# Construction Crane Question

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/construction-crane-question/108141>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [May 9, 2002, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/construction-crane-question/108141 "2002-05-09T19:08:21Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![drollman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f04885/32.png) [@drollman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drollman)\
**Post date:** [May 9, 2002, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/construction-crane-question/108141/1 "2002-05-09T19:08:21Z")

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How do they dismantle the construction crane when a high-rise building is finished; particularly the huge concrete slabs used for balance. While I’m on the subject, does the are taken up by the crane’s support become the buildings elevator shaft when completed?

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**Author:** ![Running\_with\_Scissors](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a183cd/32.png) [@Running\_with\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Running_with_Scissors)\
**Post date:** [May 9, 2002, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/construction-crane-question/108141/2 "2002-05-09T20:26:09Z")

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This is what you’re looking for:

[How Tower Cranes Work](http://www.howstuffworks.com/tower-crane.htm)

The concrete slabs are typically removed with a portable derrick or smaller crane.

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**Author:** ![drollman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f04885/32.png) [@drollman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drollman)\
**Post date:** [May 10, 2002, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/construction-crane-question/108141/3 "2002-05-10T15:19:58Z")

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Mucho Appreciato! (Nothing worse than having your 3 year old son think you’re an idiot!)