Assuring stability at great heights

The challenge:

Installing various precast residential modules with ten lifting points and an offset centre of gravity.

Our approach:

To lift the modules in accordance with the specifications, all ten lifting points were used. For this purpose, a lifting beam was assembled, with the load points aligned to the lifting points of the module.

In precast construction, the centre of gravity often deviates, for example due to the presence of windows, which are lighter than concrete walls, or heavy components such as a kitchen unit located in one corner. As a result, precast elements or modules often hang out of level during lifting, while they need to be installed level.

With the 4D balancer, modules can be tilted and rotated in all directions to ensure they hang level, even in combination with a lifting beam, as in this case. This makes it possible to pick up and level the module quickly and in a fully controlled manner, while safety risks and the risk of damage are reduced to a minimum.

The challenge:

When installing staircases, there was variation in shape and centre of gravity. As a result, the staircases could not be lifted and installed level using a single pre‑adjusted 4‑leg sling. In practice, staircases are often levelled using manual chain hoists. This is time‑consuming and involves safety risks, as personnel have to work close to a suspended load. The client wanted to streamline this process and make it safer.

Our approach:

For controlled load balancing, a 2D balancer was used, fitted with two 2‑leg slings. These slings are also shortenable, making the chain system, in combination with the 2D balancer, flexible for lifting and balancing different loads.
With this product combination, the staircases could be picked up horizontally and then suspended in the crane hook in the desired position by extending or shortening the chain lengths.

During installation, adjustments can easily be made, allowing the staircase to be positioned accurately. If required, the staircase can even be intentionally tilted temporarily, for example to pass through a narrow opening, and then immediately set level again in its final position.

The result is less manual adjustment, reduced crane time and man‑hours, and a safer working method, as fewer actions are required close to the load.