The 4 sleds stowed on the barge Lucky Logger

Project Summary

In December 2006, four so-called Sleds (self walking winch frames, used to lift the concrete bridge sections into place) were transported from the San Francisco Bay to Ingleside, TX, during the mobilization tow of the cargo barge Lucky Logger. The narrow based and top heavy sleds (each weighing approx. 100 t) were lifted onboard and were secured to the grillage using angle bars and steel plates. The grillage was pre-installed on the barge for the transport of the T1 footing foundation which was to be picked up at Ingleside. Some small flange sections of the grillage were removed to be able to nest the sleds tight against the main grillage beams. 

In addition to the 4 sleds, 10 wire spools were also transported. These were stowed and secured inside the grillage structures. 

Scope of Work

The project scope included:

• Design criteria and barge motion calculations;

• Design of seafastenings and lashings of the sleds and the spools;

• On-site assistance during loading and securing of the sleds;

• Preparation of Panama Canal transit drawings.

Project Photographs

Spools stowed and secured inside grillage.	First sled lowered down from Skyway onto barge.	Sled secured to grillage structure with angle bars.	A tight fit - after removal of grillage flange section.