The 4G highways programme, or Fourth Generation Road Infrastructure Programme, is an initiative in support of Colombia’s economic development and involves the construction of 8000 kilometres of roads and over 40 highway projects. It is a large-scale investment in both economic and design terms, one that requires the intervention of high-performance, versatile mechanical and technological solutions.
DIECI vehicles support Colombia’s development
One vital factor that must be taken into account in developing the country’s infrastructure networks is its natural topography. Colombia has many large hilly and mountainous zones, rivers and tropical areas, which required the planning of two tunnels and 26 ancillary works including viaducts, road bridges and pedestrian bridges, to overcome these natural obstacles.
Among the equipment chosen to implement the programme of improving Colombia’s highway infrastructure were Dieci telehandlers for construction, specifically Icarus and Pegasus.
Thanks to their particular characteristics of strength, adaptability and great versatility, the Dieci vehicles have proven instrumental in numerous phases of the programme, such as:
- tunnel consolidation works
- excavation faces and embankments
- lifting and transport of materials
- installation of ventilation systems and scaffolding
- assembly and disassembly of centring and formwork
Another important characteristic that has made the Dieci vehicles so instrumental is their stability and adaptability, even on the most inaccessible and impassable terrain. The new road network traverses woodland, mountainous areas and tropical zones, such as in the department of North Santander. Wherever the ground is muddy and unstable, the excellent traction of the Dieci telehandlers and a system designed to ensure consistently safe operation have allowed work to continue non-stop.
Why Icarus was chosen
Among the many vehicles in the Dieci range, ICARUS and PEGASUS have proven to be the best solution for improving Colombia’s highway infrastructure, thanks to characteristics that make them outstanding assets on construction sites, such as:
- structure designed for off-road use and safe working
- high manoeuvrability, lifting capacity and material handling capabilities
- great versatility thanks to innovative technology and numerous compatible attachments, such as baskets, trestle jibs with winch, buckets, lifting hooks
In addition, Icarus and Pegasus complement each other perfectly, enabling them to meet every lifting and handling need. On the construction site they are used in alternation with a drilling rig, supporting safe tunnel construction by helping to install ventilation, waterproofing and electrical systems.
WATCH THE VIDEO
Icarus: among the best solutions for major construction and industrial works
Icarus is a fixed boom telehandler that is distinguished by its robustness, reliability and ease of use. It a vehicle that can reach heights of up to 18 metres, with a lifting capacity of 5 tonnes and consistently excellent stability.
Icarus is ideal for working in atypical environments, thanks to:
- the separator pre-filter applied to the air filter, which is essential for working in dusty environments
- the engine hood, which is designed to limit heat dissipation
- the air-conditioned cab, which allows the operator to work in a safe and comfortable environment
Pegasus, a single solution to multiple needs
Pegasus is part of the Dieci line of rotating telehandlers. The boom is capable of 360° continuous rotation and 400° non-continuous rotation. It simplifies the lifting and handling of materials, including very heavy loads, based on a simple, safe and efficient system. It has a maximum load capacity of 6000 kg and a maximum lifting height of almost 30 metres.
Covering a large operating area, it offers the driver a vast array of solutions, concentrated into a single vehicle that can perform tasks usually entrusted to a crane, aerial platform and telehandler. Especially ideal for large projects, it offers immediate solutions for any contingency.
Colombian economy goes from strength to strength
Colombia is one of South America’s largest and fastest-growing economies, achieving a GDP growth of over 3% in 2019. This upward trajectory has bucked the trend in Latin America and helped Colombia gain entry into the OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development), thus providing access to numerous important advantages. Today, Colombia’s goal is to expand its infrastructures and this is possible thanks to the 4G highways programme, in which DIECI vehicles have played a leading role. Once the programme is completed, Colombia will have a direct transport route to one of its biggest trading partners: Venezuela. The works are scheduled for completion in August 2022.
Thanks to the support of Dieci telehandlers for construction, two new tunnels each spanning over one kilometre will be added to Colombia’s transport network. This will ensure shorter and safer transport routes, avoiding hairpin bends and circuitous bypasses caused by the country’s hilly landscape.
