Articulated Jib Tower Crane - 1.1 | 6. Types of Jib Cranes | Construction Engineering & Management - Vol 3
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Introduction to Articulated Jib Tower Crane

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Welcome, class! Today we will explore the articulated jib tower crane. Can anyone tell me what makes this crane unique compared to other cranes?

Student 1
Student 1

Is it because it can reposition its jibs?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! The articulated jib allows it to convert excess horizontal reach into additional vertical height. This flexibility is key in many construction scenarios.

Student 2
Student 2

How does that help during construction?

Teacher
Teacher

This adjustment means that when extra horizontal reach isn’t necessary, the crane can achieve greater height instead. Remember, H for Height! It's a useful acronym to remember this capability.

Student 3
Student 3

Are these cranes very common on construction sites?

Teacher
Teacher

Yes, but keep in mind they can be costlier than other types. Let’s move on to the next topic.

Erection Process of the Crane

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Teacher
Teacher

Now, let’s discuss the erection process of the articulated jib tower crane. What’s the first step?

Student 4
Student 4

We need to prepare the foundation.

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! A heavy foundation is crucial. Once that’s complete, what happens next?

Student 1
Student 1

We lift the first section into position with a mobile crane.

Teacher
Teacher

Absolutely! And after that, we use the climbing cage. Can anyone explain its benefit?

Student 2
Student 2

It allows the crane to self-erect, reducing the need for another crane.

Teacher
Teacher

Yes! The climbing cage aids in lifting new sections higher without additional support. Remember, 'C' for Climbing Cage signifies its self-sufficiency!

Student 3
Student 3

So once the initial setup is done, it can keep growing on its own?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Let's summarize before moving to the next topic.

Dismantling the Crane

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Teacher
Teacher

We’ve discussed erection, but what about dismantling? What do you think is the first step?

Student 3
Student 3

Removing the trolley?

Teacher
Teacher

Good start! We must first remove the trolley and counterweights. What follows after that?

Student 4
Student 4

Would we then take off the jib?

Teacher
Teacher

Yes! Each component must be carefully removed in reverse order of erection. Just remember, Dismantle in Reverse, or DR for short.

Student 1
Student 1

And if there haven't been climbing cages, we still need a mobile crane for the entire process.

Teacher
Teacher

Precisely! It’s essential to plan for this to ensure safety. Let's summarize.

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

This section discusses articulated jib tower cranes, highlighting their ability to convert horizontal reach into vertical height and detailing the self-erection process utilizing a climbing cage.

Standard

Articulated jib tower cranes are specialized lifting equipment that can adjust their hinged jibs to convert excess horizontal reach into additional hook height. The section explains the erection process involving a climbing cage and how it allows for self-erection, enhancing efficiency and reducing reliance on mobile cranes.

Detailed

Articulated Jib Tower Crane

Articulated jib tower cranes represent a versatile type of crane capable of adjusting their hinge configuration. This adjustment allows for a transition from horizontal reach to increased vertical height, providing flexibility based on operational requirements. The section elaborates on the construction and erection process, emphasizing the importance of a robust foundation to accommodate the crane’s structure. The use of a climbing cage enables the crane to self-erect after the initial support from a mobile crane is established.

A critical aspect discussed is the step-by-step procedure for both erecting and dismantling the tower crane. The erection approach starts with preparing the foundation, followed by sequentially adding tower sections and using hydraulic jacks within the climbing cage for adjusting the crane height. This self-erection technique minimizes time and labor by reducing dependency on additional mobile cranes after initial setup. The discussion also touches on the limitations concerning maximum height, and the importance of bracing for structures exceeding these limits.

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Basics of Articulated Jib Tower Cranes

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There is another type of jib apart from the horizontal boom, luffing boom. You also have this articulated jib tower crane. You can see the picture. See, these articulated jib cranes are able to reposition their hinged jibs to convert the excess hook ridge to added hook height that means so, you can reposition the jib in such a way that.

Detailed Explanation

Articulated jib tower cranes are a special type of crane that can reposition their jibs, allowing them to change their working height. This means that rather than only being able to extend horizontally, the crane can adjust its arm to reach higher without needing additional horizontal space. This flexibility makes articulated jib cranes particularly useful in situations where space is limited.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine having a long ladder that can be moved to stand straight up when you need to reach a high window but can also lay down flat when you want to store it. Similarly, these cranes can 'lay down' their reach or 'stand up' to gain height when necessary, making them versatile tools on construction sites.

