The skyline of any city will likely include at least a few tower cranes, which are among the largest pieces of equipment used in building projects. Construction companies use tower cranes to lift heavy materials such as steel and concrete. Large devices like acetylene torches, motors and generators are also transported using tower cranes.
Since tower cranes are slender compared with high rise buidlings their lifting capacity can be easily underestimated based on appearance. How can the tower crane stand without tipping over? How is it capable of lifting so much weight? Does the crane become taller along with the building? In this article, the basic principles of tower cranes and their functionality will be discussed.
