Terminal 5, Heathrow, London
Special Glass Lifting Beam
Alternative Access Logistics Ltd were commissioned to provide an access solution to the restrictive space between the roof soffit and the internal super structure at Terminal 5, Heathrow.
The limited space punctuated by an array of large steel structural elements made the installation of the glazed panels to the facade difficult for conventional lifting equipment.
The solution was to take advantage of the existing roof soffit access rails together with a lightweight and super-strong trussed platform base that allowed a large payload for glazing panels, equipment and operatives.
The design of the platform inverted all the lifting components to within the floor section of the base; thereby enhancing stability with a lower centre of gravity whilst critically maximising the amount of useable space on the working deck made available to operatives.
The platform was set up to work in unison with a glass lifting unit on an independent suspension system. Thus the positioning of the glass units could be accurately controlled during installation.
Close supervision by experienced Alternative Access Logistics operatives and the innovative “workstation in the sky” technique enabled the glazing contractor full tactile access to the facades.
