Crossing the Euphrates
26 June 2014Turkish contractor Gulsan used two 10t two MC 235 Potain tower cranes to build a 610m long cable-stayed bridge connection across the Ataturk Dam Reservoir on the Euphrates River in southeast Turkey. The cranes w ere worked for 10 hour s a day at the 30 month project.
The first Potain MC 235 B was erected at the Nissibi Bridge job site in September 2012, while the second was erected in January 2013. Both will be dismantled by July 2014, ahead of the bridge's opening.
The two Potain cranes anchored to the bridge's 96m tall pylons on each riverbank worked at heights of 101m and 104m with both cranes rigged with 45m jibs.
The top-slewing tower cranes have been lifting general building materials used in the cable-stayed bridge construction, such as formwork and steel structures. As construction progresses the cranes have been lifting larger sections of carrier cables weighing up to 10t.
The cranes were transported to the job site from their base near Istanbul, more than 1,300 km away. Once on site a ferry was used to transport one crane to the other side of the river.
The MC 235 Bs were supplied to Gulsan by Potain's Turkish dealer Tekno Vinç one of the largest tower crane operator in Turkey.
Sinan Türeyen, group director at Tekno Vinç, said: "We have used Potain cranes at major job sites throughout Turkey for years - they are easy to use and offer exceptional durability. Plus, they offer the support of Manitowoc Crane Care, which gives us great service and quick spare parts, if needed. This bridge will be another Turkish landmark that will have Potain to thank for its on-time creation."
Tekno Vinç operates a fleet of more than 100 Potain tower cranes, which it deploys at projects throughout Turkey. Tekno Vinç provides crane rental and sales, as well as servicing needs. Founded in 1946 Gulsan are a Turkish construction company based in Ankara.
Nissibi Bridge will be 24.5 m wide and span 400 m across the Euphrates River.
