Silverstream Pipe Bridge Lift
Client: Brian Perry Civil
Project: Lift New Silverstream Pipe and Shared Path Bridge, Wellington Water, Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River
Scope: Lifting, Transport, and Placement of Network Arch Bridge
Project Overview
Titan Cranes Ltd was engaged by Brian Perry Civil during the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phase for the Silverstream bridge project. The collaboration aimed to develop a comprehensive lifting methodology for a network arch bridge, leveraging Titan’s expertise in complex crane operations.
Lifting Methodology Development
Early Contractor Involvement (ECI): Engaged early in the project, Titan Cranes collaborated with Brian Perry Civil to explore various concepts for the bridge lift. Proposed methods included:
- Single Crane Pick and Carry
- Multi-Crane Pick and Carry
- Causeway Construction with SPMT Movement
Optimal Solution: After evaluating several approaches, the project team selected a single large crawler crane for a “pick, walk, and place” operation, deemed the most efficient and cost-effective method.
Design and Technical Capabilities
Innovative Design Approach: During the design phase, the bridge structure was reinforced to allow lifting from the top chord rather than the traditional outer edges. This reduced the rigging length, providing greater load stability and simplifying the rigging process.
3D Lifting Design: Titan’s in-house technical team developed the lifting plan using 3D AutoCAD, integrating detailed drawings of the site, the bridge, and the crane. This precise planning identified the LR1500 500t Crawler Crane as the optimal choice.
Whakawhirinaki: The Silverstream Water Bridge and Shared Path
Execution Details
Lift Specifications:
Bridge Weight: 154 tonnes (including an additional 11 tonnes for hook and rigging).
Lifting Radius: 29 meters, necessitating the construction of a 25-meter-long causeway on the riverbed shingle for the crane to pick and carry the bridge into position.
Crane Configuration: The LR1500 crane was configured with a 280-tonne ballast tray, and the combined weight of the crane, bridge, and ballast exceeded 800 tonnes.
Rigging Considerations: Using Titan’s engineering team, the rigging arrangements were optimized for both performance and weight. The goal was to keep the rigging lightweight for easier handling by riggers and dogmen while ensuring that the stress loads remained within safe tolerances.
Lift Execution
Smooth Operation: The lift took place on a calm winter morning and was executed flawlessly. The use of the Liebherr Crawler Derrick Ballast System provided enhanced flexibility during the lift, allowing adjustments in pick and place radii. This feature ensured:
- Reduced peak ground pressures
- Balanced load moment on the crane
- Adherence to the required ground bearing capacity
Outcome
The Silverstream bridge lift was completed successfully, demonstrating Titan Cranes' capability in handling complex, large-scale lifting projects.
