OPTIMIZATING LOCATION OF TOWER CRANE ON

CONSTRUCTION SITE

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT (SPECIALIZATION IN

CONSTRUCTION)

NED UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

KARACHI, PAKISTAN
 OPTIMIZATING LOCATION OF TOWER CRANE ON
CONSTRUCTION SITE THROUGH MATHEMATICAL MODELLING

BATCH 2015-2016

By

NAME SEAT NUMBER

1. MUKESH KUMAR CN-15002

2. DUA SAHAR SHEIKH CN-15005
3. NAZIA RAZA CN-15006
4. FARHAT TABASSUM KHATRI CN-15007
5. AEBAD UL SABOOR CN-15020

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT (SPECIALIZATION IN

CONSTRUCTION)

NED UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

KARACHI, PAKISTAN
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the following students of batch 2015-2016 have

successfully completed the final year project in partial fulfillment of
requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Engineering from NED
University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan.

MUKESH KUMAR CN-15002

DUA SAHAR SHEIKH CN-15005
NAZIA RAZA CN-15006
FARHAT TABASSUM KHATRI CN-15007
AEBAD UL SABOOR CN-15020

PROJECT SUPERVISORS:

Prof. Mr. Muhammad Saqib Prof. Mr. Salman Mubeen

(Project Supervisor) (Project Co-Supervisor)
Lecturer Lecturer
Faculty of Civil Engineering Faculty of Civil Engineering
NED University of Engineering NED University of Engineering
& Technology, & Technology,
Karachi. Karachi.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE NO.

TITLE PAGE

CERTIFICATE

TABLE OF CONTENT

LIST OF TABLES

LIST OF FIGURES

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ABSTRACT

DEDICATION

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 General
1.2 Background
1.2.1 General Background and Purpose
1.2.2 Tower Cranes
1.3 Objective
1.4 Scope
1.5 Significance
1.6 Brief methodology
1.7 Outcome

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Concept of Cranes

2.2 Types of Cranes
2.2.1 Luffing Tower Crane
2.2.2 A-Frame Tower Crane
2.2.3 Flat Top Tower Cranes
2.2.4 Self-Erecting Tower Crane
2.2.5 Portal Tower Crane
 2.2.6 Remote Tower Crane
2.2.7 Hammerhead Tower Crane

2.3 Components of Tower Crane

2.3.1 Horizontal Jib
2.3.2 Trolley
2.3.3 Hook Block
2.3.4 Counter Jib
2.3.5 Hoist Unit
2.3.6 Hoist Drum
2.3.7 Pendant Bars
2.3.8 Slewing Assembly
2.3.9 Operator Cabin
2.3.10 Slewing Ring
2.3.11 Top Climbing Unit
2.3.12 Bottom Climbing Unit
2.3.13 Bolts and Pins
2.3.14 Ties
2.3.15 Foundation Anchors
2.4 Tower Crane Market Study
2.4.1 Construction Industry and Tower Crane
2.4.2 Massive Infrastructure
2.4.3 Government Policies for Construction Industry
2.4.4 Safety Aspect of Tower Crane
2.4.5 Competitive Market and Technological Advancement
2.4.6 Lack of Skilled Manpower
2.4.7 Key Vendors
2.4.8 Tower Cranes Manufacturers

2.5 Construction Site Layout

2.5.1 Terrain and Footprint Study
2.5.2 Wind Pressure Study
2.5.3 Site Mobility Study
2.5.4 Obstruction Study Within and Outside the Periphery of the Site
2.6 Safety Aspects in Tower Crane Operations
2.6.1 Accidents in Construction Industry
 2.6.2 Tower Crane Related Accidents
2.6.2.1 Statistical Record of Tower Cranes Accidents
2.6.2.2 Factors Causing Tower Cranes Accidents
2.6.3 Tower Crane Safety System
CHAPTER 3: METHODLOGY

3.1 General

3.2 Site Selection and Site Study

3.3 Retrieving Tower Crane’s Manufacturer Data Sheet

3.4 Tower crane’s jib selection

3.5 Obstruction Analysis

3.6 Identifying Number of Tower Cranes

3.7 Development of Optimization Model

3.8 Comparison of Result with the Real Time Construction Project

CHAPTER 4: MODEL INPUT DATA COLLECTION AND UNIFICATION

4.1 General Working
4.1.1 Detailed Site Studying
4.1.1.1 Site Boundary
4.1.1.2 Entrance & Exits of Site
4.1.1.3 Jobsite Layout
4.1.1.4 Supply & Demand Points
4.1.1.5 Adjacent Buildings & Structures
4.1.1.6 Adjacent Routes on the Site
4.1.1.7 Obstructions within the Footprint Area
4.1.2 Selection of Tower Crane
4.1.2.1 Factors for the Selection
4.1.2.2 Process for the Selection
4.1.2.3 Database Info for the Selection
4.1.2.4 Final Selection
4.1.3 Obstruction Assessment
4.1.3.1 Considering Obstructions within Vertical Axis
4.1.3.2 Considering Obstructions within Horizontal Axis
4.1.3.3 Final Feasible Areas
 4.1.4 Identifying Number of Tower Cranes
4.1.4.1 Procedure and Steps
4.1.4.2 End Result
4.1.5 Integration of the Objectives and the Working
4.2 Hypothetical Project
4.2.1 Construction Site Layout
4.2.2 Placement of Tower Crane
4.2.2.1 Approach-I: Placement of Crane inside the Building Periphery
4.2.2.1.1 Selection of Tower Crane Based On its Jib
Length (Objective # 01)
4.2.2.1.2 Obstruction Analysis (Objective # 02)
4.2.2.1.3 Determination of Number of Tower Cranes
. (Objective # 04)
4.2.2.1.3 Selection of Tower Crane’s Feasible Location

4.3 Project Details

4.4 Actual Project Working

CHAPTER 5: DEVELOPMENT OF OPTIMIZATION MODEL

5.1 Optimization Techniques
5.1.1 Linear Programming
5.1.2 Matlab
5.1.3 geographical information system
5.2 Integration of three objectives
5.3 Model generation
5.4 Model evaluation
5.5 Result Comparison with actual project

CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

REFERENCES
APPENDICES
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2.1: Luffing Tower Crane

Figure 2.2: A-frame Tower Crane
Figure 2.3: Flat Top Tower Crane
Figure 2.4: Self Erecting Tower Crane
Figure 2.5: Portal Tower Crane
Figure 2.6: Remote Tower Crane
Figure 2.7: Hammerhead Tower
Figure 2.8: Tower Crane Anatomies
Figure 2.9: Horizontal Jib
Figure 2.10: Trolley
Figure 2.11: Hook Block
Figure 2.12: Counter Jib
Figure 2.13: Hoist Unit
Figure 2.14 Hoist Drum
Figure 2.15: Pendant Bars
Figure 2.16: Slewing Assembly
Figure 2.17: Operator Cabin
Figure 2.18: Slewing Ring
Figure 2.19: Top Climbing Unit
Figure 2.20: Bottom Climbing Unit
Figure 2.21: Bolts and Pins
Figure 2.22: Ties
Figure 2.23: Foundation Anchors
Figure 2.24: Distribution of Tower Crane’s Usage
Figure 2.25: Worldwide Statistical Records of Tower Cranes Accidents

Figure 2.26: Tower Crane Safety Systems

Figure 3.1: Generalize Procedure for Optimization of Tower Crane Location
Figure 4.1: Selection of Tower Crane
Figure 4.2: Comparison between Obstruction and Crane’s Height
Figure 4.3: Determination of Unserviceable Area W.R.T. Height
Figure 4.4: Determination of Potentially Unserviceable Area

Figure 4.5: Determination of Unserviceable Area W.R.T Horizontal Movement

Figure 4.6: Determining Number of Tower Cranes
Figure 4.7: Project Site Boundaries on Google Mapper
Figure 4.8: Save Workplace In Google Map

Figure 4.9: Google Earth Site Boundary Transferred To The Global Mapper

Figure 4.10: Download World Imagery

Figure 4.11: Site Geometry

Figure 4.12: Crane Centered On the Intersection of the Diagonals

Figure 4.13: Suitable Tower Crane Coverage

Figure 4.14: Un-Reachable Area Calculation

Figure 4.15: Restricted Horizontal Movement of Crane

Figure 4.16: Demand Points

Figure 4.17: Supply and Demand Points

Figure 4.18: Group Tasks

Figure 4.19: Tower Crane’s Feasible Location

 ACKNOWLEDGEMNET

We express our gratitude highly in depth to the Almighty ALLAH Who created us and give
the ability to attempt this difficult task whose procedure is not so simple to attempt but , He
give us opportunity to do this task successfully with the help of our Supervisor, Co-
Supervisor, Faculty members and honorable teachers.

