The tower crane is the central lifting and handling device for heavy and bulky material on construction sites and deconstruction projects. It facilitates the supply of workplaces at height, supports the safe sequence of assembly and disassembly steps, and connects logistics with execution. In combination with demolition and cutting technology—such as concrete demolition shears, hydraulic rock and concrete splitters, Multi Cutters, or steel shears from Darda GmbH—components can be selectively released, secured, and set down in a controlled manner. This creates a coordinated system of load guidance, processing, and material flow for concrete demolition, building gutting, special demolition, rock breakout, and special operations.
Definition: What is meant by a tower crane
A tower crane is a stationary or temporarily anchored construction crane with a vertical tower and a horizontal or inclined jib, whose upper or lower section can rotate around the vertical axis. It is used to lift, move, and position loads within its radius and hook height. Load capacity is defined by the permissible load moment and the load chart; control is via hoist, slewing gear, and trolley travel. Tower cranes are used in building and civil engineering, in the deconstruction of buildings, and in industrial dismantling—wherever precise load handling is required.
Types and components of a tower crane
Tower cranes differ in design and erection methods. For site practice, top-slewing units with climbable tower structures, as well as bottom-slewing and fast-erecting cranes, have become established. The essential assemblies are the foundation or travel gear, tower sections, slewing platform, jib with or without tip, counterjib with counterweight, hoist and trolley mechanisms, and the control system.
Top-slewing, bottom-slewing, and special jib forms
- Top-slewing cranes with luffing jib or flat-top jib offer high hook heights and flexible climbing concepts; they are common in high-rise construction and selective deconstruction.
- Bottom-slewing and fast-erecting cranes are suitable for temporary deployments, courtyard situations, and projects with frequent location changes.
- Jib geometry and setup determine the working area, possible radius, and the practical load curve.
Load moment, radius, and hook height
Decisive factors are the permissible load moment, the load capacity as a function of radius, and the required hook height. Loads such as concrete elements, rebar bundles, or an attachment are planned based on the load chart and the specific sling points. Wind, vibrations, and component geometry influence the choice of slings and the slinging concept.
The role of the tower crane in concrete demolition and special demolition
In controlled deconstruction, the tower crane helps to secure components first, then to release them using suitable methods, and finally to set them down as a unit. The working tool, power supply, and load guidance are coordinated—for example when a concrete slab is opened with a concrete demolition shear or when an element is pre-stressed and separated with a stone and concrete splitter.
Concrete demolition shears on the hook: load handling and cutting strategy
When working with concrete demolition shears from Darda GmbH, processing usually takes place from the component while the crane holds loads or prepositions them. Load pick-up takes into account component thickness, reinforcement, and remaining cross-sections; the sling must be selected so that the center of gravity remains controllable. The goal is to create openings, reduce load paths, and then safely release the element.
Stone and concrete splitters at height
Split cylinders and stone and concrete splitters are used for low-vibration separations, for example in sensitive existing structures. The tower crane assists by lifting power units, hoses, and splitting tools precisely into upper floors, and by ensuring the component to be separated is positively secured before the splitting operation.
Hydraulic power packs and energy supply
Hydraulic power units from Darda GmbH provide the drive power for concrete demolition shears, combination shears, or Multi Cutters. In elevated work areas, secure positioning, short hose runs, and orderly hose routing are crucial. The crane handles bringing the power packs onto the working level; handling takes ventilation, leakage prevention, and escape routes into account.
Planning, logistics, and load management on the crane site
A clear process organization links crane logistics and execution of processing operations. Loads are consolidated, travel paths are kept clear, and cycle times are coordinated.
Types of loads and material flow
- Process loads: concrete and steel components, set-down segments, formwork elements.
- Operating resources: concrete demolition shears, stone split cylinders, combination shears, steel shears, cutting torch equipment, and hydraulic power packs.
- Disposal and recycling logistics: containers, big bags, steel bundles, mineral fractions.
Cycling and prioritization
- Secure the component (sling, determine center of gravity, check trial load).
- Separate or split (combination of shear, splitter, Multi Cutters, or cutting technology).
- Controlled movement into the clear swing area and set-down at the defined storage location.
