900-ton beam shifter: the "strongman" of bridge construction

In modern bridge construction projects, the 900-ton beam mover is like a powerful "steel giant" that undertakes the heavy task of moving large beams and becomes an indispensable key equipment in the entire construction process. Its appearance has greatly improved the efficiency and quality of bridge construction, making the once arduous and complex beam moving work relatively efficient and safe.

900-ton beam movers usually have strong carrying capacity and precise operating performance. Take the common 900-type tire beam mover as an example. Its deadweight can reach 640 tons, but it can easily lift a rated load capacity of 900 tons, with a clear span width of 35.2 meters and a lifting height of 12.5 meters. Such parameters mean that it can easily cope with the handling needs of various large box beams. XCMG's TT900 beam lifting machine has a total weight of 636 tons, a net inner width of ≥15 meters horizontally, ≥35 meters vertically, and a lifting height of 12.5 meters. It also has a panoramic cab, which provides a good view for operators. The distributed control technology based on the CAN bus makes it outstanding in synchronization, anti-skid, coordinated steering and other functions.

Its working principle integrates advanced technologies in multiple fields such as mechanics, electrical, and hydraulics. The power system provides energy to drive the walking system to move the fuselage, and cooperates with the lifting system to accurately lift the beam and place it in the designated position. The hydraulic control system plays a key role in it. For example, the hydraulic system of the 900t tire beam lifting machine uses a closed circuit for the drive system and an open circuit for the others. It uses constant power load sensing + electro-hydraulic proportional control. The steering system is controlled by a proportional multi-way valve, which can achieve high-precision synchronous steering. The suspension system not only has proportional control technology, but is also equipped with a one-way throttle valve and an explosion-proof valve to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the system.

In actual bridge construction, 900-ton beam shifters can be seen everywhere. In the beam manufacturing yard of the Changshu section of the Tongsu-Jiaxing-Ningbo high-speed railway, the DLT900 tire-type beam lifting machine weighs about 440 tons, has a single lifting capacity of 900 tons, is equipped with 56 large tires, and has a maximum travel speed of 17 meters per minute when overloaded. It is mainly responsible for the lifting and transfer of box beams in the prefabrication yard and the loading of beams to the beam transporter, which effectively ensures the seamless connection of beam manufacturing, beam transportation, and beam erection. In the construction of bridges in some complex terrains, such as the construction of mountain road bridges, the construction space is small and the terrain is complex. The 900-ton beam shifter can accurately complete the beam handling in a limited space with its flexible and controllable characteristics, showing strong adaptability.

The application of the 900-ton beam shifter has brought many advantages to bridge construction. From the perspective of efficiency, it greatly shortens the time of beam handling. For example, the use of a 900t tire-type transporter for beam shifting construction can quickly realize the shifting of large beams and improve the overall construction progress. In terms of quality, the high stability and precise operating performance of the beam shifter ensure the safety of the beam during handling, reduce the risk of damage to the beam, and ensure the stability of the subsequent structure of the bridge. Economically, its reusable characteristics reduce the cost of equipment procurement, improve material utilization, and save a lot of money for the project.

Of course, when using a 900-ton beam shifter, safety and maintenance work cannot be ignored. As an ultra-large lifting equipment, personnel with corresponding qualifications must be selected for operation, maintenance and maintenance. Operators and commanders must undergo safety operating procedures training and pass the examination before taking up their posts. Before each operation, the equipment must be fully inspected, including the wear of mechanical parts, the stability of the electrical system, the sealing of the hydraulic system, etc. After the beam shifter is assembled on site, load and function tests must be strictly carried out, and only after confirming that it is normal can it be put into formal beam lifting operations.

Looking to the future, with the continuous advancement of science and technology, the 900-ton beam shifter will develop in the direction of intelligence, lightness and efficiency. Intelligent operation will further reduce the risk of manual operation and improve operation accuracy; lightweight design will reduce the weight of the equipment and reduce energy consumption while ensuring the strength and stability of the equipment; high efficiency is reflected in faster handling speed and shorter operation cycle. It is believed that in the future bridge construction, the 900-ton beam shifter will continue to play an important role, help the birth of more magnificent bridge projects, and contribute more to the development of transportation.