We are also thankful to our parents from depth and core of our hearts for their immense
support who did every possible effort for our better education. Whether it was possible for
them or not but they never lose their hope which is a great motivation for us and helps us in
getting knowledge and act on this education.

We are highly thankful to our (Supervisor), “Engr. Muhammad Saqib” and (Co-Supervisor),
“Prof. Salman Mubeen”. Their sincere guidance, infinite efforts, valuable time, great
inspirations from our project are more than our expectations and helps a lot in making this
report. Because of this practice we learnt many things and captured more knowledge and
information with great enhancement of experience. They gave us moral support and guided in
different matters regarding the topic. They gave us golden opportunity to do this wonderful
project. Acknowledgement is due to NED University of Engineering and Technology,
Karachi for the support it has provided us in completion of this project.

As an obedient student it is our responsibility to serve this knowledge and education for our
country and teach bright stars who actually deserve this. Because of this our nation will
become more successful and its youth will have great strength to fight for their nation’s
prosperity with great zeal and enthusiasm.
 DEDICATION

This project is dedicated to our most loving parents who served their whole lives to made us
strong to face challenges of life with hurdles and difficulties. This is also dedicated to our
supervisor, co-supervisor, honorable teachers and all faculty members who encourage us and
supporting us to stand in a crowd of people with great confidence without any fear and
hesitation. This project is also dedicated to all those beloved souls of departed ones who left
this world because of any accidental issue held on construction site and targeted by tower
crane or any other heavy equipped vehicle and machinery due to mismanagement, or lack of
safety and irresponsibility on construction site.
 CHAPTER NO. 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 GENERAL

Construction industry is one of the most complex and lucrative business throughout the
world. It is a business, which accounts for mass employment. Not only this, but it helps with
the generation of revenue for the entire nation and is one of the major key players for the
development of a country. It is evident in the present world that the nation that focuses most
on its infrastructure development, usually secures the title of Developed Nation. As, one of
the most important components of infrastructure development are the high-rise buildings,
thus it should definitely be given proper attention.

Pakistan is still a developing nation, but it also has many firms and investors in construction
industry that it can easily develop through infrastructure development. It is noticeable that in
the past few decades more and more progress is taking place in developing a few renowned
high-rise structures for the betterment and development of Pakistan. Construction industry is
flourishing day by day as well. Not only this, but many new technologies and advancements
are emerging out in the construction sector.

Talking of high-rise structures, it is quite evident that one of the most important aspects and
major work that requires a lot of time is Heavy Lifting of Material. If this work is handled by
all the labors carrying all the required material one by one themselves, it will definitely
increase the time of construction and things will progress very slowly, but obviously this is
not acceptable as the time of construction of project is of importance and it has to end at the
given time, under all circumstances.

So as to reduce the efforts, a few equipments are used which are of great importance and
require proper measures to operate and handle them. One such equipment includes Tower
Crane. Tower cranes are used on construction sites for the transportation, carrying and
hoisting of a variety of materials and loads. Usually more than one cranes is required for
massive project thus, they have a few overlapping work zones and some sort of constraints
like cost, time, labor, etc.

One of the reasons tower cranes are preferred on the sites are that they can easily transfer
different types of materials vertically and horizontally. The higher the buildings, the more
material is demanded, so accommodating site layout and the location of the cranes gets more
and more difficult. Sometimes there is requirement is of multiple cranes and deciding each
crane’s optimum location, considering all the constraints is not an easy task. In fact, if the
location of crane is not correct, instead of reducing the time, it may adversely affect the time
and may result in cost over runs and delays on site.

1.2 BACKGROUND

1.2.1 General Background and Purpose

In recent times one of the major challenges in the Mass Urbanization and people densification
in the cities. It is because the city life has all the resources, employment and advancement
humankind requires. The major issue therefore is the burgeoning of the population and the
limited horizontal span and space to accommodate it. Thus, it accounted for the shift from
horizontal construction to vertical construction in the cities, by building skyscrapers and
high-rise buildings, in short increasing the skyline of cities.

Again, the major problem of vertical construction is the detailing and the vertical movement
of the materials, workers and the equipment. One such machine that helps with it is the
Tower Crane. It helps with the transportation of the required stuff around the project and
along the vertical structure from floor to floor of the buildings.

The attempt to quicken the construction project, multiple cranes are often used. This may
account for overlapping areas of multiple cranes. Therefore, the location of crane is of a
major concern as its position affects the fluency, cost, and time directly and indirectly. It
affects the pace of work on specific, the number of cranes used affect cost incurred and the
optimized location can help avoid delays and increase profit margins through smooth and
quick construction.

1.2.2 Tower Cranes

The tower cranes in some form were used throughout the world since ancient times. The
earliest one was Shaduf used by Egyptians for a long time to transport water. It was a simple
pivoted beam that was balanced on a support erected vertically and had a bucket on the other
hand. Afterwards, they changed their variation to animal powered or humans moving the
treadmill. It was just a wooden beam connected to a rotating base.

Later on when there was need for building heavy buildings like cathedrals in Europe, it again
changed its variation. They added a major component in that design termed as boom, which
enhanced its ability to pivot. This design continued until steam engines were introduced in
mid-19th century. Then motors and engines powered the new design and instead of wood,
steel and iron were used.

The first ever series of tower cranes were introduced in 1908 called Maschinen fabrik Julius
Wolff & Co. and they were designed just for the construction industry, but they were usually
used in ship industry for the work. The designs was mainly for docks and harbors only.

Later in 1949, Hans Liebherr decided to build bottom-slewing crane that had horizontal jib,
which was able to lift, hoist and drop the material required to the designated place. This crane
was called TK-10 and consequently a whole series emerged out based on the same design.
This was the basic design of the cranes of the modern world. Its versions got better and
better.

However, from 1960 onwards the focus was a design of the tower crane that could cover a
bigger radius, tackle heavy materials, new controls and user-friendly operation. In addition,
market was busy developing new models, now termed as Saddle jibs and Luffing cranes and
their varieties emerging out. Therefore, the era where the main focus was crane’s
improvement is 1960s.

After that, different nations started competing by developing new and better structures, which
also included high-rise buildings and skyscrapers. At that, time a Danish company Kroll
became manufacturer of the tallest tower crane called K-10,000, which is a very huge crane
with size five times bigger than normal standard sizes and three times as tall as Statue of
Liberty, and it was able to cover 7.5 acres. Only 20 such designs exist, as they are very
massive tower cranes.

Thus, adopting these designs and variety of new concepts introduced in tower cranes, in
today’s world different types of modern tower cranes are used. Usually nearly, all big
companies use them for massive construction as they help speeding up the construction
project. Many a times, multiple cranes are used in today’s world because of new skyscrapers
and development taking place on daily basis and market competition increasing significantly
(Gerdemeli et al).

