In a display of precision and engineering prowess, the Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1 crane, operated by Eisele AG, recently undertook a challenging task – replacing chiller units on the iconic Kastor tower in Frankfurt am Main. This operation, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Frankfurt skyline, unfolded over a single weekend and required meticulous planning and execution.
Towering Twins: Kastor and Pollux
Kastor and Pollux, named after inseparable brothers in Greek mythology, stand tall as the twin towers of the “Forum” high-rise complex on Platz der Einheit. The 95-meter-high Kastor tower, flanked by its 130-meter-high counterpart Pollux, received a modernization touch as the LTM 1650-8.1 took center stage in mid-January.
Nighttime Precision and Road Closures
The tight time window necessitated the crane’s nighttime assembly. A unique challenge arose from an underground railway line beneath the setup area, prompting the installation of around 100 load distribution plates beneath the crane and supports.
The fully closed Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage, a major road in Frankfurt, hosted the erection of the 77-meter-long luffing jib. This road closure, strategically timed over the weekend, was crucial for the successful completion of the lifting operation.
Challenging Conditions and Masterful Logistics
The refrigeration plant’s heaviest components, each weighing five tonnes, added complexity to the operation. The support pressure limitation to two tonnes per square meter, due to the underground railway line, demanded a combination of steel plates and bongossi timbers for load distribution.
The lifting operation commenced at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, with the telescopic boom extending to 51 meters. Utilizing a lattice extension and luffing jib, the LTM 1650-8.1 reached the required lifting height of 120 meters, efficiently replacing the outdated chillers.
Logistical Finesse
With a radius of up to 62 meters, the crane showcased its versatility during the assembly work. The entire process, from setup to dismantling, had to be completed within the weekend to ensure the resumption of traffic on Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage by Monday morning – a logistical masterstroke that showcased the efficiency and precision of Eisele AG and the Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1.
This successful project not only exemplifies the capability of cutting-edge crane technology but also underscores the importance of meticulous planning in minimizing disruptions to urban infrastructure.
