In the world of construction and industrial manufacturing, handling heavy and bulky materials like precast concrete blocks or precast cement blocks demands precision, safety, and efficiency. These blocks, used in everything from walls and beams to pavers and panels, require specialized equipment for lifting, transporting, and positioning. DQCRANES, a leader in material handling solutions, offers a range of robust
gantry cranes tailored to meet the unique challenges of precast block handling.
Understanding Precast Concrete Handling Challenges
Precast blocks are manufactured off-site in controlled environments, offering durability and consistency. However, their substantial weight (ranging from a few tons to over 50 tons) and large dimensions necessitate equipment that can:
- Safely lift and maneuver heavy loads.
- Operate in confined production or storage spaces.
- Minimize human error and workplace risks.
- Adapt to varying block sizes and shapes.
This is where gantry cranes shine. Unlike
overhead cranes, gantry systems operate on floor-supported rails or rubber-tyred wheels, making them ideal for workshops, storage yards, and construction sites.
DQCRANES: Your Partner in Precision Lifting
Over three decades of expertise, DQCRANES designs customized gantry crane solutions for industries handling precast concrete. Our heavy duty gantry cranes combine engineering excellence with innovative technology, ensuring reliability, safety, and scalability.
Types of Gantry Cranes for Precast Industry
single girder gantry cranes
- Design: A single bridge beam supported by two legs on rails or wheels.
- Load Capacity: Up to 20 tons.
- Ideal For: Small to medium-sized precast blocks (e.g., pavers, lintels).
Features:
- Cost-effective and lightweight.
- Compact design for facilities with limited headroom.
- Easy installation and maintenance.
Applications:
- Production lines, storage areas, and workshops.
Double Girder Gantry Cranes
- Design: Two parallel bridge beams for enhanced strength.
- Load Capacity: 20–100+ tons.
- Ideal For: Heavy/large blocks (e.g., bridge beams, wall panels).
Features:
- Higher lifting heights and longer spans.
- Compatible with auxiliary hoists for tilting or rotating loads.
- Rugged construction for 24/7 operations.
Applications:
- Large-scale precast plants, outdoor storage yards.
Adjustable Span and Height Straddle Carrier Cranes
- Design: Modular frames with customizable span/height settings.
- Load Capacity: 10–50 tons.
- Ideal For: Facilities handling diverse block sizes.
Features:
- Telescopic legs and extendable girders.
- Quick reconfiguration for changing project needs.
Applications:
- Multi-product factories, dynamic worksites.
Rubber Tyred Gantry Cranes (RTG)
- Design: Portable cranes with rubber-tired wheels.
- Load Capacity: 20–900 tons.
- Ideal For: On-site block placement or temporary setups.
Features:
- No fixed rails—mobility across flat surfaces.
- Collapsible designs for easy transport.
Applications:
- Construction sites, repair projects, loading docks.
Rail-Mounted Gantry Cranes (RMG)
- Design: Fixed rails for guided, long-distance movement.
- Load Capacity: 30–200+ tons.
- Ideal For: High-volume facilities with linear workflows.
Features:
- Precision control over long spans.
- Ideal for stacking blocks in organized yards.
Applications:
- Mega precast plants, port terminals, logistics hubs.
Customized and Automated Gantry Systems
- Design: Tailored solutions integrating automation.
- Load Capacity: Bespoke engineering.
Features:
- Radio remote controls, PLC systems, or AI-driven automation.
- Specialized lifting attachments (spreaders, vacuum lifters).
- IoT sensors for predictive maintenance.
Applications:
- High-tech precast factories, smart warehouses.
Gantry Crane Applications for Concrete Precast Blocks
Casting and DemoldingPrecast blocks begin their journey in molds, where concrete is poured and cured. Gantry cranes are critical during the demolding phase, where they:
- Lift freshly cured blocks from molds without damaging their edges or surfaces.
- Handle heavy molds (often made of steel or reinforced materials) for repositioning or reuse.
