Slabtec has extensive expertise in the design and installation of load-handling systems for structural applications.

HEAVY LIFTING & MONITORING

There are often situations where load-bearing members are introduced or modified in existing structural frames. Given that we often deal with significant loads, the effect of excessive strain on the member can be unacceptable if the existing structural load distribution is to be maintained.

For this reason, preloading of beams, columns, or walls is important, as it allows the structural designer to control the load distribution and avoid the effect of what often translates to excessive support settlement of affected members or excessive movement of brittle finishes.

Slabtec designs and uses various hydraulic systems depending on the application and project requirements.

Our main focus is always delivering the design engineer’s intent in the simplest and safest manner possible.

We always build multiple layers of redundancy into our systems.

Heavy lifting can be carried out with a number of different types of hydraulic systems:

Oil Filled Flat Jacks

Temporary load handling, lifting and monitoring
Low profile, ~30mm, for tight access requirements
Cost-effective, particularly for heavy loads
Even distribution of forces onto the bearing surfaces
Able to accept minor out-of-plane variations between supported surfaces
It can be calibrated and used as a simple load cell for monitoring
Jacks can be stacked vertically, and multiple jacks grouped in combined systems and loaded simultaneously

Grout Filled Flat Jacks

Permanent lifting and support
It can be filled with cementitious or epoxy-based grouts

Transfusion Flat Jacks

Temporary load handling, lifting and monitoring, followed by permanent support
Able to be calibrated and used as a simple load cell for monitoring in the initial oil-filled state
Jacks are transfused with cementitious grouts following an initial jacking and monitoring phase
Jacks are transfused with grout while maintaining consistent stroke and pressure in the system.

Hydraulic Rams

Conventional hydraulic cylinders, single acting with spring return of the ram or double acting options available
Allows for precision control of loads
High-pressure cylinders minimize the plan area of the jack, but the additional height must be considered
Offer minor levels of side load resistance

Hydraulic Rams – Options

Tilt saddles – Able to accept minor out-of-plane variations between supported surfaces.

Locking collars – Provide safe mechanical support of load at stages when lifting or monitors are not required.

Centre hole rams – for tension applications using high tensile strand or bar.

Slabtec collaborates with design engineers to recommend and develop comprehensive monitoring regimes for both load and displacements as an integral part of the overall process.

STRUCTURAL MONITORING

Structural monitoring during, and sometimes following, jacking operations is an incredibly important part of any safe load transfer process.

Monitoring determines whether the correct load is being applied to the structure and, just as importantly, how the structure is behaving following the application of load. For this reason, the application of load is normally performed in stages to ensure the structural behaviour is consistent with the design engineers’ intent and understanding.

MONITORING IS TYPICALLY PERFORMED IN TWO WAYS:

A) Monitoring of load

Load monitoring is primarily performed by calibrating the equipment used to apply load.

B) Monitoring of displacement

Displacement monitoring is also critical if the structure’s behaviour under load is to be fully understood.

This will include the additional stroke in the jacking system and other parameters, such as the movement of associated load-bearing elements during the loading or unloading event.

Such monitoring cannot only be performed by surveyors or others with optical levelling equipment, although this may form part of the overall monitoring solution.

Typically, due to the very minor staged movements being measured, the digital measuring equipment will be required to measure to a level of accuracy of 0.01mm. In most situations, only then can you see and predict trends in behaviour as loading is being performed.

If required, we can also provide remote and ongoing wireless monitoring for load and displacement.

Heavy lifting and monitoring projects are particularly diverse, and our experienced team would be happy to discuss your project requirements with you and demonstrate the value that Slabtec can deliver.