Skip to main content

Terex Superlift 3800 crawler crane lifts Schoneck Bridge into place

The new 15m-long, 66tonne Schöneck bridge was recently installed in Germany’s Saarland municipality of Kirkel. Trier-based Steil Kranarbeiten used its Terex Superlift 3800 lattice boom crawler crane to complete the project. Two months before, the old 1960s bridge, not then in use, was cut into eight sections and lifted out using a Terex AC 350/6 all-terrain crane. “Since both the old and the new bridges cross over the Intercity-Express Paris-Mannheim electric train route, overhead lines had to be disconn
January 4, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
Terex crane helps lift in new bridge in Germany
The new 15m-long, 66tonne Schöneck bridge was recently installed in Germany’s Saarland municipality of Kirkel. Trier-based Steil Kranarbeiten used its 1222 Terex Superlift 3800 lattice boom crawler crane to complete the project.

Two months before, the old 1960s bridge, not then in use, was cut into eight sections and lifted out using a Terex AC 350/6 all-terrain crane. “Since both the old and the new bridges cross over the Intercity-Express Paris-Mannheim electric train route, overhead lines had to be disconnected before the lifts were done. To avoid disruption to the train service, we had a window of only a few hours in both cases,” said Martin Mittler, one of the Steil managers for the project.

The work site was also in a residential area, a tight space for the 19 trucks delivering the Superlift 3800 crane’s components on site and setting it up with the Terex assist crane.

“The modular quick-connect system makes it possible to split the crane’s basic structure into two parts, one reason why the Superlift was chosen,” said Mittler. It was set up in two days in an LH1 configuration with a 42m main boom, 205tonnes of superstructure counterweight and 50tonnes of central ballast. The unstable working area for the crane had to be prepared with red ironwood crane mats to bear the machine’s weight.

The bridge structure was delivered in two sections and welded on-site, weighing in total 70tonnes, including slinging gear. After the load was meticulously rigged for balance, power to the overhead lines was turned off and the lift started.

The operator lifted the bridge, which was rigged at four attachment points, to a height of 6m at a working radius of 26m, in order to swing it over the tracks.

The working radius was increased to around 30m by lowering the boom and moving it forward with the Superlift by about 1m. The bridge was set down on supports with laser-like precision.

The tail end of the lift also went smoothly. Then, in just ten hours, the Superlift 3800 was disassembled and ready to truck to its next job.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Liebherr's tunnelling twins
    February 13, 2012
    Contractor Marti Tunnelbau has carried out work on the A16 road construction project in the Swiss canton of Jura with help from its Liebherr LB28 and LB36 piling rigs.
  • Compaction innovations from key firms
    June 12, 2018
    The major manufacturers are introducing an array of advanced asphalt compaction machines - Mike Woof writes. New compaction machines are coming to market from an array of manufacturers, aiming to increase output and efficiency for road contractors. One of the most notable developments is with Hamm’s launch of a production hybrid compactor model, while other firms say they are also working on similar systems. However, several manufacturers have introduced new and improved machines with superior performance t
  • XCMG develops new telehandler and crane
    June 9, 2015
    XCMG is broadening its range of lifting machines with the introduction of a new telehandler and a new crane. The XC6-4517 telehandler has been developed in-house and is now being exported, with units having been supplied to Qatar. Although based on existing models, the new XC6-4517 features better ergonomics and a new FOP and ROPS cab that offers good all-round visibility. High off-road performance is claimed while the machine is also manoeuvrable, with a minimum turning radius of 3.8m. The machine is d
  • Bridge engineering worldwide
    July 1, 2013
    Guy Woodford looks at vital bridge construction, repair and inspection projects in China, Europe, North America and Australia The Heron Road Bridge in Ottawa, Ontario in Canada is a vital link within the City’s transport network, as it crosses the Rideau River, which divides the east and west parts of the City. Constructed in 1966-1967, the Heron Road Bridge is approximately 275m long and includes six lanes.