Project Overview
The intricate task of installing glass in the archway reveals at Rochdale Town Hall was successfully executed using a combination of advanced lifting equipment, including the Libro 2500B overhang beam, the UNIC URW-706 mini spider crane, and the GL-UMC 1200 glazing manipulator head. This project required exceptional precision, as it involved fitting both smaller arch-top glass pieces over doorways and larger single-unit glass panels within the archways and beneath the portico soffits. The glass units, weighing between 500kg and 1000kg, included a piece measuring an impressive 5.6 metres in length.
Equipment Utilised
Libro 2500B Overhang Beam
The Libro 2500B counterbalance beam was crucial for guiding the glass panes beneath the portico overhangs and into the archway reveals when attached to the UNIC URW-706 mini crane. The beam’s movable counterweight saddle ensured balanced load handling, while its operation through cable or radio remote control allowed for enhanced precision and stability. The beam’s anti-tilt switch, which prevents tilting beyond 10 degrees, added an extra layer of safety. Designed to navigate overhangs up to 3000mm deep, the Libro 2500B enabled precise placement in areas typically challenging for standard lifting equipment.
GL-UMC 1200 Glazing Manipulator Head
The GL-UMC 1200 glazing manipulator head provided precise rotation and manoeuvrability, allowing the glass pieces to be fitted accurately into their designated spots. With the capacity to lift both flat (up to 1200kg or 800kg) and curved glass (up to 1000kg with a minimum radius of 2m), the manipulator head offered ±60° tilt, ±40° slewing, and 360° continuous rotation, all controlled via radio remote control.
UNIC URW-706 Mini Spider Crane
The UNIC URW-706 mini spider crane delivered the necessary lifting capacity and flexibility for this project. When combined with the Libro overhang beam and the GL-UMC 1200 manipulator head, this equipment trio efficiently moved and positioned the glass with remarkable precision.
Installation Process
Preparation
The process began with lifting the glass from the stillage and rotating it vertically. The GL-UMC 1200 manipulator then carefully manoeuvred the glass into the portico.
Glass Fitting
– Smaller Arch Tops: These pieces were positioned over doorways and smoothly manoeuvred into place using the specialised lifting trio.
– Large Single Units: Handling these larger pieces was more complex. After being brought into the portico, the glass had to be pulled back into the rebate to ensure a secure fit.
Precision Handling
The tight spaces within the archway reveals required the use of the Libro 2500B counterbalance beam and the GL-UMC 1200 manipulator head. Together with the URW-706 mini crane, these tools allowed the glass to be pushed into the portico and then retracted into the recess, achieving a precise fit with the utmost accuracy.
Challenges and Solutions
Restricted Space and Precise Positioning
The installation took place within the confined spaces of the archway reveals and under the portico soffits, which posed a significant challenge. However, the combination of the Libro 2500B overhang beam, GL-UMC 1200 manipulator head, and the versatile URW-706 mini spider crane provided the necessary control and precision to handle the glass pieces without causing damage to the historic building’s structure.
