As part of the expansion of Strasbourg’s iconic Stade de la Meinau, Sarens was contracted to provide heavy lifting services for the installation of 28 prefabricated steel roof sections of the South Tribune. The project was led by consortium GTM Hallé, Urban Dumez, Demathieu Bard and Blocotelha Steel Constructions. The heaviest roof module weighed 74 tonnes, with lifts performed at heights of up to 30 metres with a working radius ranging from 25 to 68 metres.

“This stadium means a lot to the people of Strasbourg— and to me personally,” says Valentin Meyer, Key Account manager of Sarens Projects and a proud local supporter of RC Strasbourg. “Being part of this was special.”

EQUIPMENT & CONFIGURATION

To execute these lifts, Sarens deployed the SL 3800 crawler crane in SWSL_1 configuration, equipped with a 48-metre main boom and a 66-metre luffing jib. The crawler base enabled repositioning between lifts within the restricted work area, eliminating the need for full disassembly.

PLANNING

Situated in the dense urban core of Strasbourg, the site posed significant logistical challenges, including minimal assembly space and a restriction allowing only one truck on-site at a time. These constraints made careful planning and phased mobilisation essential. The crane was transported from a previous job in France and required 10 days to assemble due to the site limitations.

FROM ENGINEERING TO EXECUTION

Executing the lifts for the Stade de la Meinau project presented several technical challenges that required meticulous planning and adaptability. Each of the 28 prefabricated roof sections featured unique geometries, demanding a bespoke rigging setup for nearly every lift. With a multi-point lifting design, the tackle configuration had to be adjusted frequently. “This was technically intensive,” explains Project Engineer Romain Di Corato. “The tackle design evolved constantly due to the complexity of the geometry.”

Sarens’ engineering team worked hand-in-hand with the on-site crew to develop custom rigging solutions and coordinate each step of the operation. This close coordination ensured that each lift was executed with the highest standards of safety, precision, and timing.

OUTCOME

Despite the complexity and dynamic nature of the project, all roof sections were installed safely and efficiently—culminating in the successful placement of what is now the longest stadium roof in Europe. “We knew this job would demand absolute precision from engineering to execution, and the team delivered”, says Project Manager Koen Rooms.

STADE DE LA MEINAU - FRANCE

On Sunday, March 23, the Stade de la Meinau construction site in Strasbourg opened its doors to employees of the Demathieu Bard Construction, GTM Hallé, Urban Dumez, Blocotelha Steel Constructions, Lingenheld Groupe, Groupement Elsa, Mersch & Schmitz, Hug Fluides Group and their families for a unique day: Family Day. More than 1000 people were present at the heart of the work on one of the oldest football stadiums in France.