Lifting systems for tunnel construction
Efficient. Safe. Tailor-made.
Tunnel construction places the highest demands on precision, safety and efficiency – especially when handling tunnel segments. With Aerolift's tailor-made lifting systems, you can master every phase of the handling process: from production and transport to installation in the tunnel boring machine (TBM). Our systems are based on state-of-the-art vacuum technology that has been specially developed for the requirements of the concrete industry.
Advantages of vacuum handling for tunnel segments
- Demoulding after just 8–10 hours
- Demoulding, lifting and turning in a single step
- Prevention of damage or cracks in the concrete
- Gentle load bearing thanks to distributed surface pressure
- Optimised storage space thanks to vertical storage
- Safe working without direct contact with the load
- High safety standards thanks to sophisticated vacuum technology
- Reusability of formwork moulds
- Integrated solutions for the entire handling chain
1. Production & demoulding
Thanks to vacuum technology, tunnel segments can be removed from the formwork mould, rotated and stored directly after a short curing time – in a single step. The mould remains undamaged and is immediately ready for reuse.
2. Free-standing turners
Aerolift offers free-standing turning systems in which the tunnel segments are picked up by an adjustable vacuum lifter on both the extrados and intrados. Ideal for efficient internal transport and storage.
3. Stack handling with clamping device
We develop robust clamping lifting devices for transporting entire stacks of tunnel segments – e.g. to the truck or into the TBM shaft.
TBM equipment: solutions for confined spaces
Use within a tunnel boring machine poses special challenges: limited space, high stress, dirt and extreme forces. Our vacuum lifters, specially developed for TBM use, are designed to be durable, low-maintenance and precise.
Segment transport to the lifting device
After transport into the tunnel, individual tunnel segments are rotated 90 degrees and guided to the lifting device – the rotation function is already integrated into the device to save space and resources.
Vacuum segment erector
Another system is designed as part of the TBM erector:
- 360° rotatable
- Central vacuum pump outside the movable unit
- Extendable suction gripper for precise positioning and screwing of end segments
End segment detection for maximum safety
All vacuum lifters for tunnel construction have three suction cups. For regular segments, all are active; for end segments, the outer ones are deactivated. Our automatic end segment detection prevents operating errors and increases safety in the process.
Ready for your tunnel construction projects?
Whether you need a standard solution or a custom design, Aerolift offers reliable lifting systems for every challenge in tunnel construction. Contact our team of experts to learn more about our proven solutions for tunnel segments.
Request a consultation now – together we can realise safe tunnel projects.