During the first lifting attempt the cranes crunched and creaked. The crane operators did not look happy. Later it appeared that the load could not be lifted because of the fact that its weight was too heavy in relation to the hoisting distance. This was a setback, and the enthusiasm at that moment was miles away. After everyone had stopped scowling, consultations took place and finally a solution was found. A frame was built which lifted the front of the staircase. The rear side was to be lifted by means of the two cranes.
A little later than initially planned the staircase was hoisted in place. Then it was installed, accurate to a millimetre, with the help of all kinds of technical devices. The frame was lowered, and in the middle props were placed. The centre props were screwed tighter until the right camber was reached. As a result of this the stair case shows minimal hair cracks above the props.
The next day the bottom side of the staircase was anchored to the floor by means of concrete. After three days of curing the props will be removed. Subsequently the staircase will undergo a decreeping process*. Then the glass balustrades will be mounted and connected to the staircase.
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*Process in which the staircase will be prestressed and monitored under controlled conditions.
