There are small signs of impending construction, like cleared lots or scaffolding, and then there are big signs. The Demag CC1800 at the Burlington International Airport is definitely the latter. Employed to complete the north end expansion of the airport’s parking structure, the CC1800 or the “Big Crane” rolled into the airport a few weeks ago on 30 tractor trailer loads.
Rented from Amquip out of Pennsylvania, the 1800 and its Superlift has a capacity in excess of 600 tons. It is being used to help construct two additional levels of parking by erecting 417 precast double tees, each 60’ long and weighing 60,000 apiece. To handle this type of load, a two-foot thick gravel crane pad was constructed around the perimeter of the parking structure. A 12-inch thick hardwood timber mat tops the gravel to further distribute the load.
The expansion will add 600 parking spaces, bringing total capacity to 2,700, and the rooftop will feature solar photovoltaic panels that will provide all of the power for lighting in the garage. Completion of the setting of tees is expected mid-October.
PROJECT TEAM
Owner: City of Burlington
Architect: Freeman French Freeman
Structural Engineers:
Hoyle Tanner Associates
Construction Manager:
Engelberth Construction Inc.
Structural Steel Fabricator:
Breton Steel, St Bruno, Quebec (outside of Montreal)
Fabricator for precast double tees, parking garage deck:
Dailey Precast, Shaftsbury VT
Cranes: Link Belt 298, Contractors Crane Service, Morrisville
CC1800, Amquip, PA
Source: Truex. 8.28.2010