Optimised Construction under Traffic (SPT-304)

Much of Germany's transport infrastructure is in a challenging condition: its intended lifespan has been reached or already exceeded. In the coming years, a large number of maintenance measures will therefore be required on roads, railways and waterways. Demands on the availability and durability of transport infrastructure are increasing. At the same time, construction materials, personnel and machinery should preferably be used in a way that conserves resources and protects the environment. The construction period should be as short as possible and traffic restrictions during repair works kept to a minimum.

Construction works without restricting traffic flow

The main topic ‘Optimised Construction under Traffic’ takes into account the different requirements of ongoing construction projects. In particular, the experts assess how to plan and carry out maintenance work with a view to minimising traffic disruption and conserving resources and the environment. The researchers also investigate the impact of different manufacturing technologies and digital methods on construction processes and timescales. One of the research topics is the repair of existing solid bridges, where the experts analyse former repair experiences to examine the extent to which maintenance measures can be further standardised and optimised. A guideline for the benefits of prefabricated components in solid hydraulic engineering structures illustrates possible uses and design options for solid concrete components. In this context, the experts consider climate and resource conservation aspects, including in collaboration with the main topic Construction and Infrastructure-related Emissions/Impacts on Waters and Soils of topic area 2 of the BMDV Network of Experts. Another research question deals with digital methods in general and Building Information Modelling in particular and their potential to simplify and improve the maintenance and repair of engineering structures.

Coordination:

Jacqueline Schmied
Bundesanstalt für Wasserbau (BAW)
Jacqueline.Schmied@baw.de

Dr. Martin Friese (Deputy Coordinator)
German Centre for Rail Traffic Research at the Federal Railway Authority (DZSF/EBA)
FrieseM@dzsf.bund.de

Participating institutions:

• BASt
• BAW
• DZSF/EBA
• DB Netz AG