- Tilt or rotate blocks to facilitate demolding, especially for complex shapes like U-beams or hollow-core slabs.
Gantry Crane Types Used:
- Adjustable-height gantry cranes to accommodate varying mold sizes.
- Double Girder Cranes with rotating hooks or vacuum lifters for delicate handling.
Transporting Blocks to Curing AreasAfter demolding, precast blocks require controlled curing in designated chambers or yards. Gantry cranes:
- Move blocks from casting beds to curing racks or chambers efficiently.
- Stack blocks vertically to optimize space in curing areas.
- Maintain precise alignment to prevent cracks or deformities during curing.
Gantry Crane Types Used:
Storage and Inventory ManagementPrecast blocks often need to be stored temporarily before delivery. Gantry cranes streamline storage operations by:
- Stacking blocks in organized rows to maximize yard or warehouse space.
- Retrieving specific blocks from storage for quality checks or orders.
- Labeling and sorting using automated systems integrated with crane controls.
Crane Types Used:
- Automated gantry cranes for inventory tracking.
- High-capacity double girder cranes for multi-tier stacking.
Loading/Unloading Trucks and TrailersTransporting precast blocks to construction sites requires careful loading to avoid damage. Gantry cranes:
- Lift blocks directly from storage onto flatbed trucks or trailers.
- Position loads evenly to ensure safe weight distribution during transit.
- Accommodate oversized blocks (e.g., bridge girders) that require specialized rigging.
Crane Types Used:
- Straddle carriers with extendable spans for reaching over trucks.
- Single girder gantry cranes with adjustable spreader beams for varied block widths.
On-Site InstallationAt construction sites, precast blocks are often installed using gantry cranes to:
- Place wall panels, columns, or beams directly into their final positions.
- Align blocks with millimeter precision using remote-controlled operation.
- Handle blocks in tight spaces where traditional cranes (e.g., tower cranes) cannot maneuver.
Crane Types Used:
- portable gantry cranes for temporary setups at construction sites.
- Rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs) for outdoor mobility on uneven terrain.
Handling Specialized Precast ElementsSome precast blocks have unique shapes or functions, such as:
- Hollow-core slabs: Require balanced lifting to prevent cracking.
- Tilt-up panels: Need tilting mechanisms for vertical placement.
- Architectural cladding: Delicate surfaces demand vacuum lifters or soft slings.
Crane Types Used:
- Customized gantry cranes with specialized attachments (e.g., vacuum lifters, tilting hooks).
- Double girder gantry cranes with auxiliary hoists for multi-axis movements.
Quality Control and RepairsGantry cranes assist in quality assurance by:
- Flipping blocks for inspection of all sides.
- Transporting defective blocks to repair stations.
- Positioning blocks for surface treatments (e.g., sandblasting, waterproofing).
Crane Types Used:
Automated Production LinesIn advanced precast facilities, gantry cranes integrate with automation systems to:
- Synchronize with robotic arms for mold preparation and block finishing.
- Feed blocks into CNC cutting or drilling machines.
- Work alongside conveyor systems for seamless material flow.
Crane Types Used:
- AI-driven automated gantry cranes with programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
- Overhead gantry systems on tracks for high-speed, repetitive tasks.
Contact DQCRANES today to explore our range of gantry cranes and find the perfect match for your precast concrete handling needs – where innovation meets reliability.
Why Choose DQCRANES
- Durability: Built with high-grade steel and corrosion-resistant coatings.
- Safety: Features like overload protection, anti-sway systems, and emergency brakes.
- Precision Control: Smooth variable frequency drives (VFDs) for accurate positioning.
- Scalability: Systems grow with your business needs.
- After-Sales Support: Installation, training, and maintenance services.
Conclusion
Whether you’re producing small pavers or massive structural components, DQCRANES delivers gantry cranes that blend power, precision, and innovation. Our solutions streamline operations from molding to installation, ensuring your precast blocks are handled safely and efficiently.
Ready to transform your precast handling workflow?
Contact DQCRANES today to explore customized gantry crane systems tailored to your needs.