job and configure the machine as needed for each portion of the work,” said Bortzfield.
The team landed on a 600-ton Demag all-terrain crane. It required minimal jib attachments for the further lifts over the power lines, and could set the closer, heavier, pick with just the main boom. This allowed them to keep the crane setup in one location.
“We also used the same crane operator and rigger for the entire job. This helped the lifts move smoothly and efficiently with Steel Fabs’ crew,” said Bortzfield. “Our operator participated in the Amtrak training and was encouraged to raise any concerns at each pre-shift meeting,” he said.
Dan Stoltzfus, Project Manager for Steel Fab Enterprises, liked that Greiner could demonstrate the crane setup and lifting routes. “I’m a big fan of 3D Lift Plan because it makes it very clear to the customer, and is requested more and more by the contractor,” said Stoltzfus.
“Whether it’s reaching over obstructions, lifting inside a building with low clearance, or maintaining proper tip height for rigging, 3D Lift Plan is a great tool to plan any sized project. It gives everyone involved peace of mind when planning for a project,” said Bortzfield.
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