Cathedral restored using Geda transport platforms

Two Geda transport platforms have been used to help restoration works at New Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, in the city of Linz in Austria.

Scaffolding materials weighing around 150t were needed for the project. ©EKRO

The neo-gothic building, which has suffered damage as a result of weather and old age, is the largest in the country and can accommodate up to 20,000 worshipers. 

Contractor Bischof Rudigier Foundation purchased the GEDA 500 Z/ZP and GEDA 1500 Z/ZP models for the project, which were needed to reach the cathedral’s spire to a height of 130m.

Restoration of the spire, which utilised 150 tonnes of material for the erection scaffolding alone, saw workers and materials transported to their destination heights in two stages. During the first construction phase the GEDA 1500 Z/ZP platform provided access up to a height of 75m and, after base scaffolding was installed to support the building’s spire, the GEDA 500 Z/ZP was installed using a truck-mounted crane for work at heights up to 130m.

According to manufacturer Geda, the 500 Z/ZP is equipped with two separate control units and can carry 1,000kg in material mode or up to five people plus 500kg in passenger mode. Whereas the Geda 1500 Z/ZP transport platform, which is guided on two masts, can carry seven passengers in passenger mode or a load of up to 2,000kg in material mode.

While work to the church’s spire was completed in 2019, restoration of the entire tower is not due to be completed until later this year.

It is estimated that over the next 10 years restoration and maintenance works for the building will cost around €13.5 million. Most of the cost will be covered by the church, however some will also come from public funds, donations and sponsoring.

Geda transport platforms carried people and materials up to heights of 130m.©EKRO