Ft. Huachuca 35-Ton Bridge Crane

September 5, 2024

At MMI Hoist Systems, we pride ourselves on delivering complex and challenging projects with precision and efficiency. Our recent endeavor at Ft. Huachuca was no exception. The design, fabrication, and installation of a 35-ton top-running double girder bridge crane, complete with a maintenance catwalk, allowed us the opportunity to demonstrate our expertise and commitment to excellence.

Scope of Work

The project at Ft. Huachuca involved the comprehensive design, meticulous fabrication, and precise installation of a 35-ton top-running double girder bridge crane. This crane featured a maintenance catwalk on one side of the girder, enhancing its functionality and accessibility for ongoing maintenance tasks. Our team was tasked with ensuring that the crane met all specifications and operated seamlessly within the existing infrastructure of the facility.

Overcoming Significant Constraints

One of the most formidable challenges we faced was installing the crane within the existing building footprint. The sheer weight of each bridge girder, at 32,000 pounds, combined with the spatial constraints, made this a particularly demanding task. The bottom chord height of the trusses was 45 feet, while the top height of the runway beams was 30 feet, leaving us with only 10 feet of clearance to rig the girders, which themselves were 5 feet tall.

To navigate these constraints, we engineered an innovative solution: a custom lifting lug that allowed the crane to be lifted from a single pick point. This minimized the need for additional rigging, which would have consumed precious vertical space. This inventive approach enabled us to successfully install the crane within the tight confines of the building.

Unique Aspects of the Project

The Ft. Huachuca project was distinguished by the significant tonnage and span of the crane. Projects of this magnitude are relatively rare, adding an element of uniqueness and complexity. The crane's substantial load capacity and the extensive span required a high degree of engineering precision and expertise, qualities that MMI Hoist Systems is known for.

Customer Relationship Management

Maintaining a strong, communicative relationship with our customer was crucial to the success of this project. Given the complexity and scale of the bridge crane, constant coordination was necessary. We ensured that the customer was kept informed at every stage of the project, fostering a collaborative environment that allowed for timely adjustments and refinements when necessary. This proactive communication strategy helped in aligning our efforts with the customer’s expectations, ensuring the project's smooth progression.

Lessons Learned

Every project offers valuable lessons, and Ft. Huachuca was no exception. One significant lesson involved the handling of the bridge girders in our shop. The weight of the girders presented unexpected challenges during fabrication. Better communication regarding the exact weights of the girders could have preempted these handling issues, streamlining the fabrication process. This experience underscored the importance of detailed and precise communication within our team and with our partners.

The Ft. Huachuca 35-ton bridge crane project was a remarkable achievement for MMI Hoist Systems, showcasing our ability to tackle complex projects with innovative solutions and unwavering commitment to quality. Despite the challenges posed by weight and spatial constraints, our team successfully delivered a state-of-the-art crane that met all the customer's requirements. This project not only highlighted our technical expertise but also reinforced the importance of effective communication and collaboration in achieving project success.

At MMI Hoist Systems, we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, delivering exceptional results for our clients, time and time again. The Ft. Huachuca project is just one of many projects which showcases our capabilities and dedication to excellence in the field of industrial hoist systems.

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