Crawler Cranes Build 1,500 Foot Ocean Outfall at Myrtle Beach
- Meagan Wood
- Aug 20
- 11 min read
30 Second Takeaway
ALL Carolina Crane Rental of Wilmington has supplied a Manitowoc 14000 and Link Belt 248 HSL crawler crane for construction of a deepwater stormwater outfall at 24th Avenue North in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The cranes first built a temporary trestle extending over the Atlantic Ocean. They are now handling 84 inch prestressed concrete pipe sections weighing up to 55,000 pounds as the pipeline advances approximately 1,500 feet offshore beneath the seabed. The $40 million project will connect the ocean outfall to the city’s stormwater network, replace 11 existing beachfront discharge pipes and help reduce flooding in one of Myrtle Beach’s most affected areas.
Two Crawler Cranes Support Coastal Infrastructure Project
Two lattice boom crawler cranes are supporting construction of Myrtle Beach’s fifth deepwater ocean outfall. ALL Carolina Crane Rental supplied the equipment to marine contractor Manson Construction, which is completing the offshore works at 24th Avenue North.
The crawler crane package consists of:
A Manitowoc 14000
A Link Belt 248 HSL
A 110 US ton All Terrain crane used during assembly
Crawler mats forming the trestle travel surface
Supporting rigging and installation equipment
The cranes perform different but connected roles during the pipe installation process.
The Link Belt transports concrete sections from the beach staging point along the trestle. The Manitowoc then lifts each section from the working platform and lowers it into the ocean for installation.
84 Inch Pipeline Extends 1,500 Feet Offshore
The new outfall consists of 84 inch prestressed concrete pipe extending approximately 1,500 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. Once complete, the pipeline will connect with the municipal stormwater system and carry runoff farther offshore. The system is intended to replace 11 smaller stormwater pipes currently discharging across the beachfront.
Consolidating these pipes into a deepwater outfall will allow the city to manage stormwater through a larger underground system while removing discharge points from the beach.
The project also incorporates systems intended to collect debris and filter stormwater before it is released.
Outfall Targets a Flood Prone Area
The area around 24th Avenue North experiences recurring flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. Hotels, parking areas, streets and other low lying properties near the beachfront can be affected when the existing drainage network is unable to carry runoff away quickly enough.
Billy Madden, sales representative with ALL Carolina Crane Rental of Wilmington, said:
“This part of the beach floods more than any other. There are hotel parking lots that get two to three feet of water every time it rains.”
“This outfall will mitigate the flooding by connecting to the storm sewer and carrying excess runoff deeper into the ocean.”
The project forms part of a wider programme of stormwater improvements along the approximately 60 mile Grand Strand coastline.
Cranes First Built Their Own Working Platform
Before installation of the concrete pipeline could begin, the cranes were used to construct a temporary trestle extending from the beach over the water. The trestle follows the planned route of the outfall and provides a stable working platform for the crawler cranes, pipe sections and construction crews.
The Link Belt 248 HSL arrived first and performed much of the structural work.
Its construction sequence included:
Driving sheet piles
Installing round pilings
Placing custom steel girders
Installing supporting structural components
Positioning crawler mats
Preparing the travel surface
Once the trestle was completed, both crawler cranes could travel above the ocean and advance with the pipeline installation.
Trestle Transfers Crane Loads Into the Seabed
The temporary structure must support more than the weight of the cranes.
It also carries the pipe sections, crawler mats, rigging and supporting construction equipment. Loads from the crawler tracks pass through the mats and steel framing before being transferred through the supporting piles into the seabed.
The trestle therefore had to be engineered for:
Crane operating weight
Suspended loads
Track loading
Travel loads
Boom configuration
Counterweight
Pipe storage
Construction equipment
Wave and current action
Wind loading
Tidal conditions
Crane movement along the structure also changes the position of the load applied to the trestle. Each stage of travel and lifting must remain within the approved structural and crane operating limits.
Manitowoc 14000 Handles the Heaviest Pipe Sections
The Manitowoc 14000 performs the principal pipe installation lifts.
