The initial tower crane in Qingdao was deployed to establish a novel model for the intelligent construction of skyscrapers
With the growing number of tall buildings, tower cranes are also increasing, and the conventional manual climbing method is riskier, lacking adequate safety measures. During adverse weather or sudden changes in the tower's physical state, the risk factor rises sharply, posing greater hidden dangers to construction safety. Recently, the China Railway Construction Engineering Qingdao International Cruise Port Area Shipping Center project innovatively introduced Qingdao's first tower crane climbing equipment. This innovation not only addresses construction safety risks but also heralds a new era of mechanical climbing for tower cranes.
The China Railway Construction Engineering Qingdao International Cruise Port Area Shipping Center project has a main height approaching 180 meters and a maximum tower crane installation height of nearly 200 meters. Frequent lifting operations pose personal safety risks for tower workers and impact operational efficiency. To address the challenge of high-altitude work, the construction team at the Qingdao International Cruise Port Area Shipping Center project of China Railway Construction Engineering combined advanced technology with building construction, pioneering the use of tower climbing machines.
Reports indicate that the tower climbing machine is powered by a lithium battery and serves as auxiliary lifting equipment for tower climbing. It features a dual anti-fall safety protection system, low power protection, power-off self-locking, and manual descent protection systems. The project manager explained that replacing manual climbing with mechanical lifting offers several benefits: enhanced safety, stable operation, compact design, simple operation, and easy assembly and disassembly with the tower crane. This innovation significantly improves the climbing safety and efficiency for tower crane operators, ensuring the life safety of project workers. The application of this technology in Qingdao's construction industry marks a first for the tower crane sector.
The adoption of the tower climbing machine has streamlined the ascent and descent for tower personnel. "Previously, accessing the 80-meter-high tower crane took at least 30 minutes during construction. Now, the time has been significantly reduced, with access to the driver's cab achievable in less than three minutes," Tashi Liu noted. This efficiency saves at least one hour per climb, effectively ensuring project timelines. As the pioneering project in Qingdao to implement tower climbing technology, the China Railway Construction Engineering Qingdao International Cruise Port Shipping Center prioritizes innovation, efficiency, and safety. This commitment to technological innovation and efficiency enhancement serves as a crucial catalyst for industry advancement.
Located in the northern district of Qingdao City, the Qingdao International Cruise Port Area Shipping Center project by China Railway Construction Engineering is Shandong Province's first comprehensive underground space conversion initiative. It aims to optimize Qingdao's port layout, promote transformation and upgrading, and bolster the city's high-end tourism and service sectors. The project will feature two to four basement levels spanning approximately 153,000 square meters, encompassing underground roads, public spaces, commercial areas, sunken squares, underground garages, utility corridors, energy facilities, and supporting amenities. Once completed, it will enhance the commercial functions of the port area, strengthen connectivity between the cruise city and urban core, and transform the old port zone into a premier urban complex integrating business offices, luxury hotels, dining, exhibitions, leisure facilities, and entertainment venues—a jewel in Qingdao's historic cityscape.
Tower climbing machine details
Location: China Railway Construction Engineering Qingdao International Cruise Port Area shipping center
Application: Shipping building in cruise port area
Equipment model: T120
Load: 120kg
Lifting height: 180 m
Number of devices: 1