Potain cranes solve engineering challenges for McAlpine

Main contractor Sir Robert McAlpine is using the luffing jib cranes to construct 2 Finsbury Avenue, a landmark mixed-use high-rise building in London, UK, expected to be completed in 2027.

Sir Robert McAlpine deployed three Potain tower cranes from its extensive fleet for the ambitious 2 Finsbury Avenue (2FA) development in the heart of the London, UK, financial district. This dual high-rise mixed-use project, standing 170 metres tall, is due to be finished in 2027. Its unique challenges include extreme working heights and limited site access within the densely populated urban landscape.

Manitowoc’s Lift Solutions Team collaborated closely with Sir Robert McAlpine from the early planning stages through the cranes’ commissioning. Together, they engineered specialized crane bases and non-standard anchorage solutions to optimise safety and efficiency on site.

“Our planning began in 2021, owing to the complexity of this development,” said Steve Wright, commercial plant manager, Sir Robert McAlpine. “The design included specialized crane bases and non-standard anchorage solutions, and the developer was confident it would deliver the best result. We selected Potain luffing jib tower cranes for their strong lifting capacities and fast operation, which are crucial for a project of this scale. Our team ran several scenario plans to find the right combination for handling heavy loads in limited space. Their out-of-service radii also provided the flexibility needed in this tight setting.”

The project uses three Potain tower cranes: one MR 418 and two MR 225 A models. Due to the constrained footprint of the 2FA site, the MR 418 was installed on an elevated platform, while the others were positioned on the 13th and 15th floors.

The lattice steel platform supporting the MR 418 is mounted on vertical legs connected directly to the building’s piles to ensure efficient load transfer. This intricate installation required meticulous planning, including the creation of specific connection points to secure the cranes as construction progresses.