For the Myrtle Beach project, the crane is configured with:
164 feet of main boom
221,000 pounds of counterweight
Capacity to handle pipe sections weighing up to 55,000 pounds
The crane lifts each concrete pipe section individually before lowering it below the waterline.
“We specified the 14000 for our customer, Manson Construction, because its higher capacity is better suited to the heavier concrete pipe sections,”
Madden said.
The selected boom and counterweight arrangement provides the capacity required at the project’s planned working radii. Actual lifting capacity depends on the crane’s configuration, boom angle, operating radius and applicable load chart.
Manitowoc 14000 Technical Overview
The Manitowoc 14000 is a lattice boom crawler crane with a maximum rated capacity of 220 US tons, equivalent to approximately 200 tonnes. The crane can be configured with a main boom extending to approximately 292 feet, or 89 metres.
Additional attachment options include:
Fixed jibs up to 80 feet
Luffing jibs up to 170 feet
Maximum boom and luffing jib combinations reaching approximately 364 feet
Multiple boom configurations for different capacity and reach requirements
The Model 14000 incorporates Manitowoc’s EPIC control system with CAN Bus communication and six independent closed loop hydraulic circuits. Its FACT connection system is designed to support crane assembly and disassembly.
The complete crane, including its maximum boom, fixed jib and counterweight package, can be transported across approximately 12 truckloads, depending on configuration and regional transport requirements.
Link Belt 248 HSL Feeds Pipe Along the Trestle
The Link Belt 248 HSL remains on the project as the material handling crane for the pipe installation sequence. Concrete sections arrive by road on flatbed trailers and must then be transferred from the beach access area to the Manitowoc’s operating position.
The Link Belt lifts each pipe section from the delivery area and carries or relays it along the trestle.
For this work, it is configured with:
155 feet of main boom
168,000 pounds of counterweight
Lattice boom suited to repeated material handling
Crawler undercarriage for movement along the trestle
Separating transport and installation duties allows the Manitowoc to remain in position for the critical subsea lifts while the Link Belt maintains the supply of pipe. This helps avoid repeatedly moving or reconfiguring the primary installation crane.
Link Belt 248 HSL Technical Overview
The Link Belt 248 HSL has a manufacturer listed base capacity of 200 US tons at a 12 foot radius, equivalent to approximately 181 tonnes at 3.7 metres. Its lattice main boom can be configured from 55 to 285 feet, or approximately 16.8 to 86.9 metres.
Available fixed jib lengths range from 30 to 100 feet, with offset positions of 5, 15 and 25 degrees.
The crane provides:
Maximum fixed jib tip height of approximately 348.4 feet
Cummins QSB6.7 Tier 4 Final engine
Maximum hoist pull of approximately 46,924 pounds
Maximum line speed of approximately 502 feet per minute
Full chart 360 degree pick and carry capability
Adjustable operating speeds
Function slowdown and stop limits
Self assembly features
For the Myrtle Beach work, the crane’s crawler undercarriage and pick and carry capability are important because pipe sections must be moved along the narrow trestle.
Two Crane Workflow Separates Transport and Installation
The project uses the cranes as a coordinated material handling system. The Link Belt is responsible for moving pipe from the beach staging area towards the installation point. The Manitowoc then completes the final lift into the ocean.
The sequence involves:
Delivering the pipe to the beach access area
Unloading it with the Link Belt
Moving the section along the trestle
Transferring it to the Manitowoc’s working area
Connecting the installation rigging
Lifting the pipe from the trestle
Lowering it below the surface
Positioning it inside the setting box
Connecting it to the installed pipeline
Releasing and recovering the rigging
This division of work allows pipe delivery and installation activities to continue without requiring one crane to perform every stage.
Steel Setting Box Protects the Pipe During Installation
Once the Manitowoc lowers a pipe section below the surface, it is positioned inside a specially fabricated steel setting box. The box protects the pipe from lateral movement caused by ocean currents while divers complete the connection.
Without this protection, water movement could shift the suspended section and make accurate alignment with the previously installed pipe more difficult. The setting box creates a more controlled installation area around the joint. The crane continues to support and position the pipe while the dive team confirms alignment.
