Ten Alimak TM single and twin mast climbing work platforms, and one construction hoist were installed during construction of the B2 Wood Wharf project; Canary Wharf’s first modular building.
MODULAR PROJECT
The Wood Wharf B2 project is Canary Wharf’s first modular building, comprising of 279 apartments, along with several retail units and restaurants. As a modular project, each apartment unit was constructed off-site, including fitted bathrooms, kitchens, and furniture. The units were then transported to site and installed.
MAST CLIMBING WORK PLATFORMS
A total of ten Alimak MC 650 and MC 450 mast climbing work platforms were installed on the project to assist in the modular apartment installations, with the customer opting for both single and twin masted configurations, with a combination of A and B drives. The platform lengths ranged from 4.2 m to 28.3 m long, with payload capacities from 2,000 kg to 6,960 kg.
Choosing both A and B drives enables the mast climbers to be used independently from each other, which greatly increases efficiency on site. As each apartment unit was lifted onto the building via crane, the construction team were able to stand on the platform and guide the units into place. Additionally, the mast climbers provided access to install glazing panels on the building façade, decreasing the total build time. Glazing panels are usually the final part of the building’s construction, however, using Alimak mast climbers allowed panels to be installed on lower floors, even while the upper floors were still being constructed.
MONORAILS
Monorails fitted with a remote-controlled electric winch, were installed at the top of the mast of each mast climber. The monorails work together with the mast climbers, enabling heavy façade elements to be moved into position by workers standing on the platform.
The length of each monorail matched the mast climber’s platform length, enabling full utilisation of the working space.
The two longest mast climbers had their monorails fitted with two winches. This allowed two separate installation teams to install cladding panels at the same time, thereby boosting productivity.
CONSTRUCTION HOIST
An Alimak Scando 650 FC construction hoist, with a payload capacity of 2,500 kg, was also installed on the project. This provided vertical access for both personnel and materials, enabling the project to run efficiently and enhanching safety.
Instead of the stand 3.2 m hoist length, Alimak engineers added an extension to just one side of the hoist, to allow the maximum car size of 4.45 m to fit within the space constraints.
PLATFORM DETAILS
Location: Canary Wharf, London, UK
Application: High-rise construction
Product category: Mast climbing work platforms
Models: Alimak MC 650 and MC 450
No. of platforms 10 (4x single masted, 6x twin masted)
Platform lengths: 4.2–28.3 m
Capacity: Up to 6,960 kg
Speed: 11 m/min
Lifting height: 70 m
HOIST DETAILS
Location: Canary Wharf, London, UK
Application: High-rise construction
Product category: Construction hoists
Models: Alimak Scando 650 FC
No. of hoist cars: 1
Car size: 1.5 x 4.45 m (W x L)
Capacity: Up to 2,500 kg
Speed: 54 m/min
Lifting height: 71 m
An Alimak passenger and goods industrial elevator was installed in a hyperscale data center, to provide essential access to the roof, to ensure an uninterrupted IT data service.
The data center’s critical plant machinery – which includes the climate control unit – is housed on its roof. It is essential to keep the building’s internal temperature regulated to ensure the data center equipment doesn’t overheat. Therefore, having 24 hour access to transport maintenance equipment to the top of the building is crucial.
The client required the elevator to be permanently installed to the outside of the date center, to allow materials to be transported to the building’s roof in an efficient and safe manner. Being installed outdoors, it’s important for the elevator to withstand all types of weather, which all Alimak industrial elevators do.
Recognising the benefits of Alimak products, the client opted for a permanently installed Alimak industrial elevator. Its robust and durable design and 2,000 kg capacity meant it was the ideal solution for this project.
Alimak’s range of vertical access solutions are ideal for many applications, including data centers. Using rack and pinion technology removes the requirement of an elevator shaft allowing the Alimak industrial elevator to be easily retrofitted to an existing building or incorporated into a new build.
Alimak rack and pinion technology has the unique benefits of both quick and easy installation time.
Alimak industrial elevators eliminate the need for climbing stairs, enhancing safety and efficiency. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications and suitable to carry persons with or without goods, or goods alone.