- Immediate disentanglement of slings and return to the cycle.
Safety, wind, and operating limits
Safe operation follows the manufacturer’s instructions, applicable rules, and project-specific approvals. Principles include observing wind limits, avoiding personnel under suspended loads, unambiguous communication between crane operator and signaler, and regular inspection of slings and lifting devices. Tampering with load charts, overload, or unsafe sling points must be avoided. Notes in this text are general and do not replace project-specific instruction.
Erection, climbing, and dismantling in building construction and deconstruction
Tower cranes are set up on a foundation or crane runway, climbed if necessary, and anchored in the structure. For deconstruction scenarios, the sequence is crucial: first create load reserves, then separate, unload, and finally lift off. Combination shears and steel shears assist in removing steel beams and reinforcement, while cutting torch solutions enable the controlled dismantling of tanks in special operations. The crane coordinates the element sequence, holds intermediate loads, and ensures the defined load path.
Interfaces between the crane and demolition technology
The technical interface includes slings, swivel and spreader elements, and control and supply lines.
Slings and lifting devices
- Spreader beams to compensate unfavorable centers of gravity and to reduce edge tensile forces in components.
- Clamps and chains for reinforcement bundles, end-pull devices for wall panels.
- Swivels for fine positioning of components before the use of concrete demolition shears.
Energy and media routing
- Hydraulic hoses and cables are protected against chafing and kinking; drip and containment solutions are provided.
- Hydraulic power packs are placed securely on working floors; exhaust and noise control are considered.
- Control of the processing tools in the hazard area is carried out with a clear division of roles between operator, rigger, and crane operator.
Typical sources of error and proven countermeasures
- Unclear centers of gravity: conduct prior checks, trial loads, and use suitable spreader beams.
- Overlooked residual connections: visual inspection, systematic separation sequence, relief cut before the lift.
- Hose and line risks: create disentanglement zones, fixed points, and defined handover locations.
- Wind-induced pendulum movements: reduce lifted load, reduce radius, wait for better conditions.
- Overload due to tool weight: reflect total load including slings, power packs, and operating fluids in the load chart.
Key parameters and assessment criteria for deployment
Performance data and environmental conditions are decisive for selection and operation. These include load capacity as a function of radius, available hook height, foundation and anchorage points, slew and hoist speeds, clear swing areas, and the structural constraints of the surroundings. In deconstruction, also consider suitability for holding and securing functions, the ability for precise positioning, and the interaction with tools such as stone and concrete splitters, concrete demolition shears, Multi Cutters, or steel shears.
Environment, emissions, and site organization
Tower cranes work locally emission-free at the hook, but require tidy and safe site logistics. When using hydraulic power packs on working levels, closed containment systems and short hose runs support environmental protection. Low-noise work windows and low-dust separation methods—such as splitting instead of impact—are particularly advantageous in inner-city projects and sensitive existing environments.
Checklist for collaboration between crane and demolition technology
- Analyze the load case: geometry, mass, center of gravity, residual connections.
- Define the processing method: shear, splitter, shear, cutting method.
- Define the slinging concept: lifting devices, spreading, need for rotation.
- Plan the supply: position hydraulic power packs, secure hose routing.
- Clarify communication: hand signals, radio channels, stop rules.
- Check weather: wind, visibility, temperature, operating limits.
- Carry out trial load and relief cut, then controlled lift.
- Prepare staging and waste disposal logistics, ensure return of operating resources.
Examples from application areas
In concrete demolition and special deconstruction, the tower crane supports the sequential removal of slab segments and wall panels, while demolition shears and splitting devices create the separation joints. In building gutting and cutting, the crane is used to reposition power units, spreader beams, and containers; combination shears and Multi Cutters cut secondary steel structures. In rock breakout and tunnel construction projects, the crane supplies the portals with equipment and lifts in prefabricated components; splitting technology helps with low-vibration release. In natural stone extraction, blocks and equipment are handled in yards and plant areas, where split cylinders and stone splitters complement the process. In special operation scenarios, such as tank dismantling, cutting torch systems and steel shears support the breakdown while the crane stabilizes the loads.