CIVILS BROCHURE

Together,WORLDWIDE
we are Smarter,
HEAVYSafer, Stronger AND LIFTING
TRANSPORTATION 1
 Together, we are... CONTENTS
04 Introduction

Smarter
06 Front End Engineering & Design (FEED)
At the heart of ALEs business are our people: dedicated professionals who work
with our clients to achieve the very best results. We employ imaginative people at 08 Health, Safety, Quality
all levels within the company, who focus on developing innovative solutions for the & Environment (HSQE)
most complex projects. We challenge conventional thinking, aspire beyond accepted
limitations, and dont stop until we have the smartest, most effective solution to each 10 Buildings
and every challenge. Our Innovation Series is just one example of our insistence on 17 Bridges Installed with Barges
pushing the boundaries to create solutions that work best for our clients.
20 Bridge Jacking
23 Bridge Launching

Safer
31 Bridge Skidding
ALE is a responsible business with a strong moral core, so the safety and well-being of
the individuals we work with and the clients we work for is our single most important 32 Lifting Central Bridge Spans
consideration. Minimising risk to our staff, our clients and members of the local
community is a priority at the highest level of the company, and an ethos that 35 Tilting of Bridge Arches
permeates every aspect of our business. 37 Transport of Bridge Sections
with SPMT
40 Tunnel Boring Machine

Stronger We havent become one of the worlds foremost experts in heavy transportation and 42 Bespoke Solutions
lifting by thinking small. By investing in the latest technologies and employing the 44 Sectors
best people in the business, weve grown over more than 30 years into a global leader
with a presence across a breadth of sectors and markets. Our flexible approach suits 45 Services
any project, whatever its size or scale, and our clients know they can rely on us for
commitment, innovation, delivery, service and an agile, proactive approach that 46 Equipment
gets results. 47 Innovation Series

Together, we are Smarter, Safer, Stronger 3

INTRODUCTION
Civil activity represents a key segment of ALEs portfolio.

With vast experience in projects such as the removal and installation

of innovative road, rail, river and canal bridges, lock gates, stadium
roofs and airport architecture, ALE has an in-depth understanding of
the highly specialised engineering involved in the safe and accurate
execution of civil projects.

An appreciation of the control of loads and their distribution, a fleet of Self-Propelled

Modular Transporters (SPMTs), proven expertise in lifting, skidding and jacking
techniques and meticulous project management means ALE is well equipped to move
enormous structures with minute precision.

ALE is always looking at innovative solutions and designing bespoke equipment to

ensure that the best result for the client is found, this innovative thinking and close
working with the client can often change the project to save on time and costs.

ALE is actively participating in most of the biggest civil investments all over the
world; through innovation and first class engineering we enable clients to push the
boundaries of construction methods.

Together, we are Smarter, Safer, Stronger 5

 1. 2.
FRONT END ENGINEERING & DESIGN (FEED)
With a pedigree in innovative engineering and an active R&D facility, ALE
has always been known for developing new solutions to meet future needs.

In other market sectors ALE is actively involved in the FEED process. Over the years weve added to
our world-class engineering skills-base through the acquisition of several successful specialist
companies, and now we have more than 200 highly qualified engineers working at locations across the
globe. This experience means were well equipped to support the full FEED process, working through
complex technical and logistical issues at an early stage to eliminate expensive changes later on.

Our FEED capabilities form a crucial part of the service we offer. ALE has contributed to many high
profile projects that have been right at the forefront of global trends in their sector. We are able to
adapt to ever-changing industry requirements, evolving safety standards and scope changes as the
project gathers definition during the design process, while at the same time providing solutions which
are as cost-effective and safe as possible. As a result, were able to work closely with our clients from
an early stage to establish whats required and provide practical engineering advice. This advice can
lead to savings later, either in time or cost, as the changes are included in the design phase, instead of
modifications later.
3. 4.
Some of our FEED services typically include, but are not limited to, the items below:
Physical route surveys to determine maximum practical equipment Selection of optimum shipping methods and identification of
weight and dimension information suitable vessels or barges
Investigation of environmental conditions affecting the heavy lifting Logistical studies to ensure that transportation and installation
and transport discipline scope support the project schedule
Road layout and route improvement studies Design and input to design of transportation support steel and
Advice on local regulatory issues relating to the movement of large lifting and lashing/securing points
and indivisible loads to the job site Assistance in modularisation studies to determine the maximum
Equipment lifting and installation studies to determine the most cost practical extent that man hours can be removed from the job site
and schedule effective methods of sizing and placing equipment Assistance in modularisation studies to determine the maximum
Design of rigging and lifting equipment practical extent man hours can be removed from the job site
Outline design of new build site construction jetties

Together, we are Smarter, Safer, Stronger 7

RISK MANAGEMENT IN ALE THROUGH HSQE
We recognise that the industries and sectors that we operate in present challenges in terms of
managing risk. Our passion is fuelled by our history and foundation in protecting our people,
environments and assets all over the globe.

