Masonry Magazine September 2008 Page. 45
POWER AND RELIABILITY FOR MAJOR CHALLENGES
"In addition, these units can be built by hand, because the mast sections are light enough to be handled into position," he continues. "They run on electrical power, which was vital because of the problem of noise pollution around the tight city center hospital. After we had designed the support system, which comprised two W14 I-beams positioned on top of a W6 I-beam stack, we worked with our local engineer, Kurt Heinrichs of TEC Services in Lawrenceville, Ga., to verify the integrity of the structure and help design a shoring plan that would effectively negate any load transference onto the floorslab."
Support structures were then set in place, and by careful positioning, the team was able to position the two main W14 beams through a window area opening, minimizing disruption to work on the façade. Finally, the mast was tied at the relevant manufacturer's spacing, between the pre-cast panel openings and down on to the surface of the floor slab.
Finally, delivery of partially assembled mast climbers was scheduled, and they were craned into position.
"When a job like this is first conceived, the strength is in the initial analysis by a trained, competent person," says Kunz. "The worst situation you can have is an untrained sales person making commitments to the customer about performance, productivity and price that are unrealistic. This leads to conflict early in the life of the project, and the mast climber supplier is under operational and financial pressure. This is what leads to a decrease in standards of safety.
"You get one chance to present a credible well-thought-out solution that, as soon as it appears in front of the customer, immediately becomes the blueprint for the success, or failure, of the job," he continues. "It had better be right! Balfour Beatty, the general contractor on the project, needed access to the external façade areas for multi-discipline contractors. The key was to achieve this aim safely, while the hospital continued its day-to-day business undisturbed. We like win-win solutions." IMAS
The endless sw mechanis ACT-8 allows ation at van and an exactting of Assembled wore mast capa hing spe ACT8 PLAT
The ACT-8 work platform combines safety, power and flexibility. It distinguishes itself by its versatility and represents the best choice for contractors specialized in repointing, glazing, E.I.FS.. curtain walls installation, metal framing, etc. Used with one or two masts, this system of cantilevers, bridges and forward extension is the solution to vertical access problems encountered during inspection, restoration and maintenance of buildings and structures. It is also an access solution for industrial projects.
FRACO
www.fraco.com
450.658.0094
1.888.372.2648