GCC uses Terex luffers for UAE prestige build

Dubai, UAE-based General Construction Company (GCC) is using 16 Terex luffing jib tower cranes for a prestige build on the north shore of Dubai Creek, Dubai, UAE.

The one million square metre mixed use development, called Jewel of the Creek, in the Port Saeed area of Deira, will comprise 17 high-rise buildings hosting apartments, hotels and offices. There will also be a large space for leisure with event halls, ports and a recreation centre, plus the longest swimming pool in Dubai.

The complex rises partially on land, and partially on a man-made island with an inner creek with a promenade, with a waterfront promenade and marina on the Creekside.

Jewel of the Creek is being developed by Dubai International Real Estate and designed by Kling Consult in a joint venture with another German architect, Kieferle & Partner. GCC – General Construction Company is building the complex, with the help of a total of 16 Terex tower cranes.

There were a number of challenges that were identified for this project. There was the incredibly humid and hot climate of Dubai with temperatures reaching almost 51 degrees. This, however, was not an issue for the Terex cranes, said GCC, and they handled it without any issues. Another issue was the job site location. Part of this project was constructing the basement areas and it proved difficult, due to the confined space, to move the cranes from place to place as the project moved forward.

Emam Al Sayed, head of mechanical department at GCC commented, “All the cranes are of luffing jib type, from CTL 140-10 with its ten ton capacity, to the CTL 260-18 with its 18 ton capacity, they are the ideal solution thanks to their high strength capacity, short counterjib , and versatility which allows them to be assembled in a small area which was necessary on this site with such cramped areas of operation.

“These cranes are very versatile and with quite light components so you can use a small crane for installation. They have a short counter jib helping in manoeuvrability. To manage the activity of so many cranes in a restricted area, the anti-collision system AMCS installed on the cranes helps to control the movement of each crane in relation with the others.

The cranes are installed mainly free standing with tower heights up to 110m or with in-shaft installation and feature at least a 50m jib.

“We are happy with Terex luffing jib tower cranes, you always know you can trust in them. They have zero breakdowns, they work hard 24/7 with high efficiency, and have very comfortable cabs. Here the weather is very hot and humid and can reach up to 51 degrees, but the Terex cranes continued to work perfectly regardless.

We have been using Terex cranes for a long time so we know the cranes’ every details and we are totally able to handle the crane erection ourselves now. But, when needed, we receive great, punctual support from the Terex Service Team.”

 “The fact that once we had assembled the first crane we could then easily install and dismantle any other cranes was a time saving benefit we found very helpful. The cranes high speed 67kW option helped with time management, and the short counter jib helped with manoeuvrability in the more confined spaces we had to deal with on this project. The lightweight, premium quality components of even the larger cranes gave us the option of using a smaller crane for installation.”