Transportation of three transformers to the Galil Mizrahi switching station for the Israel Electric Corporation
The project's description:
The Israel Electric Corporation commissioned Taavura to transport three power transformers from the Kishon Port to the Ravid Substation (HV/MV), to lift them on-site, and slide them into their designated foundations.
The project planning spanned approximately one year. Following receipt of the transformer’s technical drawings and determination of the transportation configuration, it was decided that each transportation would take two nights. The transport, with a gross weight of 600 tons and an overall length of approximately 73 meters, was designed to be executed on a girder trailer supported by two Goldhofer modular trailers, comprising a total of 288 wheels. The route included steep ascents and descents, as well as numerous maneuvering challenges that required creativity and meticulous engineering.
The complex route was submitted to Israel National Transport Infrastructure Company Ltd for approval. Their engineering team reviewed the loads applied to bridges and structures along the path and specified those which could not be crossed in the planned configuration. Taavura’s engineering department developed innovative bypass solutions for these obstacles. Once approved, the final route was simulated using computer-generated models to validate turning maneuvers at critical intersections.
In parallel, surveys were conducted together with the traffic safety company and traffic light contractors to identify obstructions that needed dismantling and signal poles requiring rotation to ensure safe passage. Coordination with the Israel Police, Haifa Municipality, and other authorities was carried out seamlessly, including a full route inspection, designation of a parking zone between transport nights, and detailed definition of each junction passage procedure.
The project schedule was structured over three consecutive weeks, with one transformer transported per week. On the first day, each transformer was lifted at Kishon Port using 700-ton and 500-ton cranes onto the girder trailer. Two nights of transport followed, culminating at the Ravid substation. Upon arrival, the transformer was transferred from the transport girder trailer to an internal transport unit (SPMT), then placed onto its foundation. The girder trailer was subsequently returned to the port to repeat the cycle.
The route from Kishon Port included passage through dense urban areas with restrictions, such as Paz Bridge, Hashmal Street, Bar Yehuda Road, the Krayot Interchange, and Lev Hamifratz Interchange. On Highway 75, the convoy drove against the traffic flow to avoid crossing the Yagur Bridge. At the Movil and Golani interchanges, complex maneuvers were executed to bypass additional bridge structures. The convoy was powered by three heavy-duty Tatra prime movers (8x8 and 6x6 configurations). On steep gradients, two tractors were coupled at the front to pull, while one tractor at the rear provided pushing power.
Upon arrival at the Ravid substation, two Taavura cranes (700-ton and 500-ton capacity) transferred the transformer from the girder trailer onto a Self-Propelled Modular Transporter (SPMT), which positioned it in front of the transformer bay. The cranes were then repositioned to lift the transformer from the SPMT onto a skidding system (rated up to 400 tons), enabling precise horizontal movement onto the foundation. Finally, eight hydraulic jacks were deployed to lower and secure the transformer into its permanent position.
This process was repeated three times until all transformers were successfully delivered and installed.
The professionalism, expertise, and commitment of the Taavura team were key factors in the flawless execution of this complex project.
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