Info 1 2008 Engl - Buderus Edelstahl Gmbh

the tank with the aid of another auxiliary
crane; this supporting framework could be
lifted hydraulically, keeping the tank safely
braced. The frame was later to be
attached to the crane to carry the tank
after the other part had been separated.
Connecting rods passing through holes
drilled in the roof and tank created a link
between the supporting framework and
the lifting points of the slings above the
tank.
Several core drill holes were drilled
through the eight supporting pillars to
separate the upper part. The aim of this
procedure was to avoid having the upper
part in an undefi ned position on the crane
hook at any time, and to avoid any sudden
compensating or swinging movements. The
cores of the drill holes remained in place,
acting as fi xing until the lower part could
be lifted off.
An auxiliary crane mounted on the
tower worked constantly to transport fi tters
and tools to the platform at a height of
over 30 metres. There was no longer any
foot access to the tower at this stage.
On 28 December at around midday, the
balance installed in the mobile crane registered
a change in the preset tensile force.
The upper part of the tower had come
loose. 230 tonnes of concrete were hanging
from the crane hook, and were being
lifted very slowly. An auxiliary crane had to
constantly apply counterweights to adapt
to the changing deployment situation of
the Superlift. The upper part of the tower
was then soon deposited gently on the prepared
spot. Construction machines immediately
started work to break up the huge
concrete block and take it away. This took a
few hours.
Slinging the bottom part was a very dif-
The Company
Overall view (on the left) – The head of the tower hangs free (centre) – Wrecking the tower head (on the right)
fi cult operation for the slingers, conducted
in icy cold and with no hard standing. Huge
slings had to be attached to the structure
from a basket hanging from the hook of an
auxiliary crane. The personnel involved
were at limit of their physical endurance.
At midday on 30 December, this 200
tonne component had also been safely
deposited, and could be taken away for
recycling. The dismantling team celebrated
safe completion of the operation on the
spot, with a glass of champagne. After
many tense hours of strenuous effort,
every one was visibly relieved that the diffi
cult project had gone according to plan.
But the satisfaction was tinged with some
regret about the loss of the old tower. Tobias
Besser, Head of Technical Services at
Buderus Edelstahl GmbH, thanked all those
involved for their committed contribution.
But he recalled the achievements of those
who had built the water tower 84 years ago
using much simpler means.
The lower part suspended from the crane (on the left) – Excavators start the demolition work (centre) –
Thanks for a job well done (on the right)