Ship to shore crane controlled collapse – TPS Valparaiso, Chile

The scope of works included:

• The controlled collapse of a ship to shore crane

O’Brien’s was approached by the TPS engineering department and tasked with finding a solution for the removal of crane no.1. The crane in question was to be removed to make way for newer, bigger cranes to serve big, modern container vessels. Due to the geographical location of TPSV, the port operates in a relatively small area meaning every square metre of space is utilised for container storage. This posed a logistical challenge to both the Demolition team and TPSV to find a solution which would take up as little room as possible to reduce the impact on port operations.

Many different options and methods were considered during the planning stages of the project. After many calculations and discussions, O’Brien’s opted for a controlled collapse. This was chosen over the other options as it would require less of the operational area and also could be completed in a shorter space of time.

TPSV had identified an area in which the project could take place without causing major disruption to the port. However, the area had a number of obstacles to take into account including: a neighbouring operational naval base; maintenance workshops; lighting and communication towers and REEFER container gantries. The Demolition team carried out many calculations before developing a solution. They created a design of cuts which would allow the 900 ton, 90-metre tall crane to be controlled and collapsed within 10 metres of an existing building, and eight metres of an existing lighting tower. This was carried out with perfect accuracy, much to the delight of TPSV and the neighbouring naval base. As part of the work, O’Brien’s put protection in place to ensure no damage would be caused to the quay deck during the collapse.

The O’Brien’s team carried out all aspects of this project including:

• Initial site survey & calculations
• Provision of a ground impact study
• Provision of risk analysis
• Implementation of environmental control measures
• Design of unique pre-weakening operation
• Design & installation of quay deck protection
• The controlled collapse
• Planning, supervision and execution of all works