Rapid Installation of 10t Bridge Cranes for Steel Workshop in Uzbekistan

Building a large steel structure workshop in Uzbekistan posed several challenges, including a tight schedule, harsh winter conditions, and limited equipment availability. This project of Huayuan Crane explores how a construction team successfully installed three 10-ton single-girder bridge cranes in a 20,000 m² steel workshop within 38 days, beating the 45-day deadline. The project highlights practical problem-solving and effective coordination under demanding circumstances.

Project Overview and Challenges

The project involved constructing a new steel structure workshop covering 20,000 square meters. The workshop required three single-girder bridge cranes, each with a 10-ton lifting capacity and an 18-meter span. These cranes were essential for handling heavy materials during production.

Several challenges complicated the installation:

• The construction period was limited to 45 days.

• Winter temperatures dropped to -10°C, affecting concrete curing and outdoor work.

• No large crawler cranes were available on site, limiting lifting options.

  
  

These factors demanded a carefully planned approach to meet the deadline without compromising safety or quality.

Engineering Solutions for Crane Installation

The team adopted several innovative methods to overcome the challenges and ensure smooth installation:

Bolted Main Beam Assembly and Lifting

Instead of welding the main beam on site, the beam was fabricated in two sections and bolted together. This approach allowed the entire main beam to be lifted in one operation using a 25-ton truck crane available on site. This method avoided the need for larger cranes and reduced assembly time.

Use of QU70 Direct-Buried Track

The crane runway track was a QU70 direct-buried type. This track was installed just three days after the concrete foundation had cured. The choice of direct-buried track simplified installation and allowed early progress despite cold weather. It also provided a stable and durable base for crane operation.

Remote and On-Site Guidance

To ensure precise installation, the team combined online video guidance with the presence of one on-site engineer. This hybrid approach allowed experts to monitor progress remotely and provide immediate advice, while the engineer handled hands-on tasks. This method improved communication and reduced errors.

Results and Client Benefits

The installation was completed in 38 days, seven days ahead of the original schedule. Early completion allowed the client to start production sooner than planned, minimizing downtime and accelerating return on investment.

Additionally, the client decided to add two 5-ton jib cranes to the workshop. These smaller cranes complement the bridge cranes by providing flexible lifting options for lighter loads and tight spaces.

Key Takeaways for Similar Projects

This project offers valuable lessons for construction teams facing tight deadlines and equipment constraints:

• Plan beam assembly for efficient lifting. Bolting large sections together off-site can reduce on-site work and crane requirements.

• Choose installation materials suited to environmental conditions. Direct-buried tracks can speed up runway installation even in cold weather.

• Use remote guidance combined with on-site expertise. This approach improves accuracy and problem-solving without requiring large expert teams on site.

• Adapt to equipment availability. Using available cranes creatively can avoid costly delays waiting for specialized machinery.

  
  

These strategies can help teams deliver complex crane installations faster and more reliably.