1.3 OBJECTIVES

 To select the tower crane based on its jib length.

 Assessment of obstruction in the movement of jib on the construction site.
 To identify the number of cranes required on the construction site.
 To develop a mathematical model which optimizes the location of tower crane(s) on
the construction site.
1.4 SCOPE

The mathematical model developed is for the high-rise buildings having a considerable
horizontal footprint emphasis. The study only focuses on A-Frame Tower Cranes. The
strategy adopted apply for single as well as multiple cranes.

However, model will not consider the foundation designing aspect of the tower crane because
it is focuses more on structural execution of the cranes and component designing depending
on loads. The project will also omit the timeline for the assembling and dismantling of the
tower cranes as it is again a completely different domain.

One main limitation of the project includes the type of crane that is determined in the earlier
stage; it will be the only crane model for which the entire mathematical model is developed
for, that determines the optimized location of the tower crane based on the minimum time of
travel between the facilities.

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE

As stated earlier, it is difficult for the planner or manager to decide how many and at what
locations tower cranes must be installed. Taking appropriate decisions for optimum layout of
the tower cranes on the jobsite is indeed a difficult task. If the decision is not correct it may
lead to cost and time overrun.

At jobsite the selection of crane have a significant influence on safety of the site, time and the
cost that is why, there are many models developed over a past 20 years to tackle the same
problem of financial and operational efficiency. A few of these models include cost-
forecasting models, mathematical model to reduce transportation time of the crane, location
optimization through minimum transportation time, minimizing hoisting times, generic
algorithm models to optimize temporary facilities, etc.

However, there are only a few of them that purely focused on the development of a model
that could determine the optimum location of the tower cranes on the site by deducing
through geometric study and layout and available crane data. The project is therefore
proceeded for the same reason.

1.6 BRIEF METHODOLOGY

Firstly, the site study is being conducted thoroughly by analyzing every aspect and the factor
that can affect the location of the tower crane to be installed, which may include the footprint
of the site, the location of the entrances and exits on the site, jobsite layout, jobsite working,
safety considerations, etc. Then availability of the tower cranes is assisted by deducing and
retrieving Tower Crane’s Data Sheet which gives detailed information of the crane’s working
radii, velocities, load carrying capacities, etc.

Secondly, a complete study is being conducted with the help of GIS (Geographic Information
System) to study the obstructions, layout and all jobsite information to get the idea of the
feasibility of the working of the crane. A few options and alternate approaches analyzed, help
select a layout that is the most feasible one in the means of crane, the working radii covers
entire boundary of the site and if there are multiple cranes then there is no conflict between
them.

Lastly, all the required data will then be used to develop four programs that when integrated
together develop a mathematical model which can calculate minimum time of the proposed
layouts and the one with the minimum time is selected as the optimum layout for the tower
crane(s)’ location(s).

1.7 OUTCOME

A mathematical location optimization model of tower cranes, which dictates the number of
cranes and their respective locations and has the minimum time, is the net result of the
project.
 CHAPTER NO. 2

LITERATURE REVIEW
This chapter describes the Literature review done for this project helped in developing the
concepts for proceeding this project furthermore. The sources included were different papers
documents, research papers, term papers, relevant books, articles etc. The literature reviewed
for this project sheds light on the site studying factors required, safety aspects, market study
and of course deep and thorough study of the tower cranes, its types, functionality, operation,
components and working of tower cranes. All this was done to grasp better understanding of
the project and get the idea of optimization of the location of the number of tower cranes.

2.1 CONCEPTS OF TOWER CRANE

Tower crane is basically heavy equipment which is used to lift heavy materials at rising
heights of the high rise buildings by covering the greater area of the workload jobsite. It is
fixed to the ground and holds the concrete slab when it is located inside the building footprint
and sometimes it also attached with the side of the structure. The process of installation and
dismantling of tower crane is very costly and time consuming. It lifts very heavy loads, some
of which are not lifted by other heavy machineries. Tower crane is very expensive equipment
so it mounts only on those sites at which there is very difficult to lift heavy loads at greater
heights.

Tower crane is fixed equipment used for loading and unloading. It rotates at an angle of 360
degrees but it is not necessary for every crane that it rotates at an angle of 360 degrees. Some
rotates around 310, some around 320 and so on. On the top of steel structure, a rotatable
cantilever jib is mounted which is used to lift heavy material with the help of hook.

Tower cranes are of different sizes and different shapes because of its different usage. If
tower crane’s jib is very large then it is difficult for the operator to operate it while the small
tower cranes with small jib length are easy to handle. It depends on our site layout and the
amount of work to be performed and this determines the length of the jib. If the work on
construction site is small in vertical dimension, so installation of small tower crane is
required.

Selection of tower crane is very important task and it should be considered in the early stage.
Because inappropriate selection of tower crane results in high cost, more time due to which
the actual time to complete the project may go beyond the planned schedule. In spite of
selection, location of tower crane is also very necessary, because if cranes are located on site
and not at suitable place then site requires more cranes to work and it costs high amount
which may go out of budget. (Publiquip and Collins)

2.2 TYPES OF TOWER CRANES

These are the types of tower cranes: (Crane Crews, Crane Blog, Types of Tower Cranes,
2015)

1. Luffing tower crane

2. A-frame tower crane
3. Flat top tower crane
4. Self-erecting tower crane
5. Portal tower crane
6. Remote tower crane
7. Hammerhead tower crane

2.2.1 Luffing Tower Crane

Luffing jib tower cranes are that type of cranes which mounted on the construction site at
which there is no more space which allows the horizontal movement of crane’s jib at either
sides of the construction site. Trolleys are not present in this crane and hoist ropes always
come out of the section of the jib. It has the ability to raise its jib and also can lower its jib
which helps in reducing its radius and the reduced radius is called slewing radius. This crane
is expensive in comparison to other cranes. (Figure 2.1 in appendix A-1)

2.2.2 A-Frame Tower Crane

These are most commonly used cranes in construction industry and easy to handle and less
expensive to other cranes. The availability of this crane is easy to find. It is the most common
type of cranes these cranes mostly used on construction sites. It is less expensive and easy to
operate. (Figure 2.2 in appendix A-1)

2.2.3 Flat Top Tower Cranes

These cranes are available to those sites where restrictions are applied due to height like
airports and power plants. Jib of these cranes are larger than other type of cranes. The head of
this crane is compact and the cab of this crane is movable. The apex is not present on the top
of the cranes as it presents on the hammerhead cranes. This crane is suitable for those sites
which is congested and has many tower cranes working at a time. It can also work in the
overlapping situation of other canes. (Figure 2.3 in appendix A-1)

2.2.4 Self-Erecting Tower Crane

A hybrid of mobile crane and tower crane is also called self-erecting tower crane. Outriggers
present in mobile cranes are also the part of self-erecting tower cranes but this crane is not be
able to transport itself. It is that type of crane which mounted on site in a very short period of
time under restricted site area and site conditions. This crane used for light frame structures
and work from a fixed position. (Figure 2.4 in appendix A-1)

2.2.5 Portal Tower Crane

Movement of this crane is similar to the trains, these cranes set up along some tracks or rails.
Setup of these cranes is very long procedure and it sets up for the permanent structures like
shipyards, industries and factories etc. (Figure 2.5 in appendix A-1)

2.2.6 Remote Tower Crane

Remote control tower cranes are those cranes which has no cabin and if it has no cabin it
means that there is no operator to operate this crane. For this a remote controller is required
which operates the crane remotely with the help of remote. It has an advantage for very large
cranes to operate with remote which is not easily operated by men because of height. At
height there are lots of wind pressure and for men it is difficult to control the balance of the
crane. An advantage of this crane is that the signals of this crane’s remote cut out by
frequencies of another type of remote controllers. (Figure 2.6 in appendix A-1)

