Lifting and installing a bridge
“No bridge too far for Us”
The Wageningen bridge project
In Wageningen, The Netherlands, we took on a challenging project: dismantling and installing a bridge in the heart of nature, all while battling the winter frost!
Equipment used:
- Hoeflon C10e Spider crane
- BIG float (floating crane)
- Steel work boat
- Kubota 4 x 4 (transport vehicle)
Project overview
A stunning project set in nature, but the time of year (January) brought its own challenges. The work area was located 1000 meters from the paved road, and the ground was slick and muddy from recent rain. Transporting the steel was handled by NarrowLifting using a large tractor with a flatbed trailer, and reaching the site was no easy feat. To get the tools, personnel, and the C10 Spider crane to the location, we had a Kubota 4×4 at our disposal. At the site, an old bridge needed to be dismantled. We partially demolished the old bridge and immediately began assembling the new one. We made the most of the old bridge, which simplified the assembly process and increased the work speed.
Transport and installation with the Spider crane
The BIG Float crane was a real lifesaver for this project, enabling work on the water. Given that the bridge was 45 meters long, it was just a bit too long for our C10 Spider crane. Using a larger crane was not feasible. Employing a large telehandler would have required laying 1000 meters of dragline mats to reach the site, significantly raising costs for the client. The Big Float, with its 1.50-meter high tracks, had no trouble accessing and operating at the location. It could navigate the adjacent ditch and stayed afloat once in the water. With the C10 Spider crane, materials were managed and prepared for assembly on the shore. Everything was prepared and handed over to the Big Float, allowing it to remain afloat and ensuring a smooth installation process.
