UK contractor and civil engineer Sir Robert McAlpine has taken three Potain luffing jib tower cranes - an MR 418 and two MR 22 As - for the construction of the 170 metre 2 Finsbury Avenue development in London's financial district scheduled for completion in 2027.
Due to the confined site conditions in the densely populated area, the MR 418 has been installed on a specially designed cantilever suspended platform mounted on vertical legs that connect to the building's piles. The two MR 225 A units are positioned on the 13th and 15th floors of the structure.
The MR 418 on the specially designed suspended platform
The 24 tonne capacity MR 418 is configured with a 50 metre jib, while the 14 tonne capacity MR 225 A cranes are working with 45 and 50 metre jibs. All three cranes arrived last year and are due to remain on site at least through mid year, handling steel components and mechanical, electrical and plumbing elements for the roof.
The MR 418 is equipped with Potain's Cab-In operator elevator system - the first time the contractor has employed this feature - providing access to the operator cab at the 150 metre tower height.
Commercial plant manager Steve Wright said: "Our planning began in 2021, owing to the complexity of this development. The design included specialised crane bases and non standard anchorage solutions, and the developer was confident it would deliver the best result. We selected Potain luffing jib tower cranes for their strong lifting capacities and fast operation, which are crucial for a project of this scale. Our team ran several scenario plans to find the right combination for handling heavy loads in limited space. Their out of service radii also provided the flexibility needed in this tight setting.”
Positioned above the pedestrian walk way and road
Lead design engineer Jako Van der Walt added: "I would say this is one of the most complex projects our team has worked on, but developing the solution was a great engineering achievement. We received excellent support from Manitowoc Lift Solutions to create the desired crane bases and ensure we could properly tie off to the building where needed."
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FAO Neil Martin esq
Chief Executive Officer
Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd
Maylands Avenue
Hemel Hempstead
Herts HP2 7TR.
Good Morning Mr Martin,
Please publish your Risk Assessment for this Unusual and Assymetric Tower Crane
Support base depicted above, which was recently erected over a Public Street and Footpath in London.
That is your RAMS please, in line with the statutory obligations arising from….
Regulation 3(1)(b) of The Management (HSW) Regulations 1999.
o
FAO Neil Martin esq
Chief Executive Officer
Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd
Maylands Avenue
Hemel Hempstead
Herts HP2 7TR.
Good Morning Mr Martin,
Please publish your Risk Assessment for this Unusual and Assymetric Tower Crane
Support base depicted above, which was recently erected over a Public Street and Footpath in London.
That is your RAMS please, in line with the statutory obligations arising from….
Regulation 3(1)(b) of The Management (HSW) Regulations 1999.
Thank you and Kindest Regards
Mike J. Ponsonby