ALE is cemented in a context of over 30 years of evolving Risk Management though maturing
legislation, international standards and client requirements. We as ALE see the value in a safer
working environment for all and we want to capitalise on our history and better mitigate industry risks.

By investing in our constantly evolving internal infrastructure, we are able to maintain our competitive
advantage with industry leading initiatives that allow us to implement and use breakthrough tools to
identify, assess and act upon all levels of risk to our people, environments and assets. This has given
us the ability to identify areas that require attention as well as nominate single areas of concern to
target resources.

ALE are committed to lead the industry and influence all of our clients and subcontractors in a united
approach to achieving an incident and injury-free mindset. In order to achieve this, we have developed
and adopted many of the leading systems and processes that are seen as industry best practice and
available techniques.

We have ensured that our core systems which shape the way we operate are certified and proven
to comply with ISO 9001, 18001 and 14001. ALE know that it is imperative to not only attain the
certification but to also have a robust assurance process in place to ensure that the standards are met
and maintained.

At ALE, we realise that this journey is not to be taken in isolation, therefore we stand by the fact that
together we are safer.

663373 663298 SGI 6005514

663373 663298 SGI 6005514 LRQ 4005965 LRQ 4005965 LRQ 4008222

Together, we are Smarter, Safer, Stronger 9

 CASE STUDY
BUILDINGS Jack-up of roof section in Pascua-Lama,
Chile and Argentina border

OVERVIEW: ALE has completed the jacking of roof sections for the stockpile building
in the Pascua-Lama mine at the Chilean Argentina border. This was the first time
ALEs Mega Jack was used.
SERVICES REQUIRED: The stockpile roof was located at 4,200m altitude and within
an earthquake area, making the environmental conditions extremely harsh and
challenging, including high wind speeds, temperatures ranging from -30 to +20 and
air pressure as little as 0.6 bar. As a result, all of the girders were pre-assembled into
40t heavy truss sections near San Juan at normal altitude and transported to the
installation site. The method used to construct the roof of the building was also a first.
ALE then used the Mega Jack System to raise the roof in three sections weighing
1,500t each. Due to the unique way in which the roof was to be installed, ALE utilised
four towers of the Mega Jack System with a total capacity of 20,000t and ten 90t
capacity hydraulic skid shoes. With possible wind speeds of up to 150km/hr ALE took
additional precautions by installing a guy wire system consisting of four 200t strand
jacks at each end of the building to withstand high winds.
The roof of the building was positioned in three sections above the ground on
temporary stands. A hydraulic skidding system was used to support and move the
side girders inwards. ALE positioned the skid systems at each end of the building
while the main inner section of the building was lifted 18m to the final position by
the Mega Jack. As an extra precaution against the extremely strong wind, eight 200t
strand jacks were installed cross wise at each side of the stockpile building.
The jack-up operation, which consisted of 22 layers of beams, was completed inless
than six hours. Once complete the three sections created an A-frame shaped building.

Together, we are Smarter, Safer, Stronger 11

 Buildings

CASE STUDY CASE STUDY

Lifting of a hangar Skidding of historic
roof, France building, Mexico
OVERVIEW: ALE was commissioned by
OVERVIEW: ALE was responsible for skidding
a leading aircraft manufacturer to lift
a historic building, protected by the Fine Arts
their S34 hangar roof in Toulouse, France.
of Mexico, in order to free space to build a
car park. Once the car park was completed,
SERVICES REQUIRED: ALE performed
the 2,500t house was then skidded back to its
the lifting of the hangar roof, with
original position.
an estimated weight of 2.5t and vast
dimensions measuring 110x105m
SERVICES REQUIRED: We used the SKS1000
from above.
skidding system, composed of modular skid
tracks and 6 skidshoes with a total length of
The lifting execution, reaching 28m,
46m per line. Each skidshoe incorporated
utilised sixteen 200t capacity lifting
two 500t capacity vertical hydraulic cylinders
units within a six-hour time frame.
with a stroke of 300mm.

The house was jacked up 50mm in order

to remove the temporary supports, skidded
17m and placed back on temporary supports
whilst the car park was built. During this
time, the total weight of the house was
supported by the skidding equipment.
The temporary supports were then
removed and the house skidded 17m back
to its starting point. The final process was
for ALE to complete the jacking down to
ground level.