ELEVATOR DETAILS
Location: Ireland
Application: Data center
Elevator type: Rack and pinion
Elevator model: Alimak Scando Special
Capacity: 2,000 kg
No. of landings: 2
Lifting height: 8 m
Alimak, the global leader in vertical access solutions, has successfully installed the first of its new Alimak Medius 350 construction hoist at the Notre Dame des Ardilliers Chapel in Saumur, France. The compact hoist, which reaches a height of 43 metres, was chosen to help restore the 16th-century church due to its impressive yet cost-effective features.
The Alimak Medius 350 model has a compact design, and is easy to transport and install, making it the perfect solution for remote areas such as Saumur. Alimak was chosen as the preferred provider due to its ability to provide access solutions fixed to scaffolding with enough capacity to help workers renovate the chapel.
Transports materials and workers
The main purpose of the vertical access solution provided was to transport materials and workers safely to different levels to carry out the reform of the chapel. The Alimak Medius 350 construction hoist has a maximum payload capacity of 1,000 kg or 11 passengers, and a maximum lifting height of 100 metres, making it the perfect solution for restoration projects.
Cost-effective solution
The compact design of the Alimak Medius 350 hoist makes it easy to transport on a truck, since the base unit (ground enclosure and hoist car with drive unit) – is provided as one unit.
Installation is quick and easy, with a new lifting device that makes it easy to lift the base unit by crane. The Medius 350 is compatible with Alimak’s standard landing equipment and shares the same height components as the Alimak TPL transport platform range – making it the ultimate choise for rental fleet owners.
The main characteristics of the Medius 350 construction hoist are its cost-effectiveness and adaptability. It is a versatile and configurable option that can be used in a variety of applications, making it an ideal choice for contractors looking for a reliable and efficient vertical access solution.
Experience in restoration projects
Alimak has been involved in many restoration projects over the years, including the Statue of Liberty in New York, USA, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, the Doumo di Milano in Milan, Italy, and the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Florence, Italy.
The Alimak Medius 350 construction hoist is a game-changer in the industry, and the successful installation at the Notre Dame des Ardilliers Chapel in Saumur, France, is a testament to its impressive features. Alimak is proud to have been chosen as the preferred provider and looks forward to helping restore more ancient buildings in the future.
HOIST DETAILS
Location: Notre Dame des Ardilliers, Saumur, Maine-et-Loire department, France
Application: Restoration of ancient chapel
Hoist model: Alimak Medius 350
Capacity: 1,000 kg
Hoist car size: 1.5 m x 1.5 m x 2.3 m (W x L x H)
Speed: 24 m/min
Lifting height: 43 m
No. of landings: 4
An Alimak rack and pinion elevator was installed on a new portal slewing crane at the new heat and power plant KVV8’s new fuel terminal in Värta port, Stockholm, Sweden. This is the first time an elevator has been installed on this type of harbour crane.
FIRST ELEVATOR FOR A PORTAL SLEWING CRANE
Alimak has proven that very few applications are too difficult when it comes to installing an elevator. This was demonstrated at the new portal slewing crane at the Värtahamnen in Stockholm, where a special Alimak SE elevator – with a smaller car size than usually
offered within the standard range – was installed.
To be able to tie in the elevator mast tower into this kind of crane structure, the mast tower has been extended up to 25.6 m, while the elevator only reaches up to the height of 16.85 m where the crane operator cabin is located. The elevator mast is only tied with one tie-in at the top.
The crane serves the new power plant with unloading fuel delivered from vessels. These type of cranes are space-saving and efficient and adapt well to the conditions of the new fuel port. The Alimak elevator gets the crane driver to the portal slewing crane’s driver cabin in less than half a minute, improving the efficiency and productivity further. Safety is also improved as hazards, such as slipping on the stairs or objects falling from height, are greatly reduced.
UPTIME AND PRODUCTIVITY ARE KEY
With vessel turnaround schedules measured in hours, it is imperative to maximize crane uptime. Alimak rack and pinion elevators provide reliable and efficient access to the top of the crane for men, tools and repair parts facilitating frequent preventive maintenance and minimizing costly downtime resulting from breakdowns. By allowing operators to access the crane’s cabin more quickly, an elevator also substantially increases the crane’s overall productivity per shift.
