
WOLFF cranes build part of Europe’s biggest bridge project
One of the largest and most demanding construction sites in Germany is currently ongoing in the Mosel Valley. A bridge measuring 1,700 meters long and 158 meters high is under construction to close the gap in the national highway (Bundesstraße 50). The structure is so high that even Cologne Cathedral would fit underneath it. In order to erect eight of the ten bridge pylons, the designated contractor, Porr Deutschland GmbH has expanded its crane fleet by two additional cranes of type WOLFF 6031.12 from the German premium manufacturer WOLFFKRAN. Porr has also commissioned WOLFFKRAN to provide all services associated with the cranes during the estimated four years of operation on the site.
Already the first assembly of the cranes, on foundation anchors and with 40 m jibs each, back in 2012 demanded a great deal from the WOLFF service technicians. “The steep, narrow, often poorly paved roads that stretch through the vineyard, required a sophisticated logistical concept”, explains Andreas Kahl, Managing Director of WOLFFKRAN GmbH. Despite these challenging circumstances, the two flattop trolley jib cranes WOLFF 6031.12 clear were both assembled to their initial tower height within 10 hours.
Excellent performance and efficiency
Since the two cranes are being used to erect eight pylons, each of them will have to be replaced three times. The cranes are currently in operation on the second pair of pylons. While one of the cranes has already reached its final height of 113.6 meters, the other one will be climbed shortly to a final height of 131.6 meters. Depending on the height of the pylons, the WOLFF cranes will rise to a hook height of 163 meters and tied to the pylons three times – and all this in demanding windy conditions. “Every assembly and climbing step requires the highest level of concentration and thorough preparation,” says Andreas Kahl. “We are constantly faced with logistical and technical challenges during the entire construction period.” Considering this, it is a big advantage that the WOLFF cranes make do with only three tower ties. This is a record best in comparison to its competitors – plus it saves on time and money.
Both WOLFF cranes have a maximum lifting capacity of 12 tons, making them ideal for lifting heavy iron and concrete formwork components. Overall, the red giants will move 35,000 tons of concrete and 3,000 tons of iron.
Assembly, service, technology – with WOLFFKRAN you get it all
Besides the tried and tested products, the contractor was convinced by WOLFFKRAN’s one-stop-shop service concept. “WOLFFKRAN takes care of the assembly, service, repairs, consulting, technical support and rents out project-specific components for our cranes. Everything runs smoothly and easily – a must on such a large and complex construction site as this one”, says Olaf Krumbein, Project Manager at Porr Deutschland GmbH.
As an example of this efficiency, crane operating data is transmitted live directly to the WOLFFKRAN Service Center via the remote maintenance and diagnosis tool WOLFF Link. This means that the WOLFFKRAN service staff can efficiently take care of any imminent maintenance work on the cranes, and keep delays on the construction site to an absolute minimum.
It is anticipated that the cranes will be in use at the High Mosel Bridge until the end of 2016. In 2018, the bridge will be opened to traffic.