Electric Liebherr crawler crane works on dam refurbishment

LR 1130.1 crawler crane at work on dam project (Photo: Liebherr)

Refurbishment of the Brouwer sluice lock complex on the Brouswersdam in the Netherlands is underway.

As part of the project, the 50-year old sheet pile structures which regulate water flow between the North Sea and the Grevelingenmeer will be replaced.

In total, De Klerk Werkendam will install 162 new 23-metre sheet piles using the Liebherr LR 1130.1 crawler crane.

This model offers a series of advantages for such work. With a wide working radius, the reach of the crane means it can precisely position the sheet piles while positioned on a barge.

In addition, because it is battery powered, the crane is compliant with emissions-free jobsite regulations. Also, crane operators say the Liebherr model is easy to work with due to the low noise levels.

The battery can be charged using a conventional power source – and the crane can continue to operate while being charged. Plugged in or not, performance and range of application remains unchanged.

With the barge also being electrically powered, the only non-electrical unit on the project is the hydraulic power unit driving the sheet pile vibrator.

According to De Klerk, the combination of an electrically-powered barge and crane is unique across the Netherlands.