Link-Belt TCC-1100 operates under bridge clearance alongside Colorado River

In order to operate under tight bridge clearances for a project in Colorado, the Washington-based Malcolm Drilling Company is utilizing the low overhead clearances of a Link-Belt 110-ton (100-mt) TCC-1100. For Malcolm Drilling, construction consisted of drilling caissons for a new five-span welded steel box girder bridge that will replace the previous bridge, built in 1953. Malcolm Drilling worked steadily to complete caissons by drilling a shaft, then lowering a rebar cage into the shaft, and filling with concrete each day. In total, 26 caissons were drilled and filled to hold up pier caps for the new bridge. Once finished, the new Grand Avenue Bridge in Glenwood Springs, Colorado will cross the Colorado River, Union Pacific Railroad, and four lanes of Interstate 70.

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Concrete piers for the eventual bridge superstructure will rest above the 54 ft. (16.4 m) deep caissons. The TCC-1100 lifts and maneuvers a 56,000 lb. (25 401.1 kg) Leffer VRM2200 oscillator underneath the 36 ft. clearance of the existing bridge complete the caisson portion of construction. A lighter capacity crane would have required a longer, higher boom than would fit under the old bridge girders of the original bridge. In some cases the boom head of the TCC-1100 was as close as 9 in (22.86 cm) to the old bridge’s girders. The second critical crane requirement for the project was being able to lift a 30,000 lb. (13 607.7 kg) rigged starter can up and over the in-place oscillator, prior to it digging the hole for the can. 

Malcolm Drilling Superintendent, Todd Williams said he spent considerable time and effort studying crane options before deciding upon the TCC-1100 for this job. The working jobsite for the project consisted of a 40 to 45 foot wide back-filled access road along the Colorado River and under the bridge. The TCC-1100s boom tip, load capacity and height specifications played an integral part in Williams’ decision to choose the Link-Belt. Access under the existing bridge was another major challenge for Malcolm. “We are constrained with no extra room to move, get the drill spoils out of the way, get the rebar cages to the Link-Belt crane, or to even physically swing and work around ourselves. With so much equipment in such a small space it means watching each other’s back continually, especially as the concrete was poured after the rebar cages are placed. While pouring continued, the oscillator worked the casings up until the TCC-1100 grabbed and lifted them out of the way.” 

Malcolm Drilling became acquainted with the Link-Belt telecrawler cranes on a project in Wisconsin. “We fell in love with their capabilities and what they could do for this type of work,” said Williams. “It has the mobility to walk around where you need to go at any time and is able to telescope the boom in and out - for what we do, it’s perfect.”

The new bridge is scheduled to be completed in May of 2018 and will help alleviate traffic congestion into downtown Glenwood Springs, coming off of the scenic I-70 Interstate west of Denver.