Divers Complete the Underwater Connections
Manson Construction divers work beneath the surface to guide the concrete pipe sections together.
The operation requires close communication between:
Crane operators
Lift supervisors
Divers
Dive supervisors
Rigging personnel
Trestle crews
Survey personnel
The crane operator cannot directly see the final connection point, making communication and monitoring essential. The dive team guides the suspended section into alignment while the Manitowoc makes controlled lifting and lowering movements. Underwater visibility, ocean currents and changing sea conditions can all affect the installation process.
Wedge Lock Joint Secures Each Pipe Section
The 84 inch pipe sections use a wedge lock joint system. Once the ends of two sections are aligned, the connection mechanically locks them together to form the continuing pipeline.
The joint must resist movement and loading generated by:
Ocean currents
Wave action
Seabed conditions
Pipeline weight
Stormwater discharge
Settlement
Long term marine exposure
The setting box keeps the pipe stable while the divers complete the joint.
After the connection is confirmed, the lifting equipment can be disconnected and recovered to the trestle.
Concrete Replaces Smaller CPVC Pipe
Previous outfall projects in the area used 54 inch chlorinated polyvinyl chloride pipe.
The 24th Avenue North system uses larger and heavier 84 inch prestressed concrete sections. The increased diameter provides greater flow capacity, but it also changes the lifting requirements. Concrete pipe sections weighing as much as 55,000 pounds require a larger crane, suitable rigging and a trestle designed for the increased load.
The Manitowoc 14000 was selected specifically to provide the capacity needed for these heavier sections.
Crane Assembly Completed Through 50 Foot Beach Access
The two crawler cranes were assembled at a public beach access point only approximately 50 feet wide. Crawler cranes are transported in multiple loads, including the carbody, tracks, boom sections, counterweights, hook blocks and other components.
The narrow access area provided limited room for:
Delivery trucks
Crane components
Assembly operations
Support equipment
Counterweight installation
Boom assembly
Personnel access
A 110 US ton All Terrain crane assisted with the assembly because the crawler cranes could not assemble themselves easily within the restricted area.
“The beach access was extremely narrow, so every step had to be carefully coordinated,”
Madden said.
Components Delivered From Remote Laydown Yard
The main laydown yard was located approximately five to eight miles from the beachfront site. Crane components, crawler mats, pipe sections and construction materials could not be stored together at the beach because of the limited staging area.
Instead, each item had to be transported to the site in the order required.
This created a controlled delivery schedule covering:
Crane components
Boom sections
Counterweights
Crawler mats
Steel trestle elements
Concrete pipe sections
Rigging
Support equipment
Delivering too many components at once could block the access point and prevent assembly or lifting operations from continuing.
Beach Construction Adds Environmental Challenges
Coastal crane operations are affected by environmental conditions that differ from those at a conventional land based construction site.
The project team must consider:
Tides
Wave action
Ocean currents
Wind speed
Saltwater exposure
Sand movement
Seabed conditions
Storm systems
Corrosion
Public beach access
The cranes operate from an engineered trestle rather than directly from the beach or seabed. Daily planning must account for changes in weather and sea conditions before pipe installation begins.
Project Represents a $40 Million Investment
The City of Myrtle Beach identifies the 24th Avenue North outfall as a $40 million infrastructure project. The city received $30 million in state funding towards the programme, along with additional funding connected with stormwater outfall work.
The project is expected to:
Replace 11 beachfront drainage pipes
Improve stormwater collection
Reduce flooding
Carry runoff farther offshore
Improve beach conditions
Support water filtration and debris collection
Protect surrounding properties and infrastructure
The outfall is Myrtle Beach’s fifth deepwater ocean discharge project.
Continuing Partnership Between ALL and Manson
The project continues a working relationship between ALL Carolina Crane Rental and Manson Construction. ALL Carolina has supplied cranes for several ocean outfall projects along the Grand Strand. Manson provides marine construction experience covering pile driving, trestle construction, diving and subsea installation.
The combination of crawler crane capacity and marine construction expertise allows the companies to complete lifting operations extending from the beach to the offshore installation point.
