Guest Perspective
Composite crane mats being utilized under a 275-ton crawler crane.
units are now available on some equipment to allow the cab of the crane to remain climatized without the need to run the main crane engine.
Hybrid and electric cranes are now a reality, and they are helping to drive down greenhouse emissions while maintaining crane performance. I’ d expect the technology in these areas to continue to improve and ultimately lead to more cost-effective implementation of this technology in a way that will support the demands of a modern construction site.
The immediate and near future in crane technology likely includes big-ticket items like remote or even autonomous operation. Remote operation is already being piloted, including one example our team observed utilizing a remote operator in the USA controlling a crane halfway around the world in real time. Remote operation would allow for the maximization of operator utilization while simultaneously minimizing carbon emissions, as the crane will only need to be running when actively being operated. Autonomous operation is an entirely new level, but expect to see continued steps towards this capability in the coming years.
Technology and Innovation in Rigging Hardware
Rigging hardware has seen the adoption of innovation and technology, primarily through the adoption and use of synthetic and composite materials. Robotics technology is also beginning to find its way into the rigging industry.
Synthetic materials have long been used in rigging, most commonly in slings. Synthetic web and round slings began using nylon or polyester fibers to carry loads using lighter and more flexible materials than traditional wire rope and steel chain.
Synthetic rope and other rigging hardware built using high modulus polyethylene( HMPE) or Dyneema has become increasingly popular in recent years. You will find synthetic rope slings, synthetic crane ropes, synthetic chain slings and synthetic“ soft” shackles built with HMPE. While these products may be more expensive than their counterparts using wire rope or steel, they offer advantages due to their relatively light weight, flexibility and lack of stored energy, to name a few.
In-line load cells and load sensing shackles are available to provide end users with certainty and live feedback showing accurate loadings being imposed along a given line of support. This is particularly useful where load transfer is expected during a lifting operation or in cases where payloads are rigged with indeterminate loading.
A small but impactful advancement are 360-degree chain hoists. The hand chain cover will rotate 360 degrees, allowing loads to be pulled from any direction and operators to stand safely away from the load.
Composite materials have been used for items such as outrigger pads and access mats for some time. They are a sustainable option that typically has greater durability than their wooden counterparts. In recent years, composite materials have been utilized to build larger crane mats for crawler cranes, as well as lifting and spreader beams.
Other Technology Supporting Crane and Rigging
Physical cranes and rigging hardware aren’ t the only items that have been and continue to be influenced by innovation and technology. Virtual reality( VR) simulators, drones and lift planning have also made an impact on the industry.
VR simulators have been developed for a multitude of crane types, including carry decks, rough terrain cranes, crawler cranes, super lifts, towers and overhead cranes. These simulators place an operator in the virtual seat of the cab without exposing people or equipment to damage. They allow for training, upskilling, as well as operator competency verification. This technology can aid contractors in ensuring that they identify operators that are appropriately qualified for the equipment they are going to be operating.
The presence of drones on construction sites has become more and more widespread. While they may be known for providing site overviews and progress photos or as a survey tool, they are also able to be used around crane work. They can fly pre-programmed routes to provide an autonomous flight around a crane and produce the photos and / or video required for necessary crane inspections without the need to boom the crane down each time. They can also be used to monitor tight clearances during a lifting operation at elevation or in hard-to-access areas in real time.
Lift planning has long been done utilizing spreadsheets and CAD software.
12 CRANE HOT LINE ® August 2024 • www. cranehotline. com