Project Summary
Client: Timber Restoration Systems
Location: Moggs Creek
Crane: LTM 1250 5.1 - MAC25
Project Overview
Premier Cranes was engaged by Timber Restoration Systems, for the removal and installation of a new pedestrian bridge at Moggs Creek where they supplied heavy haulage and lifting services.
The former bridge structures, bearing the brunt of wear and tear, had succumbed to water ingress and debris collection due to some design flaws.
However, Premier Cranes' commitment to collaborative planning, transparent operations, and effective communication delivered the best lifting solution.
When Timber Restoration first reached out to Premier, their main concerns involved uncertainties about the crane setup location, clarity surrounding the works process and obtaining a permit for the mobile crane to navigate through the heritage-listed Great Ocean Road given it is a heritage listed road, in order to access the site.
Through collaborating with our client start-to-finish and a rigorous planning process, Premier delivered transparently assured results ensuring client satisfaction.
CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS:
Limited access to the site, the need for waterway and environmental conservation, the presence of existing underground services, overhead power and adjacent structures made the task demanding.
Furthermore, obtaining a permit for mobile crane navigation through the heritage-listed Great Ocean Road was a concern shared by Timber Restoration.
The presence of Underground Services:
To determine the setup area's viability, Premier Cranes worked with local council authorities. We engaged a geo-technician to perform a ground bearing pressure test, including DCP (Deep Cone Penetration) for fill subgrade ground and LWD (Light Weight Deflectometer) for asphalt pavement evaluation. This ensured the crane setup area was compliant and safe.
Crane Navigation on Great Ocean Road:
By obtaining an NHVR permit, we ensured that two pilot vehicles guided the crane safely to the site.
Proximity to Powerlines:
The setup was close to a power line, requiring careful operation within the mandated clearance distance. Using the crane's innovative technology features, we adjusted the crane body, to maintain the required clearance.
Design Limitations:
Traditional engineering software like CAD couldn't capture the nuances of the natural site. Premier Cranes innovatively employed drone services for accurate site visualization, facilitating precise planning.
Limited Operator Visibility Due to Surrounding Trees:
Effective communication across the riggers and operator was key to safe and precise lift execution
Single Lane Access:
The restricted access required our skilled drivers to reverse trucks for 150m to enable the crane to set up and to pick up the bridge.
Nature Protection:
The proximity of mature trees posed an environmental challenge. However, our crane's innovative Variable Ballast technology reduced the tail swing to 4.8m, enabling us to minimise environmental impact. Our customized slew plan further supported the conservation of local trees.
Maintaining Bridge Integrity:
Due to the bridge design & timber material, careful consideration to the rigging methodology was crucial to avoid causing damage to the load during the lift. Hence our team came up with a 20t top spreader bar, 2 x 15t spreader bars & 2 x sets of 5t 8m flat web slings for the rigging configuration.
The final sequence of operations?
Premier’s MAC25 Franna set up the bog mats for the LTM 1250 - 5.1, after which the 250-ton mobile crane was set up at the marked location.
Next, three trucks mobilised the crane's counterweight, rigging and lifting equipment. While the Premier’s truck moved the 4-ton bridge into position.
Finally, the 250t mobile crane lifted the bridge off the truck and installed it directly over Moggs Bridge at a 42m radius.
By consistently delivering results under demanding circumstances, Premier Cranes exemplifies its commitment to efficient and responsible operations #TeamLifting
