Cranes on high rise buildings.

[legend]

I travel into the city each day on the train and I follw the construction of the high rise at World Square.

I want to know how the hell they keep extending the crane. Do they use hydraulics? It's always made me stop and think how the hell did they do that?

Also, does the crane driver have to climb stairs once he gets to the top of the building?

How does it all work?

 

[Green Eye]

Well I'm glad you asked leg...

I have a mate who works for leightons and he told me a while back (when I had this very same query) that the crane gets lifted via building blocks.

For instance, when the crane needs to be lifted they use a hydraulic system that temporarily lifts the crane. After that is completed 4 huge blocks are propped underneath the crane. The crane is then bolted down to these blocks and the hydraulics are turned off allowing the legs to move back into position and they are placed on top of the blocks.

I think that is how it works. Not sure if that is the case for all cranes though.

As for the crane driver you will notice a ladder is built inside the crane supports.

 

[Blade]

How Tower Cranes Work
Parts of a Tower Crane
How Much Weight Can They Lift?
Why Don't They Fall Over?
How Do They Grow?

Hope this helps legend.

All from the very informative page at: How Stuff Works

 

[legend]

Thanks mate. Much appreciated.