During our projects for advanced caisson production we use our transfer system for moving the caisson between three construction stations.
Step 1.
Transfer the prefabricated caisson slabs safely from slab station into slipform gantry with high accuracy into position for docking with slipform shutter.
Step 2.
Transfer a complete caisson from gantry station safely onto a floating dock and allow for level differences of up to 60mm between transfer lane and floating dock during on-shore to off-shore passage.
FAQ:
Caisson foundations are mainly used in the construction of larger structures in marine environments, around rivers and other watercourses. For example, construction of ports, breakwaters and bridge piers. The caisson is usually manufactured on shore, with slipform technology and can be floated to the workplace and lowered on site.
A caisson works in different ways depending on its purpose. The most common type “the floating caisson” is a prefabricated concrete box with sides and bottom. They are usually constructed with slipform technology, either traditional slipform or gantry slipform (for repeated production).
When construction work is completed, the caisson is transported to its intended location, filled with backfill material and lowered into the seabed. A concrete cap constructs at the top of the caisson to bear structural loads.
There are many reasons to use caissons. The construction of quays and offshore works offers some of the most unusual problems and challenges in civil engineering. The continuous presence of the sea challenges every weakness in the construction. Often the choice of foundation is between piling or a caisson-based foundation.
Caissons are permanent structures and become economical in cases where the plan area of foundation is small, large depth of water and for loose soils. Caissons have a high internal stiffness and thus a greater ability to resist vertical and horizontal loads.
Other advantages of caissons:
- Main structural components are constructed under controlled, clean conditions – for example by a gantry slipform rig – allowing inspection of reinforcement and controlled placement of the concrete.
- Caisson design are easily adaptable to varying site conditions.
- Relatively small amounts of materials for structures in deeper water
- Moorings are easily established along the caissons
We have over 20 years of experience in caisson transfers and has developed an entire production line for cassion production and launchings.
Our method is based on the development of the IP-CCV unit and our innovation – with a combination of hydraulics, heavy lifting technology, low-friction plastic and epoxy-treated surfaces.
Each unit is small and can lift 250 tons. The units are assembled into a hydraulic system and can then lift and move loads of up to 20,000 tonnes.
Our method can be an excellent alternative for heavy lifting in the absence of cranes and is a complete solution for the entire production and launch of larger concrete structures.