2.2.7 Hammerhead Tower Crane

It is the type of crane associated to tower crane. At the top of vertical tower a long jib is
attached horizontally. There are two ends of the jib of hammerhead tower crane. At one end
its jib extend in horizontal direction at jobsite while on the other end counterweight is
attached to it. Along the length of jib of crane trolley moves in contact with the cable. These
crane required another crane to help this crane in assembling and dismantling process.
(Figure 2.7 in appendix A-1)

2.3 COMPONENTS OF TOWER CRANES

The components of tower cranes are very important to study for the better understanding of
tower crane which properly clears the concept that what actually is tower crane. So here are
some of the components of tower cranes which describes as follows. (Crane Crews, Crane
Blog Tower Crane Anatomy, 2015)(Figure 2.8 in appendix A-1)

2.3.1 Horizontal Jib

Jib is extending horizontally and at the underside of this jib a trolley is attached to it to move
loads in and out of the jib. (Figure 2.9 in appendix A-1)

2.3.2 Trolley

Trolley is attached to the underside of the horizontal jib of the tower crane, which moves to
and fro to lifting the heavy objects at some great height. (Figure 2.10 in appendix A-1)

2.3.3 Hook Block

It is an assembly which is attached the hooks or hoists and these are very flexible in lifting
heavy loads. There are series of different pads and ropes attached to it. The main and most
important advantage of this assembly is that it provides free rotation and positioning of loads.
(Figure 2.11 in appendix A-1)

2.3.4 Counter Jib

It is a platform which consists of some gears, drums, crane drives, electronics and
counterweights. It is located at the back of the operator’s cab and helps in providing
balancing force to the load on the horizontal jib. (Figure 2.12 in appendix A-1)

2.3.5 Hoist Unit

Hoist unit comprises of gear boxes, drums and some supporting components. These are
situated at the back of the counterweights. (Figure 2.13 in appendix A-1)

2.3.6 Hoist Drum

It is the component of hoist unit on which rope is rolled which is used to lift the loads and
also helps in lowering the loads from the tower cranes. (Figure 2.14 in appendix A-1)

2.3.7 Pendant Bars

Pendant bars are attached to the jib and counter jib from the top of the bars and it provides
greater stability to the crane. (Figure 2.15 in appendix A-1)

2.3.8 Slewing Assembly

This makes the slewing unit by the collective mixture of jibs, counter jibs, top of the tower
and slewing. (Figure 2.16 in appendix A-1)

2.3.9 Operator Cabin

It in a cab in operator sits to operate the crane. Some electronic devise are installed in this cab
to operate the crane and some communication systems are installed in it for any case of
emergency and for other requirements. (Figure 2.17 in appendix A-1)

2.3.10 Slewing Ring

It has hundreds of precisely teeth which are called machine gear teeth it helps it helps in
rotational movement and has the capability of enormous torque. (Figure 2.18 in appendix A-
1)

2.3.11 Top Climbing Unit

It is that type of unit which has large hydraulic jacks attach to it helps in climbing to the
great heights or more floors of the building in lifting heavy loads. (Figure 2.19 in appendix
A-1)

2.3.12 Bottom Climbing Unit

Climbing collars are attached to the hydraulic power packs. In this tower left the foundation
and move towards the structure of the building it is constructing. (Figure 2.20 in appendix A-
1)

2.3.13 Bolts and Pins

These are the very important components of the tower cranes for the connection of the tower
cranes and this connection are secured only in the condition where the bolts and pins are
connected properly. Otherwise work will not do without these connections. (Figure 2.21 in
appendix A-1)

2.3.14 Ties

Tie anchors are the secure component of the tower cranes which helps in providing great
stability if there is high wind loads due to air pressure and wind forces. (Figure 2.22 in
appendix A-1)

2.3.15 Foundation Anchors

Anchors of the foundations are the posts of steel are drilled in the foundation of reinforced
concrete that is bolted to the tower. It provides greater strength to secure tower crane from
swaying and any failure due to wind pressure or some overload. (Figure 2.23 in appendix A-
1)

2.4 TOWER CRANE MARKET STUDY

2.4.1 Construction Industry and Tower Crane

The global construction industry is expecting to achieve CAGR of 5.3% for the forecast
period. The significant growth and development of manufacturing and services sector had a
positive effect on overall GDP growth. This growth directly affected the tower crane market
in a positive aspect. Due to more building construction around the town, the demand of tower
crane also increased. The construction industry is expected to swell more on account of
massive urbanization around the world. The reason behind the urbanization is that the rural
population is moving toward the urban areas in search of work, which directly increase the
demand of buildings which further lead to demand of tower cranes. In current days’
construction companies are more interesting in buying luffing boom & hammerhead tower
cranes.

FIGURE 2.24 Distribution of tower crane’s usage (future Model Insights, 2017)

2.4.2 Massive Infrastructure

The mining industry had a positive impact on the economy from 2014 to 2016. The industry
is expected to grow more in the coming time because of upcoming mining projects in the
countries like India, Brazil, China, Australia.

Furthermore, there is continuous effort to build massive infrastructure like road ways,
bridges, bypasses, under passes, water reservoirs, highways. The civic infrastructure of the
western Europe had a market value over 250million US$ in 2016 and is expecting a
38million US$ by end of 2027.
2.4.3 Government Policies for Construction Industry

Today very sector in the world like, construction, mining, manufacturing and other require
tower cranes for material handling. The massive population growth in emerging countries
lead to the migration of rural population to urban areas which create a great impact on
existing infrastructures of the cities. So the national and local governments always support
construction sector, so they might play a significant role in the growth of economy. However,
these policies for economic growth depends upon many factors like, inflation, political
uncertainty, approvals, interest rates and other factors.

Macroeconomics factors always impact major sectors like mining, steel and construction,
which in result increase or decrease the growth of tower crane market. The APEJ tower crane
market is projected to achieve highest CAGR value of 4.2 from the period 2017 -2027.

2.4.4 Safety Aspect of Tower Crane

The heavy equipment’s always need operate safety, especially the lifting equipment’s such as
tower cranes. These equipments are relatively wide and large and can lead to severe injuries
and fatalities. This aspect of the equipment makes the buyers suspicious and restrict the
prospect of tower crane market,

2.4.5 Competitive Market and Technological Advancement

There are number of tower crane manufacturers in the market. The manufacturers are now
focusing on integration of modern technologies into their tower cranes to improve their
market positions. This integration will lead to create a tough competition in the market in
coming years. The complex and modern construction techniques are forcing manufacturers to
make their products more accurate, efficient and smart.

2.4.6 Lack of Skilled Manpower

The shortage of skilled manpower effects the quality, safety and speed of any construction
project. The lack or trainings and learning of modern technologies will create hindrance in
the upcoming market growth in upcoming years.

2.4.7 Key Vendors

 Liebherr group
  Manitovoc
 Favelle Favco Berhad
 Terex
 Zoomlion heavy industry science & technology

Tower crane market (n.d) reterived from :

https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/tower-crane-market

Global Tower Crane Market Report 2018-2022 – ( November 20, 2018), retrieved from:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181120005571/en/Global-Tower-Crane-Market-Report-
2018-2022--

2.4.8 Tower Cranes Manufacturers

 Liebherr group
 Manitovoc
 Favelle favco berhad
 Terex
 Zoomlion heavy industry science & technology
 XCMG
 Sany
 GCR group
 Everdigm
 Sarens group
 Scan climber
Other companies providing crane services

 Buckner Heavylift Cranes. ...

