Stadiums
Lifting and positioning solutions for large and heavy stadium roofs, either for conventional structures of for cable net structures.
Key areas of expertise
Heavy lifting
VSL provides specialist heavy lifting and moving solutions to erect structures that are too heavy, too large, too sensitive, too high or too complex to be assembled or build in situ with conventional methods.
Moving heavy structures safely with precision and control
Some construction operations go beyond conventional lifting equipment.
VSL combines engineering expertise, proprietary systems, specialised equipment and experienced site teams to lift, lower, slide, launch, rotate or position large structural elements safely and accurately. These solutions support major construction, repair and replacement projects where safety, precision, sequencing, and disruption control are critical.
Where heavy lifting expertise applies
Our solutions
Strand Jacking
High-capacity lifting or lowering using hydraulic jacks and high-strength steel strands for bridge decks, roofs, industrial modules and large structural elements.
Synchronized jacking
Multi-point lifting with controlled load distribution and differential movement management, used for structural lifting and adjustment, and bearing replacement.
Sliding / Skidding
Horizontal movement of large structures into position when crane access is limited, when loads are too heavy for conventional construction methods or when off-position assembly reduces disruption.
Launching
Progressive installation of bridge decks, girders or structural elements over roads, railways, rivers or sensitive areas. Structures are assembled off site and launched over sensitive or congested areas into their final position.
Lowering operations
Controlled lowering of heavy elements for dismantling, replacement or repositioning works.
Structural rotation
Controlled movement of large elements around a pivot or specific movement path, often used where site constraints limit conventional erection methods.
Bearing replacement
Load transfer and lifting or structures, often bridges, viaducts to replace bearings. Operations are generally done while traffic remains live.
Temporary works engineering
Design and detailing of temporary works, whether equipment such as support corbels, platforms, lifting frames, or otherwise local strengthening to enable safe heavy lifting operations.
How VSL controls critical heavy lifting operations
| Step | VSL focus |
| Feasibility & method studies | Assess the structure, loads, access constraints and lifting or moving strategies. |
| Load path analysis | Understand how forces are transferred through the structure, equipment and temporary works. |
| Temporary works design | Define supports, frames, lifting points and interfaces required for safe execution. |
| Equipment selection | Select suitable jacks, strand jacks, pumps, control systems and monitoring tools. |
| Sequencing & risk control | Plan movement phases, hold points, contingencies and interface constraints. |
| Site execution & monitoring | Execute with trained teams, synchronized control, clear communication and live monitoring. |
WHY HEAVY LIFTING MATTERS
Accurate positioning, synchronized movement and monitoring.
Controlled temporary stability, lifting or lowering and load transfer operations.
Reduced reliance on large cranes or extensive temporary works.
Off-site, beside-site or ground-level assembly before moving into place.
Fewer closures, less downtime and limited interference with surrounding activities.
Suitable for new construction, repair, strengthening, replacement and maintenance.
WHY CHOOSE VSL FOR HEAVY LIFTING
VSL define and engineer each heavy lifting method around the structure, load paths, site constraints, temporary works and construction sequence, not only around equipment capacity. Integration of the heavy lifting solution into the permanent works.
VSL combines strand jacks, synchronized jacking, sliding equipment, monitoring tools and proprietary systems to control complex operations.
VSL teams bring proven expertise in lifting, lowering, sliding, launching, jacking and structural replacement works.
VSL connects heavy lifting with post-tensioning, bridge construction, repair, strengthening and temporary works expertise to deliver safer, more buildable solutions.
FAQ ABOUT HEAVY LIFTING
These are some of the most common questions we receive. Got another one? Reach out to us!
Heavy lifting refers to specialist methods used to lift, lower, move, rotate or position large structural elements that cannot be handled using standard equipment alone.
It is needed when the load is very heavy, access is restricted, movements must be precise, or the operation involves major safety, sequencing or interface constraints.
Strand jacking uses hydraulic jacks and high-strength steel strands to lift or lower large loads in a controlled way.
Synchronized lifting uses several jacks or lifting points controlled together to move a structure evenly and safely.
Yes. It is widely used for bridge deck erection, span replacement, launching, bearing replacement, repair and structural adjustment.
Yes. It can allow structures to be assembled away from their final position and moved into place, reducing closures, downtime and site disruption.
Need heavy lifting expertise for your project?
Contact our teams to define a safe, accurate and buildable lifting or moving method.