Let the building begin! First of two cranes installed at MGH

Standing 60 metres tall above the site, the first of two construction cranes has officially been installed at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) at the corner of Coxwell and Sammon Avenues. 

The crane, used for heavy lifting and the movement of materials, signals an exciting milestone for the hospital’s redevelopment project; the pouring of concrete and formation of the facility’s future foundation can officially commence.

Click here to view more photos of the construction progress

To successfully erect the first crane onsite, several crucial steps were involved.

Selecting the right type of crane

The cranes selected for this project – both hammerhead – have a maximum lifting capacity of 44, 000 lbs (20, 000 kg). The horizontal jib and trolley will seamlessly facilitate the movement of materials and equipment in and out along the job.

Creating a sturdy foundation

To safely support the crane and its heavy loads, EllisDon created a stable foundation.

“The footing required to support the crane required 80 tons of rebar and 574 cubic meters of concrete which had to be poured in one continuous pour before it began to set,” says Superintendent Gabriele Mabrucco, EllisDon.

The first concrete pour for the foundation was the largest continuous pour required for the entire project!

Crane location

Several factors influenced the location of the project’s two construction cranes says Gabriele.

“As the facility will be built around the two crane towers over the next year, the tower locations were strategically selected to avoid critical design elements such as ductwork shafts, mechanical equipment and electrical rooms,” he says.

In addition, the cranes’ revolving jibs were positioned to avoid interference with existing buildings nearby and with each other.

The second tower crane is anticipated to be installed on site at the end of June 2019.

Watch the construction live https://bit.ly/2WtWKlD