 Uchimiya Transportation & Engineering.
 ABG Infralogistics. ...
 Deep South Crane & Rigging Company.
 MIC Corporation.
 Sarilar Heavy Lift & Transport.
 Tiong Woon Crane & Transport.
 Weldex.
 Mediaco Lifting
 Prangl
  Essex Rental Corp
 Al Jaber Heavy Lift & Transport
 Tat Hong Holdings
 Maxim Crane Works
 ALE
 Lampson International
 Mammoet

Top 20 crane companies (August 27, 2018) reterived from:

https://constructionreviewonline.com/2016/06/top-20-worlds-largest-crane-companies/

2.5 CONSTRUCTION SITE LAYOUT

Studying site before commencing any work is the most basic practice. In the case of tower
cranes it is the first and foremost approach so as to understand the site completely and be
aware of the movement and work taking place on the jobsite. As tower cranes hoist, lift and
move the materials throughout the project, it can be very risky. Also for locating the crane
exactly on the correct place, it is important to be aware of the locations of the other business
going on within the domain of the construction site. Let us discuss a few factors to be
considered for the assessment of the site study for the location optimization of tower cranes.

2.5.1 Terrain and Footprint Study

It is quite obvious that the footprint area of the site is the first thing to consider while
deciding the location of the tower crane. Knowing the area helps figure out the inclusive
boundary range of the construction site, in turn it assists with the coordinates of the site and
the respective boundary can be demarcated in the software to be used.

Terrain study is the second essential factor. It is done to get the idea of the type of soil and
terrain the land of the construction site is, which in turn helps decide that whether a tower
crane should be installed for carrying heavy loads or not.

2.5.2 Wind Pressure Study

The wind forces exerted on a tower crane and any load suspended from it, may well be quite
large and affect the safe handling of the crane and the load. It is therefore better to study the
wind loads and pressures exerted on the crane by the site studying and getting the data of the
wind pressures on the site for different times of the day, for the hours the tower crane is to be
operated.
The tower crane’s manual usually specifies the maximum wind speed at which it can operate
safely. This is normally 45 mph (20 m/s, 72kph) and is based on the requirements of the
tower crane design standards. This can be done through anemometers or other wind
monitoring devices (The Effect of Wind on Tower Cranes in Service-SWP website).

2.5.3 Site Mobility Study

Construction site mobility is the most important factor to determine the location of the tower
crane. This is where the exact entrances, exits, the material maneuvering, equipment
movement zones are identified to grasp the idea of complete mobility so that the location of
the crane is most feasible and does not hinders the tasks. Also if there happens to be a
material storage yard or shed, the site mobility will help understand the routes of bringing in
the material to the facility locations so that the tower crane can easily pick them up and
deliver them where required and the operation goes smoothly.

2.5.4 Obstruction Study Within and Outside the Periphery of the Site

As tower cranes are very huge structures, they require an ample amount of space to function
properly without any obstructions. It is also the case many a times, that there happens to be
an already existing structures nearby the site or road side or there may even be some
obstructions within the domain of the site boundary. Thus, decision of the location of the
tower crane mostly depends on the study of the potential obstructions nearby or within the
range of the sites.

Henceforth the model is developed by considering the minimum conflicts possibility for the
location optimization of the cranes. It is measured though by studying the overlapping areas
of the cranes assigned in the feasible area region where the crane is to be installed (Irizary
and Karan-2012). Then those feasible areas are selected where there is a minimum possible
conflicts to avoid them as much as possible.

So, it all concludes that studying the site and the hindrances/obstructions and its mobility are
important aspects for developing the model for the optimum location of the tower cranes. The
more consideration of site is catered the more accurate, feasible results for the location of
cranes will generate.

2.6 SAFETY ASPECTS IN TOWER CRANE OPERATIONS

There are several cases in which tower caused so many deaths in a moment, due to its height
the wind pressure on its mast disturbs its balance and forced it to swing, if its foundation is
not designed properly or up to the mark then it swings by the motion of wind and ultimately
fall the ground. The fall of crane in Makkah Mukarrama massacred many people in a short
time and resulted in deaths and severe injuries. Therefore safety cannot ignored when the
consideration is about the tower cranes location. If the tower crane fall on the populated area
then the consequences will be horrible. Thus safety is imbedded in determining its location.

2.6.1 Accidents In Construction Industry

Construction sites are full of hazards due its versatility and there is continuously busy
operations are going on that are combined together to form a unique project. Accidental rates
in construction are usually higher than the other and the accidents in construction results in
reported injuries and fatalities than the any other industry. OSHA FATAL FOUR are the four
most leading causes that results in fatalities in the construction industry. There are OSHA
codes that provide measures for preventing incident in which the first category of accident is
due to the fall from height, the second category is being struck by the objects, the third
category is electrocutions and the last but not the least is caught in/between hazards. Most of
the injuries are due to the fall from height.

2.6.2 Tower Crane Related Accidents

The record of accident rate shows the causes of accidents and helps in identifying the
respective measures.

2.6.2.1 Statistical Record of Tower Cranes Accidents

Fig 2.25 Worldwide statistical record of tower cranes accidents

 Retrieved from http://www.towercranesupport.com/09article.php

Tower crane is the special equipment whose lifeline is so long as it remains on site till the end
of the project but also the accidents of tower cranes are so much frequent. From above data
the factors can be draw down here that causes accidents of tower crane that are listed below:

2.6.2.2 Factors Causing Tower Cranes Accidents

 Improper handling in installation and dismantling due to lack of familiarity with the
manufacturer’s recommendations for the usage and installation of the tower crane.
 Accidents when the cranes are under operations due to failure of the other building
components like the foundation or other contributors like electrical or mechanical
failures.
 Operator error that can be result by the selection of unskilled operator or lack of
training.
 Natural fatalities that are hurricanes, floods, earthquakes , Tsunami etc
In order to save human lives and the structure there should be a complete & detailed study of
the risks and hazards associated with the tower crane’s operation. The above causes needs to
be prevented by making safety strategies and implementing them.

2.6.3 Tower Crane Safety System

FIGURE 2.26 Tower crane safety systems (adapted from Wei Zhou et. al, 2018)
The safety system is consisting of all of the factors and areas that may result in accident. It is
an organized system that combines stakeholders, staff, operator, environment and itself tower
crane to perform safe operations without causing harm to the workers or not even the project.

Properly maintained equipment, training operators of the tower crane, improving working
methodology, enhancing the working environment by engaging people in maintaining safe
environment or by giving awareness sessions about the importance of life and safety and
integrating the stakeholders will combine and make a safety system. The completeness of
these requirements can make up the safety system and then it will implement to reduce the
rate of fatalities.
 CHAPTER NO. 3

METHODOLOGY

3.1 GENERAL
This chapter contains the detailed description of the methodology that is followed on Project
for optimizing the location of tower on construction site. The generalize method for
optimization is shown in the figure below.

LITERATUR Site selection &

E REVIEW
METHODOLOGY
Site Study

Obstruction Analysis Tower crane jib

length selection Retrieving Tower
(OBJECTIVE NO 2)
(OBJECTIVE NO 1) Manufacturer’s Data

Calculating Number Developing an OPTIMIZATION

of tower Crane Optimization model OF TOWER
CRANE
(OBJECTIVE NO 3) (OBJECTIVE NO 4)

CONCLUSION Comparison with Real Evaluation

Time Practice

Figure 3.1: Generalize procedure for optimization of tower crane

location
This procedure is followed systematically in sequence in the project and the same procedure
is followed in the hypothetical project where the site was imaginary along with other site
characteristics.

