Quick and easy bridge replacement

In Japan, Uchimiya Transportation and Engineering, designed and manufactured a new piece of equipment for bridge work called the Deck Lift System. The system was designed in cooperation with Tadano to help carry out Japan's road bridge replacement scheme, which has been implemented to replace old bridges and install new ones on roads that are being widened.

The system is based around a multi-transporter, with an hydraulic telescopic lifting system mounted on it. The transporter, with the jacks closed but carrying the bridge section to be installed, is positioned directly underneath the ‘gap’ in the bridge above. The hydraulic telescopic lifting system then raises the section into place. The lifting capacity varies from 150 tonnes to 200 tonnes and up to eight are installed per transporter.

The main advantages of the system, according to Uchimiya, are the time saving factor and the total lifting capacity eliminates the need for cranes to be called in to assist with the lift.

The system is pictured installing a bridge on the highway at Hanabusa, a job that was completed overnight.