Together, we are Smarter, Safer, Stronger 13

 Buildings

CASE STUDY CASE STUDY

Transportation of an Office Installation of the Arena
Module, Heathrow Airport, UK Corinthians roof, Brazil

OVERVIEW: ALE completed the move of an office OVERVIEW: ALE completed the lowering
module at Terminal 2, Heathrow Airport. of the roof structure at the Arena
Corinthians, Brazil.
The scope of work was to transport the module
weighing 1,100te over 2km across the airport firstly SERVICES REQUIRED: The first stage of
to a temporary storage location before finally the project saw ALE install and utilise two
moving to its new permanent position.
strand jacks, of 70t capacity, side by side
SERVICES REQUIRED: The dimensions of the to create a tensioning system.
accommodation module were 54m x 24m x 11m. To This system allowed the cable section
manoeuvre a piece of this size, ALE used 108 axle to be manufactured and installed. ALE
lines of SPMT to navigate the route. were then required to use ten jacks,
Due to the construction of the building ALE had
ranging from 300t 500t capacity, to
to ensure that the deflection of the module base lower the north and south sides of the
was within + or 50mm over the 54m length of stadium to complete the installation.
the structure. This was completed through close The interim towers were then able to
monitoring during the move. be removed.

Phase one involved self-loading 108 axle lines

of SPMT by driving underneath the module and
transporting it from its location to a temporary
storage location 500m away. The move took place
from 10pm, after the last plane had taken off from
Terminal 2.
Phase two began when the foundations had been
transported to the permanent location, the two
gates were reopened and the following two gates
had been closed. The move involved transporting
the module from the temporary storage area to
its permanent location 1.5 km away; this involved
transporting the piece across the runway.

Together, we are Smarter, Safer, Stronger 15

 Buildings

CASE STUDY CASE STUDY

Elevation of Els
Encants roof, Spain BRIDGES INSTALLED Installation of two
2,700t bridge arches

WITH BARGES
Torun, Poland
OVERVIEW: ALE has successfully lifted
the first section of roof for the new OVERVIEW: ALE was contracted to complete the
market Els Encants to its final elevation skidding, assembly and float installation of 2,700t
in Barcelona, Spain. arches over the 500m wide river Wisa, in Toru,
which will become a traffic bridge and is a major
SERVICES REQUIRED: The total weight investment in the region.
of the completed roof was 1,226t, which
posed a challenge for elevation. SERVICES REQUIRED: ALE began by jacking up the
two sections of the first arch from the fabrication
Due to assembly issues, the lifting of the roof supports using eight 500t capacity climbing jacks
was divided into eight sections with six of which were placed on skid beams; the sections
the eight involving gradual lifting in stages were then skidded towards each other and
using hydraulic lifting units installed over each connected with two centre hinges. A 55m high
supporting pillar. ALE gantry system was built up over the arch
sections. The 1,350t capacity gantry utilised four
The final two sections were lifted into place 500t strand jacks connected with the anchor heads
using mobile cranes. By elevating this way, the to the hinge point of the bridge. Four barges were
roof can be completed on the ground. used for supporting the bridge in sets of two; each
contained a support structure of approximately
Once each section was lifted and installed, the 12m in height. On top of this support structure the
system was removed and reinstalled over the ALE jacking towers were installed, with a capacity
next set of supporting pillars, enabling each of 1,600t per barge set.
section to be lifted individually.
Throughout the operation careful monitoring
The first section lifted was 115m long, lifted was carried out as the river is well known for
10.8m high and required fourteen lifting units unpredictable water height and high water speed.
for elevation. Thirteen strand jack-lifting units Multiple hydraulic winches were used to rotate the
(HLS700) and one HLS2000 unit were bridge, and float it to its jacking position. On the
also utilised. second day ALE jacked-up the arch 14m to its final
installation height on the abutments. The jacking
The operation was completed in less than three operation was executed simultaneously with the
hours and the remaining roof sections will be jacking towers and all bracing strand jacks. From
lifted when they have been built. here ALE followed an identical process to install
the second bridge arch.