ELEVATOR DETAILS
Location: Fuel port at the heat- and powerplant KVV8, Värtahamnen, Stockholm, Sweden
Application: Portal slewing crane
Elevator type: Rack and pinion
Elevator model: ALIMAK SE 300
Elevator car size: 0.78 m x 0.91 m x 2.17 m (W x L x H)
Capacity: 300 kg
Speed: 0.59 m/s
Lifting height: 16.85 m
An Alimak TPL 500 industrial elevator has been permanently installed at Berger Group’s Maierhof Asphalt Manufacturing Facility in Ortenburg, Germany to improve safety and productivity.
In 2020, Alimak completed the installation and commissioning of an Alimak TPL 500 industrial rack and pinion elevator at the manufacturing facility. Located on the asphalt mixing plant, the Alimak industrial elevator will provide personnel access and materials transport to the five levels of the plant structure, reducing crane lifting requirements and improving the safety of operations on site.
Berger Group of Germany is an economically and technologically strong asphalt manufacturer with several state-of-the-art production sites in Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic.
The Alimak industrial elevator provides a safe means of gaining access to the upper levels of the plant for routine maintenance and inspection of equipment in all weather conditions. The Alimak elevator reduces crane lifting on site for the movement of replacement parts and equipment while ensuring compliance with the Machine Directive.
ELEVATOR DETAILS
Location: Maierhof Asphalt Manufacturing Plant, Ortenburg, Germany
Application: Asphalt Mixing Plant
Elevator model: Alimak TPL 500
Elevator car size: 1.4 m x 1.6 m (W x L)
Capacity: 500 kg
Speed: 12–24 m/min
No. of landings: 5
Lifting height: 31.5 m
The world’s largest tunnel boring machine (TBM), used to bore a mega tunnel for the M-30 motor-way in Madrid, has been equipped with an Alimak rack and pinion elevator. This was the first time ever an elevator had been installed in a TBM, and when the word got out, the other TBM supplier, Mitsubishi/FCM, also wanted elevators.
The world’s largest tunnel boring machine (TBM), used to bore a mega tunnel for the M-30 motor-way in Madrid, has been equipped with an Alimak rack and pinion elevator. This was the first time ever an elevator had been installed in a TBM, and when the word got out, the other TBM supplier, Mitsubishi/FCM, also wanted elevators.
In the S-300 EPB Shield, the world’s largest tunnel boring machine, manufactured by Herrenknecht, everything is over the top. The TBM weights 4,364t and has an excavation diameter of 15.20m. It also possesses the highest torque ever installed in a TBM. The unique machine is being used to bore the 3.65km long north tunnel on the new M-30 urban motorway around Madrid, Spain.
A NEED FOR SMOOTH TRANSPORTATION
Since the mega TBM is the world’s largest, the manufacturer knew it would draw a lot of attention, and thus a lot of visitors. They needed to install an elevator, transporting people as well as materials between the floors in the TBM. Herrenknecht chose an Alimak elevator.
The elevator, installed in the rear of the TBM, is a standard ALIMAK SE-450 with a capacity of 450kg and a lifting height of 9m. This is the first time an elevator is ever installed in a TBM. And it is yet another example of Alimak’s ability to solve all kinds of vertical transportation problems.
JAPANESE ORDER FOLLOWED
A further proof of Alimak’s unique experience and technical knowledge of extraordinary projects is yet another installation concerning the M-30. In a joint venture between Spanish manufacturer Duro Felguera and Japanese designer Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, another of the world’s largest TBMs has been constructed for re-routing the M-30 motor-way underground. Since Herrenknecht had installed an elevator in their TBM, the Japanese wanted to match that. They placed an order on two ALIMAK SE-300 elevators, with the capacity of 300kg. One elevator will be installed in the front of the TBM, behind the cutting wheel, and the other in the rear.
The TBMs equipped with Alimak elevators have already started working on the tunnel, which will help solve the chronic traffic jams, frequent accidents, noise and lack of greenery in the city center. It is due to open for traffic in 2008.
EXPERT KNOWLEDGE OF THE TUNNELING SEGMENT
Alimak rack and pinion elevators provide reliable and efficient access in a great number of road and railway tunnel shafts around the world. They are used for transportation of personnel and materials, for inspection, maintenance, and emergency escape. They adapt to inclinations, curves, and tight spaces, and climb deep down though the earth’s crust.
The first Alimak tunnel elevator was installed in Austria in 1975 and was used to inspect the 600-meter high ventilation shafts in the tunnel under the Tauern pass. Since then, Alimak tunnel elevators have been installed in a number of tunnels all over the world.
