As part of the city’s infrastructure development, Johnson Arabia installed a steel bridge in Dubai with the goal of connecting directly to a metro station.
Johnson Arabia recently lifted and installed a steel bridge in Dubai’s Jaddaf district. This bridge, intended to link directly to a metro station, is an important part of the city’s infrastructural growth.
The project was completed for UNEC, a major construction firm, and required the hiring of Johnson Arabia’s Terex Demag AC700 crane, a 700-ton capacity crane selected for its stability and efficiency. The installation of the Superlift increased the safety margin, making it the best option for this high-stakes operation.
Planning
A lift of this size needs considerable planning. One of the most important factors was the existence of underground services, which required careful calculations to maintain a minimal outrigger load. Furthermore, tight regulations required that the lift be completed only outside of Metro operation hours, necessitating close collaboration with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) for permit approvals.
The steel bridge segment to be lifted weighed 65 tons and was 29m x 8m x 6.5m. The lift was further hindered by space limits, especially owing to underground utilities. However, by careful planning and site adaptations, the Johnson Arabia team assured that the lift could be completed safely and without interfering with existing infrastructure.
The lift operation was carried out by a highly qualified crew that included four riggers in charge of rigging and slinging and one supervisor in charge of the lift and signaling operations.
Experienced crew
The crew maintained a large safety margin by lifting 89 tons at 73% of the crane’s maximum capability. “The experienced crew relied on traditional but effective lifting techniques to complete the job safely and efficiently,” says Sreethu Thulaseedharan, Engineering Manager at Johnson Arabia.
A unique challenge came when the load, which had been linked and rested with welding, needed to be held in place for a lengthy period—ranging from 4 to 8 hours—to assure perfect alignment and installation.
“The most critical concern was the bridge’s direct connection to the Metro station, requiring extreme precision in signaling due to the narrow connection area,” says Thulaseedharan.
To mitigate risks, the team conducted a plate load test to determine ground-bearing pressure, followed strict lifting plan safety margins to ensure stability and Implemented precise signaling and communication to navigate the restricted working space.
Time constraint
One of the biggest challenges faced was working after operational hours on an active Metro station. The lift had to be accurately timed to align with Metro engineering hours, requiring close collaboration with the relevant authorities.
“Despite the complexities involved, the lift was executed on schedule and with complete success,” says Mohammad Fareed Naser, Executive Manager for Cranes – UAE and KSA.
Additionally, obtaining permit approvals posed a logistical challenge, but the team’s expertise in compliance and regulatory requirements helped navigate the process smoothly.
“The project showcased Johnson Arabia’s capability to handle highly technical and regulated lifts while adhering to the highest safety and precision standards,” adds Naser.
This accomplishment reinforces Johnson Arabia’s reputation as a leader in specialized heavy lifting, contributing to the advancement of critical infrastructure projects that shape the city’s future. The successful execution of the Jaddaf steel bridge lift is yet another testament to the company’s commitment in engineering and lifting solutions.