August 8 - Germany headquartered crane services provider Riga Mainz has completed a sensitive project using a Liebherr LTM 1750-9.1 mobile crane - the replacement of a 20-tonne spire at Mainz Cathedral.
The refurbishment of Mainz Cathedral started when a large amount of damage was identified on the spire of one tower. The spire's long-term stability was not guaranteed, so stonemasons started working in the cathedral's workshop to build a replica of the 246 year-old spire.
The original spire measured over 7 m high and was sawn into sections to allow it to be safely removed and transported. The sandstone sections were packed and prepared for the crane hoist by specialists from the Doka Group, a manufacturer of formwork for concreting.
The 17th century stonework was then attached to the hook of the LTM 1750-9.1 mobile crane. The lifting power of the crane was increased tonne-by-tonne until the package was gently raised from the building, before being carefully positioned on the cathedral square below. The heaviest loads were the lower sections of the spire weighing 16 tonnes.
The spire replacement project was completed in two weeks, rather than the three weeks originally planned.
