Key areas of expertise

Heavy Lifting Solutions

Moving heavy structures with precision, safety and engineering control

VSL provides specialist heavy lifting and structural moving solutions for structures that are too heavy, large, sensitive or complex to be moved by standard methods.

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 precision, sequencing, safety and disruption control are critical.

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, often used for structural adjustment and bearing replacement.

Sliding / Skidding

Horizontal movement of large structures into position when crane access is limited or when off-position assembly reduces disruption.

Launching

Progressive installation of bridge decks, girders or structural elements over roads, railways, rivers or sensitive areas.

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

Local lifting and support replacement for bridges, viaducts and existing infrastructure.

Temporary Works Engineering

Design and integration of supports, lifting frames and load transfer systems for critical heavy lifting operations.

How VSL controls critical heavy lifting operations

StepVSL focus
Feasibility & method studiesAssess the structure, loads, access constraints and lifting or moving strategies.
Load path analysisUnderstand how forces are transferred through the structure, equipment and temporary works.
Temporary works designDefine supports, frames, lifting points and interfaces required for safe execution.
Equipment selectionSelect suitable jacks, strand jacks, pumps, control systems and monitoring tools.
Sequencing & risk controlPlan movement phases, hold points, contingencies and interface constraints.
Site execution & monitoringExecute with trained teams, synchronized control, clear communication and live monitoring.

WHY HEAVY LIFTING MATTERS

Accurate positioning, synchronized movement and monitoring.

Controlled load transfers and temporary stability.

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.

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WHY CHOOSE VSL FOR HEAVY LIFTING SOLUTIONS

VSL designs each heavy lifting method around the structure, load paths, site constraints, temporary works and construction sequence, not only around equipment capacity.

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.

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FAQ ABOUT HEAVY LIFTING SOLUTIONS

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.

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Need heavy lifting expertise for your project?

Contact our teams to define a safe, accurate and buildable lifting or moving method.