Together, we are Smarter, Safer, Stronger 17

 Bridges Installed with Barges

CASE STUDY CASE STUDY

Load-out of bridge deck, Installation of Nacka
The Netherlands Bridge, Sweden

OVERVIEW: An iconic bridge designed by OVERVIEW: ALE has successfully installed

Santiago Calatrava has been successfully Nacka Bridge, weighing 1,650t, in Sweden.
loaded-out by ALE in Krimpen ad IJssel, Holland. SERVICES REQUIRED: Nacka Bridge, a curved
arch bridge measuring 140m long and 25m
SERVICES REQUIRED: The bridge deck, which high, was installed in several phases:
weighed 2,490t, was loaded-out using 125 lines
of SPMT and roro ramps. The trailers hydraulic PHASE ONE: The bridge was transported 100m
system raised the bridge from its supports to through the narrow construction site using
begin the load-out. During operations, ALE turntables on top of 32 axle lines of SPMT
supplied a deck-ballasting system at a capacity positioned at the back of the bridge and 48
of 1,200t per hour. axle lines of SPMT positioned in the centre.
PHASE TWO: The first barge was positioned
Once the load-out was complete, the bridge underneath the bridge arch, where it
was lowered back down gradually onto the sea supported 960t of bridge weight using
fastenings. This was done precisely to ensure winches connected to anchor points at sides
stability and cargo security. The support of four
of the riverbank. By ballasting and extending
climbing jacks was used alongside a skidding
the jacks on top of the barge, the weight of the
system within the sea fastening.
bridge was transferred from the front SPMTs
to the barge. On the barge, two jacks were
The bridge deck was then transported to Dublin
used to support the load and stabilise the
on a barge. Once it arrived and had been
barge in the transversal direction.
ballasted, it was skidded backwards to create
an opening for its pivot. The SPMTs were then removed from
underneath the bridge and the winches kept
Wires were then connected to manoeuvre it the barge sideways. As the barge moved to
alongside the pivot. It was then rotated over the other side of the river, the second barge
the pivot and lowered onto the support and was positioned under the bridge.
tidal curve.
PHASE THREE: ALE ballasted the barge until the
1,300t bridge weight was transferred onto the
barge. Strands were installed from the bridge to
strand jacks connected to the barge to stabilise
the barge in a transversal barge direction.
ALE removed the first barge using the winches
and a tugboat as the bridge continued to move
to its final position using the driving capacity of
the SPMTs at the rear of the bridge.
PHASE FOUR: The bridge was be jacked down
3.5m to its final elevation.

Together, we are Smarter, Safer, Stronger 19

 Bridge Launching
CASE STUDY
Installation of the Carl-Urich
Bridge, Germany
OVERVIEW: The installation of the Carl-Ulrich
Bridge in Offenbach am Main, Germany, has
been successfully completed by ALE.
SERVICES REQUIRED: Jacking up the bridge
and preparing the transportation
Weighing 1,100t and measuring 150m long,
the new bridge was built on the quayside.
The bridge was jacked up 1.6m using four
500t capacity climbing jacks. 48 axle lines
of SPMT were prepared with supporting
construction and positioning underneath the
bridge. Hydraulic jacks were placed on top of
the frame to be able to compensate for the
deformation of the bridge.
BRIDGE LOAD-OUT: The bridge was loaded
out onto the SPMTs and driven onto two, 66m
x 11.5m barges. Each barge was fitted with a
bespoke combination of four winches and four
fairleads to guide the winch wires, along with
a hydraulic powerpack and generator to power
the winches.
BRIDGE INSTALLATION: The bridge was
transported from the quayside to its final
location across the river Main by rotating
the bridge 90 degrees and connecting each
barge to the river bank with four winches,
which were then used to guide the bridge,
SPMT and barges to the installation position
of the bridge. During this process, the anchor
points of some winches were changed in
between phases. When the final position was
reached, the bridge was then lowered into its
foundations by ballasting the barges.
CASE STUDY
BRIDGE JACKING Rail bridge
replacement, UK
OVERVIEW: ALE replaced a 500t railway bridge
in Liverpool as part of a track upgrade.
SERVICES REQUIRED: The bridge decks which
were adjoined to Liverpool Sandhills station
were removed using twenty eight axles of
SPMT. ALE integrated sixteen 100t capacity
climbing jacks into the transport arrangement,
to ensure height requirements over the
abutment wall.
To complete the project the old and
replacement bridge decks were required to
be manoeuvred around the station platform
and beneath a temporary walkway bridge.
ALE used various configurations of SPMT to
achieve the limited space manoeuvres, ALE
also had to ensure that no loading was applied
to the large section of pavement that needed to
be crossed, this was achieved by transporting
them across bridging mats. The decks were
then offloaded to high level trestles where they
would then be jacked down for demolition.
The 270t replacement bridge decks which were
previously jacked up to installation height in
preparation were removed from the trestles
using sixteen axles of SPMT complete with
high level trailer steelwork.
Together, we are Smarter, Safer, Stronger 21
 Bridge Jacking

