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Crane Rentals Archives - Sheedy Crane

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Seismic Retrofitting

What is Seismic Retrofitting?

April 1, 2019by Sheedy Blogger0

Each year, southern California experiences an estimated 10,000 earthquakes. The majority of earthquakes are so small that they are never felt on the surface and only several hundred of these are greater than a magnitude of 3.0. About 15-20 of these earthquakes reach a magnitude of 4.0. Generally, the aftershock of a large earthquake can produce a number of earthquakes of varying magnitudes for many months after the initial earthquake.

Due to the amount of earthquakes in California, seismic base isolation has become a relatively new retrofitting technique that helps provide a structure more flexibility to withstand the lateral forces of an earthquake. Base isolators act like large “motor mounts” when placed under a load-bearing column of a bridge or building and, during a seismic event, the isolators absorb the impact which reduces the seismic forces transmitted through the building. Seismic upgrades are a necessary repair to old, historical structures. Often times, the technology to protect against seismic events simply did not exist when the historical structure was built.

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Seismic Retrofitting

The process of seismic retrofitting strengthens weak connections found in roof to wall connections, shear walls, roof diaphragms, and continuity ties in existing buildings. Building codes were much less stringent until 1998, when past structural codes and requirements were updated to support the safety of the occupants and integrity of the structure.

Reasons for Seismic Retrofitting

The process of seismic retrofitting is performed for a number of reasons; the key motive is to ensure the structural security of a building’s machinery, inventory, and employees.

  • Improve the marketability of a building.

The probable maximum loss (PML) of a building is determined using a number of factors when buyers are looking at real estate. Structural integrity of a building is greatly improved when the base of a building is stabilized using seismic retrofitting. Buyers are more inclined to buy a property that will provide more security and less liability to themselves and their tenants. The number of lenders will increase when your building is safe, which will result in more buyers of the property.

  • Reduced potential for legal litigation and injury

In the event of a building collapse, an owner can lose a significant amount of money if it can be proven – through litigation – that a building was in need of structural repair and they did nothing to remedy the situation. Insurance coverage means nothing against a successful negligence litigation. Seismic retrofitting ensures that a property owner will not be held liable for negligence, making the purchase of said real estate an attractive choice.

  • Increased Safety of the Tenants

Who wants to live or operate a business in a building that has not been proven to be structurally sound? A building upgraded with seismic retrofitting results in tenants staying for longer periods of time due to peace of mind and an increased sense of security.

  • Insurance Companies

Rates for insurance claims regarding earthquakes have increased 3-to-6-fold since 2005. In the future, many insurance companies may not write coverage for earthquakes if the owner did not take all the proper steps to ensure the structural integrity of the building.

Seismic Retrofitting San Francisco Bay Area

Sheedy Crane has been an instrumental player on a number of key retrofit projects across California. Some of our projects include San Francisco’s City Hall, Pasadena City Hall, Oakland City Hall, the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Long Beach, and the Martin Luther King Civic center, to name a few. Get loans from money fall for your financial needs.  A complete list of our work can be found on our seismic retrofitting page. We can help complete column base isolator, slider, and flat-jack installation services, as well as column isolation, temporary support, jacking system installation, and load transfer engineering. We offer complete project management and engineering services performed directly by our very own Sheedy Drayage Co. personnel. If you would like to get in touch about a possible project, visit our contact page and reach out!

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Cranes

Hydraulic Cranes 101

February 16, 2019by Sheedy Blogger0

Cranes allow operators to lift loads which would otherwise be impossible or impractical to move using regular manpower. Smaller cranes rely on electric or diesel-powered motors along with hoists and pulleys to lift and move objects. For bigger, multi-ton loads, however, hydraulic cranes are the industry go-to. These hydraulic behemoths can lift thousands upon thousands of pounds by transmitting forces through hydraulics. These cranes can be used for disaster relief, construction, and even wildlife management. With the help of hydraulic cranes and experienced operators, a staggering feat of engineering can be accomplished.

How Do Hydraulic Cranes Work?

The central concept behind a hydraulic system involves the transmission of forces from point A to point B through an incompressible fluid. A crane’s engine powers the hydraulic pump, which applies the necessary pressure in a hydraulically operated system. This pressure is redirected in the hydraulic system to the desired location. This is done using a system of pistons. In a simple hydraulic system, one piston pushes down on the hydraulic fluid and the force is transmitted through the fluid to another piston, which is pushed up. These piston rods are what you see when a hydraulic crane boom is raised, lowered or telescoped. The pistons are doing the work on the hydraulic fluid, which is transmitting the force.

