Wire Rope Exchange April 2011

WIRE ROPE

March - april 2011

aMazing EnginEEring

projEcts around thE

globE

VErsabar introducEs thEir

nEWEst hEaVY liFt VEssEl

intErnational salEs MagazinE

KEn Forging cElEbratEs oVEr 40 YEars in thE businEss

ExchangE

8-1/8” (8.125”) Trim

8-3/8” (8.375”) Bleed

11-1/8”(11.125”)

Bleed

10-7/8”(10.875”)

Trim

ATTN: Rick ColvinPH: 707.748.1700 FAX: [email protected]

Please fax back approval

❑ Approved

Client Signature

❑ Please make noted changesand fax back for my approval

4736LDMad03r11WRXPub: Wire Rope Exchange

2804 Foster AveNashville, TN 372101-800-643-5189Erik Von Colln (Printer)[email protected]

Client: Rick ColvinLandmann Wire Rope Products6500 Goodyear Rd.Benicia, CA 94510800-331-0794/ph707-748-1701/fax

Design: Garson Design Services239 Concord AvenueFairfield, CA 94533707 428-1743/phone707 428-3652/[email protected]

Issue1: Nov-Dec of Each YearDeadl: 11/12/10-FriIssue2: Jan-Feb of Each YearDeadl: 01/17/11-MonIssue3: Mar-Apr of Each YearDeadl: 03/14/11-MonIssue4: May-June of Each YearDeadl: 05/16/11-MonIssue5: July-Aug of Each YearDeadl: 07/18/11-MonIssue5: Sept-Oct of Each YearDeadl: 09/15/11-ThuIssue5: Nov-Dec of Each YearDeadl: 11/14/11-Mon

Time: 11/17/10-10:45amFile: 4736LDMad03WRX.Run File: 4736LDMad03r11_110910.pdf

❑ OPTION 1.1

Full page - Wire Rope Exchange WRX Trim: 8-1/8” (8.125) x 10-7/8” (10.875) Bleed: 8-3/8 (8.375)” x 11-1/4” (11.25) Colors: CyanMagentaYellowBlackSEND:Program: Hi-res PDFFonts: Included

Since Harry Truman was President, we’ve been known as “the sling people.” More recently we’ve gotten an equally fine reputation as “the test people.” Producing the industry’s finest wire-rope products naturally led us to setting up the industry’s most complete and precise test facilities. Our in-house engineering services, coupled with the industry’s most experienced workforce, insure that all your lift components will be accurately load-tested, fully documented and ready to go to work the next time your reputation is “on the hook.”

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4 MARCH-APRIL 2011 WIRE ROPE EXCHANGE

[EDITOR’S NOTE]

Over history, humans have thrived on exploring the ends of the world and developing our homes and claiming new frontiers where no one has gone before. You could call it our perseverance for challenge, as we continue to look for smarter, easier methods of crossing a gap or finding a new way to get the job done – never content with things already conquered. Or it could be our desire to leave an impression of this time in our history for future generations to build upon. Either way, achieving the impossible always starts with asking the question of ‘why not,’ and then having the courage to try what others would not. But as I write this note in anticipation of our April issue going to print, news around the world is abundant with awe over the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan. The devastation and aftershock being felt in Japan and around the world will no doubt be even more widespread by the time you read this. We’re reminded that what we spend years and lifetimes building can so quickly change in an instant. Whereas engineering marvels may represent the imagination and courage of mankind, the steadfastness and strength to rebuild after catastrophes highlights the compassion that makes us human in the first place.

In this issue, we explore amazing engineering projects from around the world. From the Three Gorges Dam to the tallest bridge in the world, we see how humans continue to take development to a different level – and what will serve as the inspiration and benchmarks for future endeavors. Within Innovations, Versabar unveils the VB 10000, which eclipses and replaces their previous behemoth, the Bottom Feeder.This mega machine has no twin – quickly hauling a 1,530 ton and more than 2,500 ton load in the Gulf of Mexico within its first few days in service. Finally, we all join together to celebrate Ken Forging and their 40th year in the Industry.

We have a lot of events over the coming months and look forward to providing feedback and updates as they occur – and encourage each of you to share the same!

Melissa Hood, [email protected]

AWRF Spring MeetingApril 3-6, 2011Waikiki, HIwww.awrf.org

SC&RA Annual ConferenceApril 12-14, 2011Carlsband, CAwww.scranet.org

National Industrial Fastener East ShowApril 26 – 27, 2011Columbus, OHwww.associationdatabase.com

OTC 2011May 2-5, 2011Reliant Park, Texaswww.otcnet.org/2011/

Cordage InstituteMay 11-13, 2011Bonita Springs, FLwww.cordageinstitute.com

International Tower Cranes, 2011May 12, 2011Londonwww,khl.com/events/itc2011

ACRP MeetingMay 10-13, 2011Milwaukee, WIwww.acrp.net

ISA Show and ConferenceMay 15-17, 2011Chicago, ILwww.isapartners.org

WSTDA Annual MeetingMay 16-20Fort Myers, FLwww.wstda.com

Windpower 2011May 22 – 25Anaheim, CAwww.windpowerexpo.org

EMO HannoverSeptember 19 – 24Hannover, Germanywww.emo-hannover.de

AWRF General Mtg & PIEOctober 2-5, 2011Kansas City, MOwww.awrf.org

ICUEE 2011October 4-6, 2011Louisville, KYwww.icuee.com

WSTDAOctober 18-20, 2011Hotel Monaco Baltimorewww.wstda.com

World Crane and Transport SummitOctober, 2011Amsterdam, Holland

UPCOMING EvENTS 2011

Photo courtesy of Edward J. Craig

From my visit at Versabar

We’Ve Introduced a neW LookTO HIGHLIGHT PROduCT neWS, InnOvATIOnS And MAKe THe OveRALL MAGAzIne eASIeR TO nAvIGATe.

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WIRE ROPE EXCHANGE MARCH-APRIL 2011 5

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[CONtENts]

MARCH/APRIL 2011

18 | Man-Made MassiveFrom the world’s largest hydroelectric dam to the tallest cable-stayed bridge, we highlight a few of the most complex and interesting engineering projects of the world.

[COvER stORy]

4 | Editor’s NotE 9 | iNdustry NEws66 | WRE updatE | BusiNEss69 | advErtisEr’s iNdEx70 | riggEr’s CorNEr

25 | What’s Newsea-Fit, inc. reformulates socket Lock while Link-Belt introduces their total crane operating system.

27 | InnovationsLarger, more specialized, and more technically sophisticated, meet versabar’s newest creation.

31 | WRE Catalogview the latest product offerings and updated listings.

[WRE CAtALOG GuIdE] On the COver: the rion-Antirion Bridge crosses the Corinth strait near the city of Patras, connecting Peloponnese with mainland Greece. It is the world’s longest multi-span cable-stayed bridge at 9,449 feet.

the rion-Antirion is considered an engineering masterpiece owing to the solutions applied to span the difficult site including deep water, insecure materials for foundations and seismic activity.

[IN tHIs IssuE]

VolumE 26 | IssuE 2

18

27

66Pylon construction of the rion-Antirion Bridge.

the new vB 10000

total Quality Commitment, Ken Forging

Photo courtesy of GEFYRA - Nikos Daniilidi

WRE_MA11_ISSUE.indd 7 3/18/11 11:19 AM

8 MARCH-APRIL 2011 WIRE ROPE EXCHANGE8 MARCH-APRIL 2011 WIRE ROPE EXCHANGE

WIRE ROPE EXCHANGE MARCH-APRIL 2011 9WIRE ROPE EXCHANGE MARCH-APRIL 2011 9

[INDUSTRY NEWS]Southern Wire Announces Sokoll as PresidentChris is a 21-year veteran of Houston Wire & Cable Company. He began his tenure in the Seattle branch as an inside salesperson and later moved to Lexington, Kentucky as the Sales Manager for the Southeast region. Additional promotions included Region Manager Positions in the Charlotte branch and thereafter the Chicago branch. Most recently, Chris served in the role of Region Vice President of the North Central region. Under his leadership, the North Central region became a consistent top performer and was the Company’s leading revenue producer in both 2010 and 2007.

Chris holds a Bachelor’s of Professional Studies degree in Organizational Leadership from Roosevelt University in Chicago and a Certificate in Executive Finance from the University of Chicago.

Chris and his wife, Claire, both have lived and worked throughout the United States. Their hobbies include SCUBA diving, golf, animal rescue, travel, and entertaining. They are excited about relocating to the Memphis area to rejoin family and friends.

For nearly 40 years, Southern Wire has earned a reputation for understanding the unique buying requirements of their customers and delivering exceptional customer service and support.

