Indore's Luvkush Square Flyover Achieves Major Milestone with 400-Tonne Girder Placement
In a remarkable feat of engineering, a 65-meter-long, 400-tonne steel bowstring girder was successfully placed atop the Luvkush Square double-decker flyover in Indore at a height of 23 meters. This bowstring arch is a crucial component of the new flyover, designed to pass over the existing Metro line and the MR-10 Super Corridor flyover, enhancing the city's infrastructure.
Innovative Aerial Assembly Overcomes Construction Challenges
Faced with multi-level constraints, engineers abandoned traditional ground-based launching methods. Instead, they assembled the massive girder directly in the air. The structure was first assembled on a temporary composite girder span and then pulled into its final position using three powerful winch machines. Two machines handled the pulling, while one served as a rear brake to ensure controlled and precise movement.
To lift the steel angles and assembly components to the 23-meter height, two specialized cranes with a combined capacity of 900 tonnes were deployed. This operation required meticulous planning and execution to avoid any mishaps.
Traffic Halted for Safety During Critical Launching Phase
To ensure a zero-risk environment, traffic at the busy Luvkush Square was entirely halted for 12 hours. The actual launching phase, where the girder was positioned, took approximately five hours. This precautionary measure underscored the project's commitment to safety and precision.
Next Steps: Jack Push Process and Future Assembly
IDA CEO Parikshit Zade confirmed that the first girder is now securely in place. Over the next fortnight, this 400-tonne structure will undergo a 'jack push' process. This involves using hydraulic jacks to gradually shift the girder laterally to the second arm of the flyover, a delicate operation requiring steady force.
Assembly for the second bowstring girder is scheduled to begin next week, continuing the momentum of this ambitious project.
New Flyover Specifications
- Total Length: 1,452 Meters
- Segment Width: 25 Meters
- Single Segment Weight: 120 Tons
- Total Segments Placed: 247 Segments
- Combined Weight of Segments: 30,000 Tons (Cement & Steel)
The Jack Push Process Explained
In the coming fortnight, hydraulic jacks will be employed to gradually shift the 400-tonne girder laterally to the second arm of the flyover. This method allows for precise alignment and minimizes structural stress, ensuring the flyover's stability and longevity.
