100-ton mobile crane in use in power plant tunnel

One and a half meters of snow and the work underground required both tact and special technical solutions at the beginning of November. "The tight space meant we had to spend a little longer choosing the technology. In the end, we decided on a 100-ton mobile crane," says project manager Roger Beck.

Ballasting using a telescopic forklift

As the tunnel height offered hardly any space for the work, the ballasting of the four-axle mobile crane, known as the "AC100", also had to be rethought. Beck says: "The solution was a telescopic forklift." The 100-ton truck was thus equipped with a total of 21 tons of ballast. This allowed the seven-and-a-half meter overhang required for the work. "In this configuration, we were able to position the components precisely, one by one," summarizes Beck. After three weeks of hard work, the installation of the new throttle valve was finally completed.

Return journey with obstacles

Before the well-earned end of the day, however, the Swiss mountain panorama presented another challenge for the Bau-Trans team: One and a half meters of snow offered a postcard atmosphere and fantastic hiking conditions - but were not ideal for the descent of heavy equipment. Despite the four-wheel drive, snow chains had to be fitted to avoid ending the return journey down the steep mountain road with a slide. Having arrived safely in the valley, the successful completion of the project was duly celebrated.

The experts at Bau-Trans find the right solution for every job.

Working in the Swiss mountain panorama: the Bau-Trans experts were rewarded for their efforts. However, snow chains had to be put on during the return journey.

Precision work: With only a few centimeters of clearance, the components weighing up to 36 tons were positioned within the cavern.

Hardly any space: The work in the cavern required particular sensitivity.

Previous Next