In the deep end

A Liebherr MK 88 mobile construction crane has helped carry out refurbishment work at a swimming pool complex in Germany.

The crane, which is owned and operated by Hubert Wiemann Autokrane, Dortmund, Germany was used to replace glass panels on the roof of the Badewelt Sinsheim swimming pool and spa complex.

Challenges during the refurbishment project included small working spaces and almost inaccessible sites. To carry out one of the refurbishment tasks, the 2.75 metre-wide MK 88 had to travel through a 3 m wide ford that separated two of complex’s large outdoor pools. Due to the width of the MK 88, there were only millimetres of space on either side of the crane.

Once the driver had carefully navigated the crane through the ford, the MK 88 travelled along an access route that was submerged under 600 mm of water. From here the crane worked in a tight working area of 10 m, of which the crane supports took up 7.5 m. As a result of the high water level, the hydraulic shock absorbers were extended to achieve a greater ground clearance. This part of the process involved working in extremely restricted visibility due to the surface of the water, a company spokesperson added.

Once all complications had been overcome, the glass panels were positioned by installation personnel.

Commenting on the refurbishment project, a company spokesperson said, “The use of a mobile construction crane was ideal for this job since it was able to be positioned close to the building and its large radius was able to extend a long way into the roof area.”