ELEVATOR DETAILS
Location: Madrid Metro Project, Spain
Industry type: Tunneling
Applications: Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM)
No. of elevators: 3
Elevator models: ALIMAK SE 300 and SE 450
Capacity: 300 kg and 450 kg
Lifting height: 9 m
No. of landings: 2
A custom Alimak industrial elevator has been installed in the WoodSmith polyhalite mine in the North York Moors, UK. The mine extracts mineral from polyhalite, which is found deep underground and used as an agricultural fertiliser. The mineral is extracted 1,600 m below ground and transported up to 370 m below ground where it is loaded onto a 37 km conveyor belt to be transported to the handling facility.
ALIMAK INDUSTRIAL ELEVATOR
A solution was needed to transport up to 18 mine workers from ground level to 370 m below ground as efficiently as possible. The shaft size was incredibly limited, allowing a maximum elevator width of only 1.56 m.
Alimak’s design engineers developed a custom ”double deck” rack and pinion elevator, which comprised of two elevator cars, interconnected one above the other. Each elevator measured 1.56 m wide x 1.04 m long x 2.17 m high, with each car able to hold a maximum of nine passengers.
SUSTAINABILITY
As sustainability was important to our customer (the mine infrastructure was designed to minimise any environmental impact), Alimak was the perfect choice due to its industrial elevators being manufactured in its EcoVadis gold-rated Swedish factory which is powered using 100% renewable energy.
MY ALIMAK
My Alimak is a customised web-based portal, developed by Alimak Group to enhance the safe and efficient use of Alimak products.
Using the My Alimak portal, Strabag AG can view operational data and statistics relating to their elevators, which allows them to manage their assets more efficiently.
PROJECT CHALLENGES
The elevator shaft was steel lined, which presented a significant challenge in finding the safest way to install the mast connections. The usual option of welding was not possible.
Alimak worked with Hilti to develop a new solution, which involved the use of friction welded studs, which were fired into the elevator shaft using a spring-loaded gun.
MADE FOR INDUSTRIAL USE
Alimak industrial elevators are available with extruded aluminium or stainless-steel cars, ensuring long
service life in even the toughest environments. The drive unit is located on top of the car, which climbs on a self-supporting mast, requiring no supporting elevator shaft or separate machine room.
The mast is made of galvanised steel. The erection of the elevator mast takes place from the car itself. If installed early in the construction process, the elevator can often be used in the actual construction of the building on which it will then remain as a permanent elevator.
ELEVATOR DETAILS
Location: Woodsmith Mine, North Yorkshire, UK
Industry type: Mining
Application: Underground mine shaft
Elevator model: 2 x Custom Alimak SE 900 FC
Capacity: 900 kg per elevator car
Elevator car size (W x L x H): 1.56 m x 1.04 m x 2.17 m
Lifting height: 370 m
No. of landings: 3
With the assistance of an Alimak transport platform, the top floor apartment of a Penthouse in Milano, Italy, underwent a successful renovation.
The transport platform supplied by Alimak were ideal for the reduced dimension specifications of the construction project. It included rear side brackets for additional anchoring security and landing via scaffolding walkways.
Alimak was selected for our reputation for quality workmanship and reliable products and service. Our valued partner A.C.G.S. S.R.L. specialises in using Alimak equipment and offers outstanding service during preliminary assessments, problem-solving, installation and maintenance processes.
As the penthouse apartment was to be completely renovated over two floors, including the demolition of internal walls, it was not possible to use a condominium lift to transport materials essential for the renovation work. The top floor of the apartment is situated further away from the building’s facade, so it was necessary to install scaffolding allowing workers to access the building. The work was to be carried out over three to four months.
One challenge centred on the minimal space for work on the ground and the facade. This required a vertical access solution that could work within these tight conditions and adjust to a retracted landing area.
All ties of the right mast have been fixed to the rear corner wall with custom-made support. As condominiums use the surrounding ground space as a parking area, there was only a small area available for work.
The Alimak TPL platform thus featured an additional appendix to replace the folding component with an entrance door and to reduce the platform size from 3.2m to 2.2m. These platforms are designed to allow for reliable, efficient access on construction sites where space is minimal. They offer improved functionality and performance in restricted dimensions and can be successfully employed to transport heavy loads to elevated areas on site quickly. With the support of Alimak’s products, the work on the Penthouse apartment could be carried out safely and successfully.