Southern Wire’s mission is to be the industry’s leading supplier of industrial wire rope, aircraft cable and related hardware and to be a contributing factor towards increasing their customers’ competitive advantage. Dedicated staff, superior customer service, competitive prices and ongoing commitment to: Right Product, Right Place, Right Time makes Southern Wire a great choice for all your wire rope and rigging needs.

About the CompanyWith 35 years experience in the industry,

Houston Wire & Cable Company is one of the largest providers of wire and cable in the U.S. end user market. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, HWCC has sales and distribution facilities strategically located throughout the nation.

Standard stock items available for immediate delivery include continuous and interlocked armor, instrumentation, medium

voltage, high temperature, portable cord, power cables, private branded products, including LifeGuard™, a low-smoke, zero-halogen cable, mechanical wire and cable and related hardware, including wire rope, lifting products and synthetic rope and slings. HWCC’s comprehensive value-added services include same-day shipping, knowledgeable sales staff, inventory management programs, just-in-time delivery, logistics support, customized internet-based ordering capabilities and 24/7/365 service.

Manhattan Road & Bridge to Build Double-Decker Arkansas River Bridge

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) has awarded Manhattan Road & Bridge Co. the contract to build the I-44 West Bound Replacement Bridge over the Arkansas River. At approximately $63 million, the contract is the second largest to ever be issued by ODOT. The project includes the removal of the existing I-244 (Westbound) Arkansas River Bridge, including the 17th Street off-ramp, and reconstruction of a new double-decker bridge structure. The project bridge and road connection work will be almost one mile long, with the primary river bridge being 3,296 feet long.

When complete, the project will be Tulsa’s first “multi-modal” bridge. It will incorporate a new section of the I-44 westbound highway, two dedicated future rail lines and an area for bicycle/pedestrian traffic into a double-decker style bridge. The pedestrian and bicycle bridge will include an elaborate decorative Art Deco motif designed canopy, providing pedestrians a view downstream of the Arkansas River.

Abu Dhabi Hospital Contract Awarded for US$600 MillionMurray & Roberts and Al Habtoor Leighton Group (HLG), has been awarded an US$600 million contract for the construction of Al Mafraq Hospital for SEHA, the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company.

The Hospital is designed to accommodate both the current operational demand of the existing hospital and the expected increased demand population growth of the community it will create. It will eventually contain 739 beds and provide 139 outpatient clinics and will serve as a center of excellence in thoracic and orthopedic surgery and burn treatment in the Emirate.

Nigel Harvey, Managing Director, Murray & Roberts (Contractors) Middle East comments: “We are excited to have secured this contract and to be able to deliver a state of the art facility to SEHA in Abu Dhabi, positively contributing towards healthcare infrastructure improvements. It’s also an exciting contract award in a tough and competitive Middle Eastern market.”

The Al Habtoor Leighton Murray & Roberts JV was awarded the project based on technical, financial and time commitment following a rigorous pre-selection process where several contractors were invited to bid. A formal signing of the contract took place today, 15 March 2011 at SEHA’s new headquarters in Khalidiya.

The new facility, with an estimated cost of 3.5 billion AED, will triple the examination and treatment rooms of the existing hospital – up to 60 from the original facility’s 19. The outpatient clinic’s capacity will also be increased 58 percent, to 139 rooms from the current 88. The new facility will be spread across 245,000 square metres and will host underground parking facilities for 1300 vehicles.

Saif Bader Al Qubaisi, SEHA Chairman comments “We are pleased to announce that construction works have commenced in our new hospital in Mafraq. The facility will be equipped with excellent modern facilities and the latest equipment to ensure world class specialised healthcare. We congratulate the Al Habtoor Leighton Murray & Roberts JV on their contract award. We look forward to working with them to create this impressive structure.”

Brazilian Court Approves Construction of Controversial Belo Monte Hydroelectric DamA Brazilian court on Thursday lifted a lower court order that suspended the construction of a controversial hydro-electric project in the Amazon rainforest, signaling a victory for the Brazilian government’s plan to upgrade the country’s energy infrastructure.


[INDUSTRY NEWS]The development came days after a lower

court blocked plans to construct the Belo Monte hydroelectric dam in the Amazon rainforest citing environmental concerns. Lower court judge Ronaldo Desterro said in his ruling made last month that the environmental requirements to build the dam had not been met by the builders.

Citing concerns that the dam would sharply reduce water level in Amazon’s tributaries if the requirements are not met, Judge Desterro also ordered the national development bank, BNDES, not to fund the project.

Earlier, the bidding of the project was stopped thrice since it was first proposed in the 1990s. The signing of the contract for constructing the dam was made possible only after a final court appeal by the government allowed the Norte Energia consortium, led by the state-owned Companhia Hidro Eletrica do Sao Francisco, to be awarded the contract.

Although the licenses have not be granted to the Norte Energia consortium for the construction of the controversial dam, the Brazilian environment agency Ibama gave its approval to clear the land at the site in January.

Opponents to the 3.75-mile-long dam argue that it will inundate about 190 square miles of virgin Amazon rainforest, thereby causing irreparable environmental damage to the region. Environmental campaigners say that the camp will displace more than 50,000 Red Indians.

However, the government says that the dam is crucial for development, pointing out that the project will provide thousands of jobs for the local population. It claims that the dam, when it becomes operational in 2015, would provide electricity to more than 23 million homes.

Officials say those displaced by the dam will be adequately compensated as the bid-winning consortium has promised to pay $800m for protecting the environment and for rehabilitation of those affected by the project.

The construction of the proposed dam is expected to cost between $11bn and $17bn. When completed, it will be third largest of its kind in the world, after the Three Gorges in China and Itaipu dam being jointly run by Brazil and Paraguay.

Plan to Revive Construction Industry Released by AGCThe Associated General Contractors of America released a new national plan mid-March detailing measures to stimulate demand for construction. Officials said the plan was needed to reverse construction employment declines that have taken place in 317 out of 337 metro areas since January 2007, according to new data the association released today.

“Our goal is to rebuild a devastated construction market that has left millions jobless, littered cities with incomplete projects and sapped much needed revenue, commerce and customers out of our economy,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “Considering the scope and impact of construction job losses, the last thing any of us can afford is a repeat of the past four years.”

The plan, called “Building a Stronger Future, A New Blueprint for Economic Growth,” outlines measures to help boost private sector demand for construction, help tackle a growing infrastructure maintenance backlog and reduce needless


[INDUSTRY NEWS]red tape and regulations.

Sandherr said the association developed the plan to overcome the years-long construction downturn that has left over 2.2 million construction workers unemployed and the industry’s unemployment rate at 21.8 percent, more than twice the national average.

Sandherr said the recovery plan emphasizes boosting private sector demand, which once accounted for 76 percent of all construction activity, but now accounts for only 60 percent. It calls for approving pending trade agreements to boost demand for manufacturing and shipping facilities, repealing the alternative minimum tax and making permanent the tax cuts that were first put in place in 2001 and 2003.

The plan also identifies new tax credits to encourage retail and restaurant upgrades, improve the efficiency of commercial buildings and help contractors invest in new, more efficient construction equipment. And it urges Congress and the Administration to finally end the double taxation of U.S-based businesses that succeed in international markets.

Sandherr noted the plan includes measures to tackle infrastructure problems that cost American businesses an estimated $100 billion a year due to delays and lost productivity. It calls for significant reforms to federal surface, aviation and waterways programs. And it urges federal officials to refocus on efforts that are clearly in the national interest, streamline the years-long federal review process, and find new ways to leverage private sector dollars.

Sandherr added that the plan also includes comprehensive measures to reduce costly, time consuming and needless regulatory burdens. It calls on Congress to pass legislation limiting major new regulations, reform the approval process for new highway and transit projects and oppose well-meaning labor and Buy American mandates that do little to create new jobs and a lot to add costs and delay work.

The plan also highlights the need to repeal a costly new mandate set to begin next year that requires governments at all levels to withhold three percent of the cost of virtually all major construction projects from contractors. “For an industry where most firms are lucky to make three percent in profit on a project, this new mandate will either put a lot of people out of work

or needlessly inflate the cost of public construction,” Sandherr cautioned.

versabar Founder Elected to NAEJon Khachaturian, founder and president of Versabar, is among the 68 new members and nine foreign associates recently elected to the National Academy of Engineering.

Election to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) is considered to be among the highest professional distinctions accorded to an engineer. Academy membership honors those who have made outstanding contributions to engineering research, practice, or education, including, where appropriate, significant contributions to the engineering literature, and to the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of engineering, or developing/implementing innovative approaches to engineering education.

