Heavy Lifting News
Case Studies on Innovative Problem Solving
Synchronous Lift Expedites Bridge Maintenance
02/26/2024
Specialized equipment can often mean the difference between winning or losing a bid for bridg e repairs. In January, Engineered Rigging rented a Synchronous Lift System to a customer that faced this situation. La Calerita Construction, LLC, based out of Las Cruces, New Mexico, intended to submit a bid for bridge preservation that included bearing replacements, concrete repair, epoxy injection and other repairs to an overpass spanning Interstate 10 in Hatch, New Mexico. There was just one wrinkle. In its RFP, the New Mexico Department of Transportation (DOT) required that a synchronous lifting system be used. La Calerita Construction did not have this equipment nor had the company used it before.
“Synchronous lifting is a relatively new requirement for bridge repair,” explained John Kuka, Director of Business Development for Engineered Rigging. “It protects the bridge deck from damage caused by uneven jacking.”
Knowledge Sharing Is Fundamental to Rentals
To quickly ramp up, La Calerita contacted Engineered Rigging for a tutorial on the system, its components, benefits, ease of use, and turnaround times. “The process was quick and easy with great response times all the way from sales to technicians,” recalled Nicolas Villalobos, project manager for the contractor. “John Kuka handled any questions and concerns I had through the initial ordering process and even walked me through what would be the most beneficial and cost-effective setup for our specific project. We had no problems from the delivery to return.”
In just under two weeks from the initial contact, Engineered Rigging proposed a bridge bearing replacement kit or Synchronous Lift System comprised of four SFP421SJ split flow pumps (SFPs), a control system that connects the SPFs and synchronizes them to within .04 inch, and a selection of LPL602 and LPL1602 hydraulic cylinders. The equipment, designed and built by Enerpac, is part of the extensive fleet of rental-ready heavy lift equipment kept at the Engineered Rigging facility in Russellville, Arkansas.
The Engineered Rigging team also arranged for shipping to the rural project site in New Mexico. The system needed to be delivered the first week in January and obtaining specialized transport from Engineered Rigging’s fabrication facility and equipment yard in Russellville, Arkansas, could have proven difficult during the holidays. “We maintain strong relationships with our transportation brokers, so we can quickly get equipment to small towns or remote locations,” explained Kuka.
Onsite Technician Provides Guidance
In addition to the month-long rental, Engineered Rigging provided an on-site technician, Rustin Reeves, for two days to supervise initial setup, oversee the first lift and train La Calerita’s crew on the system’s operation.
“Rustin was calm and patient in showing our crew the proper way of utilizing the SFP system to its full advantage,” said La Calerita’s Villalobos. “We were easily able to understand the setup process and how to use the control box for lifting the cylinders on either automatic or manual. We were highly satisfied with Rustin’s help.”
During the project, La Calerita Construction replaced the bearings on two approach spans and three bridge piers. Engineered Rigging provided a lift system with a total capacity of 960 tons which allowed La Calerita to address the variable weight of each bridge segment. Setup for each lift took about 4 hours, and La Calerita performed the lift and repairs the following night.
