L&T uses Potain cranes of Manitowoc to build 182-m Statue of Unity in Gujarat
For work on this prestigious project, contractor Larsen & Toubro (L&T) needed cranes with the capacity and reach to meet the stringent project specifications, while also being compact enough to work in the limited space. L&T selected three of Potain’s MR 295 H20 units, a mid-size luffing jib crane with a compact counter jib that had the required free-standing height, as well as the right capacity and working envelope. It also chose an MC 205B top-slewing crane to work alongside the MR 295 H20 models, supporting material handling duties.
The cranes have been on site since September 2015, lifting rebar, concrete and steel, and also assembling the bronze fixtures that will form the outer cladding of the statue. This heavy and distinctive cladding is intentionally symbolic, given that Sardar Patel was known as the ‘Ironman of India’.
Designed to work in confined spaces, the MR 295 H20 has a maximum capacity of 20t and can lift upto 2.7 t at its 60 m jib end. The MC 205 B has a maximum capacity of 10 t and can lift upto 2.4 t at its 60 m jib end. On the Statue of Unity project, the MR 295 H20 units have been fitted with 50 m of jib, while the MC 205 B is working with 60 m of jib.
The foundation, main structure and bridge connecting the statue to the main road are already complete. Some 5,600 t of structural steel, 66,000 t of concrete and 1,900 t bronze will be used in the project. Work is expected to complete by October 2018.
Larsen & Toubro Limited is a leading Mumbai-based technology, engineering, construction and financial services conglomerate with a turnover of $17 billion and presence in 30 countries. The Potain cranes for the ₹2,989 crore ($470 million) Statue of Unity were purchased specifically for the project. L&T is handling construction work under the supervision of Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam.
NBM&CW July 2018
