The new Tampines Viaduct in Singapore connects TPE, Tampines Expressway, to PIE, Pan Island Expressway (Tuas) and Upper Changi Road East. Opened in February 2023, this new 1.8 km one-way viaduct aims to ease traffic congestion in the area by providing an alternative route for motorists.
The construction of the project posed some challenges, as the installation work had to be carried out in a very tight site condition, with less space to perform heavy lifting tasks. Singapore-based contractor Hwa Seng Builder Pte Ltd (HSB) was commissioned to undertake the job; and for this, the company relied on a 70 t telescopic crawler crane from Sennebogen.
Because the road was partially active during construction, there were special safety requirements for the crane. The Sennebogen 673 E fully adhered to these regulatory requirements. The lifting tasks on the project involved the handling of concrete piles, installation of rebar cages, as well as assembling and dismantling of column formwork in tight, active public roads. Therefore, the crane had to be extremely stable to minimise the need of movement around the jobsite.
With concrete barriers surrounding the site, the work required a small footprint. The prior setting of the ‘virtual wall’, an added safety function that creates swing restriction to the Sennebogen 673 E, allowed the operator to focus on the task at hand without worrying about the concrete barriers. This makes the crane well-equipped for such delicate operations. Another highlight of the 673 E is its full-power boom that can telescope under load, thus avoiding the need to move for most tasks.
Safe lifting above the road
The formwork and other materials to be lifted weighed about 2 t each and featured unusual shapes, that could easily be caught by the wind and in turn complicate the lifting tasks. However, the sturdy 70 t telescopic crawler crane, sitting on a 4.8 m track when fully extended, provides high stability. Together with its robust boom, swaying activities were greatly minimised.
“A fair amount of my lifting tasks is below 30 m high. The Sennebogen 673 E fits perfectly on the sweet spot between being on the right capacity and boom length that will not cost an excess overweight. This is a big advantage compared to other crane types which usually have plenty of excess weight,” said Tee Ley Shui, the crane operator.
Raymond Sia, logistic coordinator at HSB, explained that “as the columns for the viaduct are in between the main road, we have to move the Sennebogen 673 E telescopic crawler crane almost every day from site to site depending on the lifting schedule. The retractable undercarriage and being able to load up and down the low-bed trailer with its counterweight is indeed a time saver.”
Aly Energy Singapore, the local Sennebogen dealer, was also supporting HSB on this project, especially in after-sales services. “Aly Energy has been supporting HSB closely for more than six years, which gives me the confidence to deploy Sennebogen cranes on complicated jobsites,” said Mr Sia.
