The Price Computing & Engineering Building (PCEB) project involved the installation of a critical 84,000 lb. structural steel girder within a partially completed multi-story steel structure at the University of Utah Campus. Due to the weight of the girder, the engineered beam-clamp rigging configuration, restricted crane access, and proximity to existing structures and excavation walls, extensive lift planning was required to ensure a safe and successful operation.

Wagstaff Crane & Rigging secured the project by providing a comprehensive engineered lift solution supported by a detailed 3D Lift Plan model. The model allowed the project team to demonstrate crane feasibility, verify capacities, evaluate site logistics, and communicate the lift sequence to the customer. This level of planning provided confidence that the critical lift could be completed safely while meeting the project's schedule and site constraints.

One of the greatest challenges of the project was the limited crane setup area near the building excavation. The crane location, swing radius, and lift path had to be carefully evaluated to maximize crane capacity while maintaining safe clearances from the structure, retaining walls, and surrounding work areas. Using 3D Lift Plan, the entire project site was modeled to closely match actual field conditions, including building geometry, excavation limits, access roads, and crane setup locations.

The lift itself required an engineered beam clamp rigging system to safely lift the girder while maintaining proper load distribution. The rigging arrangement was incorporated into the model, enabling the project team to evaluate hook-height requirements, rigging geometry, clearances, and load orientation throughout the lift. This visualization provided valuable insight during the engineering review process and helped eliminate uncertainty before mobilization.

3D Lift Plan was also instrumental in crane selection and configuration. Multiple crane configurations were evaluated before selecting a Liebherr LTM 1750 equipped with a telescopic boom and Y-Guy. The software allowed the team to validate crane capacities throughout the entire lift sequence, from the initial pick location through final placement within the structure. At the critical pick position, the crane was operating at approximately 85% of rated capacity, making accurate planning essential.

The model served as a valuable communication tool throughout the project. Engineers, project managers, crane operators, ironworkers, and site personnel were able to review the lift visually and identify potential challenges before arriving on site. The ability to see the crane, structure, load path, and surrounding conditions in a realistic 3D environment improved coordination and helped ensure all the trades involved had the same understanding of the lift plan.

The detailed site model also provided significant documentation benefits. Rather than relying solely on drawings and written descriptions, I produced visual lift plans that clearly illustrated crane positioning, lift radii, boom clearances, rigging arrangements, and final load placement. This enhanced the quality of the critical lift package and simplified the project review and approval process.

The lift was completed safely, efficiently, and without incident. By accurately replicating field conditions and allowing the project team to evaluate crane configuration, rigging design, site constraints, and load path in advance, 3D Lift Plan played a critical role in mitigating risk and ensuring the successful execution of one of the project's most challenging structural steel lifts.

3D Lift Plan Images

Jobsite Photos