Lifting airbags are flat, pneumatically powered lifting and positioning devices that raise, shift, or support loads with precision. In concrete demolition, special demolition, rock demolition and tunnel construction, as well as in building gutting, they serve as a complementary demolition tool to relieve structural elements, create gaps, control lowering actions, or secure components after separation. In combination with hydraulic tools from Darda GmbH—such as concrete demolition shears, stone and concrete splitters, combination shears, multi cutters, steel shears, or tank cutters—lifting airbags enable predictable, low-damage work with high control over movement sequences.
Definition: What is meant by lifting airbags
Lifting airbags are flat, compressed-air-operated cushions with a high-strength outer layer that generate lift when filled and move or support loads over a large contact area. They operate with compressed air from a compressor, air cylinder, or power unit and are actuated via hoses, pressure gauges, and valves. The load capacity results from the effective internal pressure and the contact area; the lift height is limited, but the starting gap is very small. Lifting airbags are therefore predestined to relieve components, create joints for applying tools, dissipate stresses, or safely accompany lowering and tilting operations.
Functional principle and types of lifting airbags
Lifting airbags are made of pressure-resistant elastomer composites (often with fabric reinforcements) and are filled via a regulated airflow. Inflation increases internal pressure, and the effective area transmits a lifting force to the component. Types differ by overall height and pressure level: flat high-pressure cushions for tight starting gaps and high surface pressure, medium-pressure cushions for universal lifting tasks, and large-volume low-pressure cushions for soft, finely controlled lifts. They are supplemented by wedge or flat-wedge cushions for very small starting gaps. Selection depends on load case, geometry, support surface, required lift height, and the planned process chain with Darda GmbH tools.
Fields of application in construction and deconstruction
Lifting airbags are used wherever controlled, area-wide load pickup with minimal starting height is required. They align naturally with the application areas of Darda GmbH.
Concrete demolition and special demolition
In selective deconstruction, lifting airbags help to relieve slabs, beams, or wall panels before separation and to create gap widths. This allows concrete demolition shears to be applied or hydraulic splitter (wedge), rock wedge splitter, and multi cutters to be used in a controlled manner. After separation, lifting airbags support components so that steel shears or tank cutters can make cuts under controlled deformations.
Building gutting and cutting
In building gutting, lifting airbags enable fine lifting and shoring of machine foundations, stair flights, or slab edges before separating with concrete demolition shears or combination shears. Cut edges remain relieved, reducing binding and uncontrolled fractures.
Rock excavation and tunnel construction
In rock removal and tunneling, lifting airbags assist in opening separation joints, for example after setting rock wedge splitter units. They generate defined movements to free blocks or accompany shifting operations without localized overload.
Natural stone extraction
In extraction, lifting airbags are used to slightly lift and shift raw blocks after separation cuts or splitting operations. The area-wide load pickup protects the stone and reduces edge breakage.
Special applications
For special tasks—such as temporarily lowering slab fields, aligning large-format components, or controlled tilting—lifting airbags work as a finely sensitive aid before the hydraulic main tools from Darda GmbH engage.
Combination with concrete demolition shears and stone and concrete splitters
Lifting airbags complement hydraulic cutting and splitting by securing load control and creating working space. Typical process chains:
- Pre-relieve a component with lifting airbags, create a joint, then apply the concrete demolition shear for the primary break.
- Open a splitting joint with lifting airbags, insert hydraulic splitter (wedge) units, and continue splitting the structure in a controlled manner.
- After cutting with steel shears or combination shears, support the lowering and positioning with lifting airbags to avoid impacts and torsion.
- During tank cutting or separating thin-walled components, reduce binding by a prior, finely metered lifting airbag lift.
The benefit lies in the controlled movement: lifting airbags reduce locked-in stresses, prevent jamming at the tool cutting edge, and hold components in a defined position until permanent shoring is installed.
Design: load capacity, lift height, and contact areas
Sizing is based on load, support surface, friction, and the planned process sequence with Darda GmbH equipment. Key principles:
- Determine the required lifting force via effective area and permissible operating pressure; include safety factors.
