Manitowoc, Trimble crane positioning system

In the USA Manitowoc and Trimble are working to develop a crane positioning software that will map active construction sites to within 10 mm. Using wireless communication the new software is designed to enhance productivity in the construction lifting industry.

Operating in real time, the IT system will offer data to multiple cranes working on a construction site. The system will measure crane positions in absolute co-ordinates using non-contact sensors that can be installed on both fixed and mobile cranes. An in-cab display will provide operators with a view of the site, multiple working crane zones, forbidden zones, target locations and other site information.

Manitowoc Cranes and Trimble also plan to develop an intelligent environment database that will work with data from Building Information Modelling (BIM) tools and other site sensors. A feature of the solution could be to enable a user to programme an alarm or even halt crane operation if unplanned work is detected.

A wireless local area network (WLAN) will share the crane position information across the construction site, providing each crane operator, the lift scheduler and the back office with instant status against the BIM plan. This information will be available in 3D.

The new tools are expected to be available as part of the Trimble Connected Community solution. It allows contractors to build information portals, share information and collaborate between head office management, site office teams, field crews, subcontractors, suppliers, engineers and clients on a project.