KHL Group - International Cranes and Specialized Transport

Leu Liebherrs on record dome

Written by Sarah Ann Campbell - 17 Jan 2012

A Liebherr LTM 1055-3.2 mobile crane planks the new salt storage facility in Rheinfelden, Switzerland, which is Europe's largest dome construction.

Swiss crane rental firm Leu used two of its Liebherr mobile cranes to construct a salt storage facility for United Swiss Salt Works (Schweizerische Rheinsalinen).

The 11,300 square metre wooden dome is in Rheinfelden, Switzerland. It will hold 100,000 tonnes of road salt. At 120 metres in diameter and 32 m tall it is the largest dome in Switzerland.

The LTM 1055-3.2 and LTM 1030/2 all terrains were used to erect the lower supporting rings of the wooden dome structure. A construction crane was used to position the upper segments of the dome. The rings were built upward in a clockwise direction. This process and the dimensional stability of the composite timber elements meant that cantilevered construction without scaffolding was possible right up to the dome.

The 55 tonner with its 40 m telescopic boom was used in planking the support structure and gradually covering the futuristic-looking lattice construction. A total of 640 coated wood-fibre sheets in lengths of up to 12 m will cover the dome.

Leu has been servicing the Swiss market for 20 years. Its crane fleet, all Liebherrs, includes mobile cranes up to 90 tonnes capacity, including an MK 80 and a brand new LTC 1045-3.1.