The History of Tower Cranes is a story of a complex and pivotal journey in building our nation. When we gaze upon the towering skyscrapers, intricate bridges, and massive structures that define our modern world, we often overlook the unsung hero responsible for lifting, placing, and constructing these marvels—the tower crane.
This piece of heavy machinery has played a pivotal role in shaping our built environment and is a testament to human ingenuity.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the fascinating history of tower cranes, from their humble origins to their monumental contributions in building the United Kingdom as it is today.
Ancient foundations
We are all told in school that the Romans built our roads, but did you know that the concept of using machines to lift heavy objects has ancient roots too?
The first documented use of a crane dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, where human-powered devices, such as winches, were employed for construction and other tasks.
These early cranes used human or animal power to lift weights using a winch mechanism, a basic principle that still influences crane design today.
A step forward in the Middle Ages
The history of tower cranes saw incremental advancements in design in the Middle Ages. Particularly with the development of treadwheel cranes.
These cranes featured a large wooden wheel that an operator would rotate, providing mechanical advantage for lifting heavy loads.
Treadwheel cranes were used to construct the towering cathedrals and other impressive structures of the time, demonstrating the potential of lifting machinery.
The power of steam
The 18th and 19th centuries ushered in the Industrial Revolution, bringing about significant changes in construction technology. Steam-powered machinery revolutionised many aspects of life, including construction.
During this period, cranes began to adopt steam engines, improving lifting capacities and efficiency.
It’s important to note that while the technology progressed, tower cranes as we know them today were still in their infancy. The evolution continued as cranes transitioned from human and animal power to steam and eventually to electricity.
The dawn of the 20th century brought with it the birth of the tower crane
The early 20th century saw a notable shift in crane technology, marking the birth of the tower crane. These machines were characterised by their tall, vertical towers with a rotating boom mounted at the top, and they were primarily used in construction and shipyards.
One of the earliest and most influential tower cranes was the Geda, patented in Germany in 1929. This invention laid the groundwork for the development of modern tower cranes.
The tower crane revolution
The mid-20th century marked a turning point for the construction industry with the widespread adoption of tower cranes. Innovations in materials, such as the introduction of high-strength steel and reinforced concrete, provided the structural integrity necessary to support the increased height and weight capacity of these cranes.
One of the most iconic tower cranes of the mid-20th century was the “Potain,” developed by French engineer Faustin Potain. This crane became synonymous with large construction projects worldwide, including the construction of the Eiffel Tower.
As the construction industry continued to evolve in the late 20th century and beyond, tower cranes underwent significant technological advancements. The incorporation of advanced materials, hydraulics, and sophisticated control systems improved crane performance, safety, and efficiency.
Modern tower cranes are equipped with sophisticated computer systems and remote control capabilities, allowing operators to manage complex lifts with precision and ease. They have become indispensable in the construction of skyscrapers, bridges, and large infrastructure projects.
The role of tower cranes in building our nation
The history of tower cranes is fascinating but the impact of them on our built environment cannot be overstated. These machines have played a pivotal role in the construction of: skyscrapers, bridges, tunnels, dams, motorways, housing blocks, shopping centres and many other vital structures that define our cities and infrastructure. They are the unsung heroes of our economic growth as a country.
These towering cranes, often seen alongside new construction projects, are symbolic of progress and development. Find out more about how a tower crane can help you with your construction project.
