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DEToday, Faralda Crane Hotel is one of the most published buildings in Amsterdam and heritage in the highest rank (RCE Classification). It has been distinguished by the prestigious Pieter van Vollenhoven prize, the Annual award for high-profile and leading redevelop projects. But at the moment of renovation started, the situation was different.
When SDC Verifier was awarded this project from its owners, the former Kraan13 made in 1951 by Hensen Ltd was in a deplorable state. The constructive challenges were enormous. The solutions the team had to find were unique and safety requirements were the immense challenges.
The first SDC Verifier investigations aimed to ensure that the nonoperating crane is going to withstand the load of three suits, outdoor elevators, water tanks, reception, and a restaurant planned. SDC Verifier was responsible for existing steel structure control. Also, the force transmission of the new structure with the existing structure had to be harmonized. The Eurocode was the starting point for the calculations and checking of the structure. The structural integrity of the crane structure calculated and checked according to the NEN 2018/2019. Buckling check was performed according to the ANSI-AISC 360-10 standard.
The total original weight before the renovation was 198 tons and after – 295 tons. Additional structures changed the crane working mode and reinforced the wind effect, taking into account that the crane has a wind vane mode and moves slowly in the wind. The dimensions and shape of the structure were incorporated in the influence factors by which the wind loads were multiplied. The structure is located in wind load area II (Amsterdam). In this area, the wind-induced extreme thrust value. Also, wind pressure and snow loads were calculated. One of the recommendations was not to block the boom swing, not to create a torsion torque for the tower.
SDC Verifier Custom Check was used to improve the rivet check in the riveted joints check task. The numbers of rivets in each node varied, so the elements in nodes were selected and the number of rivets assigned according to the crane’s drawings.
SDC Verifier team also gave recommendations for the reinforcements. To obtain a strong shear force, reinforcement was placed over the steel beams to constructively connect the floor elements.
We hope that this impressive structure will become a new symbol of Amsterdam. And from the structural point of view, we are sure that it’s safe and durable.
