Auckland’s Newest Tower Crane
Our Mt Eden site is about to feel a lot more vertical with the addition of an impressive tower crane to aid tunnel construction. The crane will mostly be used to lift the weighty segments of precast concrete which will line the tunnel walls around site.
To help explain more about the crane itself, we’ve put together the following FAQs.
What is a tower crane?
Tower cranes operate from a fixed, central position and have a horizontal jib, also known as a boom, that can rotate a full 360 degrees.
What will the tower crane do?
Our tower crane will be used to support the tunnel boring machine and other activities on site such as moving the 2,086 sets of concrete rings that will line the interior of the tunnels. Each ring comprises seven concrete segments, meaning a total of 14,602 segments will be in place when the tunnels are finished. The tower crane will be used to move all these segments – and much more!
When will the tower crane begin operating?
The tower crane has been shipped from France and will be delivered to the Mt Eden site in early November. It will be assembled on-site and is due to begin operation in December.
What type of tower crane is the Link Alliance using?
The Link Alliance has chosen an MDT 809 tower crane, supplied by France-based crane manufacturer Manitowoc Cranes. This crane has high-lift capacities, fast setup times and doesn’t take up much space.
How safe it the tower crane?
The MDT 809 has the highest safety standards and specifications in the world, including the use of fail-safe software to remove the chance of operator error. We will also have ‘no-lift’ zones in place to ensure the safety of people moving around the footpaths and roads on the construction site boundaries. It is the same model currently being used for the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, so has proven credentials working in a high-density, urban environment.
Will the tower crane be noisy?
No – the tower crane is powered by an electric motor which reduces noise and emissions. There will be some noise when the crane’s winch is in use, and when materials are lifted and placed back on the ground. We do not expect noise from the crane to be an issue for our neighbours. We will be monitoring noise levels, though, to make sure they do not exceed set limits.
Will the tower crane be lit up at night?
Yes – when operating at night there will be lights attached to the four corners of the tower crane’s mast. This is a health and safety requirement to ensure the site below is well lit. Our construction teams will be on the alert for any light pollution and will make adjustments where necessary if there is any impact on neighbours.
What happens to the crane when it’s windy?
The tower crane will not operate during high winds, but you may notice the jib moving. It is designed to rotate with the wind to reduce any resistance and lessen stress on the crane’s structure. There is also a maximum speed limit to ensure the jib never spins too quickly.
Key statistics
· The MDT 809 is the first crane of this model used in New Zealand
· 50m mast
· 60m jib/boom
· Able to rotate a full 360 degrees
· Can carry loads up to 40 tonnes
· Same model being used to help restore Notre Dame