However, Sterling Boiler & Mechanical, a mechanical contractor based in Indiana, utilized 3D Lift Plan to create a Communication Lift Plan that demonstrated a more cost-effective alternative. This document may only contain enough detail that is appropriate for communicating with non-crane personnel, such as the customer or other contractors working on the site.įor example, during the bidding process for the construction of a monorail system at a boiler plant, the proposed lifting method was to use two tower cranes. If a PE stamp is required, usually the individual or firm will want to be involved in the lift planning from the beginning.Ĭommunication Lift Plans can stand alone or be included as part of an Engineered Lift Plan.Ĭommunication Lift Plans are a visual representation of the crane setup area and crane configuration, the travel path of the load, rigging and ground-bearing pressures. Depending on the job requirements, it may not be necessary for the engineer to be credentialed as a PE (Professional Engineer).

However, what sets this type of plan apart is that it is signed off on by an engineer. Soil samples and ground bearing pressure data, ingress and egress plans for the crane, obstructions and calculations for the most crucial lifts will also factor into an Engineered Lift Plan. They include whole documents of information on the load, rigging and crane selection. These may be generated using different tools, such as AutoCAD or 3D software. Generally, lift plans can be categorized as: Instead, building the jobsite in 3D over a plot plan or Google Earth image really helps communicate to the customer. They see risk mitigation benefits of lift planning software tools. Customers like the Army Corps of Engineers, a national developer of shopping centers, and a commercial gas services company, now require software-generated lift plans for bidding on and performing work. But increasingly, these types of lift plans are rejected by contractors or project owners. There was a time when it was acceptable to hand draw crane placement on a plot plan or to cut and paste a drawing of a crane over a Google Earth image. Practically speaking, whether you are communicating with customers, site owners, or vendors or using lift plans for internal documentation and planning, it’s important that you know what the other party needs and expects when they say they want to see a Lift Plan.

This document provides guidance on determining whether the load handling activity warrants a Standard Lift Plan or a Critical Lift Plan and what the roles and responsibilities are for various personnel involved in the load handling activity. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with ASME P30.1-2014 Planning for Load Handling Activities. In these examples, simple 3D Lift Plan documentation enabled the crane rental companies to better communicate with the customer.

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