Advantages of Articulated Jib Cranes

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So, whenever you do not need excess horizontal reach, you can convert the horizontal reach into vertical height. You can adjust the hinge accordingly. These are also very costlier cranes articulated jibs.

Detailed Explanation

The main advantage of articulated jib cranes is their ability to adjust their reach based on the job requirements. If a construction project requires lifting materials to a height rather than extending a long horizontal arm, the crane can be adjusted to perform this task more efficiently. However, it’s worth noting that such advanced features typically come at a higher cost compared to standard cranes.

Examples & Analogies

Think of this crane like a Swiss Army knife; it has multiple tools and functions. While simple tools are effective for certain tasks, the specialized features of an articulated jib crane justify its higher price, particularly when flexibility in its operation is crucial for the job.

Self-Erection Process with Climbing Cage

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Now, let us see how the erection of the tower crane is done with climbing cage. In modern tower cranes, we have this climbing cage facility which facilitates the self-erection process of the crane.

Detailed Explanation

Modern tower cranes utilize a system called a climbing cage to enable self-erection. This system allows the crane to assemble itself and grow in height as work progresses. The foundation needs to be prepared first, followed by securing sections of the tower to the foundation using a mobile crane for initial setup.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a tall building being built with self-extending scaffolding that grows taller with each completed floor. Similarly, the climbing cage allows the crane to elevate itself as the construction progresses, reducing reliance on other machinery and speeding up the erection process.

Adding Sections and Height Adjustment

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Once this is done, then you can do the self-erection of the tower crane. So, how to do that? First, what you do is, you have to introduce a new section to increase the height of the tower crane with the help of trolling action.

Detailed Explanation

To increase the height of the tower crane, a new section is introduced using a mechanism called 'trolling action.' This involves moving closer the new section to be added, unbolting the turntable, and using hydraulic jacks to lift and make room for the new section. Once in place, the new section gets bolted to the existing structure, effectively increasing the crane’s height.

Examples & Analogies

Consider how you stack building blocks; you remove the top block, add a new block underneath, and then resecure them. Similarly, the crane adds segments one at a time, ensuring stability and continuity in its extended height.

Dismantling Process of Tower Cranes

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Similarly, if you want to dismantle it, you do the entire thing in the reverse order. So, you can remove the section one by one with the tower crane.

Detailed Explanation

The dismantling of tower cranes follows the reverse of the erection process. This means that once the crane's height is no longer needed, sections can be carefully removed, starting from the top down, to ensure stability throughout the process. If a climbing cage is present, this can also facilitate easier dismantling compared to cranes that do not have this feature.

Examples & Analogies

Taking down a Lego tower is much like dismantling these cranes. You would start from the top and carefully remove bricks one at a time, ensuring the base stays steady, just as the crane needs to maintain balance while sections are being removed.

Height Limitations of Tower Cranes

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So, another important thing, you need to know that is the maximum free standing tower crane height permissible is 60 to 120 meters.

Detailed Explanation

The maximum permissible height for a free-standing tower crane is typically between 60 and 120 meters. Beyond this height, additional support structures must be incorporated to prevent instability. This is important to ensure safety and structural integrity.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a tall tree; if it grows too high without sufficient roots or supports, it risks toppling over. Similarly, tower cranes need proper anchoring as they reach greater heights to maintain balance and prevent accidents.

Definitions & Key Concepts

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Key Concepts

  • Articulated Jib: A crane mechanism that allows the conversion of horizontal reach into vertical height.

  • Climbing Cage: A structure that facilitates self-erection of the crane, enhancing efficiency.

  • Turntable: The platform needed for horizontal movement of the crane.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

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Examples

  • An articulated jib crane is used on a construction site to adjust its angle and height to place materials on top of a building.

  • During the erection of a tower crane, the mobile crane assists in securing the first few sections followed by self-erection using the climbing cage.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • In the sky, the cranes may fly, with jibs that lift both high and shy.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a tall building under construction. The articulated jib crane can stretch its arm high, adjusting its height as the building rises, like a giraffe reaching for leaves.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Erect for Safety - Foundation, Climbing, Remove (for dismantle).

🎯 Super Acronyms

H.E.A.D - Height, Erect, Adjust, Dismantle.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Articulated Jib

    Definition:

    A type of crane mechanism that allows the jib to pivot, providing variable reach and height capabilities.

  • Term: Climbing Cage

    Definition:

    A self-supporting structure that allows for the vertical erection of tower cranes without the continuous assistance of a mobile crane.

  • Term: Turntable

    Definition:

    The rotating platform of a tower crane which allows the operator to maneuver the crane's arm.