CASE STUDY CASE STUDY

Dual bridge jacking on Exchange of the Loenerslootse
the A31 highway, Spain Bridge over the Amsterdam-Rijn
Canal, The Netherlands
OVERVIEW: ALE has successfully
performed the jacking of two 1,000t bridges
OVERVIEW: ALE has completed the load-out,
on the A31 highway in Albacete, Spain.
transportation and installation of the new 1,570t
Loenersloote Bridge and the removal of the
SERVICES REQUIRED: The bridges,
1,630t old bridge over the Amsterdam-Rijn canal.
each weighing 1,000t, are statically
indeterminate meaning the jacking SERVICES REQUIRED: The Loenersloote Bridge
supports had to be installed at each pillar exchange was undertaken in several phases:
side by means of high capacity structures
PHASE ONE: The 1,050t, 124m long arch bridge
that enabled the reduction of rigging time.
was loaded-out onto a 66m x 19m barge, using
forty-four axle lines of SPMT.
ALE elevated the bridges to a height of
550mm from 16 points and used 12,300mm PHASE TWO: Two cranes installed the two
stroke jacks and two climbing jacks 20m approach spans which extended the bridge
installed at the different abutments. An to a length of 144.6m and increased its weight
electronic stroke control system controlled to 1,250t.
the overall operation.
PHASE THREE: The arch of the bridge was
removed. The bridge deck was transported 120km
to Nigtevecht on three connected barges and an
inland vessel was used to transport the arch.
PHASE FOUR: The bridge arch was assembled
at Nigtevecht using two cranes to lift the arch
off the vessel. This vessel was then removed
and the bridge deck was positioned underneath
the arch. The Mega Jack 800 jacked-up the new
bridge to 9m from the barge deck.
PHASE FIVE: The old bridge approach span was
removed using a gantry system over the rail track
and was transported using 20axle lines of SPMT.
PHASE SIX: There were 2 x 4 hour periods when
the canal was closed for inland navigation for
the old bridge to be removed and new one
installed. The new 330t bridge approach span
was transported using 20axle lines of SPMT.
The old bridge was jacked down to demolition
height using the Mega Jack 800. The operation
took just 7.55 hours.

Together, we are Smarter, Safer, Stronger 23

 CASE STUDY
BRIDGE LAUNCHING Bridge launch over the
Nalon River, Spain
OVERVIEW: ALE successfully completed
the launch of a bridge over the Nalon
River, Soto del Barco, Spain. The viaduct
itself was a total length of 1,010m and
weighed 5,500t.
SERVICES REQUIRED: To complete
the project ALE used skidding systems,
strand jack units, telescopic hydraulic
jacks and a mast system.
Together, we are Smarter, Safer, Stronger
CASE STUDY
Launching of Los
Carneros viaduct, Spain
OVERVIEW: ALE has completed the
launching of the Los Carneros viaduct
over the Guadiana River in Spain. The
bridge weighed a total of 3,500t and
consists of five spans.
SERVICES REQUIRED: The Bridge was
launched in phases from the abutments
and over the river. ALE utilised 90m of
skidding equipment, hydraulic skidding
supports, hydraulic pulling units, towers
and jacking system. The bridge reached
across a length of 561m and each phase
was completed within four days.
25
 Bridge Launching

CASE STUDY CASE STUDY

Launching of bridge Launching of the pavillion
Hennigsdorf, Germany bridge Zaragoza, Spain

OVERVIEW: ALE launched a 1,100t railway OVERVIEW: ALE were contracted to launch
bridge over the Oder Havel Canal in a bridge in the city of Zaragoza to enable
Hennigsdorf, Germany in a complex visitors access from the city to the
installation that included a combination exhibition facility.
of land, rail and water transport.
SERVICES REQUIRED: The total weight of the
bridge was 2,400t and was created with an
SERVICES REQUIRED: In the first phase of
asymmetrical design meaning that the bridge
the transport, the 101m bridge structure
itself was able to bend in various directions,
was lifted 10m using four gantries, each
this was a variant taken into account when
with a 500t stand jack. The bridge was
the engineering solution was designed
then skidded transversely 24m over
by ALE.
railroads tracks. In order to support the
skid ways, ALE installed bridging beams, ALE utilised skidding systems, jacking and
supported by jacks, to compensate for the pulling mast systems to execute the launch
expected settlement in the foundations. and pull of the bridge across the river.
Once the bridge was centred on the rail
tracks, it was jacked down 1.5m onto the
32 rail bogies. The bridge then needed to
be transported the 500m to the quayside
by rail.

