Column Pitching Platform

A column rearing platform has been developed to prevent incidents of columns piercing the decking when being raised to the vertical position in readiness for installing. Previously loose timbers would have been spread to make a platform but if the column slipped then the loose timbers would part and the column could potentially go through the decked floor. The platform with its steel base with high sides infilled with timbers contains the bottom of the column should it slip. The platform is restrained on the working deck in a similar method to the MEWP tracks by sitting over the welded studs. This provides a versatile platform that can be moved within the erection area.

This negates the need for columns to be reared at ground level and then lifted to the working deck, that with high rise buildings can take over 15 minutes. Being able to work closer to the crane driver also it is safer for both the driver and the erectors as the shorter distance provides better control of the column being reared, safer for everyone. The platform can be designed and adapted to accommodate different construction sites and different steel beam layouts making it adaptable.

This is a cost and time saving initiative for a contractor and also enables a much safer operation for column rearing. Column rearing is one of the most high risk activities in the steel industry and is a complicated lift for a tower crane and experienced banksman. This reduces that risk and enables column rearing to be done safer and with confidence. The temporary works design and sign off required to incorporate this also provides assurance to the contractor and main contractor that it is a robust and tested solution.