Exceptional transport of a 146 ton transformer

Two transport configurations: the first with a Girder Bridge System and then exceptional transport on a SPMT self-propelled trailer.

Exceptional transport in Apulia: the handling by road of a 146 ton transformer

From the port of Bari to Matera. This is the route taken by a 146 ton transformer destined for a power station in Basilicata. The Marraffa company's personnel performed this exceptional transport of a transformer, which was particularly challenging due to its high load capacity, on a road section with numerous obstacles to overcome.
For this reason, two transport configurations had to be set up. In the first section, the transformer was moved using so-called the Girder Bridge System with a total length of almost 70 metres and a width of 4.60 m, pulled by two tractors, one at the front and one at the rear of the convoy.

Then, near the arrival point, close to a disused service station, the transformer was moved and loaded onto a self-propelled SPMT. Once inside the power station, the unit was positioned in its final location using the skidding technique.

Girder Bridge System: what is it?

The Girder Bridge System works with the load resting on enlarged beams which in turn rest on spreaders positioned on the axles of modular trailers. Girder bridge transport is particularly used when it is necessary to handle particularly heavy loads and where there is a need to increase the surface area on the ground, or where it is necessary to stay below heights that allow subways or tunnels to be crossed.
In spite of the length of the convoy that is created, with girder bridge transport it is also possible to overcome level crossings and roundabouts thanks to the enormous articulation capacity of the fifth wheel on the modular axles.

Exceptional movements: what is skidding?

With the skidding technique, the load is placed on rails using hydraulic jacks. Once the load has been placed, it is dragged to be installed in its final location. This is a particularly demanding technique of exceptional handling and transport, but at the same time very suggestive to observe. It has been used since the times of the ancient Egyptians, who used it to move the large boulders used in the construction of the pyramids.

Phases of exceptional transport, what is a transformer for?

A transformer is an electrical machine that operates on alternating current only. It is used to transfer electrical power from one voltage level to another. The transformer transfers electrical power from one electrical circuit to another that has a different voltage and consists of a magnetic core and at least two windings.
A transformer, therefore, makes it possible to reduce particularly high flows of electrical current, allowing it to be lowered, and is widely used in electricity transport networks connecting power stations to consumers (industrial and domestic).