Handling long elements
Long precast elements such as beams, panels and pipes are subjected to bending stress when lifted from a single hook. This can crack the element and also creates a safety risk.
The solution is a lifting beam with multiple rigging points; the load is picked up vertically from two or more points. In some facilities two cranes are run in sync to carry a long element — this is an application that must be planned from the start.
Indoor production, outdoor stock
The production line is usually indoors and works with an overhead travelling crane. Finished-product storage and dispatch are done outdoors, where the gantry crane comes into play.
Planning the transfer between the two zones directly affects the facility's efficiency. A cantilevered gantry, reaching the truck loading lane from outside the rail track, speeds up this transfer.
Typical solutions
| Requirement | Solution |
|---|---|
| Long element transport | Lifting beam, multiple rigging points, synchronized twin cranes if needed |
| Mould transport | Inverter-controlled precise positioning |
| Indoor production line | Overhead travelling crane |
| Open stockyard | Gantry crane, ground survey, storm anchor |
| Truck loading | Cantilevered bridge or gantry |
| Concrete dust | Enclosed conductor line, protected bearing, frequent rail inspection |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use two cranes together?
Synchronized operation is possible but must be planned from the start: the control system, load sharing and safety logic are designed around it. Improvised synchronized operation is dangerous.
Which crane for an open stockyard?
A gantry crane running on a ground-mounted rail is the typical solution. If a suitable building exists on one side, a semi-gantry can be more economical.