During group discussions. Chief Engineer of PERI LLC Anatoly Malyutin

Associate Professor at the SPbGASU Department of Construction Management, PhD of Engineering Sciences Nadezhda Rozantseva conducted the research project "Development of a Technology for Crane-Free Assembly of Large-Span Structures" as part of the grant competition for research projects by SPbGASU academic staff in 2025.

The relevance of developing a technology for the rapid installation of large-span temporary structures using rail lifts is determined by several factors:

• high costs: traditional methods require significant amounts of materials and labor;
• long construction and installation times: complex structures take a long time to construct and transport;
• environmental concerns: large amounts of waste are generated after dismantling.

The proposed technology is aimed at minimizing the impact of these factors:

• resource savings: rapid installation reduces the need for resources and equipment, and the multiple uses reduce the amount of materials required;
• increased productivity and process automation: rapid assembly reduces project completion times, and the system ensures increased installation efficiency;
• design flexibility: the lift design can be adapted to various environmental conditions and can be used in the construction of bridges, overpasses, hangar roofs, and other large structures;
• optimal space utilization: the superstructure is lifted directly from ground or water level, eliminating the need for additional equipment, thereby saving space;
• reusability: after use, the system, including the superstructure, can be dismantled and reinstalled elsewhere;
• improved environmental sustainability: repeated use reduces waste after dismantling, diminishing environmental impact.

During the research and development process, consultations were held with specialists from PERI LLC and Stroykomplekt Institute JSC, and a visit was made to a technology park in Noginsk, Moscow Region. PERI provided its facilities for modeling the lifting system, and group discussions of the idea were held with the specialists. The partners proposed using self-climbing system components developed by PERI LLC as a reference for the lifting system, which enabled the selection of two optimal design solutions.

Development of the crane-free installation technology continues. Calculations must now be conducted to determine not only the unit's ability to lift the stated loads but also the strength of its lifting frame and lifting platform. A patent application for the lifting technology and the folding outer casing is pending.

Once developed, the technology will be widely used in construction projects, reducing their negative impact on the environment and contributing to resource conservation.