Vacuum Lifting Revetment Unit

This contractor has moved away from lifting eyes cast into units by developing vacuum lifting systems. This reduces potential for corrosion, benefits aesthetics and improves safety.

Further development in the vacuum lifting system took place with the addition of hydraulic rams to allow the units to be picked from horizontal transport position and dropped to the required angle for installation.

This system improved productivity as well as safety (e.g. inspection & accepting units at delivery), avoiding double-handling/inefficient return haulage due to transport frames.

This was developed even further by working with their specialist supply-chain to ensure a single lifting device could handle two different sizes of revetment units (achieved by isolating some of the suction pads); and with different pads the lifter can also handle the precast access-stair units that are installed at intervals through the revetment.

Safety features include two independent vacuum circuits, ‘traffic light’ visual indications of correct suction, and if power failure occurs the vacuum will hold for sufficient time to allow the load to be put down safely. The vacuum lifter is developed specifically for this project in response to the challenge of working and lifting unconventionally shaped revetment unit.