In November 2007 Deal completed the supply to Golden Crossing Constructors jv (a Joint Venture between Bilfinger & Berger and CH2M Hill) and the commissioning of a pair of “Lifting Frames LF100” for the bridge deck erection, and a pair of “Panel Gantries” to put prefabricated panels in position on the on-ramps, to be used for the cable-stayed Golden Ears Bridge project. The total value of the supply contract is € 2 million.
The Lifting Frames LF100 are an innovative and flexible technical solution: they start operating united close to the pier in order to erect the first deck segment, and then split and advance in opposite directions until complete erection of the cantilever. A complex lifting system provides a wide choice of erection sequences of the steel and/or concrete elements forming the bridge deck.
Panel gantries are rubber tyred gantries that feature high travelling and hoisting performances. By travelling along the on-ramps of the main cable-stayed bridge they ensure a considerable increase in the rate of erection of prefabricated panels and, therefore, a faster completion of deck erection.