PLATFORM DETAILS
Project: Penthouse Renovation
Location: Porta Nuova, Milano, Italy
Application: Renovation of a top-floor apartment
Platform model: ALIMAK TPL 2000D
Capacity: 2,000 kg
Platform size: 3.2 m x 1.5 m
Speed: 12–24 m/min.
No. of landings: 2
Lifting height: 32 m
Penthouse Renovation, Milano, Italy
Alimak construction hoists and industrial elevators have been used during the construction and the ongoing maintenance of the world-famous Queensferry Crossing bridge in Scotland. The bridge, which opened in May 2017, is the world’s longest three-tower, cable stayed bridge and measures 1.7 miles (2.7 km) long.
CONSTRUCTION HOISTS
Six Alimak Scando 650 construction hoists provided access to the three concrete pylons of the suspension bridge during its build. Each machine was specially modified to create a side entrance – allowing passengers to exit from the hoist car on the same side as the mast tower – onto the moving concrete formwork.
Two hoists were installed on each pylon, one Scando 650 DOL serving sea level to road level, and one Scando 650 FC serving road level to the top of the pylon, which were over 200 metres tall.
Alimak designed and supplied tie installation platforms on each hoist, providing a safer working environment for the installation of ties. A bespoke rolling tie was also designed, to interface between the hoist and the moving concrete formwork, taking into account all structural forces and loads of operating this equipment in extreme environments.
INDUSTRIAL ELEVATORS
Three Alimak SE 500 industrial elevators are installed in the bridge pylons, with one elevator per pylon and each serving 17 landings. These provide safe access for routine maintenance of the bridge’s suspension cable.
The elevators were required to fit into shafts that had originally been designed for an alternative product. Alimak adapted the standard SE 500 product to ensure it would fit into the existing shaft.
PROJECT CHALLENGES
Joining the project at a relatively late stage, Alimak were required to work quickly to provide a suitable product within an acceptable timescale. As well as adapting the elevator cars to fit into the shaft, Alimak’s engineers designed special car doors and incorporated bespoke landing doors due to some landings having limited openings.
As a result of the tight timescale, installation began before the elevator cars were scheduled for delivery. In order to progress, an erection platform was designed and built in so that the mast and ties could be installed.
Access to the shaft was limited, with the elevator having to be installed via a roof hatch that was marginally bigger than the actual car. This meant the elevator car had to be removed from it’s backframe before lowering it into place.
HOIST DETAILS
Location: Queensferry Crossing, Scotland, UK
Application: Bridge
Hoist models: 3 x Alimak Scando 650 FC
3 x Alimak Scando 650 DOL
Capacity: 2,000 kg
Hoist car sizes: 1.5 m x 3.2 m x 2.3 m (W x L x H)
Speed: 54 and 38 m/min
Lifting height: Up to 185 m
ELEVATOR DETAILS
Location: Queensferry Crossing, Scotland, UK
Application: Bridge pylon
Elevator model: 3 x Alimak SE 500
Capacity: 500 kg
Elevator car sizes: 0.78 m x 1.17 m x 2.21 m (W x L x H)
Speed: 0.6 m/s
Lifting height: Up to 140 m
Weston-Super-Mare’s seafront played host to SEE Monster, an innovative, temporary art installation set on a retired oil rig. An Alimak elevator was installed to provide access to each floor.
The impressive structure was one of the UK’s largest public art installations, running from July to November 2022. Visitors were able to see a wild garden, waterfall and were encouraged to learn more about sustainability and climate.
With a required lifting height of 27.5m, in order for SEE Monster to be accessible to all visitors, elevator access was esential. An Alimak SE 1200 FC industrial elevator was chosen by Newsubstance – the creative minds behind the art installation. Alimak industrial elevators are designed to withstand harsh environments, so were the ideal solution for a structure that would be exposed to the elements of the British seaside.
Alimak’s design team worked with Newsubstance engineers to interface both the elevator’s support structure and landing door interfaces with the fabric of SEE Monster, this to ensure full compliance with safety standards and to maintain reliable service for the period of intended use.
The Alimak SE 1200 FC travelled up to 33m and could transport a maximum of 16 passengers. SEE Monster proved so popular that its close date was extended to allow more people to visit. The Alimak team ensured that support was available throughout and were able to reschedule the planned dismantle to ensure there was no disruption to the public’s elevator access.
