Two new Sany SCC3200T-1 crawler cranes are showcasing their capabilities on the replacement of Fremantle’s historic Traffic Bridge. Select‘s National Cranes Manager Paul Marshall outlines the immediate impact the versatile pair is having on the Western Australian project.
Two Sany SCC3200T-1 crawler cranes were the perfect choice for a challenging task on a major WA infrastructure project, Select’s Paul Marshall said.
With a 320 tonne lifting capacity and a 75 metre main boom, which includes a 43m luffing jib and a Tier 5 dual slew Cummins QSL8.9-C325 motor, Paul saw the value in deploying the pair to help rebuild a famous Western Australian crossing – the Fremantle Traffic Bridge.
“The cranes are perfect for this job. The SCC3200T-1 will play a pivotal role in assisting with building the new bridge and then removing the existing older bridge,” said Paul.
Known as the Swan River Crossings Project, the ageing Fremantle Traffic Bridge is being replaced with Australia’s first extradosed bridge.
Incorporating both cantilevers and cable support, the new bridge will have two lanes in each direction and a higher clearance for watercraft, creating a striking gateway to Fremantle.
The project is being carried out by the Fremantle Bridges Alliance, a consortium between Arup, WSP and Laing O’Rourke, in partnership with Main Roads Western Australia.
It is understood to be one of Main Roads WA’s most complex and challenging projects, involving road, port, freight, river, walking, cycling, heritage, and environmental considerations.
Paul said most of the construction work would occur while the original bridge is still open.
“The first 12 months will mainly compile of temporary jetty construction, from which the two Sany SCC3200T-1 crawlers and another two Sany SCE4800As will operate, into permanent piling and the start of the bridge tower construction. The second phase of construction will consist of the demolition of superstructure assembly works,” he said.
Construction parallel to the functioning bridge using four cranes provides greater safety and less traffic impact, setting the stage for efficient removal of the old bridge and completion of the new crossing during a 12-month closure, he added.
The four temporary jetties have been designed to accommodate Sany cranes of SCC3200T-1 and the SCE4800A in their standard configuration.
The final temporary jetty end span will accommodate the 480 tonne SCE4800A crane in super lift configuration which is required to install the central precast elements.
The SCC3200T-1s will work from the jetties to install piles for the construction of the bridge.
Once piles are installed and mucked out, a precast concrete shell is installed around the piles and suspended on hanger beams as underwater grout is installed to seal the shell from the water underneath it before the area around the piles is dewatered and additional foundation works installed.
Paul identified the SCC3200T-1’s ability to operate without outriggers as a key benefit for the project, as the 8.18 metre wide crawler is ideal for operation whilst sitting on narrow jetties.
“The ground-bearing aspect of a job like this is sensitive, as the SCC3200T-1s are basically going to be working over water,” he said.
Paul also lauds how the cab design enhances operator comfort and said that “all the cab features are user friendly and it’s not over complicated.”
The Sany SCC3200T-1 boasts multiple cameras that can present on the monitor at the same time, allowing operators real-time monitoring of hook working, travel area, winch and wire rope reeving conditions from both front and rear cameras.
“The enhanced dash screen magnifies all the vision from the multiple crane cameras, including the hook block camera too; operators can see from the tip down to their load,” he said.
Considering previous positive operator feedback regarding Sany’s upgraded cab features, Paul recognises the importance of a highly technical but comfortable cab, as a dry hire business.
The impressive operator cab includes a large window glass, which can tilt up by 20 degrees to provide a panorama view, as well as an integrated 10.4-inch touch screen with programmable smart buttons and optional vibration handle.
The multi-way and multi-level floating adjustable seat, control buttons and handles in the cabin are ergonomically designed to make work more comfortable for the operator.
There are low and high-beam lights, a back-view mirror, heater and air conditioning, radio and other functions to provide superior comfort for the operators, especially for longer days sitting in the cab.
Select also recently purchased another four Sany tele-crawlers and a Sany Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), as Paul has confidence in the technology and aftersales care Sany provides its customers, through local distributor Tutt Bryant
“Sany is a very reliable provider – they communicate with you very quickly if you need any technical advice or assistance.”
Paul said despite the Swan River Crossings Project only commencing in September this year, the SCC3200T-1s are already generating positive sentiments.
“We have received positive feedback regarding the two SCC3200T-1s, not only from the construction workers working in and around the project, but also from the operators who are in the cranes every day.”
The purchase of the Sany BESS highlights Paul’s confidence in Sany’s sustainable products set to be used within Select’s electric crane fleet, he added.
“Sany is pioneering with us in sustainability, not only by supporting our goals but by listening to our needs in sustainable technology, to best power our EV cranes. Their back-up power generation services are second to none.”
Paul is excited by the future of the two SCC3200T-1s within the local fleet of Select Plant Australia, which offers a diverse range of hire equipment, – modular site buildings and services – for the construction industry.
“The SCC3200T-1 can be perfect for many different construction jobs such as rail, viaducts, rail platforms and can also be active in the resources space and assist in gas refinery construction/maintenance.”
Paul is passionate about the Sany SCC3200T-1, and encourages crane and heavy lifting customers to learn more about Sany’s crawler range.
“In the crawler market, Sany combines a competitive price-point with a great balance of technological strengths, which I believe present a healthy proposition to those the crane market,” he said.