TILT-UP CONSTRUCTION - Brock White

Panel ErectionInformationPanel ErectionInformationBoom PositioningTo safely erect a tilt-up panel, the crane boom mustbe directly over the panel’s center of lift. If the boom is notcorrectly positioned the inserts have different loads thancalculated in the erection analysis and the stresses in thepanel will be greater than anticipated. If insert loads or panelstresses become too large, an insert will pull out of the concreteor the panel will crack.When the crane boom is set toward the bottom of thepanel (under-booming) as the panel is erected, the panelwill slide backwards. When the crane boom is set toward thetop of the panel (over-booming) as the panel is erected, thepanel will slide forward.When a panel slides due to excessive under-boomingor over-booming, it is possible for someone to be trappedbetween panels, between the panel and the crane, betweenpanel braces, etc.Plumbing Face-Lifted PanelsWhen a tilt-up panel is too tall to erect using edge lift insertsand the panel must hang as plumb as possible for setting,there are three standard methods available for use. Oneis the “plumbing block” method, the second is the “brace andre-rig” method and the third is the “transfer” method.Plumbing Block MethodAfter erecting the panel to a vertical position, set thepanel on the ground and tip the panel so that the panel’s topedge rests against the rigging cables. Next, plumbing blockssupplied by others are placed around the cables and hookedover the top of the panel as shown below. The tendency ofthe cables to pull away from the panel will keep the plumbingblocks tight as the crane lifts the panel into position.Correct BoomingOverBoomingUnderBoomingIncorrect BoomingPanels will SlidePlumbing BlockCorrect BoomingUp Face of PanelOverBoomingUnderBoomingIncorrect BoomingPanels will SlideNOTE: Rigging may vary from that shown.WARNINGIncorrect placement of the crane boom can causeover-stressing of the panel/inserts and possible slidingof the panel. Failure to correctly position the craneboom can cause property damage, serious injury ordeathPlumbing blocksmust be fabricated foreach particular situationdepending on the panelthickness and the numberand diameter of cables.The plumbing blocksmust fit securely over thethickness of the panel anthe cables as shown.Down Face of Panel24 02-09