Spreader beams work overtime on Australian dome

Brisbane City Cranes (BCC) installed a large dome onto the roof of a church with the support of Modulift spreader beams as part of a complex rigging system. The job was on the Virgin Mary Coptic Church in Calamvale, Queensland, Australia, using kit from Queensland Rigging Hire. 

MOD 24 spreader beams in a H-pattern configuration.

QRH supplied BCC with three Modulift 24 tonne spreader beams which were used in a H-pattern configuration. BCC needed lifting equipment that could be quickly adapted for single-crane and dual-crane use.

Due to the site and building constraints, the lift could not be completed in a single operation. The lift plan involved a combination of a single crane lift into a temporary location, then transferring to a dual crane lift for the installation of the Dome.

The rigging design needed to ensure vertical lifting from four lifting points, spaced 6 metres apart, while remaining light enough not to compromise crane capacities. A further requirement was that the rigging could be adapted quickly between lift phases, minimising adjustments during the operation.

The adaptability of Modulift spreader beams provided the perfect solution for transitioning between a single crane and a dual crane with minimal disruption, the company said.

Thorough preparation

Following two months of preparation by iQ Construct and BCC, the dome was installed and was later recognised at the 2025 Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) Conference, where it won both People’s Choice Lift of the Year (<20 tonnes) and CICA Lift of the Year (<20 tonnes).

“The ability to adapt the rigging between lift stages without major changes was critical on this project,” said Tim Marchbank, Brisbane City Cranes. “The modular setup allowed us to transition smoothly from the single crane lift to the dual crane lift while maintaining control throughout the operation.”

The adjustability of Modulift spreader beams enabled the rigging arrangement to meet all technical requirements of the project. Their availability through Queensland Rigging Hire also supported project scheduling and logistics.

“Projects like this highlight the importance of flexible, well-engineered lifting equipment,” said Thomas Dietvorst, managing director at Modulift. “Working alongside Brisbane City Cranes and Queensland Rigging Hire, we’re pleased to see Modulift equipment contributing to a lift that has been recognised in Calamvale, Australia and the wider industry.”