Spider, a division of SafeWorks, LLC, is providing suspended scaffolding and material hoisting solutions for the glass curtain wall and glazing installation on two towers of the World Trade Center: One World Trade Center and Tower Four.
Video: Spider and Beta Max Installing Glass Panels on Freedom Tower
Spider is supplying Portland-based glazing contractor Benson Industries with 12 complete swingstages to access the towers’ facades. Standard 20- and 30-foot modular platforms - powered by Spider’s SC1000 traction hoists - as well as Modulo platforms are enabling access to hard-to-reach areas. A custom modular outrigger beam monorail system was specially engineered to support the platforms.
In addition, four Beta Max Leo XXL VFD material hoists are being used to lift over 3,000 massive glass panels into position. With hoists on each side of the building, installers carefully bring the large, delicate panels up at a rate of 40 to 80 feet per minute and precisely position for the install.
Hoisting at the World Trade Center
Spider’s New York Operation Center, led by Operations Manager Joe Simone and District Sales Representative Marc Frato, provided on-site, hands-on training to ensure safe operation of the equipment.
“The reliability and flexibility of Spider’s equipment are essential for us to complete the upper portion of the project,” said Danny O’Brien, Field Superintendent with Benson Industries.
As Spider’s work on Tower Four nears completion, the equipment and focus has transferred to One World Trade Center which, at 1,776 feet, is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Spider anticipates its phase of the project to be completed in September 2013.
