Difficult lifting or jacking jobs are like puzzles for those of us in the industry. We thrive on helping businesses solve difficult lifting safely and efficiently.
What are some of the most puzzling types of jobs we’ve come across in our years of heavy lifting?
Foundation Replacement
One of the most diverse jobs in lifting and support is the need for propping up buildings. An unsurprisingly common need in San Francisco is seismic retrofitting. That is, jacking up older buildings to upgrade foundations for earthquake proofing. The foundation replacement requires specialized jacks, frames, and lifting equipment, alongside project design co-ordination to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Seismic retrofitting requires a difficult balancing act where support columns are jacked up with temporary support, while base isolators are installed. With our list of accomplishments including San Francisco City Hall and the Benicia-Martinez Bridge, among some of the largest seismic isolation projects in the world, no job is too big!
Overhanging Roofs
Where an overhang exists, it’s hard to get a crane in position. This is where a type of crane called a flying jib comes in handy.
The flying jib is a counter-weighted arm, which allows the load weight to hang at a distance from the crane pick-up point, therefore allowing the item to be placed under an overhanging roof easily.
A flying jib can also be a pivoted and weighted arm attached to a crane for more diverse angles.
Awkward Shapes and Sizes
When an item is regularly shaped, it’s easy to pick up with standard equipment. When there are irregular shapes, off-center weights, and difficult attachment points, the means of securing the load can become more complicated. The solution to this is simple. However, if one of our non-standard rigging solutions doesn’t suit the item, then a custom rigging solution can be designed to fit, which will make critical lift planning a breeze.
Extremely Heavy Items
While the cranes and hydraulic locking jacks at Sheedy Crane can handle up to 500 tons easily, it’s not as simple as just putting a crane on a truck and setting it up to lift your load.
Firstly, large cranes require special transport, which needs permits and coordination. Then, assembly and rigging need critical attention to ensure the equipment is secure, and that it is structurally and mechanically sound. The rigging for the actual lifting often requires expert design by our specialty engineering team.
Finally, all the strength and safety aspects of the lift need to be thoroughly checked and certified by qualified engineers, in accordance with engineering and safety regulations, an extremely heavy item can’t have any risk of failure.
Specialist Rigging Design
For difficult jobs, a specialist rigging design is required. For complex jobs, professional engineers use 3D CAD modeling to complete the design. 3D modeling enables all aspects of a lift to be considered, from all angles, before the job begins.
Difficult rigging and lifting jobs are the ones we thrive on, so ask us if you need help planning your next critical lift. Contact Sheedy Crane today!