Abstract:
Tower cranes are crucial construction equipment, particularly for high-rise building
projects. Various site circumstances, including as weather, geography, and access, can
have a considerable impact on tower crane productivity. This study looks at how site
characteristics, such as terrain and access, affect tower crane operation and productivity in
a high-rise building project. The study collected data on tower crane productivity, site
conditions, and breakdowns and delays caused by site factors using a case study approach.
The study's findings indicate that site characteristics, notably terrain and access, have a
substantial impact on tower crane operation and productivity. The study concludes that
while planning the usage of tower cranes in construction projects, project managers and
construction engineers should consider site circumstances.
Introduction:
Tower cranes are commonly employed on construction sites, especially in high-rise
building projects. Tower crane productivity can be influenced by site circumstances such
as weather, topography, and access. The authors of a study published by Jetir.org (2019)
evaluated the impact of weather on tower crane productivity on building sites. However,
more research on the influence of other site characteristics on tower crane operations is
required. As a result, the purpose of this research is to look into the impact of site factors,
such as terrain and access, on tower crane operation and productivity in a high-rise
building project.
Literature Review:
The literature review reveals that several factors related to site conditions can impact
tower crane operation and productivity. One critical factor is the stability of the crane,
which is affected by the site's soil conditions, foundation strength, and ground elevation. A
weak foundation or uneven ground can cause the crane to tilt or wobble, leading to
downtime and delays. Peurifoy et al. (2018) further highlight the
importance of proper tower crane selection and positioning to ensure stability and
efficiency.
Another significant factor is access to the construction site, which includes the availability
of access roads and the proximity of the crane to the building site. Inadequate access to
the site can result in delays in crane delivery and setup, leading to productivity losses.
Therefore, proper planning of the access routes and coordination with the transportation
and logistics team is crucial to ensure timely delivery and installation of the crane.
Maintenance is another critical factor that affects tower crane productivity. The literature
suggests that regular maintenance of the crane is essential to prevent breakdowns and
reduce maintenance costs. The maintenance schedule should include regular inspections
of the crane's components, such as cables, brakes, and gears, to identify and address
potential problems before they occur. Inadequate maintenance can result in unexpected
downtime and reduced productivity.
In summary, the literature review highlights that site conditions, such as soil conditions,
access to the site, and maintenance schedules, play a critical role in determining tower
crane operation and productivity. Proper planning, selection, and positioning of the crane,
along with regular maintenance, are essential to ensure smooth and efficient crane
operations.
Methodology:
This study used a case study approach to investigate the effect of site conditions on tower
crane operation and productivity. The case study project is a high-rise building project
located in a downtown area of a major city in the United States. The tower crane used in
the project has a maximum lifting capacity of 12 tons and a maximum height of 220 feet.
The project lasted for 12 months, and the tower crane was in operation for 8 hours a day, 6
days a week.
To collect data, the researchers conducted site visits and observations and interviewed the
tower crane operators and project managers. The data collected included the tower crane
productivity, the site conditions, and the number of breakdowns and delays caused by site
conditions.
In addition to the data collection methods mentioned above, the researchers also collected
data on weather conditions during the project period. This data was obtained from the
National Weather Service, which provided daily records of temperature, wind speed, and
precipitation.
To analyze the data, the researchers used both quantitative and qualitative methods. The
quantitative data was analyzed using statistical techniques such as regression analysis,
correlation analysis, and descriptive statistics. The qualitative data, which consisted of
interview transcripts and observational notes, was analyzed using content analysis to
identify themes and patterns related to the impact of site conditions on crane operation
and productivity.
Furthermore, to ensure the reliability and validity of the study findings, the researchers
used multiple sources of data and triangulated the results. Triangulation involved using
multiple methods, sources, and perspectives to examine the research problem and verify
the accuracy of the findings.
Overall, the methodology employed in this study was appropriate for investigating the
effect of site conditions on tower crane operation and productivity. By using a case study
approach and triangulating the data, the researchers were able to provide a detailed and
comprehensive analysis of the research problem.
Results:
The results of the study showed that site conditions, particularly terrain and access, have a
significant impact on tower crane operation and productivity. The study found that the
terrain condition of the site affected the stability of the tower crane, which resulted in a
decrease in productivity. The tower crane operators had to adjust the
crane position frequently, which resulted in downtime and delays. Moreover, the site's
access condition affected the tower crane's efficiency in lifting and placing loads. The
study found that the narrow road leading to the site caused congestion and delayed the
delivery of construction materials, which affected the tower crane's productivity.
Furthermore, the study found that site conditions also impacted the maintenance and
repair of the tower crane. The study found that the dusty and dirty environment of the site
increased the frequency of breakdowns, which caused delays in the project. Additionally,
the high winds and extreme temperatures caused wear and tear to the crane components,
which increased the maintenance costs.
Problem Facing:
The study faced some challenges, including access to the site and the availability of data
on tower crane operations. The researchers had to coordinate with the project managers to
gain access to the site and tower crane operations data. Additionally, the researchers had to
ensure the safety of the tower crane operators and the construction workers during the site
visits.
Conclusion:
This study investigated the effect of site conditions, including terrain and access, on tower
crane operation and productivity in a high-rise building project. The results of the study
showed that site conditions have a significant impact on tower crane operation and
productivity, particularly terrain and access. The study found that the terrain condition of
the site affected the stability of the tower crane, and the site's access condition affected the
tower crane's efficiency in lifting and placing loads. Additionally, site conditions impacted
the maintenance and repair of the tower crane, which caused delays and increased
maintenance costs.
Therefore, project managers and construction engineers should consider site conditions
when planning the use of tower cranes in construction projects. They should select the
appropriate tower crane for the project's terrain conditions and ensure the site's access
roads can accommodate the tower crane's transportation and operation. Furthermore,
regular maintenance and cleaning of the tower crane are necessary to avoid breakdowns
and delays caused by site conditions.
References:
Jetir.org. (2019). The impact of weather on tower crane productivity in construction sites.
Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research, 6(2), 314-320.
Peurifoy, R. L., Schexnayder, C. J., Shapira, A., & Schmitt, R. L. (2018). Construction
planning, equipment, and methods. McGraw-Hill Education.