3.2 SITE SELECTION & SITE STUDY

The first and the foremost work is to find out the ongoing project where tower cranes are
located and under operation then asking one of the authorize stakeholder to provide some
specific details of the project. As the construction sites are opened for authorized personnel
only, taking permission for the project visit is the key necessary input for implanting the
project work. After getting permit the measure tasks were to analyze the site, the foot print
area, operational tower crane location, obstructions within and nearby of the project,
accessibility and routes, etc. (discussed in detail in chapter 4)

3.3 RETRIEVING TOWER CRANE’S MANUFACTURER DATA

SHEET

After the task of finding the construction site and getting permission for visit the major action
was to find out the suppliers of tower crane within Pakistan, crane manufacturing is usually
done outside Pakistan in China, Germany and other parts of the world. By the use of internet
some of the suppliers list is retrieved and the market availability is checked through asking
the procurements personnel about the maximum jib length available in Pakistan (i.e. 100 m)
and information like the reliable suppliers and life of product is also under consideration.
Some names of the suppliers are surfaced such as ZOOMLION, KATO & LIEBHERR.

3.4 TOWER CRANE’S JIB SELECTION

While proposing the idea of the final year project some information and argument is surfaced
that before optimization the location of the tower crane, the perquisite key task is to identify
the jib length of the tower crane that will reach all of the supply and demand points. By
considering this demand that is usual in industry practice, the project declared that this is the
first objective i.e. Jib length calculation (discussed in detail in chapter 4)

3.5 OBSTRUCTION ANALYSIS

In this project anything which restrains the movement of tower crane’s jib during its
operation is obstruction. Construction site is the busiest place where on time multiple tasks
are performed, in this case the obstruction can be the temporary object which restrains the jib
movement or it can be the nearby structures around the construction site. Different sites have
different characteristics due to different locations and the combination of these characteristics
shapes the obstruction. Before locating tower crane, it should be clearly checked that how the
existing structures, electric poles trees and other things going to disturbed these operations
(discussed in detail in chapter 4)
3.6 IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF TOWER CRANE

Tower crane is very costly construction equipment, that’s why its location affects the budget
of the project. Tower crane’s location and numbers are parallels of each other. If the tower
crane is located in a wrong position then its number may increases or if the tower crane is
located in a correct and optimized location then its number will decreases. Both are directly
contributing to the budget of the construction project. Identification of tower crane’s number
will first follow the jib length selected for the site along with this information some primary
location will be selected by analyzing the obstructions. By layering the information of
primary suited location, crane’s jib length and obstruction analysis; Number of tower cranes
required to perform all of the operations in the construction site is determined (discussed in
detail in chapter 4).

3.7 DEVELOPMENT OF OPTIMIZATION MODEL

Optimization model for tower crane location is not a complete mathematical model but its
GEO-MATHEMATICAL MODEL. As the term indicates that Geo is representing the
Geology, and in this case Geo means site constraints. The mathematics cannot give practical
solution if the site constraints are ignored. This project is the optimization of tower crane’s
location based on minimizing the travel time taken by the crane’s jib in performing the work
tasks. The mathematical model is made on MATLAB and Simplex linear optimization
technique is used. (Discussed in detail in chapter 4).

3.8 COMPARISION OF RESULT WITH THE REAL TIME

CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

The results came out from the optimization model is compared with the ongoing project such
that the comparison between the number of tower cranes, jib length of tower crane, optimized
location of tower crane and productivity is made to evaluate the feasibility and authenticity of
the model.
 CHAPTER- 04

MODEL INPUT DATA COLLECTION AND UNIFICATION

This chapter contains the step by step progression of the first three objectives and discusses
the details of the formulation and procedures of how these objectives will be achieved. At
first these objectives will be tackling independently and then their combined result will be
used as an input data for developing mathematical model for the location optimization of the
tower crane.

4.1 GENERAL WORKING

This section generally describes each objective’s working methodology, processing and the
description of the parameters used, one by one. It provides a detailed walk through of how the
project objectives should be achieved and how to proceed for each objective’s working,
respectively.

4.1.1 Detailed Site studying

It is understandable that site layout of prime concern to any planner deciding the location of
tower crane. The factors that have a great impact on carrying out site study and
considerations are mentioned below:

4.1.1.1 Site Boundary

It accounts for the consideration of the complete boundary and periphery of the site firstly,
which is also termed as the footprint of the project. Also, the fact that the Jib Length to be
selected for the Tower Crane should at least cover whole area of the site diagonally is taken
into account. If this is not the case, either Jib Length is changed or no. of cranes are increased
for the whole coverage, respectively.

4.1.1.2 Entrance & Exits of Site

All the entrances and exits of the site are also taken into consideration for studying proper
Material Handling on the site and to grasp the idea of the mobility of site.

4.1.1.3 Jobsite Layout

The complete layout of the site operation and jobsite layout are also taken into account,
including consideration for Material Storage areas and yards on the site.
4.1.1.4 Supply & Demand Points

The Supply points are all those points from where the material will be loaded and hoisted on
the heights above. The Demand Points are all those points where all the material will be
unloaded. These points are necessary to consider for grouping the tasks later on and assist
how many tower cranes are required exactly to handle all the points and study the distances
and the obstruction in between them. They also provide the idea of planned material
maneuvering, so obstructions can be studied clearly.

4.1.1.5 Adjacent Buildings & Structures

Studying nearby neighboring structures, already existing buildings, roads and connections of
nearby will help assist in obstruction studying of the site.

4.1.1.6 Adjacent Routes on the Site

Considering adjacent routes and roadways is important because of the fact that the material
will be brought on site through these routes only. This will also assist in studying site
completely and considering the operations on site and its mobility.

4.1.1.7 Obstructions within the Footprint Area

One of the objectives is to consider the obstruction within the boundary of the site as
Obstructions will help determining the final feasible areas and in turn the number of Tower
cranes. They will also help assisting in crane’s selection as Obstructions in horizontal as well
as vertical directions are considered and when there happens to be a lot of vertical obstruction
Luffing crane is considered, which is already eliminated from our project, as defined in the
scope.

4.1.2 Selection of Tower Crane

Selection of the tower crane at initial stage, is a complex work. However, the selection of
tower crane is done on the basis of its jib length radial coverage. There are a few factors that
are considered for the selection which are described in detail in this section. It also describes
the process carried out for the selection of the crane and the database considered.

4.1.2.1 Factors for the Selection

The factors considered for the radial jib selection of the tower crane are provided below:
  Load lifting capacity of crane:
The first factor to be considered is the load lifting
capacity of the tower crane, which describes the total, maximum hoisting load it can
carry in one go, vertically.
Also, the load which the crane is capable of carrying at the tip of the jib.

 Availability:
This factor helps determine the market availability of the crane, i.e.
the type of models that are easily available national and international forum. This
availability is assisted with the help of the availability of the Manufacturer’s
Database Sheets which describes keen specifications of each type and helps
determine the suitable model according to the site conditions.
 Cost:
It is observed that massive equipment like Tower Cranes usually cost a lot
and are only considered fruitful for large scale projects, thus this factor assists in
providing a cost-effective solution for the model of the crane.
 Predetermined Location of Supply and Demand Points:
The predetermined
supply and demand point locations are observed. The distance between the farthest
points is calculated. The half of that distance is observed and the radius for the jib
length of the crane, to be selected is chosen.
 Maximum Anchorage Height:
The vertical elevation and the floors of the structure
to be constructed play an important role for the selection of the crane. It’s obvious
that a tower crane of a certain type can only work till a limited height above. That
height is termed as the Crane’s Maximum Anchorage Height, which is specified in
the manual.
 Footprint Area:
The footprint area of the site is the most crucial aspect of the
selection of the crane. The crane jib selected or the multiple cranes (if required)
selected should cover the entire footprint area of the construction site.

4.1.2.2 Process for the Selection

The process for the selection of tower crane is based on two mathematical equations. The first
equation calculates the distance between the supply and demand points, while the second
equation will determine the minimum radius of crane using maximum distance between the
demand and supply points.

