Specialty Devices
The Hairpin
As part of a project for Kiewit, the Arizona Structure Technologies, Inc. fabrication
team designed and fabricated a gigantic hairpin-like device for use in lifting and
moving pipe on a Gila River Reservation project. EGW Engineering engineered the
unit with input from Arizona Structure Technologies professionals.
The giant hairpin was constructed from a 36 inch X 300 pound wide flange beam and
1 inch to 2-1/2 inch thick plate. When completed, the device was 9 feet, 6 inches
tall, 22 feet long and weighed an astounding 20,000 pounds.
The hairpin slides into the end of a pipe to raise and lift it, which allowed the
contractor to place 51 joints of 90-inch pipe and 60 joints of 84-inch pipe daily.
The Gila River project encompassed the installation of 30,000 lineal feet of 24-foot
long reinforced concrete pipe, 12,000 lineal feet of 90-inch pipe, 12,000 lineal
feet of 84-inch pipe and 5,000 lineal feet of 78-inch pipe. Pipe weights ranged
from 53,000 (78-inch) to 70,141 pounds per joint (90-inch).
Pipe Carrier
Arizona Structure Technologies helped design and fabricate a one-of-a-kind pipe
carrier for Gantry Constructors, Inc., a Clarkdale, Ariz., contractor. The innovative
carrier was built to repair damaged pipe in the San Diego Pipeline and conduit along
Lake Skinner.
The pipe carrier features three-wheels and can be steered into and through 5’6”
sections of 12’10” diameter pipe weighing approximately 8,550 pounds
each. The front wheel is steered from an operator’s station via a hydraulic
cylinder that is powered by a 12-volt direct current Monarch electric pump. The
pump is plumbed to power two single acting, 10-ton ENERPAC hydraulic cylinders,
which assist in raising and lowering the pipe during transportation and positioning.
Two pipe carrier brackets, each with two rubber wheels, are positioned above the
ENERPAC cylinders. The four rubber wheels serve as stabilizers and facilitate the
rotation of the pipe for final positioning.
The rear wheels of the carrier were fabricated for use in two positions: the vertical
position allows for general use on flat grades and the 45-degree position permits
use inside the pipe to ensure excessive force is not exerted on existing pipe. During
use, the pipe carrier is placed in the existing pipe where it can be pushed and
pulled with a small skid-steer loader and fork attachments. The carrier can be rolled
through the 5’6” repair section, lift a pipe section, then transport
it to its final location for installation.
Arizona Structure Technologies fabricates many one-of-a-kind specialty steel devices
for use in the work place. Ask us how we can design and build one for your next
project.