Ludwigslust “successful and high quality”

Implenia Special Foundations is working on behalf of Deutsche Bahn (DB) to modernise the existing infrastructure around Ludwigslust station – and has now completed the main body of work successfully and on time.

In the Ludwigslust rail bridge project, Implenia’s Special Foundations team from the Rhine-Ruhr, Hamburg, and Frankfurt offices were able to complete the first section of construction just before Christmas 2021, including lifting into place and installing four auxiliary track bridges, three platform bridges, and the entire support structure. As a result, DB’s long-distance trains were able to run between Hamburg and Berlin once again after a 14-week suspension, just in time for the Christmas holidays.

What work did the first phase involve?

During this high-intensity first phase of work, the construction site team set up the partial excavations and concrete troughs for two future platform access points close to the four long-distance platforms 1/2 and 11/12. The diaphragm walls, deep DSV sealing beds, grouted anchoring of the diaphragm walls in the trough and bracing in the stairways were created under high pressure in shifts working 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Implenia Special Foundations

Implenia's foundation engineering experts develop complete solutions for excavations, retaining structures, deep foundations and noise barriers, from planning to execution. The service we provide to our customers is based on the specific know-how of our measurement technology, equipment technology and technical office, combined with the wealth of experience of our operational units.

The tight timescale for the complex construction processes and the construction site logistics with heavy machinery and materials from the various disciplines demanded close collaboration between everyone involved in the project and the full commitment of the entire team. At peak times, 53 colleagues were working on the site. All in all, a third of the entire special foundations work was completed within the first shutdown phase from September to December 2021.

Client expectations met in full

Implenia Special Foundations, as the general contractor, met the client’s expectations in full and demonstrated our expertise in the handling of complex projects on tight schedules – as shown in the thank you email sent by Andreas Kruse, Head of Technology at DB Netz AG for the Schwerin region:

“We have achieved a great deal over the last few months. Something that would have been unimaginable for outsiders not long ago, has come true. All work in construction phases 0 and 1 of our project has been completed successfully and in line with the quality expected.”

Andreas Kruse, Head of Technology at DB Netz AG for the Schwerin region

What is planned for the second phase?

Between January and June 2022, train operations will be suspended on the other four tracks and the railway systems demolished. This second shutdown period was time for phase 2 of construction, including the diaphragm walls with deep DSV sealing beds, grouted anchoring of the trough construction, and bracing in the third stairway and platform access, as well as producing the diaphragm walls and DSV sealing beds for the trough trenches in phases 3 and 5.

Once again, Implenia Special Foundations prepared and installed the entire support structure for two more auxiliary bridges for rails 15/17 and a special construction with points on the bridge for rails 19/21 independently, robustly and on time.

In early May 2022, a 700-tonne mobile crane lifted the last two auxiliary bridges and the two bridge sections of the special construction into position for assembly. The rails themselves were then constructed separately by DB.

The creation of the sheet pile construction trench with DSV sealing beds is planned in the ramp areas of construction phases 4 and 6 over the next few months. Following pump trials and advance excavation, these partial construction trenches will be secured with bracing and grouted anchoring.

Successful conclusion in sight

Although Implenia Special Foundations will not hand over its overall performance of the approx. 185-metre-long concrete trough to the client until 17 November 2022, one thing is already certain: The project is a total success for Special Foundations in its role as general contractor, delivered on plan, on time, and in the expected quality.

“We have reason to be proud: In the intensive and crucial phase of the project, all our colleagues from various parts of the group worked together as a strong team with enormous dedication.”

Markus Zöller, Construction Manager at Implenia Spezialtiefbau GmbH, Rhine-Ruhr office

The Ludwigslust rail bridge project

Together with the City of Ludwigslust, DB Netz AG is currently implementing a rail bridge with the new construction of accessible platform access at Ludwigslust station. The bridge is planned to go into operation in 2025. MORE

Role of Implenia Special Foundations: General contractor for construction trenches and auxiliary bridges

Total order volume: EUR 23.5 million

Time frame: September 2021 to November 2022