InfraStructures - November 2007 - Helicopter assembly of Liebherr tower crane on Piz Corvatsch

Helicopter assembly of Liebherr tower crane on Piz Corvatsch

Recently a Liebherr 30 LC tower crane was assembled by helicopter at an altitude of 3000 m on the Swiss Piz Corvatsch. The crane is being used for restoration and reconstruction work at the summit station of the Corvatsch railway which has been around for 44 years. The crane's helicopter-assisted assembly was managed by Liebherr-Baumaschinen AG in collaboration with Rotex Helicopter AG. When it comes to helicopter assemblies, the demands are very heavy. Experienced staff and optimal preparation of crane and site are crucial to safe and efficient crane assembly.

For the work at the Corvatsch summit station, the Liebherr 30 LC tower crane was assembled on a mobile undercarriage with 3m tracks on a railway line and a 12 m tower base section. The crane achieved an under-hook height of 11.2m and a radius of 24,7 m on this site. In order to ensure structural stability whilst not in operation, the 30 LC was guyed for wind speeds of up to 200 km/h.

The K-Max heavy-duty helicopter used for the assembly can lift loads of up to 2700 kg, and then safely and smoothly transport them to their destination. Since its individual component assemblies weigh a maximum of 1700 kg, the 30 LC is optimally suited to these special assembly conditions.

Thanks to the team's precise logistics planning and the pilot's perfect flying, the Liebherr 30 LC tower crane was fully assembled in around four hours. A total of 28 helicopter trips were required to collect all of the individual parts, including ballast and counterweights. The helicopter had to make five trips from the valley station because the individual parts were too big to take to the intermediate station by rail.

The restoration and reconstruction work at the Corvatsch summit station was undertaken by construction firm Hartmann Nicol. & Cie AG. The most striking part of the reconstruction is the rise of the platform roof which will take place during the first phase of construction. At a later stage, the cable-car supports close to the summit station will be replaced. One support will remain in its existing place, while the other will be shifted a few metres further down the mountain. The mountain restaurant will be kept as it is. The new aerial lift with cabins for 100 people, and thus enhanced transport capabilities, is to go into service in December 2008.

Source: Liebherr

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