 Equations:
Distance between supply and demand point:
D = √ (x2 - x1)2 + (y2 - y1)2
where,
D = distance between supply and demand points
x1 = x component of point one (Coordinates)
x2 = x component of point two (Coordinates)
y1 = y component of point one (Coordinates)
y2 = y component of point two (Coordinates)

Jib length:
JL = (DMAX /2) *1.1
where,
DMAX = distance between two farthest supply and demand points
1.1 is the safety margin
 Flow chart of the processing:
 START

Make a Database for Tower Crane’s

Manufacturer Datasheet

Feed Maximum Load Capacity to Be Lifted by Calculate Distance between Supply and
Tower Crane Demand Points

Max anchorage height of tower crane’s must-

based on buildings heights

Formula:
d =√ ((x2-x1)2+ (y2-y1)2

Calculate maximum distance

Dmax

Length of jib
Check availability of this tower crane in L= (Dmax/2)*1.10
database. Where: 1.10 is safety factor

Is It NO
Available Choose an alternate crane with sufficient
in load carrying capacity & jib length
Database
?

YES

CRANE IS SELECTED

Figure 4.1: Selection of Tower Crane

4.1.2.3 Database Info for the Selection

The database prepared for the crane to be selected includes:

 Crane Type:

Various types of cranes are described already in literature review

section 2.2 according to their working and specifications. The ones out of scope are
not considered. These types are also provided in the manufacturer’s manual, for the
selection of most suitable one.

 Jib Length:

There are different working radii and jib lengths according to which the
cranes are selected & their specs are available in the manual.

 Slewing Velocity:

The tower crane operates for different velocities along the

horizontal plane through its working jib. The velocity of the jib in radial direction is
the slewing velocity. They are also different for the respective models specified in
the manual.

 Trolley velocity:
The trolley velocity is the speed of the hook movement along the
jib of the crane. It is also specified in the manual.

 Lift velocity:
The lift velocity is the speed at which the crane hoists material up in
the vertical plane. It is specified in the manual for different types.
 Free Standing Height:
As the name indicates, it is the height of the mast of the
tower crane that stands up vertically high without the jib. For each model it is
different as the height caters the working height of the crane.
 Base Area:
It is defined as the platform area of the foundation of the tower crane.
The designing of the crane base area is also provided in the manual. But it is
evidently out of our scope, stated earlier.
4.1.2.4 Final Selection

Thus, the whole database is prepared for each model type of the cranes under consideration
and finally the most suitable tower crane is selected depending on all the factors and site
considerations.

4.1.3 Obstruction Assessment

Obstruction assessment is an additional step to get an optimum solution for the location of the
tower crane. It helps determine the obstacles and hurdles within the boundary and outside the
periphery of the construction site, to enable the smooth movement of the crane in all
directions. The obstruction assessment basically helps finalize the feasible task areas for the
location of cranes.

4.1.3.1 Considering Obstructions with Respect to The Under Hook Height

The obstructions in vertical axis are studied by comparing maximum height of the obstruction
and under-hook height. It is stated that if the obstruction height is less than the under-hook
height, then the area is considered serviceable for the tower crane’s workability.

On other hand, if this is not the case, then the crane will be relocated due to the unserviceable
area and that will be the alternate serviceable area then, as shown in the figure and flowchart
below:

Figure 4.2: Comparison Between Obstruction and Crane’s Height

(Emsley, 2001)
 START

Determine:
Hob: height of object
Huh: under hook
height

YES Comparing NO
height
Is
Hob<<Huh

Serviceable area Relocate crane

Final service area

Figure 4.3: Determination of Unserviceable Area w.r.t. Height

4.1.3.2 Considering Obstructions with Respect to Horizontal Movement

The obstructions in horizontal axis are studied through two parameters radius and angle. For
both cases radius (rob) and angle (ϴob) of obstruction should lie between maximum and
minimum range of radii and angles, as shown in the diagrams and flowchart given below:

(a) (b)

Figure 4.4: Determination of Potentially Unserviceable Area

 START

DETERMINE:
rj: radius relative to crane location
oj: radius relative to crane location

Assigning max value of θ as θmax with the

corresponding value of r as Rmax assign
max value of θ as θmin with the
corresponding value of r as Rmin.

Calculate:
Rob = Rmin + Rmax/2

Calculate
Relative angle to crane θfac
Radius relative to crane Rfac

NO Check whether: YES

Θmin<< θfac<< θmax

Relocate Crane

Serviceable area
Facility Obstructions

Check whether
Rfac<< Rob
NO YES

Figure 4.5: Determination of unserviceable Area w.r.t horizontal

movement
4.1.3.3 Final Feasible Areas

After completing obstruction assessment, the final result are the potential serviceable area
and unserviceable area. They give the idea of which areas are feasible for the tower crane to
operate, considering its working radii and working angles. It was an assessment within the
objective which helps decide no. of cranes. Thus, it is done within that objective, to get idea
of final feasible areas.

4.1.4 Identifying Number of Tower Cranes

This objective is not an easy one to achieve. It decides the number of feasible areas, which
ultimately gives the idea of how many cranes are required on the construction site. Within
this objective also lies the objective of obstruction assessment. It is therefore achieved with
the help of prerequisite objectives’ assessment or their assessment within at a step.

4.1.4.1 Procedure and Steps

To determine the number of cranes to be used on any construction site geometric layouts are
developed. These are based on the overlapping layers of the location of crane(s) on site and
the grouped supply and demand points. All the points from where the material is loaded are
the Supply points and to where the material in unloaded are demand points.

When the Supply points (S) and Demand points (D) are marked on the software (Global
Mapper), the points nearer are grouped together through buffers, which is one layer and crane
location is marked in separate layer. Both individual layers are then opened to study the
geometric layout proposed and the coverage. It is noted that if the coverage of nearly whole
site and all points is accessible, then the layout is okay. If not then the location of the crane
will either be changed or additional multiple cranes will be added of the respective jib length
enough to cover the whole site and the points. This whole procedure is shown through a
flowchart given below:
 START

Consider Geometric
Layout of the Site Locate tower crane on a
preliminary selected
location

Group all supply and

demand points

Draw Buffers

Overlapping both layers

YES Is crane
covering
One Crane Is Enough
total D&S
POINTS?

Add one more crane of NO

suitable JIB

Are two
cranes
Two Cranes are enough covering
YES S&D
NO
points?

Figure 4.6: Determining Number of Tower Cranes

4.1.4.1 End Result

After working on this objective, the end results are the final number of the tower cranes
required on site for the specific layout and after considering all the obstructions and possible
crane jib lengths.

4.1.5 Integration of the Objectives and the Working

The working on each objective in not individual. All the objectives are interlinked in a way or
two. The assessment for the number of tower cranes is only possible through the data of the
crane jib length and jobsite layout or site considerations. To get the correct final result of the
geometric layouts made, the obstructions are also studied, if any. The working on each is
shown through a hypothetical project where a site is assumed, along with a few existing
buildings, etc. (obstructions) to work on them through an interlinked process. The
consideration of which helps provide a genuine idea of where to install a tower crane and
helps develop a few approaches. Those approaches are presented through different layouts in
Global Mapper software. Among these layouts which all lie under the feasibility domain, the
mathematical model runs and select the optimized proposal of the location of the tower
crane(s) required on the construction site.

4.2 FYP HYPOTHETICAL PROJECT

Considered under this hypothetical project is an assumed site Area of 13,463 sq. yards with
floors equal: G+20 which is the residential building unit for NED STAFF, to be constructed
on the footprint area of the existing convocation ground. It is assumed that an existing
building is an obstruction nearby of Area 1,856 sq. yards of G+15. There is a material storage
yard of Area 1,016 sq. yards, just between the site and the University road. The other
obstructions observed are Electrical poles nearby and a few trees around. The routes around
are, one face facing University Road, one face having a road between, Civil and Construction
Department, west side’s road University's circulation road and the east side having a road
between two grounds. The entrances and exits are three provided on the site, one towards east
side, one towards west side and other towards Civil Department side.