About ALL Carolina Crane Rental
ALL Carolina Crane Rental of Wilmington is a crane rental and lifting services company based in Rocky Point, North Carolina. The business became a dedicated member of the ALL Family of Companies in 2007 and supports customers across North Carolina and surrounding markets.
Its services cover crane rental, operated lifting, equipment supply, project planning and technical support for construction, industrial, infrastructure and marine projects.
ALL Carolina can also draw equipment and personnel from the wider ALL Family fleet.
Company website: www.allcrane.com
About the ALL Family of Companies
The ALL Family of Companies was founded in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1964 by brothers Michael, Jake and Larry Liptak with a single crane. It has developed into a network of crane rental, sales and service businesses operating across North America.
The family owned company employs approximately 1,500 people and provides:
Mobile crane rental
Crawler crane rental
Tower cranes
Boom trucks
Aerial equipment
Material handling equipment
Equipment sales
Parts and maintenance
Lift planning
Transport and logistics support
The group supports construction, industrial, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing and specialised lifting projects.
Company website: www.allcrane.com
About Manson Construction
Manson Construction is a United States marine construction, dredging, offshore and heavy lifting contractor. The company was founded in 1905 as a small pile driving business supporting development of the Seattle waterfront.
It has since expanded across North America, employing more than 800 people and operating a fleet of marine construction equipment.
Manson’s services include:
Marine construction
Dredging
Offshore work
Heavy lifting
Pile installation
Waterfront infrastructure
Subsea construction
Bridge and terminal projects
Company website: www.mansonconstruction.com
About Manitowoc
The Manitowoc Company manufactures cranes under the Manitowoc, Grove, Potain and National Crane brands. Its Manitowoc product line specialises in lattice boom crawler cranes used across infrastructure, energy, industrial, marine and heavy construction projects.
The Model 14000 is a previous generation 220 US ton crawler crane offering multiple main boom, fixed jib and luffing jib configurations.
Company website: www.manitowoc.com
Manitowoc 14000 product page: Manitowoc 14000
About Link Belt Cranes
Link Belt Cranes manufactures rough terrain, All Terrain, truck, telescopic crawler and lattice boom crawler cranes at its facility in Lexington, Kentucky.
The company supplies cranes for construction, infrastructure, energy, industrial and material handling applications. The Link Belt 248 HSL is a 200 US ton class lattice boom crawler crane designed for lifting and pick and carry work.
Company website: www.linkbelt.com
248 HSL product page: Link Belt 248 HSL
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the stormwater outfall being installed?
The pipeline is being installed at 24th Avenue North in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
How far does the pipeline extend offshore?
The outfall extends approximately 1,500 feet into the Atlantic Ocean.
What size pipe is being installed?
The project uses 84 inch prestressed concrete pipe.
How much does the heaviest pipe section weigh?
The heaviest sections weigh approximately 55,000 pounds, or 24.9 tonnes.
Which cranes are working on the project?
ALL Carolina supplied a Manitowoc 14000 and a Link Belt 248 HSL lattice boom crawler crane.
What is the Manitowoc 14000’s capacity?
The Manitowoc 14000 has a maximum rated capacity of 220 US tons, equivalent to approximately 200 tonnes.
What is the Link Belt 248 HSL’s capacity?
Link Belt lists the 248 HSL at 200 US tons, equivalent to approximately 181 tonnes.
What does the Link Belt crane do?
The Link Belt moves pipe sections from delivery trailers along the temporary trestle to the installation area.
What does the Manitowoc crane do?
The Manitowoc lifts each pipe section from the trestle and lowers it beneath the ocean surface.
Why was a temporary trestle required?
The trestle provides a stable platform that allows the crawler cranes to travel and work approximately 1,500 feet offshore.
How are the pipe sections connected?
Divers align and connect the sections underwater using a wedge lock joint system.
What is the steel setting box used for?
The box protects the pipe from ocean currents and provides a controlled area for alignment and connection.
How much does the project cost?
The City of Myrtle Beach lists the project cost at approximately $40 million.
What will the new outfall replace?
It will replace 11 existing stormwater pipes discharging across the beachfront.
