Positioning at great heights

Challenge

The challenge involved the positioning and installation of precast elements on the underside of an overhang.

Our approach

Together with the client Decomo UK, we reviewed how we could best support this operation. Under normal circumstances, an I‑Boom would have been used for this application: a radio‑controlled counterbalance beam specifically designed for working under overhangs.

In this case, however, the use of an I‑Boom was not permitted, as the lifting equipment would be suspended above a public road in London.

The solution?
We combined three different lifting devices into one integrated system, allowing the elements to be placed safely and efficiently using a crane. This is how we approached it:

1️⃣ Adjustable support arms
Adjustable support arms were attached underneath the precast element to securely grip the different elements. This allowed the element to be positioned in its final installation position, while maintaining sufficient clearance for assembly work.

2️⃣ Combi‑Steker 6500 (Counterbalance beam)
The support arms were connected to a Combi‑Steker 6500, a type of Counterbalance beam specifically designed for working under overhangs. By using a combination of counterweights and an insertion arm, the Combi‑Steker 6500 enables loads to be efficiently positioned beneath canopies and overhangs using a crane.

3️⃣ 2D Balancer
Between the Combi‑Steker 6500 and the crane hook, a 2D Balancer was installed.

The 2D Balancer allows the chain length to be adjusted remotely, enabling the Counterbalance beam to be brought into and maintained in the correct position, even when handling loads with varying weights. This made it possible to place the elements accurately and precisely in their final position.

Thanks to solutions like this, Decomo can further expand its capabilities and efficiency, while Bomecon continues to contribute to more complex and ambitious construction projects.

Challenge

The challenge involved installing precast concrete façade elements without lifting points at an angle.

Our approach

To secure the element, a vacuum plate was used that was specifically designed for precast concrete elements. The associated vacuum pump was suspended from the frame of the Counterbalance beam.

Because the canopy was inclined, the crane itself could not reach the installation position. A Counterbalance beam can bridge this reach. As the element was heavy, one of our largest models was selected: the Maxi‑Steker.

Under normal circumstances, a Counterbalance beam is lifted from a single lifting point, directly at the top. This point also functions as the pivot point, which is located relatively close to the centre of gravity of the Counterbalance beam. As a result, the Counterbalance beam can rotate significantly when the centre of gravity changes, for example when the load is disconnected.

In this situation, there was insufficient space for such movement due to the floor below. For this reason, a counter chain was used: an additional chain attached to the counterweight, which together with the main chain forms a two‑leg lifting configuration above the Counterbalance beam.

This moves the pivot point further away from the centre of gravity, resulting in the Counterbalance beam remaining much more stable during load release.

Challenge

The challenge involved the installation of façade elements underneath a climbing scaffold, where available space was limited.

The approach

A UK‑based client, Thorp Precast, approached us with the following challenge: the façade elements they produced had to be installed beneath a climbing scaffold.

The project was located in the centre of a busy urban area in London, resulting in restricted working space and strict safety regulations. This required the operation to be carried out with maximum precision and full control of the load.

Thorp already had a clear idea of a potential solution:

1️⃣ Counterbalance beam (Steker)
A Counterbalance beam was required to position the elements underneath the climbing scaffold.

2️⃣ Vita Load Navigator
To stabilise and control the load, the Vita Load Navigator proved to be a suitable solution. This is a lifting beam equipped with two fans and GPS control, allowing a load to be rotated with high precision and held steadily in position under the crane hook. Even during wind gusts, the load remains stable.

The challenge was that these were two separate products from different suppliers: Bomecon and Vita Industries.
At the request of the client, Bomecon and Vita Industries therefore worked together closely. We technically integrated the two systems, turning Thorp’s concept into a fully functional and reliable solution.

This unique product combination has since become part of the Bomecon product range and demonstrates what is possible when innovation and collaboration come together.

Challenge

At this building, a glass pane weighing 2,100 kg had to be replaced. The pane needed to be pulled inward from the inside against the window frame in order to be fixed in place.

Our approach

To bring the glass pane inside, it first had to be guided through the window opening. This required a controlled manoeuvre: the pane was tilted and brought inside at an angle. Once inside, the pane was returned to a level position, allowing it to be accurately positioned within the window frame.

For the insertion of the glass pane, we deployed the Maxi‑Steker 2 – 25,000 kg. Suspended from this Counterbalance beam was a lifting beam equipped with two independently tilting vacuum systems, allowing the glass pane to be tilted while the load remained evenly distributed.

This setup enabled us to position and install the glass pane in a controlled, safe and damage‑free manner.