Signed into existence by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, the NAE performs a public service by bringing together committees of experts in all areas of scientific and technological endeavor. These experts serve pro bono to address critical national issues and provide counsel to the federal government and to the public.

Khachaturian, who founded Versabar in 1981, was elected for developing innovative, safe, reusable, and economical heavy-lifting systems to advance the international marine industry. He is currently the holder of 44 domestic and international patents.

The election of these new members brings the total US membership to 2,267 and the number of foreign associates to 196.

Manitex International, Inc. Receives $13.5 Million in New OrdersManitex International, Inc., a leading provider of engineered lifting solutions including boom truck cranes, rough terrain forklifts, container handling equipment and special mission oriented vehicles, announced today that Manitex, Inc., its Georgetown, Texas-based boom truck subsidiary, has recently received orders totaling over $11.5 million. The Manitex, Inc. orders are placed for second and third quarter 2011 shipments throughout North America. Manitex Liftking, based near Toronto, Canada, has also received $2.0 million in orders for an international specialized transporter system and military material handling equipment. The Manitex Liftking orders are with existing international customers and are expected to ship in the fourth quarter of 2011.

While weighted toward the energy sector, the Manitex, Inc. orders were placed by seven different customers serving diverse market segments that include general construction, rental fleet additions and retail sales to the Mexican market. Receipt of these orders increases the Manitex, Inc. boom truck

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[INDUSTRY NEWS]backlog to its highest level since August 2008. The orders for Manitex Liftking are for supply to Latin America and the US military, with the transporter system reflecting a return into this highly specialized market since the past two years when demand had been particularly subdued.

Scott Rolston, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Manitex International, said, “These orders validate the market’s continued confidence that Manitex supplies superior product not only for the energy and military segments and other diverse niche markets, but also that it continues to recognize our growing international presence and capabilities. These new orders, combined with our bookings in the fourth quarter of 2010, add to our optimism that our markets will continue to show substantial recovery well into 2011 and beyond.”

Barnhart Crane & Rigging Unveils Alliance With WindPower Innovations

WindPower Innovations, Inc. announced recently their 2011 progress report and unveils its strategic alliance with Barnhart Crane & Rigging Co., completing the supply chain for its full service heavy lift WindPower Innovations facility, in the State of Oregon.

Throughout 2010, WindPower Innovations, Inc. has cultivated key relationships with the State of Oregon and strategic partnerships with Barnhart Crane & Rigging, Co. and AF Dick Manufacturing, Inc., providing a comprehensive range of services for all aspects of wind energy, including the largest (1-5 Megawatt) wind

turbines on the market. With the completion of its first phase, WindPower Innovations’ operation is positioned to serve the Western United States, Alaska, Mexico, and the Pacific Rim via rail and Columbia River deep water port access.

“It has been a whirlwind 2010 getting our strategic relationships solidified, and we now have the infrastructure to execute any contracts that would be the fruit of our efforts for 2011,” says John Myers, President and CEO of WindPower Innovations. “Barnhart is vital to our supply chain. We can handle anything once it gets to our facility, but a major piece of the profitability for all involved is in getting the crane and shipping strategy right. We are proud to join forces with a company of the reputation and capabilities of Barnhart.”

Since 1969, Barnhart Crane & Rigging (www.barnhartcrane.com) has been providing innovative solutions to complex lifting and transportation challenges faced by heavy industry — from power generation to petrochemical to renewable energy, and beyond. With over 20 branches across the U.S., Barnhart has one of the strongest equipment networks in the nation.

“We believe WindPower Innovations’ vision to recondition and retrofit wind turbines will prove to be a growing segment of the wind industry. Barnhart looks forward to a long term relationship with WindPower Innovations,” says Jeff Swanson, Senior Vice President of Barnhart Renewables. ”WindPower Innovations has the tools and experience to extend the life of these aging machines and we look forward to helping WindPower Innovations meet the lifting and scheduling challenges in front of them.”

WindPower Innovations, Inc. is a wind power infrastructure and smart grid solutions company that is continually working on new innovations for wind turbines, wind energy generation and transmission, in addition to the comprehensive maintenance, repair and re-manufacture of exiting equipment.

TNT Purchases the South Texas Crane Assets of Louisiana Crane Co., LLCTNT Crane & Rigging, a privately held full-service crane and rigging operator based in Houston, made major acquisitions this past February in Louisiana and Texas.

In Louisiana, TNT has merged its Louisiana operations with RTL, one of South Louisiana’s leading crane companies. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

RTL, based in Norco, La., gives TNT an opportunity to expand its geographic base, concentrating on industrial clients.

“The combination with RTL is an excellent strategic fit for TNT and continues our growth plans,” said TNT president and CEO Mike Appling Jr. “RTL has long-term customer relationships that combined with the large crane fleet of TNT will provide additional growth opportunities and enhanced service for our customers. We are in a unique position of covering the Gulf Coast industrial base from New Orleans to Corpus Christi and beyond. This expands our ability to work with many of our legacy customers on an enhanced multi-plant basis. The opportunity to combine with RTL and deliver the consistency of safety and operations of our companies across our entire branch network is very exciting and a great value proposition.”

“This merger positions our group as one of the leading crane rental service companies in South Louisiana,” said RTL CEO Pat Tesson. “It will give RTL employees enhanced opportunities and furnish TNT with a base to further geographical expansion. By combining these seasoned businesses we will now be in position to offer a broader spectrum of lifting and rigging services to clientele in the region.”

Two days later, TNT announced the purchase of the South Texas crane assets of Louisiana Crane Co. TNT acquired 35 cranes and ancillary assets from Louisiana Crane’s San Antonio and Houston branches.

TNT now has more than 150 cranes in the region, with full-service capabilities ranging from boom trucks up to 800 tons and a complete portfolio of rigging capabilities, as TNT grows its presence in both states. The transaction also stretches the reach of TNT into the western portion of the Eagle Ford shale play.

“The acquisition of these Texas crane assets is a big step up for TNT in the crane industry,” added Appling. “It puts TNT in a much better competitive position in the San Antonio marketplace. We need the additional assets in Houston and will be able to redeploy some of the cranes to other branches to service their needs.”

Bill Stramer, Melvin Porter Elected to Link-Belt Board of DirectorsBill Stramer, vice president, marketing, sales and customer support, and Melvin Porter, vice president of finance, and chief


[INDUSTRY NEWS]financial officer, have been elected to Link-Belt Construction Equipment Company’s board of directors after a meeting held at Sumitomo Heavy Industry (SHI) headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, in February. Link-Belt is a wholly owned subsidiary of SHI. Chuck Martz, Link-Belt’s chairman, CEO and president, made the announcement at Link-Belt’s headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky, USA. “This is an outstanding personal and professional accomplishment for both of these gentlemen,” said Martz.“It’s an honor they have earned through dedicated leadership and support of our efforts at Link-Belt.

“This is also a significant show of support by Link-Belt’s parent company, SHI, of what Link-Belt has accomplished and will continue to accomplish under their leadership.”

Konecranes Acquires Austrian Lift Truck Service Company OperationsIn March 2011 Konecranes acquired the assets and operations of lift truck service company Zeiss Staplerservice GmbH, headquartered in Sommerein, Austria. The company is specialized in lift truck maintenance service, and the sales and rental of lift trucks. In 2010 the company’s net sales amounted to more than EUR 3 million. The value of the acquisition is not disclosed.

Zeiss Staplerservice makes it possible for Konecranes to offer its own lift truck sales and maintenance services in Austria. Zeiss Staplerservice’s activities are based on long-term customer relationships and the company has a wide customer base and strong experience in the sales and service of forklifts from 1.5 tons to the highest capacity Konecranes’ lift trucks.

“Zeiss Staplerservice complements Konecranes’ present offering in the area, and by combining local lift truck knowledge with our present resources and products, we are convinced that we will be a very valuable

partner for our customers,” says Kari Åkman, Vice President, Service, Region NEI (Nordic, East Europe and India).

Zeiss Staplerservice has 23 employees. The acquired entity will serve as a competence, maintenance and business support center for Konecranes lift truck activities and for the surrounding Central East European countries.

Terex Expands in ChinaU.S. heavy equipment manufacturer, Terex Corp., announced this past week that it will open a manufacturing plant in east China’s Jiangsu Province as part of its global expansion plan to produce products for local markets.

Located in a business park in Changzhou, about 200 km northwest of Shanghai, the new Terex Aerial Work Platforms (AWP) Changzhou manufacturing facility covers an area of 2.4 hectares and serves as the product development, parts distribution and service center for China, according to a statement released by the company.

