26.11.2008

First tandem lift for GTK

The first tandem lift between two Grove GTK1100 telescopic tower cranes was recently completed erecting a new chimney at a coke production facility in the SaarLorLux region of southwest Germany.

The chimney had to be erected by lifting each segment into place, one on top of the other. However, a high level of planning was required as space around the chimney was very tight. and several pipe bridges had to be avoided.

Most of the lifts were completed a single GTK1100 belonging to Wiesbauer, but the crane did not have the capability in the load chart to lift the final segment weighed 38 tonnes, while the GTK1100 has a maximum capacity of 34 tonnes at full extension.

The engineering team calculated that two GTK1100 cranes working in tandem would be best to handle the last lift, a second GTK1100 was therefore rented in from Breuer & Wasel. The gross weight of the final lift, including hook block, lifting accessories and rope, weighed almost 42 tonnes and was lifted at a radius of 12 metres to a height of 140.2 metres.
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Two Grove GTK1100 cranes work in tandem to lift the 42 tonne chimney section into position

The plant is owned by Dillinger Hütte, one of the leading producers of heavy plate – steel sheets which are generally used for the construction of heavy machinery and shipbuilding.
The main contractor for the job, Stahlbau Schaefer, consulted with AKV Schirra Schuch, a local crane rental company, to find the best lifting technology for the job.

Roman Schirra, general manager of AKV Schirra Schuch, said the contractor first considered a crawler crane but, after surveying the site, decided that the Grove GTK1100 was the perfect option for the chimney lift.

Having attended Wiesbauers launch event for the GTK, he said: “We immediately recognised the benefits of the GTK1100 concept for this project and secured the crane for it. The lower transport costs, ability to rig in confined spaces and huge lifting capacities even at spectacular heights, made the GTK1100 a good choice for Dillinger Hütte.”

Dillinger Hütte is investing €200 million in the complete refurbishment of the coking plant. The new facility will incorporate state-of-the-art technology, while taking account of modern environmental requirements. The overall project is expected to complete in 2010.