Heavy Materials Now Lifted by Hoist in Tunnel Construction... Lotte Construction Introduces First System

by Choi Daeyul

Published 02 Dec.2025 08:52(KST)

Lotte Construction announced on December 2 that it has introduced a rebar lifting hoist for the first time at the tunnel construction site of the Sejong-Anseong section of Expressway No. 29. The company expects this will help ensure the safety of on-site workers.

Tunnel construction sites are generally dark and have limited workspace. The high noise levels and the need to move heavy materials such as rebar make the work particularly hazardous. Previously, heavy equipment such as excavators or cranes was typically used to lift rebar into the air, with workers manually handling the materials next to the crane. This posed risks of falls, entrapment, and collisions.

With the newly developed lifting hoist, workers no longer need to operate right next to the rebar. By simply operating the controls, rebar can be loaded onto the hoist and moved automatically or semi-automatically. The hoist is also equipped with external safety devices to prevent materials from slipping or falling.

The existing tunnel construction site shows materials being moved using heavy equipment (left), and at the Lotte Construction tunnel site, materials are being moved using a lifting hoist installed on a work trolley. Provided by Lotte Construction

Lotte Construction installed the lifting hoist on a work trolley. The work trolley serves as an integrated work platform and formwork structure, installed during tunnel construction for interior waterproofing or rebar assembly. Before installation, the company conducted a structural review through its technical research institute and external organizations to ensure safe operation without any structural defects.

A company representative stated, "By introducing the lifting hoist to tunnel construction sites, which are highly constrained and specialized environments, we have actually improved both efficiency and safety for workers. We will continue to conduct research to further enhance the safety of our working environments."