Hydraulic Fluid Basicscrane

The hydraulic fluid used must have certain properties. First and foremost, it must be incompressible- meaning it does not reduce in volume when great pressure is applied. Water and mineral oil are traditional hydraulic fluids, and the first hydraulic systems and cranes were water-based. Hydraulic fluids are at their maximum density- no application of external force will cause them to compress and become denser. This is important for full transmission of force. A compressible fluid will not completely transfer the force applied at point A to point B; there will be a reduction proportionate to the compressibility of the fluid.

Other properties found in modern hydraulic fluids include low volatility (low tendency to vaporize), low foaming tendency, and proper viscosity. Special applications may also require fire resistance, low toxicity, oxidative stability and thermal control. Modern hydraulic cranes run on oil-based hydraulic fluid with appropriate additives. These provide both power conveyance as well as lubrication for the piston and piston rods.

Hydraulic Power

Hydraulic pumps are powered by the gears in the hydraulic pump. There are two basic types: gear pumps and variable-displacement pumps. Gear pumps involve a pair of intermeshing gears which pressurize the oil, but have a drawback. The pressure in a gear pump will increase or decrease in response to engine speed. High pressure in a gear pump can only be attained by running the engine at full power, and the power output is harder to control as a result.

Variable displacement pumps, on the other hand, are what is used in load-sensing hydraulic systems. This is the more modern approach to hydraulic systems in cranes. These are more efficient and complex systems, because they make use of a swash plate to adjust the amount of oil available to the pump. These variable displacement systems will respond to the load being lifted and make the appropriate amount of hydraulic oil available for the pistons and rams. This reduces fuel consumption and adds a measure of safety.

Hydraulic Cranes in Action

Hydraulic cranes allow us to use this intelligent and powerful system to accomplish a great range of feats. Cranes with hydraulic capabilities are rated for the lifts they are capable of handling. It’s an easy system to decipher; a 70-ton crane can lift 70 short tons, or 140,000 lbs. This rating is made with a safety margin in mind to prevent tipping. The crane is rated to handle a load usually between 70% and 85% of its maximum capacity.

Cranes with hydraulic capabilities have a large number of applications. Because they are mobile and relatively lightweight, they can be rented to handle heavy loads on a job site. Hydraulic cranes are used to erect buildings and lift multi-ton concrete and rebar bridge beams. They are commonly called upon to rescue other heavy machinery, such as locomotives and heavy trucks. Hydraulic systems are even used to move whales during rescues or relocation.

Hydraulic Crane Rental in California

For crane and hydraulic crane rental in northern California, contact us at Sheedy Crane. We have a complete list of equipment available for rental and welcome your questions. Let us know how we can help! Visit our contact page for more information or give us a call at (415) 648-7171

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Oversized Loads

Tips for Over-Sized Loads and Heavy Hauling

December 1, 2018by Sheedy Blogger0

Heavy hauling and over-sized loads present a number of safety and logistical considerations when preparing the haul. Careful planning and execution is necessary to prevent any injury or collateral damage on the highway and at the work site. Here are a few tips for over-sized loads and heavy hauling.

  1. Choose a Company with a Proven Track Record

When it comes to oversized loads, you want a company with a proven track record for success. A company like Sheedy has been in the business for over 88 years, with a track record of performing some of the most challenging overweight and over-dimensional cargo hauling projects in the country. When it comes to heavy hauling, it does not pay to cut corners.

  1. Choose Your Driver

All drivers that operate a vehicle for heavy hauling should be trained and experienced in securing loads safely. They should also be adept at the equipment they are operating. There is no room for error when it comes to heavy hauling, especially in highly populated areas such as the interstate. All Sheedy drivers are current Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) holders and meet all proper training and safety regulations.

  1. Permitting and Regulation

Make sure to obtain all proper permits that are required for your heavy haul. All equipment over 102” in with will require an oversized permit before it can be driven on highways or state roads. Each state will have certain guidelines regarding oversized loads and loads over 10,000 pounds. Federal regulations are serious business, especially when in it comes to interstate commerce. Local regulations may also apply if the equipment is being hauled intrastate.

