Tecnogruas, a heavy lift contractor in the Americas, has successfully used the Enerpac SyncHoist synchronous hoist system to lift and precisely position concrete bridge beams for a new railway bridge over Chile’s Biobío River. The project involved the installation of asymmetric-shaped beams over a commuter highway and rail track using a single crane, thanks to the SyncHoist system’s precision.
The new railway bridge, replacing one built in 1889, will connect Concepción and San Pedro de la Paz. Upon completion, the 1.8km, two-track bridge will allow trains to travel at speeds of up to 100 km/h and potentially accommodate double-decker rolling stock.
Tecnogruas was responsible for installing 22 beams, including the three largest beams over the highway and railway, which weighed between 107t and 168t. Due to space constraints, two cranes couldn’t be used for these beams. After consulting with Engineered Rigging, Tecnogruas chose the Enerpac SyncHoist system to precisely position these beams. The SyncHoist system provided accuracy and safety during the operation, reducing rigging changes and ensuring efficient beam placement.
The Enerpac SyncHoist system’s high-precision capabilities ensured each beam was positioned with an accuracy of +/- 1 mm, enhancing both safety and efficiency during this complex operation.
