WOLFF cranes are working on the redevelopment of the former BT Headquarters in London

08.06.2023 | News

81 Newgate Street project is an exciting development using eight WOLFF tower cranes - a mix of WOLFF 355 B and one WOLFF 180 B, split between two phases of four cranes each. The first phase involves modification of and refurbishment of the existing structure. For the second phase, the cranes are moved onto the roof to complete the new building.

The variety of crane foundation

The project required a combination of crane base solutions. TC3 has a standard gravity base with foundation anchors. TC2 is positioned on a 6 m x 6 m cruciform base, and TC 4 is based on an 8 m x 8 m cruciform base. The most interesting is the TC1 base. The crane rests on base tower spigots which are not bolted down but restrained horizontally at the basement level and is tied to the eighth-floor slab. This solution saved the cost of a large foundation at the bottom.

What next?

In phase 2, TC1 will be replaced by TC1A, WOLFF 355 B on a 10 m x 10 m cruciform base on the top of the core. The current plan is to replace TC3 with TC3A on a grillage on the ground floor and tied into Level 8. Furthermore, TC4 will become TC4A on spigots connected to the permanent steel structure. TC2 remains unchanged.

If you want to view the site yourself, climb up 528 steps in St Paul's Cathedral and enjoy a splendid view of London and the 81 Newgate Street project!

Photographer: Neil McAleer