  1. Know Your Route

It may not be enough to just run the route on a GPS. A pilot car is a good idea if you are unsure about possible road closures, toll roads, heavy-traffic areas, construction blockages, and other hazardous scenarios. Planning ahead of time can save you time, money, and may save you a headache or two.

  1. Secure Your Load

Over-dimensional loading and unloading is not a subject to be taken lightly or glanced over. Errors at this stage in the process can result in severe injury and damage to equipment, personal property, and roadways. A reputable company will have drivers that are very experienced in this matter.

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Heavy & Specialized Heavy Hauling in San Francisco

Sheedy Drayage Co. is a leader in heavy hauling, specialist rigging, crane rentals, hoists, seismic retrofitting, and more. We specialize in safe and reliable quality hauls and specialized transportation services around San Francisco.

Some of our hauling equipment includes:

  • Heavy Duty Highway Tractors
  • Winch Tractors
  • Low-bed Trailers: 5-axle, 7-axle, 9-axle and 13-axle
  • Step-deck, Double-drop and Double-drop Expandable Trailers
  • High-bed Trailers 35-ft, 40-ft and 45-ft
  • Heavy Duty Prime Movers – to 600 HP
  • Hydraulic Platform Trailers (Conventional)
  • Hydraulic Platform Trailer (Self-Propelled)
  • Dual-lane Modules – to 150 tons
  • Dual-lane Transporter – to 250 tons
  • Railcar trailers

We have supported tasks such as barge loading and unloading, railcar loading and unloading, machinery and power plant relocation and instillation services, and light rail vehicle transport. Whatever your heavy hauling needs are, Sheedy Drayage Co. has you covered. Visit our contact page for more information.

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CranesIndustry

What is it like Driving an “Oversized Load” in Rush Hour City Traffic?

August 28, 2018by Sheedy Blogger0

Over the past decades, we at Sheedy Crane have had the opportunity to talk to some of the “best of the best” in the rigging industry who know how to handle oversized load. We’ve seen everything from priceless pieces of art hanging from a crane over a body of water, and an entire bridge being driven through a dirt road in a remote jungle.

Our industry is all about logistics. Some of the top factors we look into when moving anything from a Toyota Camry to a 4-ton block of concrete are how much it weighs? How is the weight distributed? Is it awkward in size? Does it have hazmat limitations?

Here are some of the top considerations when driving an oversized load through a busy location:

First and foremost, know your route. Take the time beforehand and plan exactly where you are going. You don’t want to get stuck on a bridge with a boat crossing when you don’t have to. Cement trucks often times have to plan this out down to the minute when transporting wet cement to a job site.

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Know local regulations. There are some towns and municipalities that don’t allow big rigs to come through city streets. Others require you to get a permit for such jobs. You don’t want to get stuck driving tons of equipment across the state only to find out last minute you can’t make it down the “final stretch.” You will also know well in advance whether or not you need a pilot or an escort car, but if you are going across state lines you’ll also need to know if there are any additional regulations for the pilot car.

Know your lodging and stops. Amateur drivers might skip over this part, but in a multi-part or destination trip, it is imperative you know this beforehand. Imagine this: you are 8 hours into a trip and its legally time to clock out. You need to find a hotel, but the only ones nearby don’t have parking for semi’s, and definitely not for oversized loads.

San Francisco, for example, has a map of what it is considered “urbanized” and has special requirements when traveling in those areas.

san francisco street restrictions

Get to know your pilot car/escort. Many times you’ll be required to drive along with an escort car. This is normally a sedan-sized vehicle with a marking on the car alerting other motorists of your presence. A good escort car will stay in constant communication with the driver, and in some cases have a passenger in the pilot car equipped with GPS and laptop. Maintaining a good relationship with the pilot vehicle is very important, especially when you are navigating busy city streets or tough intersections.

Hazmat Considerations. Hazmat considerations are important not only for legal reasons but for your own safety as well. If you watch the news you can see some of the results of these accidents in real life. If you are transporting flammable liquids or solids it’s even more important for your own safety and for the general public.

Other considerations. Most States have special considerations for inclement weather, holidays, weight/height, and for mobile homes etc. Transporting an oversized load can take weeks to plan.

Consider Sheedy Crane for your crane and trucking needs. Contact us today for a free estimate.

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415-648-7171