Together, we are Smarter, Safer, Stronger 27

 Bridge Launching

CASE STUDY CASE STUDY

Launching of the 700t Launching of parallel
Neditzer bridge, Germany bridges, Canada
OVERVIEW: ALE won the contract to OVERVIEW: ALE has successfully launched two
install a 700t bridge over a river in parallel bridges spanning the 1,500m width of
Potsdam, Germany. the Beauharnais canal, Canada. The steel bridges
weighing 7,100t were each launched into place
SERVICES REQUIRED: ALE used SPMTs using ALEs skid system to become part of the
climbing jacks, skidding plates, strand new highway 30 in Quebec, Canada.
jacks and a 400t crane to complete
SERVICES REQUIRED: The bridges were skidded
the project.
out using 300t jacks; the skid system was the most
suitable for this project because of the effectiveness
Firstly ALE positioned two stationary and accuracy when moving such big pieces.
skidding plates under the front of the 85m
bridge onto ALE jacking towers whilst ALE also installed a recovery deflection system
SPMTs were installed at the rear of the consisting of a mast linked by steel wires to the
bridge. Strand jacks were then utilised at structure using two 850t capacity strands jacks.
the end of the bridge to launch the load
39m across the river. A 400t crane was Each bridge had an auxiliary launching nose of 20m
then used to take the weight of the bridge in order to minimise the cantilever and provide a
stable operation. Each bridge was launched across
and manoeuvre to its final position where
the 19 bridge piles which were mostly 82m apart
climbing jacks took over to ensure the
with the exception of the commercial crossing
piece was jacked down to the foundations.
section of the canal which was 160m between
piles, in addition to this the incline from one side
to the other was up to 3% which needed to be
taken into account. The equipment used for the
project included strand jacks ranging from 70t
850t capacity, 35m high mast, 640m hydraulic skid
system, and hydraulic sliding supports.

Together, we are Smarter, Safer, Stronger 29

 Bridge Launching

CASE STUDY CASE STUDY

Launching of an 860t HST
bridge over the suburban
train network at Atocha
BRIDGE SKIDDING Transversal skidding of
a railway bridge in
Vitoria, Spain
station, Spain
OVERVIEW: ALE was contracted to install
OVERVIEW: ALE successfully completed a 3,500t replacement rail bridge in Spain.
the launching of a bridge for the high
speed train access over the suburban train SERVICES REQUIRED: The new bridge was
network and Comercio St at the Atocha built in order to minimise the interruption of
station (the largest HST train, subway and the rail line from Madrid-Paris. The new bridge
suburban train network in Spain). had a span of 100m and weighed 3,500t and
SERVICES REQUIRED: The launching of the was composed of concrete and
bridge was performed with four SKS300 a steel arch.
skid shoes with a capacity of 300t each;
push pull units, six stationary sliding The complete installation including the
systems, four 30t supports to be used for ballasted tracks and the electrical installation
deflection recovery, and 140t jacks with a was completed by ALE engineers. The closure
stroke of 250mm. of the railway started at 4am after passing the
night train Madrid-Paris. The original bridge
was disassembled by crane and the new one
was skidded up to its final position, being
ready and operating at 6pm on the same day.

Together, we are Smarter, Safer, Stronger 31

 Bridge Skidding

CASE STUDY CASE STUDY

LIFTING CENTRAL Floatation, navigation
and installation of bridge
Vicaria bridge lifting,
Spain

BRIDGE SPANS
sections, Spain
OVERVIEW: The 500t Vicaria Bridge in
OVERVIEW: ALE performed the installation Albacete, Spain was lifted by ALE over
of two 60m long bridge sections each the course of one day.
weighing 210t over the Pisuerga River
in Valladolid, Spain. The bridge adds SERVICES REQUIRED: Using an auxiliary
pedestrian and bike paths to each direction steel structure and four HLS200 strand-
of traffic. lifting units each with a capacity to lift
200t, ALE successfully lifted the Vicaria
SERVICES REQUIRED: ALE used a CC2800 bridge in Albacete, Spain.
crane with 280t of counter load to lift
the bridge sections and place them on The bridge was elevated to a height
a flotation platform. The bridge sections of 40m.
were then navigated below the bridge
abutments, and the final lift was completed
using HLS700 strandlift units located on the
bridge abutments. The two sections were
lifted separately over two consecutive days.

