Precision scaffolding breakdown at the Saint-Michel Basilica

a Liebherr mobile crane has undertaken the challenging task to dismantle extensive scaffolding erected around the free-standing church tower of the Basilica of Saint-Michel in Bordeaux, France.

The LTM 1250-5.1 reaches upper sections of scaffolding of the the Basilica of Saint-Michel. (Image: Liebherr).

The filigree top of the free-standing tower had been extensively restored over the past five years to its original form.

French industrial company Groupe Foselev, which has more than 500 cranes in its fleet, arrived with its new LTM 1250-5.1 to dismantle the upper parts of the heavy scaffolding on the highest church tower in southern France, rising to 114m.

With its 60m telescopic boom, a luffing jib and a 22m hydraulically adjustable double folding jib, the crane reached a hook height of 81m. The massive structure, which had served as the basis for further scaffolding during the renovation of the tower spire built 160 years ago, reached almost to this level.

Thanks to its high load-bearing capacity, the LTM 1250-5.1 was able overcome an interfering edge caused by the scaffolding structure at a height of around 68m.

By carefully tilting the lattice tip, the hook block reached loads that were located far inside the steel structure.

The LTM 1250-5.1 dismantling the scaffolding. (Image: Liebherr)

With a diameter of around 25m, this enclosed the free-standing stone tower, which was not connected to the basilica. This enabled the LTM 1250-5.1 to reach all areas of the scaffolding from just two locations and dismantle it piece by piece.

This required the utmost precision. Crane operator David had to navigate the machine with extreme care. Elements weighing up to over 4 tonnes were attached to the crane hook at great heights by the scaffolders, dismantled and then manoeuvred past the freshly renovated finials and the small side turrets. Both individual steel girders and complete scaffolding sections were securely attached and lifted in a controlled manner.