How Were Goldhofer FakTOR 5 Bridges Built for 650 Tons?

The FAKTOR high girder consists of a girder frame and a trailer with multiple axles, which transport the girders.

Modular Design

Goldhofer Trailers designed the complete high-girder bridge to be easily disassembled and assembled in components. The size of each component follows the principle of being able to transport it in containers. To pack all the components in boxes, the bridge girder truck only requires 2×20′ flat rack and 3×40″ GP containers. This is ideal for long-distance transshipment. This will save money and provide convenience to transportation companies who often do business overseas.

Transport Module

The THP/SL is the main unit of Goldhofer’s modular trailer. It is very powerful and can be configured in any combination. The THP/SL trailer has two axle lines, each with two pendulum axles that are compensated both in transverse and longitudinal directions. This allows them to handle rough roads.

High Girder Bridge

High Girder Bridge components are diverse. The main components are listed below:

1. Cantilever

The cantilever with a base is the most important component, as it is responsible for connecting to the modular trailer. The cantilever has a rectangular base at the bottom that is easily attached to the load-bearing surface on the modular trailer. The cantilever is not rigidly attached to the base but instead adopts a stable alternative balance system. Each support point is equipped with a retractable hydraulic cylinder to avoid sudden changes in road surface causing excessive acceleration to the transported object.

2. Main Girder

The main girder, also called the load beam, is located in the middle of the bridge girder and projected out of the modular trailer. It can be adjusted according to the length of the load by combining a different number of girder components between 11 and 17 meters or longer.

3. Side Girders

The side girder is the section of girders above the modular trailer that connects the cantilever to the main girder. Its length can be altered by combining different side girder components. The length of the side girder is determined by the length and width of the trailer. All side girders are bolted together to make disassembly easier.

4. Intelligent Cross Beam

The high girder structure is composed of several retractable tie-rods. These tie-rods are connected to the side girders on both sides by bolts. The bolts that fix the telescopic rod length must be removed when adjusting the bridge width. The tie rods have multiple angles along the connection direction with the side girder, ensuring the bridge’s stability.

5. Hanging Beam

The main girder is sleeved with two hanging beams in each group. This allows for safe and convenient autonomous loading and unloading.

Key Features of the FakTOR 5 Bridge

The FAKTOR 5 has a weight-to-load ratio of up to 5:1, owing to Goldhofer’s superior mechanical design abilities. Compared to the 1991 version of the trailer, the main girder appears smaller and lighter. Of course, this is due to advancements in materials, welds, hydraulics, and other technologies.

• Weight Capacity: The FAKTOR 5 trailer can carry up to 650 tons in various configurations, which is sufficient for most transport needs.
• Height Adjustment: The cantilever can be controlled by several sets of longitudinal hydraulic pistons. This allows the high girder to adjust its height to suit external conditions. The height can be adjusted to bring the bottom of the cargo almost to the ground when passing under height-limited flyover highway bridges.
• Width Adjustment: The cantilever has several groups of hydraulic cylinders that can be adjusted transversely to modify the width of the main girder. This range can reach up to 36.75 meters.
• Length Adjustment: Adjustments made on the main girder can alter the length of the load area.

Self-Propelled Modular Transporter (PST)

The standard choice for the THP modular truck with a prime mover is the Goldhofer self-propelled modular transporter (PST) with a PPU (Power Pack Unit). This eliminates the need for the front and rear prime mover and allows the vehicle to be shorter. The PST is operated remotely and offers more flexibility in steering control.

Advantages of the FakTOR 5 Design

1. Ease of Transportation:

• Modular components are designed for easy packing into standard containers.
• Requires minimal flat racks and general-purpose containers, making long-distance shipping cost-effective.

1. Versatility in Configurations:

• The THP/SL modular trailer allows customized setups for diverse transport needs.
• The girder bridge’s adjustable width, height, and length allow it to accommodate a variety of cargo dimensions.

1. Durability and Performance:

• High-tensile materials and advanced hydraulic systems ensure longevity and reliability.
• The suspension system compensates for uneven terrains, ensuring a smoother journey.

1. Advanced Safety Features:

• Hydraulic cylinders on the cantilever reduce risks from sudden road surface changes.
• Tie rods and cross beams ensure the stability of the structure during transport.

1. Efficiency:

• Reduced dependency on external prime movers thanks to the self-propelled PST.
• Enhanced maneuverability, even in confined spaces, through remote-controlled steering systems.

Conclusion

The Goldhofer FakTOR 5 Bridge is an engineering marvel designed to address the most challenging heavy transport requirements. With its modular design, advanced hydraulics, and compatibility with the Goldhofer THP/SL system, the FakTOR 5 delivers unparalleled flexibility, efficiency, and safety.

By integrating innovative features such as adjustable girder dimensions and a remote-controlled PST system, Goldhofer has ensured that the FakTOR 5 remains a benchmark for heavy transport solutions capable of handling loads up to 650 tons. Its modularity, combined with cutting-edge materials and design, ensures it is not just a tool for today but also a sustainable solution for future transport challenges.