447 million euros net order volume, eight years total construction time – in the south of the Central Franconian city of Erlangen, one of the most important infrastructure measures in the entire German inland waterway construction is expected to be built by 2032 on behalf of the Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration (WSV): the replacement of the Kriegenbrunn lock. It is intended to secure shipping traffic on the Main-Danube Canal for future generations. BAUER Spezialtiefbau GmbH and its ARGE partners Züblin Spezialtiefbau GmbH and Ed. Züblin AG was responsible, among other things, for the construction of the excavation pit enclosure – a project that is impressive not only in its dimensions but also in its technical complexity.
Large-format lock structure
The heart of the project is the main excavation pit with an impressive length of 330 m and a width and depth of almost 30 m each. To secure the excavation pit, the specialist foundation engineers erect a secant bored pile wall. The Kelly drilling process produces fully cased piles with a diameter of up to 2 m and a length of up to 37 m. In addition, there are sheet pilings, grouted anchors and around 8,000 t of steel pipe stiffeners with diameters of up to 1.40 m to stiffen the main excavation pit. “These dimensions are extraordinary even in specialist civil engineering,” explains Bauer project manager Andreas Hertenberger. “Every single pile must be inserted with the utmost precision – this is the only way we can ensure the stability of the entire excavation pit.” Several Bauer rotary drilling rigs of the types BG 55, BG 45 and BG 39 are used.
On the home stretch
More than 85% of the bored piles for the excavation pit enclosure had already been manufactured by the end of October. At the same time, excavation work for the main excavation pit is already underway before construction of the lock itself begins. “The close coordination of all trades is crucial,” adds Bauer construction manager Agnes Demharter. “We can only successfully implement a project of this magnitude through precise planning, digital support and a strong team on site.”
Importance for shipping
The replacement construction of the Kriegenbrunn lock is more than a major technical project – it is a milestone for the future of the waterway infrastructure in Germany. “Here we are creating the basis for safe and sustainable shipping traffic for decades to come,” emphasizes Hertenberger. “What makes us particularly proud is that every single person in the team contributes with commitment and know-how to realizing this project of the century,” adds construction manager Demharter.
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