Spanish crane contractor Grúas Rigar demonstrated its expertise and precision during a complex crane relocation at the iconic Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Utilizing one of their largest telescopic cranes, the Liebherr LTM 1500-8.1, Rigar faced and overcame numerous logistical challenges to move one of the three massive construction cranes at the site.
The Sagrada Familia, a monumental Roman Catholic basilica designed by Antoni Gaudí, has been under construction since 1882. With plans to complete the structure by 2026, marking the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death, the basilica will eventually stand 172.5 meters high. This height will surpass the current tallest church tower in the world, Ulm Minster, by more than eleven meters.
Despite the road closure around the basilica, space remained incredibly tight for the Rigar team to deliver the eight-axle mobile crane and its accessories. The operation involved using 165 tonnes of ballast and a 70-meter luffing jib to dismantle the construction crane before reassembling it at a new location. The team’s ability to work with such precision and smoothness under these constraints was impressive.
Mr. José Antonio García Marín, the chairman of Grúas Rigar, leads the company from its headquarters in Valencia. Grúas Rigar operates over 40 cranes across multiple offices along the Mediterranean. Their main services include crane work, heavy haulage, work platforms, and the assembly of prefabricated concrete components. Additionally, the company boasts an Engineering Department that specializes in studies, consulting, and load movement control. They also provide internal training for clients in the field of safety.
The Liebherr LTM 1500-8.1, first unveiled at the Bauma trade fair in Munich in 1998, has a storied history. By March 2015, the 500th machine of this type had rolled off the production line in Ehingen, making it the most successful large crane ever produced. This crane, a powerhouse in the Grúas Rigar fleet, played a crucial role in the successful completion of the Sagrada Familia project.
Working in the shadow of such an imposing backdrop, the Grúas Rigar team showcased their high level of professionalism and technical capability. This project not only highlighted their skills but also underscored the importance of precise execution in challenging environments.
