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 News Release
30 December, 2005
Potain’s Giant MD 3600 Cranes Central to Record Breaking Bridge Project in
China
Two Potain MD 3600 models, the largest tower cranes ever built by the company,
are building the Sutong Bridge in Jiangsu Province, China, which will be the
world’s largest cable-stayed bridge. The two cranes began working in China in
2004 on the Nanjing No 3 Bridge and now that project has finished and the MD
3600s have been rented to the main contractor on the Sutong project, China
Harbor Engineering Corporation No 2 Co (CHEC), by the Nanjing No 3 Yangtze
River Bridge Co Ltd.
On the Sutong project, the contractor has assembled the MD 3600 cranes to a
working height under hook 315 m (1033 ft) and is using 50 m (164 ft) jib.
Although the MD 3600 has a maximum capacity of 160 t (176 USt), on this
project the cranes have been adapted with a dual hook design – two winches
with 20 t (22 USt) and 80 t (88 USt) capacities respectively.
The 20 t (22 USt) winch is used for higher speed lifts, placing concrete forms
at heights under 225 m (738 ft), while the 80 t (88 USt) winch is used for
lifts above 225 m (738 ft) and for heavier lifts such as the positioning of
the cable stays and steel boxes. The MD 3600 has a maximum capacity of 80 t
(88 USt) at a radius of 23.8 m (78 ft), and a maximum capacity of 29.7 t (32.7
USt) at a radius of 48.4 m (159 ft).
Potain engineers modified the cranes prior to assembly to give them better
stability and further reach. These modifications also allow them to withstand
winds of up to 61.5 m/second (201 ft/second) and will simplify dismantling
after the bridge’s completion.
Materials used in the construction of the Sutong Bridge include 250,000 t
(275,500 USt) of steel, 1.4 million m3 (49 million ft3) of concrete, while
total earth moved is believed to be 3.2 million m3 (113 million ft3). The
project’s total cost is RMB6.45 billion (US$800 million).
When complete, the Sutong Bridge will be a six lane, 34 m (112 ft) wide, 32.4
km (20.1 miles) highway linking the ancient city of Suzhou to the industrial
hub of Nantong, at the lower end of Yangtze River. The bridge’s central span
will be 1088 m (3570 ft) and will sit at a height of 62 m (203 ft). A total of
32.2 km (20 miles) of cable will be used.
About the Manitowoc Company
The Manitowoc Company, Inc. is one
of the world’s largest providers of lifting equipment for the global
construction industry, including lattice-boom cranes, tower cranes, mobile
telescopic cranes, and boom trucks. As a leading manufacturer of ice-cube
machines, ice/beverage dispensers, and commercial refrigeration equipment, the
company offers the broadest line of cold-focused foodservice equipment in the
industry. In addition, the company is a leading provider of shipbuilding, ship
repair, and conversion services for government, military, and commercial
customers throughout the U.S. maritime industry.
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