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[INDUSTRY NEWS]First-phase investment has totalled 27

million U.S. dollars and the facility is now capable of producing telescopic booms and super booms for the shipbuilding market, the statement said.

“Terex Changzhou is in line with our China strategy of providing ‘made by Terex’ global products to the local market,” said Ken Lousberg, president of Terex China.

Terex plans to incorporate four additional product lines specifically for the Asian market, Lousberg said.

The Changzhou plant was selected for its potential capabilities to become a future Terex manufacturing base to include other business segment products, Lousberg added.

Terex Corp. is a diversified global manufacturer of heavy equipment for a variety of industries, including construction, infrastructure, quarrying and shipping. It operates in four business segments, namely Aerial Work Platforms, Construction, Cranes and Materials Processing.

Terex AWP established a sales and distribution office in China 12 years ago and its aerial work platforms have gained

popularity in Asia in the construction of shipyards, airports, hotels, and factories.

Crane Accident Investigation Guide Now Available SC&RA has published its Crane Accident Investigation Guide after two years of planning and preparation by the Association’s Crane & Rigging Group Safety Education & Training Committee. Because SC&RA members typically lift and position oversize objects, frequently at great height and with tight tolerances, the possibility for severe injury or major property damage can never be overlooked.

Available as a free resource exclusively to SC&RA members, the new 10-page guide is offered in PDF format, enabling it to be reprinted very easily. The primary focus is on the determination of the facts surrounding the incident and the lessons that be learned to prevent future similar occurrences.

The easy-to-use checklist format covers many considerations unique to the crane & rigging industry. For example, among the 15 types of accident description listings are

crane overturned, boom collapsed, load fell, and wire rope/cable broke.

Other categories in the comprehensive guide include types of bodily injury and property damage; time of accident; weather; lighting; type of job; type of project; nature of work; property ownership; legal property status; load description; weight and how determined; training of lift director, crane operator and other key personnel; rigging and equipment information; equipment set-up; lift engineering; types of reports prepared as a result of the accident; contractual risk transfer; subrogation; and other factors subject to further analysis and review by qualified experts.

ESCO Continues Growth in AustraliaESCO Corporation (USA), a leading global provider of wear parts and attachments for the mining and construction industries, extends its reach in Australia with the establishment of a new sales and service location in Mt Isa, Queensland.

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[INDUSTRY NEWS]products and services to our customers in this key mining region”, stated Jeff Kershaw, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, for ESCO Corporation.

Beginning on April 1, 2011, ESCO Mt. Isa will open with local sales and service personnel, and will immediately offer a complete range of manganese crusher wear products, bi-metallic wear buttons and blocks, and the Ultralok® Tooth System. An expanded range of products, including a full line of ESCO Ground Engaging Tools, buckets and wear parts, will become available following expiration of ESCO’s license agreement with Bradken on June 30, 2011.

“ESCO’s presence in the area shows a strong commitment to our customers and the communities we serve,” said Steve Lennard, Director of Sales for Australia. “The hard rock industries’ ever-increasing demand for safety and durability makes Mt Isa an ideal location for ESCO products and complementary services.”

Harrington Wins Global Green AwardGreen manufacturing accomplishment was never more exciting than a recent press conference held at Harrington Hoist, Inc. (www.harringtonhoists.com) at their Manheim, PA plant located 60 miles west of Philadelphia. The event was attended by management and shop employees alike, who took a brief respite during a busy workday to gather on the plant floor to receive the prestigious Green Global award from Industry Visions, the nation’s foremost industrial news program produced on the wire services and carried by media sources around the world.

News cameras rolled as the WVSN Reports team gathered images from the American hoist manufacturing facility whose history dates back to the 1800s. Harrington has recently ascended as an American icon of production process and profit in an otherwise abysmal year for American industrial concerns. Harrington has developed a reputation for their aggressive green manufacturing initiatives and their proprietary process of hoist crafting that removes all compounds that could be environmentally harmful.

Harrington Hoists meets the ROHS compliant requirements which is a stringent European standard of green manufacturing. Harrington has become the ‘hoist of choice’ for evolving clean energy projects that require a wide range of lifting solutions from

production to maintenance.Business Development Sales Manager

Bret Lussow introduced Allyn Mark, host of Industry Visions Industrial News, who presented the award to the Harrington management team and said, “Harrington Hoist exemplifies American exceptionalism. Harrington leads by example with the versatility that’s required for any industrial trend; it is Harrington’s lofty endeavors that keep industry lifting greener with more efficiency and safety from their revolutionary product line.”

President and CEO Ned Hunter, and Director of Operations Scott Miller, looked on as Carlo Lonardi, VP of Sales and Marketing, accepted the Green Global Award. “We at Harrington are honored to receive this Green recognition. Green manufacturing is something we take seriously — from our ROHS certification to reducing our carbon footprint at the plant. Our ultimate pride is that when our customers join our revolution they too are propagating Green; with every lift they make increasing material movement efficiency using Harrington products.”

Cosalt Offshore Wins Shell Work

Cosalt Offshore, a provider of lifting, tooling and marine services to the oil and gas industry, is to provide inspection services to Shell at two UK onshore gas processing plants.

The three-year contract will involve Cosalt Offshore carrying out inspection and test activities on the sites at St Fergus and Mossmoran to ensure the ongoing legislative compliance of lifting equipment.

St Fergus, 40 miles north of Aberdeen, processes gas arriving by several pipelines from fields in the North Sea, which is then transported by pipeline to Mossmorran in Fife for further processing and then re-delivery to shippers as finished products.

The work is the latest in a line of deals won by Cosalt Offshore in the last 12 months, including contracts with clients

Acergy, PSN, Chevron and Subsea 7.Cosalt Offshore Chief Executive Officer

Rod Buchan said: “Shell is an extremely important client to Cosalt Offshore and we believe building strong relationships and providing an excellent service has helped us to win record levels of work for this year.

“Safety and a high-quality approach are integral to all our activities on and offshore and we continue to invest in ensuring we have the best equipment and team of engineers in the industry.”

Cosalt Offshore has nearly 300 personnel, including a team of multi-skilled engineers, based in Aberdeen and its operations at Stavanger.

Ironworkers’ President Joe Hunt Steps Down; Wise SucceedsWalter Wise was elected by the general executive council of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers to succeed retiring General President Joseph J. Hunt on February 1, 2011.

The Council approved a statement thanking Hunt for his service and especially “his wise counsel and commitment to and leadership of organizing.” It also cited how, as the Ironworkers’ leader, he steered the union through a difficult period of political and economic turmoil with a steady hand and strong vision. He continues to serve as Chairman of the Union Labor Life Insurance Co.

Wise’s career as an ironworker began in 1973, as he served his apprenticeship in Local 697 (Roanoke, VA.), and became a journeyman in 1977. He served as business manager of Local 697 for nine years before his appointment as general organizer by General President Jake West in 1997. In February of 1998, he was elected president of the Mid-Atlantic States District Council and has served the membership as a general vice president, general treasurer, and general secretary since that time.

Street Crane Introduces New Electric Chain HoistA new range of electric chain hoists, in capacities from 125 to 5000Kg, has been launched by Street Crane Company, the UK’s largest crane manufacturer. Designed for durability and high productivity, the LX electric chain hoist gives precise and safe lifting for a range of industries. Comment-ing on the aims and achievements of the project, Street Crane managing director


[INDUSTRY NEWS]Andrew Pimblett noted, “The new hoists are aimed at the volume market and are ide-al for localized workstations and production line applications where they might typically be used on jibs, monorails and light track crane systems.”

There are chain hoists to meet every need. These include eye suspension models for fixed position lifting, powered or push trolley options, standard height models or hoists configured for low/restricted headroom situations. Options include multiple choices of hoist and travel speed, dual speed hoisting, enhanced environmental protection to IP 55, variable frequency travel drives, upper and lower hoist limit switches. IP54 is the default environmental protection standard and all the chain hoists are suited for temperatures from -20 to +50 degrees C.

Safety is a key consideration. Overload protection is provided by a slipping clutch and models feature high performance disk brakes. Plug and socket electrical connections are an option to simplify final fix installation. Where required the range of lateral travel can be limited by the use of limit switches.

The chain hoist range offers several answers to height limitation. Low headroom hoists have a chain diverter so that the hook rises to the side of the motor gearbox to give an exceptionally low profile. Where headroom or the available operating envelope for the hoist is a more serious issue, hoists can be installed between the beams of a double beam crane to create a greater clear working height.

Control options include 48Volt standard pendant or remote operation by radio device. Control units can be set-up for solo operation or to work twin hoists for tandem lifts.