- Smooth bearing surfaces, protect edges, and improve load distribution with hardwood, steel, or plastic plates.
- Plan lift height realistically: lifting airbags offer minimal starting height but limited maximum stroke; for longer travel work in stages and shore.
- Reduce lateral forces, increase friction (anti-slip mats), and reinsert wedges early.
- If necessary, use multiple cushions in parallel or in cascaded operation; regulate pressure synchronously.
Safety and occupational safety
Safe work with lifting airbags relies on prepared bearing surfaces, clean pressure control, and consistent shoring. Ground rules:
- Never work under suspended loads; once the lift is achieved, shore loads permanently.
- Protect against sharp edges with edge protection and interlayers; avoid damage.
- Increase pressure stepwise, observe movements, keep relief paths clear.
- No overloading and no over-stroking; use pressure gauges and pressure reducers, observe manufacturer specifications.
- Secure the surroundings: cordon off, agree on signals, and establish communication between the operator of the lifting airbags and the operators of Darda GmbH tools.
Legal and normative requirements may vary by country and application. It is advisable to comply with the applicable rules of technology, operating manuals, and company approvals.
Control, compressed air supply, and accessories
For reproducible results, sensitive control is decisive. Equipment elements:
- Compressed air source (compressor or cylinder) with filter, water separator, and pressure reducer.
- Hose lines of suitable length with kink protection and clear color coding.
- Control panels with pressure gauges for synchronous lifting of multiple cushions.
- Accessories: base plates, anti-slip mats, edge protectors, wedges, shoring systems.
Compatibility of connectors, permissible pressures, and temperature resistance must be coordinated, especially when lifting airbags are used directly in the working area of concrete demolition shears, steel shears, or tank cutters.
Environmental conditions and limits
Lifting airbags operate reliably when support surfaces are firm, load-bearing, and largely even. Limits arise from coarse, sharp-edged, or hot surfaces, chemical exposure, large inclinations, or strongly varying friction. In such cases, protective layers, additional safeguards, or combined use with hydraulic cylinders help. For very large lift heights or rigid load guidance, hydraulic lifting systems are better suited; lifting airbags, in contrast, excel with minimal overall height, area-wide load distribution, and fine initial approach behavior.
Maintenance, inspection, and documentation
Regular visual and functional checks increase operational safety. Recommended:
- Checks for cuts, abrasion, delamination, and leaks.
- Inspection of couplings, valves, pressure gauges, and hoses.
- Clean, dry storage protected from UV radiation and solvents.
- Documentation of uses, inspection dates, and any irregularities.
A brief leak and function test is advisable before each use. Damaged components must be taken out of service.
Practical example: controlled lowering after a separation cut
An opening square is cut out in a concrete slab. Procedure:
- Integrate lifting airbags into the starting gap and pre-relieve the load.
- Perform the separation cut with a concrete demolition shear or steel shear along the marking; monitor position via pressure gauges during the operation.
- After separation, lower the element a few millimeters with lifting airbags, insert wedges, and shore permanently.
- Remove the component with a suitable lifting device; depressurize and remove the lifting airbags.
The method reduces edge breakouts, avoids jamming at the cutting edge, and keeps deformations low.
Best practices for combined system use
- Plan the sequence: First use lifting airbags for relief, then separate/split with Darda GmbH tools, then secure the shoring.
- Prepare contact surfaces: Smooth, protect, distribute load; increase friction.
- Work synchronously: Keep pressure changes small, ensure communication.
- Deconstruction in stages: Small lifts, frequent shoring; verify the stability of each intermediate state.
- Risk management: Define load paths, potential tipping or sliding directions, and retention measures in advance.
Benefits in combination with Darda GmbH tools
Lifting airbags help to better exploit the performance of concrete demolition shears, stone and concrete splitters, rock wedge splitter units, combination shears, multi cutters, steel shears, and tank cutters. By relieving loads, generating joints, and controlled lowering, cutting and splitting operations become more predictable, components remain manageable, and consequential damage is minimized. The result is clean workflows with high occupational safety and reproducible results—from building gutting to concrete demolition through to rock removal and tunnel construction.