Yesterday, we were thrilled to have four of the main vertical structural steel I-beams erected. Unfortunately, I could not be there to see it (the photos from yesterday's blog were from Peter), and I missed seeing the big crane move the steel. Fortunately, two of the beams were installed in the wrong positions so today they had to swap them, and I could be there so I did get to see the gigantic crane in action!
To give an idea of the size of these structural steel beams, here is a picture of them standing in position with one of the contractors standing next to them. He is about 6 ft tall.
![](http://www.teafirerebuild.com/assets/content/June_2010/CRW_3180%20copy.jpg)
The big crane is back on site
![](http://www.teafirerebuild.com/assets/content/June_2010/CRW_3210%20copy.jpg)
And is ready to move some steel. If the crane extends fully, I cannot fit the whole crane in my field of view.
![](http://www.teafirerebuild.com/assets/content/June_2010/CRW_3218%20copy.jpg)
In order to swap the two beams, first they have to take out one beam. Using a steel cable, the crane picks up the beam and lays it to the side.
![](http://www.teafirerebuild.com/assets/content/June_2010/CRW_3220%20copy.jpg)
![](http://www.teafirerebuild.com/assets/content/June_2010/CRW_3222%20copy.jpg)
![](http://www.teafirerebuild.com/assets/content/June_2010/CRW_3224%20copy.jpg)
![](http://www.teafirerebuild.com/assets/content/June_2010/CRW_3227%20copy.jpg)
![](http://www.teafirerebuild.com/assets/content/June_2010/CRW_3234%20copy.jpg)
Once the first beam is out of the way, the team sets the ladder against the second beam,
![](http://www.teafirerebuild.com/assets/content/June_2010/CRW_3205%20copy.jpg)
Russ climbs up to attach the steel cable and the crane brings over the hook.
![](http://www.teafirerebuild.com/assets/content/June_2010/CRW_3239%20copy.jpg)
![](http://www.teafirerebuild.com/assets/content/June_2010/CRW_3244%20copy.jpg)
Russ connects the steel cable to the crane hook and climbs back down the ladder before the crane lifts the beam.
![](http://www.teafirerebuild.com/assets/content/June_2010/CRW_3245%20copy.jpg)
![](http://www.teafirerebuild.com/assets/content/June_2010/CRW_3248%20copy.jpg)
![](http://www.teafirerebuild.com/assets/content/June_2010/CRW_3253%20copy.jpg)
and moves the second beam to its proper position.
![](http://www.teafirerebuild.com/assets/content/June_2010/CRW_3260%20copy.jpg)
![](http://www.teafirerebuild.com/assets/content/June_2010/CRW_3263%20copy.jpg)
Once the second beam is placed, the first beam can be brought back to its rightful place
![](http://www.teafirerebuild.com/assets/content/June_2010/CRW_3273%20copy.jpg)
![](http://www.teafirerebuild.com/assets/content/June_2010/CRW_3281%20copy.jpg)
![](http://www.teafirerebuild.com/assets/content/June_2010/CRW_3283%20copy.jpg)
At the end of the day, the steel is re-erected!