Together, we are Smarter, Safer, Stronger 33

 Lifting Central Bridge Spans

CASE STUDY CASE STUDY

Olympic Park Transformation
Project, UK TILTING OF Tilting of arches for
the viaduct over the

BRIDGE ARCHES
Tera River, Spain.
OVERVIEW: As part of the Olympic Park
transformation, ALE completed the first bridge and OVERVIEW: ALE has completed the
portal removal for this project. tilting of two steel semi-arches, P2 and
P3, for the viaduct over the Tera River
SERVICES REQUIRED: The Gottwald AK912-1 fitted
in Zamora, Spain.
with a 77m Maxi Boom and 400t Maxi Lift Ballast
removed the T12 bridge, which was the main link
SERVICES REQUIRED: P2, which formed
between the Stratford coach park and drop off
part of the bridges central deck section,
point into the Olympic Park.
weighed 303t and measured 84m in
The bridge and portals were removed on three length. P3 weighed 272t and measured
consecutive days. ALE engineered a solution to 81m in length. In order to perform the
allow the portals, which were erected in three tilting, two hydraulic units of 500t each
sections, to be removed as one piece using the were used per semi-arch, along with
AK912-1. a pair of auxiliary telescopic jacks to
start the operation and to break the
initial arches balance.

Four double effect jacks, of 300t

and 150mm stroke, were installed at
each swivel base of the two semi-arches.
This was carried out to set the
longitudinal movements of the arches in
order to carry out the final adjustment.

Together, we are Smarter, Safer, Stronger 35

 Tilting of Bridge Arches

CASE STUDY CASE STUDY

Alcntara Dam, Spain
TRANSPORT OF Arch installation of
Rego de Lamas

BRIDGE SECTIONS
OVERVIEW: ALE was appointed to assist Viaduct, Spain
with the construction of a viaduct on
La Plata highway over the Tajo River. OVERVIEW: ALE has completed the arch

SERVICES REQUIRED: The viaduct consists

of two main sections with a total length
WITH SPMT installation of the Rego de Lamas Viaduct
in Orense, Spain.

of nearly 400m, which are supported on SERVICES REQUIRED: ALE were

concrete pillars rising from the banks of the commissioned to perform the installation
river and from steel arches in the centre. of the arch section of the Rego de Lamas
ALEs responsibilities included pushing Viaduct in Orense, Spain. The arch
the bridge sections into place, skidding the section measured 80m and weighed
steel arches over the bridge and lowering approximately 1,100t.
them into position, tilting and closing the
semi arches, skidding the semi-decks from ALE built the section on a platform over
both abutments and replacing. the right bank of the AP-53 highway, which
runs towards Orense and created a slope
similar to the AP-53 highway.

For the project, ALE utilised SPMT trailers

and a supporting steel structure to
stabilise the bridge section. The load was
then lifted and unloaded over the supports
before being transported to the assembly
area.

Trailers and 300t climbing jacks were

used for the lowering until the structure
was finally jacked down and repositioned.
The project was a huge success with
the crossing manoeuvre only taking two
hours to complete.

Together, we are Smarter, Safer, Stronger 37

 Transport of Bridge Sections with SPMT

CASE STUDY CASE STUDY

Transportation and Transportation and
installation of i54 installation of rail
bridge, UK bridge, UK
OVERVIEW: ALE completed the transportation, OVERVIEW: ALE moved a railway bridge into
and installation of an integral piece of place to make way for the new Selly Oak
infrastructure for the i54 project in New Road to pass underneath and relieve
South Staffordshire. the chronic congestion faced by commuters
on the A38.
The i54 project has had considerable
investments by three local councils which will SERVICES REQUIRED: The new 70m three
see the 226 acre site become a major business
span railway bridge was constructed off-
park creating hundreds of jobs in the area. We
line on a temporary 10m high embankment
were contracted to transport and install a 45m
before being transported into position using
long bridge which replaced a previous bridge
ALEs SPMTs.
in Middle Lane and will allow access to what
will be a new motor engine plant and water
The new structure carries the Birmingham
treatment works. The bridge will also serve as a
to Gloucester rail line across a 15m deep
public footpath and bridleway across the M54
cutting, which will contain the new road.
near Wolverhampton.
Weighing in at 3,945t, the move and
installation of the concrete deck is believed
SERVICES REQUIRED: The bridge was
installed in a night move with a partial road to be one of the heaviest bridge moves using
closure between junctions 2 and 3 of the M54. SPMTs in the UK.
Twenty four axles of SPMTs were utilised to
transport the bridge a quarter of a mile from its
fabrication position within the I54 compound to
its final installation point over the M54.

