Another Crane Collapse IN NYC

[bridgebuster]

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2008/03/15/2008-03-15_crane_collapses_in_manhattan.html

 

[msquared48]

We had two instances of collapse of these cranes in the last two years in the Seattle are.

Anyoine want to go into Forensics engineering?

Between Seattle and Bellevue, there must be 50 currently being used if there is one. I've never seen so many.

Mike McCann
McCann Engineering

 

[JAE]

Here's a link to an aerial video via helicopter:

http://video.wnbc.com/player/?id=229438

 

[Qshake]

Mike - I was in Bellevue last December and I was really taken aback by the number of tower cranes in Bellvue. Quite a few.

Does anyone know who's site this was? I'm familiar with only one highrise contractor though I'm sure there are many. Tishman is the only one I know of by name.

Regards,
Qshake

Eng-Tips Forums:Real Solutions for Real Problems Really Quick.

 

[msquared48]

Qshake:

You should have gone across the lake to Seattle - twice the number. Almost makes it look like we're not in a recession...

Mike McCann
McCann Engineering

 

[JAE]

I read in a local news article that this collapse was apparently caused by a piece of falling steel that hit the strut that attached the crane to the building - a freak accident.

 

[bridgebuster]

Here's a link to a story in today,s NY Daily News about the crane subcontractor:

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2008/03/17/2008-03-17_crane_disaster_probers_focus_on_recently.html

 

[unclesyd]

Here is one of the NYT articles on the collapse that identifies a support collar that fell, while being attached, and sheared a lower support.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/17/n...=1&scp=2&sq=crane+accident&st=nyt&oref=slogin

 

[unclesyd]

Here is a little more information on the suspected cause of the crane collapse.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/18/nyregion/18crane.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

This morning I talked with my buddy who works as an inspector with the Port Authority who stated that the strap failure is now considered the root cause with a 90% confidence level. Also there are several other things at the site that are not as they should be.

 

[Robertmet]

The crane inspector has now been arrested for falsifying records !

 

[unclesyd]

Here is a report on the actions taken by the city in reference to the post by Robertmet.

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/20/city-inspector-is-charged-in-crane-case/?hp

 

[msquared48]

It is interesting to note from the recent article that several LAY people commented to the City that the crane did not look stable and were concerned for their safety and that of others. If a lay person could pick this up intuitively, where was the Job Superintendent's and the Port Authority's intuition.

If this crane inspector falsified records here, there is a reason, probably lack of time, laziness, or, God forbid, $$$. Glad to see the review over the last six months that was ordered, but it's kinda late for this crane.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[bridgebuster]

A point of information: The Port Authority has no jurisdiction in this area. It's the NYC Department of Buildings and NYC Department of Transportation.

 

[dik]

Arrest made...

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/serv...crane_accident0320/BNStory/International/home

Dik

 

[JAE]

I just hope they can successfully separate the inspector's lying from the actual accident that caused the collapse.

From what I've read, the lack of the inspection and the falling collar that caused the collapse were not really related.

You hope that the justice that is dished out to the guy will remain proportional to his actual mis-deeds and he not end up becoming a scapegoat.

The real "fault" might be with the handlers of the collar during installation. I don't know how they are typically installed and why this one fell, but it seems there would be OSHA safety issues pertaining to this, i.e. having secondary supports so falling steel doesn't "happen".

 

[msquared48]

What got me was the weight of the supporting arm that fell and buckled the other - 6 tons!

And, yes, my mistake on the Port Authority.

I agree with JAE too.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[JAE]

A new news clip from ENR on the investigation - nylon slings:

http://enr.ecnext.com/coms2/article_nesaar080319-1