Modulift spreader beams have supported a complex lift in Queensland, Australia, where Brisbane City Cranes (BCC) installed a large dome structure onto the roof of the Virgin Mary Coptic Church in Calamvale.
[Above: Virgin Mary Coptic Church before dome installation. All photos courtesy of Modulift by Pewag.]
Queensland Rigging Hire supplied BCC with three Modulift 24t spreader beams which were utilized in a H-pattern configuration. BCC needed lifting equipment that could be quickly adapted for single-crane and dual-crane use.
Complex Lift Planning
Due to the site and building constraints, the lift could not be completed in a single operation. The lift plan involved a combination of a single crane lift into a temporary location, then transferring to a dual crane lift for the installation of the Dome.
The rigging design needed to ensure vertical lifting from four lifting points, spaced 6 meters apart, while remaining light enough not to compromise crane capacities. A further requirement was that the rigging could be adapted quickly between lift phases, minimizing adjustments during the operation.
The adaptability of Modulift spreader beams provided the perfect solution for transitioning between a single crane and a dual crane with minimal disruption.
Following two months of preparation by iQ Construct and BCC, the dome was successfully installed and was later recognized at the 2025 Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) Conference, where it won both People’s Choice Lift of the Year (<20t) and CICA Lift of the Year (<20t).
“The ability to adapt the rigging between lift stages without major changes was critical on this project,” said Tim Marchbank, Brisbane City Cranes. “The modular setup allowed us to transition smoothly from the single crane lift to the dual crane lift while maintaining control throughout the operation.”
Supporting Safe and Efficient Lifting
The adjustability of Modulift spreader beams enabled the rigging arrangement to meet all technical requirements of the project. Their availability through Queensland Rigging Hire also supported project scheduling and logistics.
“Projects like this highlight the importance of flexible, well-engineered lifting equipment,” said Sarah Spivey, Managing Director at Modulift. “Working alongside Brisbane City Cranes and Queensland Rigging Hire, we’re pleased to see Modulift equipment contributing to a lift that has been recognised in Calamvale, Australia and the wider industry.”
This project demonstrates how modular lifting equipment can support complex lift planning while maintaining safety, control, and efficiency.
For further information, please visit www.modulift.com.
