![]() ![]() In cranes and other structures, this is known as the wind load. Wind exerts pressure on surfaces and objects, and faster winds exert stronger forces. Wind turbulence intensity (how much the wind changes above and below its average value) is also an important factor. However, the main concern when operating a tower crane is not wind speed, but the force exerted by wind pressure. There are also some applications that require simultaneous wind speed measurement at two different heights (luffing cranes are one example). The unit should also be positioned so it can measure wind speed without obstruction from the tower crane or adjacent structures. Also nearby buildings can have a strong impact on the wind turbulence and therefore increasing the wind loading and variance pressure on the tower and mobile cranes.Īnemometers should be installed directly on cranes at the highest possible point to get accurate measurements. In city centre locations, the wind speed and in particular the wind gusts can be easily more than double of the ones measured at a ground level. In our experience, the increase of wind speed within cities and chances of turbulent winds are higher than they may feel at ground level. Since wind speeds tend to increase with altitude, the conditions for a tower crane can be quite different from those at ground level.Most weather forecasts assume a height of 10m, which does not reflect the working conditions for vertical construction and tower cranes.However, project managers and construction staff in general should also have access to wind data, sharing the responsibility for lifts and improving site safety.Ĭorrect positioning of anemometers is vitally important: Visibility: The anemometer should have a wind speed display for the operator, which is visible while using the crane.Ease of replacement: Like any other scientific instrument, anemometers degrade over time, and their accuracy decreases after years of operation.solar panel), combined with cloud connectivity for remote access to data. Ideally, you should use a unit with long-life batteries and an integrated power source (e.g. Simple maintenance: Battery replacements and data collection are difficult when using an anemometer on a tower crane.Noise reduction: An anemometer that is wired to the weather monitoring unit is recommended, since wireless units may be affected by electrical and radio interference, and metallic structures.Frequency of data: the anemometer signal needs to be measured faster than 1Hz (once per second) in order to comply with EN 13000 and IEC-61400.These instruments should be checked from time to time or re-calibrated, since accurate decisions are only possible with accurate measurements. Accuracy: since the anemometer is like a car speedometer.Toughness: to survive the rough environment of construction sites.In general, you should look for the following features when purchasing an anemometer: The crane operator has the primary responsibility in conjunction with the crane supervisor to make that decision. Ultimately the crane may be taken out of operation at lower wind speeds due to the type of load being lifted or difficulty in controlling it under wind pressure. completely prohibited over 45mph (20m/s or 72kph).Major contractors, crane manufacturers, the CPA Tower Crane Interest Group and the UK Heath and Safety Executive conclude that - The maximum recommended wind speed for tower cranes in the UK should be: 23% of these accidents were caused by high windsįorecasting is essential when working at height, and a safety requirement for operating cranes and heavy lifting equipment.Operating tower cranes and any other heavy lifting equipment like crawler cranes bring clear financial and personal responsibility.Ĭranes are exposed to a vast amount of hazards that make them prone to accidents and wind speed is a critical risk factor for cranes and lifting equipment, even when they are idle.īetween 20 there were 1,125 accidents and 780 fatalities worldwide in tower crane accidents ( 1 ): Wind Conditions and Crane Safety WIND SPEED, CRANE ANEMOMETERS, CONSTRUCTION FORECAST, OFFSHORE CRANES, CRAWLERS, LUFFING & TOWER CRANES ![]()
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