The LX chain hoist is built for world markets. Rated capacities can be expressed as Metric tons or US tons. A wide selection of motor voltages enables hoists to meet different national requirements. Products are fully tested and certified under relevant EU and other international regulations.

Street Crane is a world leader in overhead cranes and wire rope hoists that are used for heavy duty factory applications requiring lifts of up to 200 tons. Andrew Pimblett concluded, “It has taken many years to establish Street Crane as a global player in wire rope hoists and we are confident that the value offered by the LX electric chain hoist will be very attractive to our customers.

Feedback from our international distributors has already been highly favorable.”

AMT Elects 2011-2012 Board of DirectorsThe Association For Manufacturing Technology elected its 2011-2012 officers and directors on Saturday, March 5, at its 2011 Annual Meeting in Chandler, Ariz.

The Board of Directors of the association, which represents more than 400 American manufacturers of machine tools, manufacturing machinery and related products, elected Eugene R. Haffely Jr., General Manager, Dayton Facility at ATW Automation, Dayton, Ohio, as Chairman. He follows Daniel D. Janka, President, MAG Global, Hebron, Ky. Mr. Janka will now serve the association as an Ex-Officio member of its Board of Directors, along with Ronald F. Schildge, President, Eitel Presses, Inc., Orwigsburg, Pa.

The Board elected Timothy B. Dining, President & CEO, Greenerd Press & Machine Company, Inc., Nashua, N.H., to serve as First Vice Chairman in the coming year. Also elected was R. Stephen Flynn, President, Optical Gaging Products, Inc., Rochester, N.Y., to serve as Second Vice Chairman & Treasurer.

Kim W. Beck, President & CEO, Automatic Feed Co., Napoleon, Ohio, will continue to serve as Secretary.

Newly elected to a three-year term as a member of the association’s Board of Directors are Larry G. Schwartz, President & COO, Okuma America Corporation, Charlotte, N.C., and Richard L. Simons, President & CEO, Hardinge Inc., Elmira, N.Y. Both R. Stephen Flynn, President, Optical Gaging Products, Inc., Rochester, N.Y., and Michael Powell, President, Master WorkHolding, Inc., Morganton, N.C., will be returning for a 3-year term.

“It is exciting to be assuming the role of AMT Chairman in this critical time of economic recovery for manufacturers,” said Haffely. “As we are seeing significant portions of AMT’s Manufacturing Mandate being adopted and implemented by government and the private sector, we expect to see the support generated for manufacturing in the U.S. increase. This, coupled with the introduction of new business intelligence tools for the manufacturing technology industry, will make the coming year productive and inspiring.”

Iberdrola Renewables and FirstEnergy Solutions Sign Agreement for Largest Wind Power Project in Ohio Iberdrola Renewables, the world’s leading provider of wind power, today announced that FirstEnergy Solutions, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., will purchase 100 megawatts (MW) of output from the 304-MW Blue Creek Wind Farm, which Iberdrola Renewables is building in western Ohio. The Blue Creek Wind Farm is the first large-scale wind operation in Ohio to begin construction.

Under terms of an agreement the companies recently reached, FirstEnergy Solutions will purchase 100 MWs of the total output of the project for 20 years beginning in October of 2012.

“Blue Creek Wind Farm would represent our first wind power agreement in Ohio and will help us meet the renewable energy standards that have been established for the state,” said Gary R. Leidich, executive vice president and president, FirstEnergy Generation. “Overall, FirstEnergy Solutions continues to play a key role in the development of renewable energy in the region with 476-MWs of wind power under long-term contracts and 451 MW of pumped-storage hydro-power facilities.”

“We are very pleased to partner with FirstEnergy Solutions on a second power purchase agreement and look forward to supplying them with clean, homegrown power,” said Martin Mugica, executive vice president of Iberdrola Renewables. “By building the Blue Creek Wind Farm, we are expanding our business into a new state and delivering immediate and long term benefits to Van Wert and Paulding Counties, as well as the rest of Ohio.”

Construction for Blue Creek Wind Farm, located in Tully, Union and Hoaglin townships in Van Wert County, and Benton, Blue Creek and Latty townships in Paulding County, began in September. Iberdrola Renewables expects construction to be completed within the year. The Blue Creek Wind Farm also brings approximately $1.1 million in annual lease payments to local landowners, $2.7 million in annual local taxes, 15 to 20 new permanent jobs, over 300 construction jobs, and local purchase of some supplies and construction materials. Already 18 Ohio companies are supporting or supplying the construction effort. Ultimately, the project will include 152 Pennsylvania-built wind turbines rated at 2 MW each. z


When British mountaineer George Mallory was asked why he wanted to climb Mount Everest in 1924, he simply – and famously – answered “Because it’s there.” Humans have long sought to command and conquer the natural world and from Everest to the mountains of the moon, we’ve done just that.

Man-Made The world’s biggesT sTrucTures

are a TesTamenT To ingenuiTy and indusTry.

However, since ancient times, some of this enthusiasm for the challenges of navigating the planet’s vast frontiers has been enhanced by a desire to erect our own monumental creations. After all, why simply climb a mountain when you can build one?

While mankind continues to meet the challenge of conquering the natural wonders of the world, our curiosity also provokes a desire to build a lasting legacy. Using the unique ability to blend the natural laws of construction with the imagination of the impossible, manmade structures embody an evolving idea that no idea is too big, and more importantly, no capability is confined.

With advanced materials, new engineering techniques, and the construction machinery that brings a blueprint to life, building big also means big business. Only a few years ago some of the largest construction projects ever attempted seemed too great to succeed. Now, they are colossal testaments to human ingenuity, the power of labor and capital, and that human need to realize the impossible.

From dams to bridges to subterranean highways, all of these projects bet big and won. In an ever-shrinking world, it seems that where people are faced with a lack of new frontiers, they will simply create their own.



The world’s biggesT sTrucTures

are a TesTamenT To ingenuiTy and indusTry. massive

by Joe nolan

These are some of the world’s greatest man-made wonders.

Three gorges dam - In the rural countryside of China’s Hubei Province, home to the third largest river in the world, a massive building project has changed the landscape of the place forever.

The Three Gorges Dam will soon be the largest hydro-electric project in the world. Begun in 1994, construction on the dam was completed in 2008 and it is predicted to be fully operational later this year. Reaching skyward a staggering 610 feet, the Three Gorges project stretches nearly a mile and a half wide and its reservoir will ultimately stretch some 400 miles up the Yangtze River.

Three Gorges Dam ConstructionPrecariously balanced cranes

Workers on conveyors, pouring concrete, at the heart of the project.

Panoramic of the Three Gorges Dam Yichang, China

Photo by Nick DeWolf




The scene is a turmoil of nodding, whirling arms.

Rebar is a steel lacework reaching up 500 feet.

Power of the Yangtze River


The Three Gorges Dam will boast double the amount of concrete that built the Itaipu hydro-electric project in Brazil - currently the world’s largest. Three Gorges’ has been engineered to manage 5 trillion gallons of water and reinforced to withstand an earthquake registering 7.0 on the Richter scale. The dam is designed to produce the equivalent of one tenth of the electricity currently being used by the entire country of China.

In addition to allowing shipping into the interior of China’s sprawling geography, supporters of the project look to the Three Gorges dam to put an end to the area’s deadly cyclical floods, and to bring cheap electricity to new urban centers. However, Three Gorges’ has also created controversy. Thousands of archeological sites have been submerged by the rising Yangtze and environmentalists are decrying the loss of endangered species that will be wiped out - along with their habitats - by the waters of the reservoir. The displacement of nearby inhabitants is also unprecedented. In all, over a million people will be relocated in the wake of the Three Gorges Dam.

The project’s overall estimated investment hovers around $15.5 billion and, while the construction was done by Chinese

contractors, the hydro-electric dam’s equipment suppliers include: GEC Alsthom, ABB, Kvaerner, Voith, Siemens, GE, Harbin Power Equipment and Dongfang Electrical Machinery.

The French-based tower crane producer, Potain, supplied two MD 2200 special application power cranes to the Three Gorges project. Widely acknowledged as the best heavy-lift units for dam building duties and bridge construction, Potain’s MD series tower cranes are currently at work in many of the most prestigious – and largest - construction projects on the planet.

iTaipu damWhile its generating capacity has been eclipsed by the Three Gorges Dam, the Brazilian/Paraguayan Itaipu Dam is still physically the largest hydroelectric project in the world. With a 1.02 trillion cubic foot reservoir, this concrete colossus consists of a complex of dams that stretch nearly 5 miles long. The dam – and its 18 generators - required 18 years and $18 billion to build. Generating enough power to light up the state of California, the dam accounts for a quarter of Brazil’s electrical needs and over 75 percent of the power in Paraguay. Built under an international agreement, the two countries initiated the project for both power






Itaipu Dam: The Itaipu Dam, located on the Parana River between Brazil and Paraquay is the largest operating hydroelectric facility in terms of annual generating capacity.

and irrigation needs during a time of mutually suffered droughts in the region.

