Toulouse is home to significant monuments and statues, among them the Monument of the Combatants of Haute-Garron, a large memorial commemorating all those who fought in the two world wars. But with the construction of a new metro station below, Sarens’ client, Bouygues Travaux Publics, needed to carefully move the historic monument to a new temporary location until the metro’s completion in 2028.

This particular operation posed significant challenges, not least because of the historic nature of the memorial, which was constructed between 1920 and 1928. Disassembly of the monument by crane was therefore not an option, as its materials and construction were too fragile for such an operation. 

Instead, Sarens was called in to conduct an extremely precise, slow, and methodical pickup and transport operation via SPMTs. As the operation progressed, the very fragile monument had to constantly be monitored for horizontality and cracks during pick-up, transport, and drop-off. Adding to the challenge was the presence of the metro tunnel below, which also had to be constantly monitored for cracks.

The crew had to work under very demanding circumstances. First, there was very limited space for the SPMTs, so powerpacks had to be put on the Kamags. Because a 3x20 axle line could not fit and a 3x18 was unable to take the load, the crew opted for a 3x19 axle line with three powerpacks.

The client had built a special frame around the monument, enabling it to be jacked up and transported while avoiding stress on the foundations that could lead to a collapse. Bouygues Travaux Publics also improved soil conditions up to 90 centimetres deep, so the ground could withstand the high axle pressures under the Kamags. Driving plates were also added where necessary.

Because moving the monument would be a big event in Toulouse, a test lift was performed the previous day to avoid any potential breakdowns. Extra hydraulic Kamag hoses were also on standby to bypass a powerpack in case of failure. Exceptionally, Sarens also agreed to insure the monument for potential damages, which required long discussions with our insurer to develop a custom-made contract.

The monument to be moved measured 16x11x18 metres and the total weight, including the frame and protections, was 1.460 metric tonnes. It took 14 trucks two days to set up the equipment for the operation. The build-up in the busy Toulouse city centre was challenging, and truck arrivals needed to be carefully planned and spaced out, as there was no space to store any Kamag units or trucks. Some traffic management was also necessary, as the trucks needed to back up approximately 500 metres up to the work site. 

With everything in place, the crew then spent one day conducting a test lift, and the next day performing the actual lift and transport. The entire operation relied on a single transport: one 90-degree rotation, then 40 metres of straight driving. 

Sarens was proud to execute this delicate operation safely and successfully. Once the metro station is completed in 2028, we will return to perform the return transport as well. Thank you to everyone involved in making this operation a success!