Monday, July 5, 2010

June 8th, 2010




Voronezh Russia A Self-Erecting Tower Crane was blown over in a storm. No one was injured by the accident. Apparently the storm was strong enough that no one even heard the accident over the rain.

Winds, particularly gusting and winds that change direction quickly, are a dangerous for cranes. We've seen video of cranes not changing direction quickly enough even when they are properly weather vaned. If you know that your self erector is about to be exposed to winds over 90, fold it down. If your crane is to be erected in an area known for winds, consulting your ASCE 7 standards for wind loads on structures and the wind maps would be advisable.

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