Free standing hoist at Paris landmark

The challenge for Scanclimber was to erect a 2 t capacity hoist for personnel and material with just a single anchoring point 61 m above the ground. In addition the location was very public, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.

It was the spring of 2008 when Scanclimber's partner, Sky Accès was given the order for a building hoist, type SC2032F. The hoist was to transport personnel and materials to the first level of the Eiffel Tower for the refurbishment of the restaurant. The visiting public would continue to use the lifts that run up the structure's legs.

Working closely with Scanclimber engineers a solution was developed which used three mast stacks secured together in the form of a triangle, providing the necessary stability. The design had to be able to withstand 200 km/hr winds and the changing loads applied during erection and dismantling.

A key element was a specially designed and fabricated foundation frame to which the three mast stacks are attached. It is integrated into the 25m² foundation which weighs 50 t and acts a counterweight during erection and load distribution during operation.

The SC2032F hoist has a 3.2 by 1.5 m cage and provides the only method of access to the work site throughout the five month refurbishment period.