ELEVATOR DETAILS
Location: Weston-Super-Mare, UK
Industry type: Entertainment
Application: Public art installation
Elevator model: Alimak SE 1200 FC
Capacity: 1,200 kg
No. of landings: 4
Lifting height: 27.5 m
An Alimak TPL 500 Transport Platform was used during the restoration of the art treasure Baptistery of San Giovanni in Florence, Italy.
The Alimak TPL 500 Transport Platform was used during the restoration of the façade and the lantern at the ancient Baptistery of San Giovanni in Florence, Italy. With a lifting height of 24 meters, the transport platform was used to transport people and materials on nine different levels of the scaffolding covering the outer walls of the monument.
The restoration is financed by the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore. The project, which has a cost of approximately two million euros, will eliminate deposits of pollutants and help consolidate the marble elements. The Florence Baptistery is one of the most ancient churches in the city.
Alimak TPL transport platforms are specifically designed for smaller construction projects with limited space and where less payload capacity is required. Payload capacities vary from 300 to 2,000 kg and the machines are available in six different configurations.
Designed for a range of applications, Alimak TPL transport platforms offer additional functionality to drive productivity and enhance the safety of operations on-site.
PLATFORM DETAILS
Location: Baptistery of San Giovanni, Florence, Italy
Application: Restoration of ancient church
Platform type: ALIMAK TPL 500
Capacity: 500 kg
Platform size: 1.4 m x 1.6 m (W x L)
Speed: 12 m/min
Lifting height: 24 m
No. of landings 9
An Alimak TPL 2000 D Transport Platform was installed in Italy to speed up the erection time of scaffolding in an industrial plant.
Thanks to the excellent advice and collaboration from Alimak’s partner in Tuscany, Betti Rent, the construction company Termisol Termica S.r.l. chose to adopt a brand new Alimak TPL 2000 D transport platform as the ideal solution to speed up the erection of the traditional “tube and joint” scaffolding, satisfying the vertical transport needs, direct access to each floor and complete safety for the personnel.
The TPL 2000 D speed of 12 m/min, used as a transport platform and 24 m/min, as a material hoist, minimized the time spent for the transport of personnel and materials to each floor, while a generous load capacity of 2,000 kg and a platform area of 1,5 x 3,2m maximised load requirements.
The TPL 2000 D incorporates a safety device that engages in the event of the machine overspeeding as well as an overload detection device that prevents the use of the platform in case of overloading giving the guarantee of safety and extending the platform’s operation.
Termisol Termica S.r.l. is one of the most significant engineering contractors, in the field of thermal and acoustic insulation, in Italy and abroad since 1950, carrying out over 10 million square metres of insulation in industrial plants with the most updated technology and patented systems with quality certification system ISO 9001 since 1996, and environmental management system ISO 14001 since 2004. With this vast experience and technical knowledge, Termisol Termica S.r.l. works in the field of planning and assembly of metallic scaffolding, both in industrial and building construction.
Designed for a range of applications, Alimak TPL transport platforms offer additional functionality to drive productivity and enhance the safety of operations on-site. It’s simple, flexible and robust design puts it ahead of its competitors and is suitable for all vertical access to buildings or scaffoldings, either for new constructions or refurbishments.
PLATFORM DETAILS
Location: Livorno, Italy
Application: Industrial plant
Platform type: ALIMAK TPL 2000 D
Capacity: 2,000 kg
Platform size: 1.5 m x 3.2 m (W x L)
Speed (TP mode/MH mode): 12/24 m/min
Lifting height: 72 m
No. of landings: 33
The TPL 800 Transport Platform is a popular choice in Alimak’s light range of vertical access solutions which are suitable for use across a wide range of applications. For the reliable and efficient movement of both personnel and materials, Alimak’s rugged rack and pinion design makes for a hard-wearing transport solution which is capable of withstanding harsh environments such as construction sites.
A key benefit of the TPL 800 is its large car size, low power requirements and low forces to the structure. The TPL 800 allows flexibility for a variety of uses, including the glamorous world of Formula One motorsport at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps motor-racing circuit in Stavelot, Belgium. This venue is world-renowned as the home of many international motor racing events and hosted its first Grand Prix in 1925. With a rich history, the circuit is the current host of the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix and has held a Grand Prix virtually every year since 1983.
