The British Antarctic Survey (BAS), a world leader in research into global issues in the Antarctic, commissioned Morrison Construction to construct their Halley VI research station after scientists highlighted the growing risk of the current station being lost over the next few years. Designed by Faber Maunsell and Hugh Broughton Architects, the new station will be kept above the snow surface using hydraulic legs mounted on skies, enabling it to be moved and relocated if necessary.
Modulift supplied Morrison Construction with several Modulift 50 components including 4m, 2m, 1m and 0.5m struts, end units, drop links Modulift has been selected by Morrison Construction, part of the Galliford Try Group, to assist with the assembly of the Halley VI Antarctica research station being constructed on the Brunt Ice Shelf, in the Antarctic, over the next three years. With the assistance of the modular spreader system, 26 pods will be lifted and installed into seven modules which are being constructed to provide accommodation units for up to 32 people. and four 35 ton and four 25 ton bow shackles.
The components can be connected to vary the length of the spreader beams, offering a flexibility that enables Morrison Construction to use the same beams for different lifts throughout the project. The Modulift 50 is a popular size, providing a maximum load capacity of up to 50 tonnes at 6 metres. “Modulift has an excellent reputation as a versatile lifting tool and as a result the system is increasingly being utilised for a diverse range of projects, across many industries. We are very proud the system was chosen by Morrison Construction to assist with the construction of this prestigious yet unusual project, “comments Nick Latham, Chairman of Modulift.
“As the research centr e can only be constructed during the Antarctic summer months, from December to February each year, Modulift’s efficient and cost effective nature sets it apart from competitor’s spreaders by allowing it to be used for numerous different lifts, over the duration of the project,” continues Nick. The first stage of construction was successfully completed at the end of March this year.
The first accommodation module was added and raised on hydraulic legs, and the steel fames and hydraulic legs were also assembled for a further six modules. To protect these modules from the harsh weather conditions, a large custom-made canvas structure has been lifted over them until Morrison Construction resumes the exterior construction in December this year.