DE
SWE
ABS 4.1, Sande, FWTG Ellensseerdamm
The Oldenburg–Wilhelmshaven upgrade section forms part of the 2003 Federal Transport Infrastructure Plan. It is classified as a new project of urgent priority under number 3.
The increase in freight volumes expected on this route following the commissioning of the Jade-Weser Port in Wilhelmshaven requires the existing line capacity to be increased in line with demand.
The 180-metre-long section between km 38.810 and km 38.990 is being bridged by means of deep track foundations due to thick Holocene soft layers. The design provides for a reinforced concrete slab supported on rigidly connected bored piles, which is divided into 5 blocks, each approximately 36 m long. The bored pile foundation comprises 105 large-diameter bored piles, each 90 cm in diameter, which were constructed by staff of Eiffage Infra-Spezialtiefbau GmbH at various inclinations to a depth of up to 28 m using casing. A particular challenge during the construction of the piles was the high water level, approximately 1.2 m below ground level, combined with a high proportion of fine-grained material in the ground.
The adequate bearing capacity of the pile foundations was verified by dynamic load tests carried out on test piles constructed in advance. As the test loads achieved exceeded the expected values, the pile lengths could be reduced in some cases compared with those specified in the tender. Due to the very short construction period, the drilling work was carried out using two drilling rigs and was completed on schedule.
