Around 200 people have been evacuated from their homes while traffic was disrupted after a low top tower crane started to leaning at an unsafe angle after two of its foundation anchor bolts failed in Carlingford, on the north west side of Sydney, Australia.
The incident is apparently purely due to the bolt failures which are being blamed on the high winds that swept through the city yesterday (Wednesday). Although at around 100kph/60mph that sounds unlikely assuming the crane was currently installed on a decent foundation, Fire and Rescue NSW have been on site trying to keep everyone safe, while getting the crane secured. Work has naturally stopped until the crane has been fully stabilised or dismantled.
Whether the two bolts broke/failed, or were pulled out if the concrete foundation we do not know. Foundation pads are of course designed and constructed local based on the tower crane manufacturer's calculations of forces imposed, but their design can vary according to local rules, the site and application etc..
Update
The crane's manufacturer Jaso has issued the following statement:
"As the manufacturer, we can confirm that the origin of the fault is not attributable to the crane itself. The disassembly has verified that the structural components of the crane, along with their calculations, are accurate and free of any defects."
The first item in the 7 News bulletin has excellent footage and information on the incident.
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