Restoration project for Linden Comansa

JE Dunn is managing the $36m Kansas Statehouse exterior masonry restoration project in the capital, Topeka. The four year enterprise has the challenge of creating good material hoisting access to all sides of the drum supporting the statehouse’s domed roof.

The Capitol’s cruciform floor plan, the presence of other structures of the complex around the building, a strenuous schedule and the expense of multiple crawler cranes also proved challenging for the firm.

A 21 LC 400 tower crane has been erected with a height under hook of 103.8m (340ft), and a jib length of 80m (262ft), ensuring operators are able to access everywhere in the jobsite, and to move the jib over the statue topping the dome, a Native American archer from the Kansa tribe, which reaches 93m (304ft) high.

To achieve the heights required without tying the crane to another structure, a special configuration of the tower was designed: nine 4m (13ft) wide sections, one transition section, and nine other 2.5m (8ft) wide sections. The 21 LC 400 is currently said to be the tallest freestanding tower crane in North America.

Since the beginning of September, the 18t capacity crane has been routinely transporting materials around the perimeter of the dome. The project includes stone stabilisation, crack repair, dutchman repairs, and hand carving.

The 21 LC 400 crane is set to be required for the exterior masonry project for about a year, and has been part of JE Dunn’s fleet since 2006.