Together, we are Smarter, Safer, Stronger 39

 Tunnel Boring Machine

CASE STUDY CASE STUDY

TUNNEL BORING
Installation of a TBM, Installation of a TBM,
Madrid Las Vegas

MACHINE OVERVIEW: ALE successfully oversaw

a project that tilted a bearing house of
a tunnel-boring machine weighing 700t
OVERVIEW: ALE performed the installation of
a TBM in Las Vegas. The operation involved
several manoeuvres to consecutively introduce
in Madrid. each section into the cavern prior to assembly.

SERVICES REQUIRED: Utilising a steel SERVICES REQUIRED: The project was carried
structure and a skidding system of 150t out in phases, firstly the frontal shield was
capacity plus two 500t lifting units for skidded 15m by means of skidding gantry to
the lifting operation and four 70t lifting reach the hatch. The shield was then lowered
units for tilting. The project ran smoothly 200m into the hatch, the lowering was
and to plan. monitored by cameras and water levels to
ensure the piece would not be damaged.

The next section to be lowered was the bore

head weighing 115t; this was skidded to the
hatch and tilted before being lowered the 200m
inside. Once inside the frontal shield and bore
head sections were placed into the assembly
position. The pieces where then skidded
toward each other using a skidding system
and the hydraulic lifting units of the gantry
simultaneously. Following intermediate
sections were lowered into the cavern.

The 70t rear shield was tilted into the hatch

using a skidding gantry and auxiliary crane;
it was lowered down inside the cavern and
aligned for welding. The sections were then
assembled and using longitudinal skidding, the
complete 950t TMB was maundered 20m using
eight skid shoes.

Together, we are Smarter, Safer, Stronger 41

 Bespoke Solutions

CASE STUDY CASE STUDY

BESPOKE SOLUTIONS Pillar-box unloading, UK
OVERVIEW: ALE unloaded two pillar-boxes
Bridge uprighting over
the Cuarto River,
Argentina
weighing over 450t each which belong to
the main piles of the new Forth Replacement OVERVIEW: Two steel towers that make
Crossing in Scotland. up the new 190t bridge over the Cuarto
River in Argentina have been successfully
SERVICES REQUIRED: Before work began, uprighted by ALE.
a test was conducted on the loading of the
mast. It was carried out with a 5% overload SERVICES REQUIRED: The operations
and 36m radius. began with ALE utilising a swivelled gantry,
which incorporated an axis of rotation at
ALE utilised a lifting system connected to the base to enable simultaneous rotation
the main mast with a capacity to lift 560t at as the tower was lifted.
a radius of 36m. The mast was supported at a
distance of 64m to the rear by two HLS5000 In addition to this, five lifting units were
units, which allowed for lifting or lowering. required for the elevation of the tower and
a final 70t unit was used for retaining as
The retaining units and the main boom were the centre of gravity passed over the axis
placed onto resistant bulkheads on the barge. of rotation.
Over the bulkheads, a structure was installed
to spread the load along the barges reinforced
bulkheads.

To lift and lower each piece, two HLS5000

units were installed at the top end of the mast.
A modular adjustable lifting beam with a
capacity to lift 250t was also installed.

ALE then assembled the mast on the barge in

a horizontal position over temporary supports.
An auxiliary crane was used to perform the
vaulting of the main mast.

Together, we are Smarter, Safer, Stronger 43

SECTORS SERVICES

CIVIL MINERALS & METALS NUCLEAR BALLASTING CRANE LIFTING ENGINEERING JACKING

OFFSHORE OIL, GAS & PETROCHEMICAL PORTS

LIFTING SYSTEMS LOAD-IN & LOAD-OUT LOGISTICS MARINE ENGINEERING

POWER GENERATION RENEWABLES SHIPYARDS OFFSHORE INSTALLATION SKIDDING TRANSPORTATION TURNKEY OPERATIONS WEIGHING

Together, we are Smarter, Safer, Stronger 45

EQUIPMENT INNOVATION SERIES

CRANES
SKID SYSTEMS WEIGHING SYSTEMS

SPECIALIST CRAWLER MOBILE

BALLAST SYSTEMS JACKING SYSTEMS

TRANSPORTATION MEGA JACK AL.SK CRANES ALL TERRAIN TRANSPORTERS

GIRDER FRAME MODULAR TRAILERS BARGES AUXILLARY, ANCILLARY &

ACCESS EQUIPMENT

HYDRO DECK MEGA JACK 800

SPMT SPT LIFTING SYSTEMS

Together, we are Smarter, Safer, Stronger 47

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WORLDWIDE HEAVY TRANSPORTATION AND LIFTING