4.2.1 Construction Site Layout

 Using Google Earth, mark the boundaries of the considered site on the Map.
  Assumed obstructions like trees and poles & the existing structure were also marked
through different symbols on the site.
 Each of the files was saved in a .kml format respectively.
 All the developed kml files were opened in Global Mapper.
 Beneath the layers transferred, World Imagery was loaded to view the referenced files
on the World Map.
 Convert all the kml files into shapefile through Batch converter.

4.2.2 Placement of Tower Crane

There are multiple approaches of tower crane’s placement out of which one is that the
crane is located within the building footprint area, another is that the crane is located
outside the building footprint area while the third approach is that the crane is located
on the end of the building footprint area.
For this hypothetical project, the first approach is adopted for the tower cranes
placement i.e. placement of crane within the building footprint area.

4.2.2.1 Approach-I: Placement of crane inside the building periphery

In this approach the crane is located within the building periphery to serve the loading and
unloading of the material and structural precast members among the supply and demand
points. The strategy of crane’s placement is to cover all the demand and supply points and to
reduce the crane’s travel time. The circles are drawn on the cropped Google Earth imagery of
the building footprint area; these circles represent the tower crane’s coverage. Similarly, there
are number of points located on the imagery which represents the supply and demand points.
The steps are listed below which aid in defining the progression of work.
Step #1: Open Google Earth and crop the boundary of the project

Figure 4.7: Project Site Boundary on Google Mapper

Step #2: Develop a .kml or .kmz file

Figure 4.8: Save workplace in Google map

Step #3 Drag this file and drop it on the window of Global Mapper

Figure 4.9: Google Earth site boundary transferred to the Global Mapper

Step #4 Add layer of World Imagery

Figure 4.10: Download world imagery

Step #5 Draw the diagonals on the site periphery

Figure 4.11: Site geometry

Step #6 with the center at intersection of diagonal, a circle is developed showing the crane
radius.

Figure 4.12: Crane centered on the intersection of the diagonals

It is obvious from the figure above that placing the tower crane on the intersection of the
diagonal shows that most of the area is out of the range of the tower crane. So, to make all
points reachable by the tower crane’s jib adjustment is required by the model. So initially
some slight adjustments around the diagonals intersection with different jib lengths are made
to identify the most suited preliminary location.

Step #7 Reposition tower crane

Figure 4.13: Suitable tower crane coverage

So here in above picture the preliminary decided position of the tower crane looks suitable
for the project operation because it seems that it is covering most of the project area. The
details of the achievement of the first three objectives are listed below.

4.2.2.1.1 Selection of tower crane based on its jib length (Objective # 01)

In this hypothetical project, the selection of tower crane is decided by seeing the tower
crane’s coverage on the Global Mapper’s imagery. According to the standard that has been
set according to the tower crane’s coverage is that “Crane radius should be at least half of the
max distance between demand and supply point”.

By measuring the distance between the supply and demand points, the maximum distance
between the supply and demand points is 130 m and the half of 130m is 65m and in this
project the preliminary decided crane’s jib radius is also 65m. So here the initially set
parameter for tower crane selection is justified.

4.2.2.1.2 Obstruction Analysis (Objective # 02)

The project is obstructed by the existing building of G+15 so the project will face difficulty
in operation till the G+15 and will seek relief from this problem after it. Due to this
obstruction the location of the crane is repositioned from the intersection of the diagonals and
placed somewhere below from it. But the placement of tower crane in new position will not
adversely affect the operation because a very small area will remain unreachable i.e.
0.0003703 sq. km which is not very large and can be covered by hauling the materials by
using workmen.

Figure 4.14: Un-reachable area calculation

For obstruction analysis, the operational problem in movement of tower crane’s jib is catered
when the tower crane’s jib gets obstructed by the existing or any temporary structure. In this
hypothetical project the angular movement of jib is get obstructed but fortunately the demand
in that unreachable area is small as compared to the whole area. So the initially decided
position is still suitable for this site.

For obstruction analysis: ᴓ (min) <<ᴓ (facility) <<ᴓ (max)

In this case ᴓ (facility) is less than ᴓ (min) and greater than ᴓ (max), so there unserviceable is
present in site which is not very large so it can be covered by manual hauling.

Figure 4.15: Restricted horizontal movement of crane

4.2.2.1.3 Determination of Number of Tower Cranes (Objective # 04)

To determine the number of tower cranes required on the construction site there are number
of steps that are needed to take. These steps are listed below.

1. Supply and demand points are established using “point feature”

2. Each demand point is at an approximate distance of 20 feet from other demand point.
3. Total established demand points are 105
4. Total established supply points are 3
 DEMAND POINTS:

Figure 4.16: Demand points

 DEMAND AND SUPPLY POINTS:

Figure 4.17: Supply and Demand points

 5. Now the tasks are grouped based on their locations and the sequence of construction.

Figure 4.18: Group Tasks

4.2.2.1.4 Selection of tower crane’s feasible location

The selection of crane’s jib and tower crane’s location are basically complimented of one
another. The preliminary decided location of tower crane and the selected jib length have to
satisfy these parameters. These are listed below:
 Tower Crane’s jib is reaching all of the supply and demand points
 Tower Crane’s jib is not obstructed
 If the crane’s jib is obstructed then the un-reachable service can be performed by
using low labors at low cost
 Minimum number of cranes are utilized
 Tower Crane is not disturbing the building operations and other equipments
movement
 Tower crane’s coverage is minimum at the outer area
 The location should be safe where the workers can perform the works easily and
safely
The layers on the global Mapper needs to be overlapped to check the coverage of the tower
crane whether it is covering maximum area in side of the boundary or not and covering all of
the supply and demand points, the obstruction impact on the unserviceable area .
 Figure 4.19: Tower crane’s feasible location

By overlapping all layers, the initially selected jib of 65 m is seems to cover all the demand
and supply points without working in the outer zone and without disruption in site movement.
Finally, one crane of 65m is selected.
 APPENDIX A-1

Fig. 2.1: A-Frame Tower Crane (Source; Fig.2.2: Luffing Jib Crane (Source; OSHA
OSHA (Codes of Practice for Safe Use of (Codes of Practice for Safe Use of Tower
Tower Cranes), October 2011) Cranes), October 2011)
Fig. 2.3: Flat Top Tower Crane (Source;
OSHA (Codes of Practice for Safe Use of Fig. 2.4: Self-Erecting Tower Crane
Tower Cranes), October 2011) (Source; Tower Crane)

Fig. 2.5: Portal Tower Crane (Source; Fig. 2.6: Remote Control Tower Crane
Indiamart) (Source; Nice clipart)
Fig. 2.7: Hmmarhead Tower Crane (Source;
OSHA, crane and derrick safety)

Fig. 2.8: Anatomy of Tower Crane

Fig. 2.9: Horizontal jib

 Fig. 2.10: Fig. 2.11: Hook Block Fig 2.12: Counter Jib
Trolley

Fig. 2.13: Hoist Unit Fig. 2.14: Hoist Drum Fig. 2.15: Pendant Bars

Fig. 2.16: Slewing Assembly Fig. 2.17: Operator’s Cabin

 Fig. 2.18: Slewing Ring Fig. 2.19: TOP CLIMBING UNIT Fig. 2.20: Bottom Climbing Unit

Fig. 2.21: BOLTS AND PINS Fig. 2.22: Ties Fig. 2.23: Foundation Anchors

(Source; crane blog/crane crews, November 2015)