Pipeline Construction

The transport of pipes as well as required machines and construction material is often a challenge, especially in rough terrain.

When pipelines are built in difficult areas, cable crane systems support the transport of material: pipes, construction equipment and material can be moved effortlessly in the air over inaccessible terrain. Afterwards, the cable crane systems lower the transported goods directly at the designated location. Cable crane systems are available with different capacities. Therefore, they can be used in every pipeline construction phase. Another advantage: they are quickly available. After an analysis of the terrain follows the planning of the system and its installation, whereupon the system can be operated. After completion of the project, the cable crane system can be dismantled comparatively easy.

Direct routes, narrow ROW and horizontal bends

The use of our cable crane systems allows transportation along direct routes. The system is assembled exactly above the planned route of the pipeline. Thereby, the ropeway effortlessly overcomes steep terrain, rocky ground or inaccessible areas. At the same time, it enables a narrow ROW. Over a length of 3,000 m, the system can precisely load and unload materials of up to 50 t at any point along the route.
Cable crane systems are extremely flexible. Professionally planned and thoughtfully designed, they adapt ideally to the environment. Thus, they not only follow the given terrain, but also horizontal bends in the route of the pipeline. The use of high-tech and high-quality machinery and materials makes the system independent of climatic conditions. This significantly extends the operating time – especially in case it is necessary to work during winter months or rainy seasons.
In order to meet various technical challenges and the given environmental, safety and equipment requirements, a coherent overall concept is necessary. Furthermore, to ensure that the high quality standards of pipeline construction are met, a good coordination of all processes required for the construction is important.
The success of the project is the benchmark of our work. Therefore, we start with carrying out an exact analysis of the route, the initial situation and the local conditions. Subsequently, together with our customer, we develop a precise plan for the construction of the pipeline or – depending on the project – for the transport in inaccessible terrain.
We dispose of experience, know-how and the equipment to ensure comprehensive safety standards. With our systems, we are able to keep the impact on the environment as low as possible. In addition, our systems contribute to reduce construction costs while guaranteeing high-quality results.

Construction of a pipeline by means of a cable crane system

1. Transport of pipes

The cable crane system picks up the pipes from the defined loading station which can be accessed by truck or a pipe transporter. Each pipe is fixed to the lifting device of the crane unit by means of two nylon belts and lifted afterwards. When the load has reached its final lifting height, the cable crane system transports the pipe to the designated unloading position and lowers it there.

2. Laying of the pipe

When lowering the pipe, the operator of the cable crane system controls the vertical and horizontal angle of the pipe. By using two independently controlled lifting devices the crane unit can bring the pipe in any inclined position. Once the pipe is at the right spot, it can be prepared for welding.

3. Fitting and welding

When the pipe is in the desired position, the crane unit keeps it stable in the air. An external line-up clamp fixed to the pipe keeps it in the required welding position.

4. Sandblasting and coating

Once the pipes are welded, the cable crane system transports a special platform to any welding position. Sandblasting and coating works can be easily carried out from this platform which is located above the pipe.

5. Trench barriers

For the construction of sandbag barriers or the use of sandbags as padding material, the crane unit transports them effortlessly into steep terrain. For this purpose, a basket with a corresponding bulk is used. Thereby, the system can easily unload the bags again at any desired position.

6. Backfilling

If there is no backfill material next to the pipeline trench, backfilling is realised by means of the cable crane system. The necessary bulk is filled at the loading station by a truck or an excavator. The system then transports it to the desired location along the trench. There, the operator unloads the system via remote control with the help of the two independent lifting devices.

Beyond the Cable Crane

LCS as your Full-Service Partner

LCS offers more than cable crane transport solutions. For pipeline construction in rocky or challenging terrain, we provide a comprehensive service package – from site preparation through to final handover.

Our spider excavators are equipped with specialised drilling attachments for precise blasthole drilling, trench excavation, and anchoring works – even on steep slopes and in confined spaces. For controlled rock removal and trench excavation where conventional blasting is not permitted or practical, LCS supplies BETONAMIT®: proven explosion-free demolition agent that works silently, vibration-free, and without a blasting licence.

As the exclusive distribution partner for this product in the GCC states and India, LCS delivers the full package – product supply, equipment, and on-site expertise.

Want to know more about BETONAMIT®

Facts pipeline construction

Span

up to

3,000 m

Payload

up to

50 t

Lifting speed

up to

1.5 m/s

Travel speed

up to

7 m/s

Lifting height

up to

200 m

Steep terrain

up to

70°

Advantages of pipeline construction by means of a cable crane system

Direct routes prevent miles of pipeline detours
Routes of up to 3,000 m
Payloads of up to 30 to
Travel speeds of up to 7 m/s
Overcoming up to 70° inclined terrain
Safe and precise loading and unloading in steep terrain
Fast availability for temporary construction sites thanks to a simple installation
Flexibility due to a module system with the possibility of horizontal bends
Environmentally friendly due to reduced ROW
Increased safety by eliminating the need to use heavy machinery in hazardous areas
Independence of climatic conditions – the system can be operated even in the rainy or winter season.

Are you planning to build a pipeline and need to overcome difficult and diverse terrain?

Let’s find the solution to your transportation challenge. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Projects

LCS in action

PNG LNG Onshore Pipeline

Martirano Morano Gas Pipeline

SADDN – Seawater Desalinaton Project, Chile

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