How KIET Hydraulic Strand Jack System Achieved Synchronous Lifting of a 2600-Ton Buddha Structure

2023-03-15

Introduction

The 2600-ton Maravijaya Buddha being lifted into place by KIET's heavy lifting system in Myanmar.

When it comes to lifting massive structures where accuracy, safety, and control are critical, hydraulic strand jack technology has become the benchmark for modern heavy-lifting operations. KIET recently proved this again in Myanmar, supporting the installation of the world’s largest seated marble Buddha — The Maravijaya Buddha. The operation required raising the Buddha’s body section, weighing approximately 2,600 tons, from a horizontal position onto its pedestal.

Engineering Challenge

The task involved extraordinary complexity. The marble sections of the statue had been transported to site separately and assembled horizontally. The lifting operation demanded absolute synchronization among multiple strand jacks to avoid uneven load distribution and potential structural stress. Any deviation during the rotation or elevation could destabilize the lifting points or compromise safety.

KIET’s Hydraulic Strand Jack Solution

To meet these technical demands, KIET supplied a custom-engineered Hydraulic Strand Jack System, integrated with:

Eight 400t strand jacksare mounted at the top of the gantry tower for lifting operations.

Twelve 150t hydraulic jacks, integrated with ground-level skid rails, are used to push the tailing frame.
The strand jacks and skidding jacks work in coordination using a synchronized "push-and-lift" method to ensure the stability of the lifting points and the gantry tower.
PLC/Computer-based monitoring offering real-time load monitoring and precision feedback ensuring stable pressure and flow control

KIET PLC synchronous lifting control system, displaying real-time load and displacement data for multiple strand jacks.

This system was designed to operate under precise tonnage capacity control. Each lifting stage was conducted through synchronized commands guided by the PLC interface, maintaining pressure and movement uniformity across all jacks.

Synchronous Control and Safety

In such high-risk lifting conditions, maintaining synchronization is vital for risk mitigation. KIET’s proprietary synchronization algorithms ensured each jack performed within ±1 mm precision tolerance. The system featured live load monitoring, enabling operators to respond instantly if any deviation occurred.

Before operation, KIET engineers conducted site training with the owner’s professional lifting team. The training covered setup calibration, safety protocols, and emergency load lowering procedures. This on-site guidance plays a crucial role in reducing operational risk and ensuring system reliability.

Efficiency and Customization

Every lifting solution from KIET is tailored for project-specific conditions—ranging from tonnage capacity adjustment, jack configuration layout, to control software customization. The modular system structure also allows adaptation for vertical and horizontal lifting applications.

For this project, the engineering target was not only mechanical capability but also cost efficiency and time optimization. By employing hydraulic strand jacks instead of conventional cranes, the lifting process was completed with minimal downtime and high precision.

Outcome and Impact

After careful planning, simulation, and staged lifting operations, the Buddha’s body was successfully raised and installed onto the base. The entire process demonstrated how hydraulic synchronization and advanced control systems can guarantee stability even with thousands of tons of load.

Conclusion

The project exemplifies KIET’s technical strength in delivering safe, efficient, and precision-controlled lifting systems for complex structures. Whether for infrastructure construction or cultural monument installation, KIET’s hydraulic strand jack system continues to redefine the standards of heavy lifting engineering.