This kind of venue calls for a wide range of vital facilities both on and off the track, and the Alimak TPL 800 Transport Platform will form a key part of the circuit’s infrastructure for many years to come. In order to cement its position as a world-class motorsport venue, the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps has developed a new section and starting position for the F1 track.
An important factor in the redevelopment work was the new VIP viewing and hospitality area. Following the completion of construction work, the Alimak TPL 800 Transport Platform will remain in place for many years to come as a vital part of operations, providing a reliable, convenient and efficient vertical access solution for food and drink service, climbing 12 metres to the new VIP area.
In this context, the design and engineering of the drive unit are particularly important in delivering a smooth travelling motion and the minimum wear and tear during long term use. A series of guide rollers are mounted on a tandem frame to ensure pressure is distributed consistently whether the platform is being used to transport people, cargo or, in this instance, gourmet food and drink services.
PLATFORM DETAILS
Location: Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps motor-racing circuit in Stavelot, Belgium.
Application: Food and drink service
Platform type: Alimak TPL 800 Transport Platform
Capacity: 800 kg
Platform size: 1.0 m × 3.2 m (W x L)
Speed (TP mode/MH mode): 12/24 m/min
Lifting height: 12 m
20 Alimak construction hoists and 35 transport platforms improve safety and productivity during construction of Grand Paris Express transit lines.
The Paris Métro is one of the densest metro systems in the world, with 244 stations within the City of Paris. Grand Paris Express is a group of new rapid transit lines being built in the Île-de-France region. Four new métro lines will be built and two existing lines will be extended. A total of 200 kilometres of new track and 68 new stations will be added, serving 2 million passengers per day.
Alimak is currently involved in the construction of métro lines 14, 15, 16 and 18 with over 50 vertical access solutions for the transportation of construction workers and materials.
Alimak proposed installations of construction hoists and transport platforms without bottom frames on the ground. Alimak engineers designed steel structures to support each hoist and transport platform on the wall, without touching the bottom of the tunnel shaft. This allows the equipment to follow the construction progress of the metro tunnels in a flexible way.
The transport platforms were designed with closed cages and have a liaison bridge between the platform itself and the stair tower – which is being used by the construction workers. The project started in 2018 and is expected to continue until 2032.
HOIST DETAILS
Project: Grand Paris Express
Location: Metro Line 16 & 18, Paris, France
Application: Metro Tunnel Construction
Product category: Construction Hoists
Hoist model: Alimak Scando 450
No. of hoists: 20
Hoist car size: 1.4 x 2.4 x 2.0 m (W x L x H)
Capacity: 1,200 & 1,100 kg
Speed: 30 m/min
Lifting height: Varies between: 15 m to 50 m
PLATFORM DETAILS
Project: Grand Paris Express
Location: Metro Line 16, Paris, France
Application: Metro Tunnel Construction
Product category: Transport Platforms
Platform model: Alimak TPL 500
No. of platforms: 35
Platform size: 1.4 m x 1.6 m x 2.2 m (W x L x H)
Capacity: 500 kg
Speed: 12 m/min
Lifting height: Varies between: 15 m to 50 m
Ten Alimak mast climbing work platforms are being used during the construction of a new building block in Berlin, Germany.
The German Trade Union Confederation, Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund (DGB) is building a new office and commercial building in the Berlin Schöneberg district.
The new office building of approximately 21,000 m² will be used by the federal board administration of the DGB. The new building elements with different heights blend together to create a distinct structure with a unified appearance.
Alimak was approached to supply an efficient vertical access solution for mounting the new façade elements and windows of the DGB building.
Anchoring of the mast towers created a challenge with reconstruction from standard anchoring to special consoles required. Alimak provided a forcible technical solution for the mounting of windows and facade with a total of ten mast climbing work platforms, from its German rental fleet. The project commenced in September 2021 and is ongoing until today.
PLATFORM DETAILS
Project: DGB – Schöneberg Office Tower
Location: Schöneberg, Berlin, Germany
Application: High-rise construction
Product category: Mast climbing work platforms
Models: Alimak MC 450 and MSHF
No. of platforms: 10
Platform sizes: 1.2–2.2 x 8.4–28.5 m (W x L)
Capacity: Up to 2,000 kg
Speed: 7–9 m/min
Lifting height: Varies between 22–49 m