Harnessing the power of the world’s seventh largest river required shifting the course of the Parana River waterway around the construction site while the dam was being built. In fact, one of the greatest feats of the engineers was cutting a 1.3-mile-long, 300-foot-deep, 490-foot-wide diversion channel for the river, removing million tons of earth and rock in the process. The American Society of Civil Engineers recognized the Itaipu dam as one of the “Seven Wonders of the Modern World.”

Rock trucks, gantry cranes and tower cranes were all used in the building of the dam. Work on the dam began in 1971 and the dam opened in 1984. In 1983, the crane that Bardella Company supplied to the site was then recognized as the biggest overhead crane in the world.

akashi kaikyo bridgeCurrently the longest bridge of it’s kind, Japan’s Akashi Kaikyo suspension bridge stretches nearly 1300 feet across the Akashi strait, linking the city of Kobe with Awaji-shima Island. It would take four Brooklyn Bridges to cover the same distance this one behemoth spans. Not only is the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge long, it was also the world’s tallest. Its two towers both measure in at a dizzying 928 feet.

Part of the bridge’s size is due to the Akashi Strait’s importance as a busy shipping port. While engineers wanted to create a convenient connection from Kobe to the island, it had to be accomplished in a manner that wouldn’t interfere with the important traffic moving up and down the waterway. Weather was also a consideration for the projects designers. Gale-force winds, heavy rains, typhoons, tsunamis and earthquakes are commonannual occurrences in the turbulent strait.

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge: Also known as the Pearl Bridge, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge links the city of Kobe on the mainland of Honshū to Iwaya on Awaji Island by crossing the busy Akashi Strait.

Prior to building the Itaipu Dam, engineers had to shift the course of the seventh largest river in the world, the Parana, around the construction site. This requirement took nearly three years, as workers had to carve a 1.3-mile-long, 300-foot-deep, 490-foot-wide diversion channel for the river.



Utilizing a network of triangular braces, the bridge’s truss support creates a rigid structure while allowing the wind to pass right through its massive skeleton. The bridge is also outfitted with tuned mass dampers on each tower. These swing in oncoming wind, effectively counterbalancing the bridge in gusts up to 180 miles an hour. The structure is also capable of enduring an earthquake measuring 8.5 on the Richter scale.

Also known as the Pearl Bridge, the project began construction in May of 1988 and was opened to traffic ten years later on April 5, 1998. The total cost of the bridge was $3.6 billion dollars.

The truss girders were assembled in 3,000 ton units and floating cranes were used to complete the installations. During construction, climbing cranes were used to assemble the bridge’s sky scraping towers. A pre-assembled 63 foot crawling crane upper was also installed directly on top of one of the bridge’s towers to assist in hanging the 50,500 feet of steel cable required for the project. Kobelco modified a 7150 series crawler upper specifically for this unique assignment.

The big dig Simply put, Boston’s Big Dig was the biggest, most complex and technologically challenging highway project in American history. Officially known as The Central Artery/Tunnel Project, the ‘Dig’ replaced Boston’s decrepit central artery at the time, Interstate93. The six-lane elevated roadway was replaced with an eight-to-ten lane, state-of-the-art underground highway. The project also added two new bridges across the Charles River, extended I-90, and created over 300 acres of open land, reconnecting downtown Boston to the waterfront.

Construction began in 1991 and the project came to a close in 2007 when the partnership between program manager Bechtel/Parsons Brinckerhoff and the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority ended. In addition to being a monumental achievement in highway construction, the project is also in a league of its own when it comes to its price tag. Adjusting for inflation, the project’s 1985 estimated cost was $2.8 billion. A Boston Globe article from 2008 estimated the total cost at a whopping $22 billion.

millau Viaduct• http://www.leviaducdemillau.com/english/index.html • http://www.cranestodaymagazine.com/story.

asp?storycode=2024047 • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millau_Viaduct

The big dig• http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/bigdig/

bigdigmain.aspx • http://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/

specials/historical/bigdig.asp • http://www.westerndynamics.com/Work-5.html • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Dig#Final_phases

akashi kaikyo bridge • http://www.ritchiewiki.com/wiki/index.php/

Akashi_Kaikyo_Bridge • http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/wonder/structure/

akashi_kaikyo.html • http://www.roadsbridges.com/Akashi-Kaikyo-Bridge-article1145

itaipu dam • http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/wonder/structure/

itaipu.html • http://www.ritchiewiki.com/wiki/index.php/Itaipu_Dam

Three gorges• http://www.pbs.org/itvs/greatwall/dam.html • http://www.power-technology.com/projects/gorges/ • http://www.vertikal.net/fileadmin/journals/ca/2004/ca06-5.pdf

This section of the Big Dig was perhaps the most technically challenging aspect of the project. The construction process required the highway project to “thread the needle” with the tunnel sections amongst existing utilities and railway lines, all while keeping them in use.

Casting Basin

Photo by Laurence Pinson


Encompassing 16 years of ongoing labor, the ‘Dig’ involved efforts of thousands of workers and pieces of equipment combined. Some have compared the challenging logistics of such masses of men and machines to the campaigns of World War II. At its height, the project incorporated 5000 people. Amidst the jungle of gear and equipment it is estimated that 150 cranes were used in building the subterranean highway.

A one-of-a-kind project like the ‘Dig’ requires site specific equipment and the contractors who saw the project through in Boston had some of the best. Because of the unusual building requirements involved, many regular construction vehicles had to be modified for the job. The largest cranes in Boston were the Super Sky Horse cranes built by American Crane Company. Special attachments allowed the giants to lift 1000 tons. Western Dynamics was also brought into the project to create interfaces that allowed cranes to connect to and operate drill assemblies.

The millau ViaducTThe first sketches of the Millau Viaduct were rendered in 1987. Seventeen years later, in 2004, the A75 motorway was a reality, connecting the Causse rouge to Larzac, across the Tarn valley in southern France, near Millau. The project is a cable-stayed road-bridge designed by French engineer Michel Virlogeux and British architect Norman Foster. With a mast-summit of 1,125 feet, higher than the Eiffel Tower, it achieved fame as the world’s tallest bridge.

While other designers suggested bridges of variable thickness, a viaduct with stays beneath the deck and a construction that made use of a single arch. Ultimately, it was the project’s beauty that won it a green-light over other proposals. With its staggering height and stately symmetry, the bridge manages to blend into

the countryside, becoming a part of the landscape rather than dominating it.

Once the building of the project got underway in 2001 it quickly began to pick up steam. In only a few weeks the first pylons began to build upward and all of the earthwork was completed. From there it was simply a race up! The pylons are composed of 16 sections weighing 2,460 tons. One year into the project, the first pylon broke the 328 foot mark. One year after that, the concrete work was completed – on time – and the project had broken the record for the world’s tallest pylon at a walloping 803 feet.

Assembly of the steel deck began in the summer of 2002. Two open-air sites were set-up just behind the bridges abutments and in the spring of 2003, the first 561 foot section of deck was rolled out into open space, supported by both the permanent and temporary pylons. This was accomplished using hydraulic rams that moved the deck at a snail’s pace of almost 2 feet every 4 minutes. 17 more sections followed at the rate of roughly one per month. On May 28, 2004, at exactly 2:12 p.m. the north and south sections met. 24 hours later, crews began installing the 154 stays to support the deck. This was followed by the completion of the road surface. The bridge opened on December 16, 2004 with a total length of 8,071 feet.

Sarens Group, the Belgian lifting and transport company, was called in to do the heavy lifting on the project’s pylons. The patented Sarens Tower was chosen over mobile cranes because of the narrow confines of the deck the weather risks which eventually did add delays to the project’s schedule. The beauty of the Sarens Tower design is that it allows the lifting to occur without any of the vertical load impinging upon the tower, keeping it free to simply guide the pylon into place. y


Millau Viaduct by Night: The Millau Viaduct is a cable-stayed road-bridge that spans the valley of the river Tarn near Millau in southern France.

