A Liebherr 500-tonne mobile crane is playing a key role in construction of the bridge spanning Abu Dhabi’s F1 Grand prix 5.5 km long race circuit.

The LTM 1500-8.1 mobile crane is lifting and positioning the 72-tonne steel shrouds and 24 tonne aesthetic ‘shroud’ cladding in the construction of the bridge.

In a 10-month rental for UAE rental specialist Al Faris, the 500-tonner forms part of the company’s Liebherr fleet comprising more than 130 models; including four 500-tonne models and a new LTM11200-9.1 – 1200Ton crane.

The LTM 1500 has a maximum lift capacity of 500 tonnes at a three-metre radius.
Its 7-section, 84-metre telescopic boom is the world’s longest telescopic boom in its class.

Lifting capacities are increased due to the jib suspension.  The lattice jib reaching heights of up to 91 metres, extends the operating range of the unit to 145 metre hoisting height and 108-metre reach.

Al Faris is recognised as one of the largest crane rental fleets in the Middle East with more than 320 mobile cranes.

The 5-star Yas Marina Hotel at Abu Dhabi’s F1 circuit will ‘straddle’ the track; making it the only hotel in the world to have a Formula One track running through it. Work started on the Yas Marina hotel in February 2008 and main contractor AFC (Al Futtaim Carillion) is confident of meeting the September 2009 completion date.

Comprising two towers clad in a ‘glazed cloak’ or ‘shroud’, the 5-star hotel includes 499 bedrooms and suites.  It will also feature a Michelin-starred restaurant and other leisure facilities and an underground car park deck for 200 cars.

Both hotel towers are linked with a bridge at level 1 with executive lounge facilities being constructed within the bridge deck.

Structural engineer for the project is Tilke of Germany. – TradeArabia News Service