What Factors Should Be Considered in the Lifting Plan for Extra-Large GRC Shapes? System Engineering and Qinglong Group's Heavy Component Installation System

Lifting super-large GRC shapes (usually referring to single pieces weighing over 10 tonnes or with unconventional dimensions) is a high-risk, highly technical systems project requiring a specialized scheme that integrates "structural analysis, lifting gear design, path simulation, and emergency preparedness" as one. From the lifting of the 28-tonne double-curved roof panels at the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center and the super-large irregular-shaped components at the Wuhan Han Show Theatre, Qinglong Group has distilled the key considerations: determining lifting point positions through finite element analysis to ensure balanced internal forces in the component during hoisting; customizing dedicated spreader beams and flexible slings to prevent local stress concentration; using BIM technology to simulate the entire lifting path on site to avoid collisions; and formulating detailed emergency plans. In the Nanning New Media Center project, we successfully hoisted a giant GRC art wall weighing 15 tonnes with an area of 36 m² into position in a single lift, with an error of less than 5 mm. Safe lifting is the coming-of-age ceremony for a giant artwork.

Lifting Point Design and Structural Strength Verification Are the Foundation of Safety

Lifting point positions must be determined through calculation, typically located at parts of the component with greater rigidity (such as intersections of stiffening ribs), so that the component remains in an optimal stress state throughout lifting. The embedded parts at the lifting points (such as lifting lugs) must undergo tensile and shear verification, with a safety factor of no less than 4. We conduct destructive tests on lifting lugs at 1.5 times the design load to ensure absolute safety. For irregularly shaped components, the center of gravity must be calculated, and sling lengths adjusted to keep the component level during hoisting.

Specialized Lifting Gear and Balancing Systems Are the Core Equipment

Based on the component's shape and weight, a dedicated lifting frame (spreader beam) is designed and fabricated. The spreader beam converts the forces of multiple slings into uniformly distributed loads, preventing excessive local stress on the component. Wide-body flexible slings (width ≥150 mm) are preferred, with rubber corner guards added at contact areas with the component to protect GRC edges and corners from damage. All lifting gear must carry certificates of conformity issued by statutory testing institutions.

Lifting Path Simulation and Site Environment Assessment

In a BIM environment, input the crane model, boom length, and working radius, along with information on the component, surrounding buildings, and overhead pipelines, to simulate the entire lifting process. Check every stage of slewing, luffing, and hoisting for collision risks with existing structures. Meanwhile, survey the ground bearing capacity on site, and lay steel plates to distribute pressure where necessary. Weather conditions are also a critical factor—operations should stop when wind speeds exceed Force 5 (approximately 10 m/s).

Organizational Coordination and Emergency Plans Are the Guarantee of Success

Large-scale lifting involves multiple parties—the general contractor, supervision engineer, owner, and municipal authorities—and requires an on-site chief commander to issue unified commands. Detailed emergency plans must be formulated, including handling procedures for sudden weather changes, mechanical failures, and communication interruptions. A trial lift is carried out: the component is hoisted 200 mm off the ground and held still for 5 minutes, while the lifting gear, component, and foundation are checked for anomalies; only after everything is confirmed correct can the formal lift proceed.

The lifting of super-large GRC components is a comprehensive test of an enterprise's technical strength, management capability, and risk awareness. With rigorous plans, a professional team, and advanced equipment, Qinglong Group ensures that every "giant" lands smoothly and is positioned with precision.