Photo by Arnaud Montagard


| 25 What’s NeW | 27 INNovatIoNs 31 WRE Catalog |31 WIRE ROPE 41 BLOCKS47 CHAINS47 CLAMPS48 CLIPS48 EQUIPMENT50 HOOKS53 LINKS

53 MILLIMETER WIRE ROPE

54 MISCELLANEOUS57 ROPE57 SHACKLES58 SHEAVES58 SLEEVES59 SOCKETS

60 THIMBLES60 TURNBUCKLES62 EYEBOLTS62 MASTER LINK62 PRESS63 SLINGS63 SWIVELS63 WINCHES


WRE CATALOG GUIDE]

As part of Link-Belt’s ongoing strategy to be a leader in customer service and satisfac-tion, Link-Belt presented its new, in-house

designed, total crane operating system called Link-Belt Pulse at ConExpo, this past March. Far more than just a rated capacity limiter (RCL), Link-Belt Pulse includes a boom extend mode controller (EMC), self-diagnostic capabilities and continuous monitoring of multiple crane functions and conditions. And most importantly, because it’s

an in-house design, Link-Belt itself can better control customer support.

Extensive customer input was key to Link-Belt Pulse development. For over a year, the system endured field-testing in climate extremes

from cold and damp to hot and humid. In even the harshest environments, Link-Belt Pulse showed bulletproof reliability. This extensive testing also assured that the entire system is fast and easy with the main working screen providing everything the operator needs.

As a rated capacity limiter, Link-Belt Pulse shows maximum allowable load, load on hook, and crane geometry. It warns of an approaching overload or two block condition and shuts down relevant operations when necessary. It also monitors wind speed and warns the operator with a visual alarm. Pre-settable alarms can also assist in avoiding obstructions on the job site.

For boom operation, Link-Belt Pulse clearly animates the boom’s mode of extension. And for cranes equipped with pinning and latching booms, it displays pin and latch status and

telescope cylinder travel. All information for telescope operation can be accessed and viewed in real time.

Moreover, Link-Belt Pulse can monitor and control counterweight removal and installation and even fine metering of the winches if the crane is so equipped.

Because of extensive customer input, diagnostic functions are simple to understand. They show repair faults in all areas including sensor data. Faults are indicated by a short message rather than an undecipherable code and, with the press of a button, the system gives further information about the fault and how to clear it.

Link-Belt Pulse sets a new standard for an easy-to-use, reliable, accurate crane operating system. It also lays a firm foundation for extensive future technology. y

Sea-Fit, Inc., is pleased to announce that it has just completed an extensive effort to improve and reformulate its socketing resin product, Socket Lock. This has been a joint effort with ITW Polymer Technologies and the process has taken nearly 18 months to complete. The new product has improved grip performance and has undergone static, dynamic and shock load testing. In addition, improvements were made to the formulation to increase the product’s stability and toughness.

To complement the enhancements to the product’s performance capabilities, the resin and hardener are now innovatively packaged in environmentally sealed foil packs. To further ensure stability, the components are then placed in plastic containers fitted with vapor lock lids. The plastic container can be used as the mixing vessel and is obviously well suited for corrosive marine environments. Not only

is this packaging easy to use, it serves to ensure the product’s freshness.

To make mixing easier, the resin color is now bright green and the hardener is white and in a soft paste form. When mixing, it is easy to see when the mixture is fully blended as the white swirls will disappear when fully mixed. All compo-nents are designed to be free of dusty, hazardous components. To make pouring sockets a cleaner process, each kit is now supplied with a unique disposable pouring funnel. Printed on the funnel is useful information such as socket volumes and recommended socketing practices.

Socket Lock has met or exceeded all of the performance and properties criteria to be Type Approved by both DNV and ABS.

Product information is available on-line at www.socket-lock.com. y

WHAT’S NEW Newly Re-eNgiNeeRed SocketiNg ReSiN “Socket lock”

WHAT’S NEW liNk-Belt PulSe



[INNOvAtIONs]

By 2008, however, Versabar was already contemplating producing a second catamaran-style lift vessel with the advantages of greater hook height and an increased lift capacity. The technical challenges presented by the project were numerous and immediate. The twin gantries for the larger vessel would be more than twice as tall as those of the Bottom Feeder, and three times as heavy. This would mean that the system’s two barges would have to be custom-engineered and sufficiently reinforced to safely manage the increased surface loads of the massive gantries. It was also clear that the gantries would have to be constructed in pieces of manageable size and then mated together in some fashion, because even the largest yard cranes would be incapable of lifting or moving the assembled structures.

As these factors were taken into account, an even more challenging set of technical issues arose: the size and weight of the gantries meant that entirely new assembly and load-out procedures would have to be devised. Once assembled, how would they be moved across the yard? And, most importantly, what kind of procedure could be devised to install them on the barges? A high degree of disciplined interdepartmental communication was essential to keep the various aspects of the assembly and load-out procedures on time and on target throughout the project.

As it developed, each gantry was built in two pieces, the 870-ton designated “Wide-side” pieces and the 1550-ton “Narrow-side” pieces. (Photo A) Once this part of the procedure was complete, four separate gantry sections were upright, standing on the bulkhead facing one another. After they were pinned together, the two sections were then winched upright in a

scissoring action they were completely joined. (Photo B) Once the two sections were fully welded out, the basic assembly process was complete. The two gantries now towered above workers at 240’ in height, measuring 240’ between heel pins. (Photo C) (The entire footprint of the 12,000-ton system, once completed, would be 312’ wide and 290’ in length.)

While engineers had initially envisioned a rail system upon which the 3,300-ton gantries could be moved to the barges,

The Construction of America’s LArgesT LifT VesseL

After deploying its innovative offshore heavy lift system “Bottom Feeder” in 2007, Versabar engineers were pleased with the vessel’s performance. Over the first four seasons, it accomplished 53 subsea retrievals (including 24 topsides) totaling 60,000 tons.

By PeTer DeVine

Bottom Feeder

Photo A

Photo B

AD



this plan was voided in favor of the use of transporters to accomplish the necessary travel, and a determinate tunnel load-spreader system had been built to accommodate the substantial number of transporters that would be required to perform the task. By the time the first of the two gantries began rolling towards the bulkhead, it was riding on 1,144 transporter tires.

In preparation for the gantry, the first of the two barges had been positioned along the bulkhead. The 212 feet of travel required to bring Gantry A to the bulkhead was achieved in about eight hours, with much of that time being devoted to the repositioning of the large number of steel mats that were placed along the route as load spreaders.

(Photo D) The same process was then repeated with Gantry B. When this phase was complete, the first system barge had a Wide-side and a Narrow side Gantry welded into position.

Now came the Grand Finale: transporting both gantries at once, a 5,500-ton load, 206 feet across the yard and over the bulkhead to position them on the second system barge. After 100 feet of travel had been achieved, it was “all stop” so that the second system barge could be maneuvered into position along

[INNOvAtIONs]

“We’Ve DesigneD The VB-10,000 To Be A VersATiLe heAVy-LifT AsseT,” sAys Jon KhAChATuriAn, PresiDenT of VersABAr.

the bulkhead in the place recently vacated by the first barge, which had, of course, been separated from the bulkhead as the transporters advanced the gantries. After that, the process was continued in the familiar pattern of the earlier load-outs, keeping the gantries centered on the load-out line and advancing them into position over the second barge. Now the second barge was deballasted and its load spreaders came up to meet the pin carriages. The transporters then transferred load to the barges

and the welders moved in to complete the operation. By nightfall, the VB 10,000 was a free-floating vessel, the largest lift vessel ever built in the United States. (Photo F)

The vessel was towed out on October 7, only 13 months after the first steel was cut and rolled. (Photo G) Two days later, on October 9, at Vermillion 285, the VB 10,000 lowered its blocks into the sea and retrieved a 1,530-ton topside which had gone to the bottom resting awkwardly on its side. The additional hook height made this lift possible. A week later it lifted a fire-damaged 2,500 ton topside from its jacket and placed it on a materials barge bound for a Gulf Coast salvage yard. (Photo I) This too was made possible by the added hook-height as well as the additional 50 feet between the system barges gained in the construction of the new vessel.

“As difficult as those lifts are,” remarked a Versabar engineer after the second lift, “they seem pretty routine compared to the challenge of the construction of the vessel itself.” y

Photo G

Photo C

Photo D

Photo I

Photo F


Southwest Wire Rope, Houston,Texas Authorized Distributor of “VIC-LOK”

Contact: David Sanborn [email protected]

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Heavy Duty Testing Machines, designed for the rigging industryStandard sizes or custom machinesUpgrades for existing machinesSoftware compatible with all RFID systemsWorldwide Calibration Service for any testing machineQuality products and service since 1970

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In a field of it’s own.

