ELEVATING THE LIFT CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

Laing O'Rourke has devised a modular elevator solution with manufacturer Kone which will slash on site installation time, the companies say. The rule of thumb for elevator installation is typically one week per floor. The new system allows project teams to install a three-storey lift module in just 90 minutes.

Laing O'Rourke and Kone began testing the concept in 2020 on Building S5 in King's Cross, advancing a solution that was originally used on cruise ships around a decade earlier.

"We designed a working system, delivering two prototypes, both of which proved that the concept worked and that a lift could be modularised," said Sam Ward, programme leader at Laing O'Rourke's global technology and innovation group.

"Workers on site do not have to deal with the usual volume of deliveries or the proliferation of exclusion zones as the shafts are installed. This is because volumetric frames are fabricated offsite then assembled. The modular system also encourages a safer working environment for the fitters. We move work from a relatively confined dark, damp space on site to a controlled factory environment. Also, there is only one delivery instead of multiple deliveries with multiple small components.”

These include the Sáez SL 450, the Raimondi 330 and the newest addition, the Sáez SL 730, with an impressive maximum lift capacity of 36 tonnes.

One example of a building project using precast concrete is the St Martin’s Place development of luxury apartments in Birmingham. Here the construction company responsible used fully glazed precast concrete panels. Two freestanding Sáez SL 450 luffing jib tower cranes, capable of lifting up to 24 tonnes each, were supplied by Bennetts Cranes to manage the heavy-lifting requirements.

To find out more about cranes for lifting precast concrete, visit: www.tower-crane.co.uk/precastconcrete-cranes

Laing O'Rourke has a long-standing offsite strategy, with the aim of making 90% of its construction work factorybuilt by 2025.

Sam Ward will be presenting

‘Laing O'Rourke and Kone's Modular Elevator Solution’ at the Tall Buildings Conference. For more information and to book your place go to: www.tallbuildingsconference.co.uk

For more information: www.laingorourke.com www.kone.co.uk