Liebherr mobile cranes operate the installation of Nossa Senhora Aparecida Sanctuary bell tower, in Brazil

The mobilization for the operation began two days before: a Liebherr mobile crane LTM 1070-4.2 managed the assembling of the 750-tonnes, LTM 1750-9.1 and the 500-tonnes, LTM 1500-8.1.

The metallic structure of the bell tower has 36 meters height and weighs approximately 97 tonnes. To lift the structure, it was first positioned horizontally and one of the sides of its base was fixed with two rods that would articulate as the structure was raised. Three other anchorage points were settled: one in the head of the structure, from where the LTM 1500-8.1 lifted the the piece and two on the other side of the base that was held by the LTM 1750-9.1.

When the operation began, Liebherr 500-tonnes crane slowly raised the structure, leading it to the vertical position, lifting it by its head. When the boom reached 39 meters radius, the weight was displaced to the 750-tonnes crane, which was moored in the base. By the end of nearly two hours the operation was completed.

To choose the cranes, both manoeuvrability and easy access to the installation point, as well as the reach of the cranes were taking in consideration. The LTM 1750-9.1 was assembled with 114 tonnes ballast and the telescopic boom was completely open, reaching 52 meters long. The LTM 1500-8.1 was assembled with 90 tonnes ballast and 61.9 meter boom.

The installation of the bell tower mobilized the surrounding area of the Sanctuary: happening right next to one of the most important Brazilian highways (Rodovia Dutra –between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro), the operation could be seen by far. The bell tower will hold 13 bells. Each one of the bells is dedicated to one apostle – and also honours Cardinals, Bishops and Archbishops related with the encounter of Nossa Senhora Aparecida statue. The 13th bell – the biggest one – is dedicated to the Virgin of Aparecida and to São José.