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www.cumberlandsalescompany.com2804 Foster AvenueNashville, TN 37210800.643.5189 | [email protected]

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� e worldwide alternative for lifting accessories

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RETURN TO: WIRE ROPE EXCHANGE2804 FOSTER AVENUENASHVILLE, TN 37210

qdeTACH HeReq

• Eyeb

olts

• Nut E

yebo

lts

• Turnbuckles &

F

ittings

• Ro

d E

nds

• Eye N

uts

• Pad

Eyes

• Strap

Clam

ps

• T-Slo

t Nuts

• Set-U

p W

edg

es

• C-C

lamp

s &

Screw

s

• D-R

ings &

Clip

s

• Sw

ivel Ho

ist R

ings

• Custo

m

Fo

rging

s - U

p to

200 lbs.

Carb

on

• Allo

y • Sta

inle

ss

Toll-Free: 1

-88

8-K

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(1-8

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the

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41 41YE

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[WRE Update | BusINEss]

American Made Excellence,

Ken Forging, Inc.

When Richard A. Kovach began his dream in 1970 inside a 20' x 20' garage in Cleveland, Ohio, little did he know that within the next two decades his then Tool & Die business would literally become one of the country’s leading manufacturers in the forging business.

Within nine months he had moved into a 2,000 square foot facility with two part-time people. For the next five years he was sinking dies for other forging companies with Cleveland Hardware being a prime source of the die business.

The work was increasing and so were the demands upon him as CEO, engineer, draftsman and die sinker. Eleven full time employees were now on board. Cleveland had afforded the initial opportunity to grow. It was now time to move 60 miles to Jefferson, Ohio, construct a building, convert die sinking for others into dies for manufacturing a major product line of his own, and change the company name from Ken Tool & Forge to Ken Forging, Inc. which would change the major emphasis to the forging of fasteners. The first and still leading product is the eye bolt, both shoulder and plain pattern.

Ken Forging, Inc. now employs over 100 people and has increased plant size to 220,000 square feet with a 10,000 square foot packing and shipping area, spread upon 21 acres of quiet wooded area complete with a pond, ducks, geese and wildlife. From that dream in a garage, Rich Kovach has forged a reality.

As Kovach states: “It is the total quality commitment we offer to our customers, along with fast service of same day or next day shipment. We are dedicated to total

Ken Forging believes in continuity with quality and investing for the future.


[WRE Update | BusINEss]


• Rod Ends

• Eye Nuts

• Pad Eyes

• Strap Clamps

• T-Slot Nuts

Carbon • Alloy • Stainless

Eyebolts • Nut EyeboltsTurnbuckles & Fittings

In-Stock Same/Next Day Shipping

• Set-Up Wedges

• C-Clamps & Screws

• D-Rings & Clips

• Swivel Hoist Rings

• Custom Forgings

Toll-Free: 888-KEN-FORGING (536-3674) Phone: 440-993-8091 • Fax: 440-992-03601049 Griggs Road • Box 277 • Jefferson, Ohio 44047

[email protected] / [email protected]

Made in USA

KenForging_HalfPgHz 2/15/11 2:04 PM Page 1

customer service and satisfaction, beginning at the top. Employees know and understand the importance of providing customers with superior quality products at a competitive price with substantial inventory to provide the fast turn-around required. Because we can do everything in our house, we can meet those requirements.”

For over forty years Ken Forging, Inc. has offered the broadest selection of forged industrial hardware to the fastener and forging industries. Since its beginning, Ken Forging has made a commitment to service and quality on all products.

Committed to the highest quality level attainable, Ken Forging offers 100% traceability and lot control for quality assurance requirements. Because of ample inventory on all stock items, Ken Forging offers same day/next day shipping to meet customers’ needs and fastest possible delivery for modified products.

Today the original Ken Forging product line of carbon steel eyebolts and rod ends has been expanded to include stainless steels and alloys: eyebolts, nut eyebolts, rod ends, eye nuts, turnbuckle bodies and fittings, D-Rings, and custom capability to 200 lbs. which allows Ken Forging to provide an expansive array of structural components

for the industrial hardware industry.The company’s forged products line also

includes T-slot nuts, wedges; a line of forged steel machine strap clamps which includes

finger, goose neck, plain, U, and universal adjustable clamps with saddles, c-clamps and thumbscrews. These products allow Ken Forging to provide the tooling industry with the best quality forged set-up equipment available.

Because Ken Forging can do everything in house, it can meet those requirements.

Ken Forging lives and works by its mission objective: “Service is our strength. Quality is our commitment.” y

Ken Forging lives and works by its mission objective: “Service is our strength. Quality is our commitment.”



[ADvERTISERS INDEX]

10 All Material Handling www.allmaterialhandling.com

13 Alps Wire Rope www.alpswirerope.com

44 Associated Wire Rope & Rigging, Inc

42 Associated Wire Rope Fabricators www.awrf.org

71 The Caldwell Group www.caldwellinc.com

35 Chant Engineering Co., Inc. www.chantengineering.com

49 Cumberland Sales Company www.cumberlandsalescompany.com

72 Elite Sales www.elitesalesinc.com

29 IntegriCert www.integricert.com

14 Filtec-Precise Inc. www.filtec-precise.com

30 Gaylin International Co. Pte. Ltd. www.gaylin.com

52 GN Rope Fitting www.gnweb.com

17 Holloway Houston, Inc. www.hhlifting.com

65 Ken Forging, Inc. www.kenforging.com

2 Landmann Wire www.landmannwire.com

5 Modulift www.modulift.com

45 Rope Block / Sea Link www.ropeblock.com

5 RUD Chain www.rudchain.com

24 Samco Sales, Inc. www.samcosales.com

6 Southern Weaving www.southernweaving.com

11 Strider-Resource www.strider-resource.com

26 Tandemloc www.tandemloc.com

68 Vanguard Steel www.vanguardsteel.com

52 Van Beest B.V. www.vanbeest.nl

8 Wirop Industrial Co., Ltd. www.wirop.com.tw

3 Yarbrough LLC www.yarcable.com

“Super Gantry,” Photo courtesy of US Army Corps of Engineers.


[RIGGER’s CORNER]

Each system will fall into the good or bad category- there may be four or five good ways to rig a given load and a few very hazardous ways. Riggers need to be creative in designing safe and efficient rigging techniques.

Every time a load is rigged, the rigger must assess the load’s approximate weight, its center-of-gravity, the available pick points and their strength, and the overall structural integrity of the load. The rigger should also determine if the slings could slide around the load or unexpectedly over the hook.

Once a technique is decided upon, the rigger should be able to defend this rigging decision. The following workshop helps instill the concept that there may be a thin line between a load being well rigged and one that is marginal or even hazardous.

Can you determine the “better” technique, which should lead to a successful load move?

Can you tell from these simple line drawings which technique in each box would be the preferred method? y

Rigging Tips: Better Load Control

Answer Key1)B, 2)A, 3)A, 4)B, 5)B, 6)B, 7)A, 8)A

Just when we think all of the possible methods for rigging a particular load have been tried, along comes another system that requires consideration.

review these techniques and identify the “better” technique in each box. Compare your answers to the Answer Key below.

By Mike paRneLL, pResidenT, iTi indusTRiaL TRaining inTeRnaTionaL, www.iTi.CoM

1 2

3 4

5 6

7 8

A

B

A

B

A

B

A

B

A

B

A

B

A

B

AB


CW_AD_CLE_011911:Layout 1 1/19/11 3:04 PM Page 1

So do we. That’s why we have a deep and variedline of inventory with thousands of products always instock. And if we don’t have it, we will customize a solutionthat meets your needs.

That’s the Elite Sales advantage. As one of the leading importers and wholesale distributors of Wire Rope, Cable,Strand, Chain and Hardware in the U.S., you can alwaysexpect unprecedented expertise, value, quality, service and reliability.

• Wire rope, Cable & Strand• Grade 30, 43, 70, 80, 100 Chain• Wire rope Hardware, Fittings &

accessories• Chain Hardware, Fittings &

accessories• tie Downs & related Hardware• Blocks & accessories• Bright, Galvanized & Stainless

Steel

EXECUTIVE OFFICE TAMPA WAREHOUSE HOUSTON WAREHOUSE9445 S.W. 40 Street, Second Floor 603 N. 19 Street 2003 Edwards StreetMiami, FL 33165 Tampa, FL 33605 Houston, TX 77007P. 305.262.3105 F. 305.262.3859 P. 813.247.2094 F. 813.248.2821 P. 713.861.4203 F. 713.861.4280

1-800-458-6659www.elitesalesinc.com

You know what you need when you need it.

Next Day Delivery

125584 ES Ad_Layout 1 1/31/11 5:11 PM Page 1

Wire Rope Exchange April 2011

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