The Cube System - a new diaphragm wall technique for future cities.

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Abstact

Diaphragm wall technique is usually used to construct structural elements in the ground, commonly used for retention systems, permanent foundation elements or deep ground-water barriers, named Cut-Off-Walls (COW). It can be anticipated that global urbanization and increasing demands on environmental considerations will need to be accommodated in underground space in the future. These trends show an increasing requirement for diaphragm walling in even more complex conditions, especially in inner-city applications with limited space. Therefore, there is the demand to minimize the size of equipment to accommodate such projects. Following this demand, a new trench cutter system, the so-called CUBE System, was recently developed. The complete trench cutter system has been fit into container size dimensions so that it can work in very limited space conditions. In addition, complex conditions in terms of space limitations require specifically adapted solutions for slurry, spoil, reinforcement and concrete handling and the related logistics to ensure smooth production. Due to the limited space requirements, the impact on the surrounding environment is limited. As the system is electric driven, an additional reduction of carbon footprint can be expected. First tests of the system have been carried out and the results will be shared.  The paper will explain the construction process and the specific challenges and experiences made for these extreme conditions.  

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Short Curriculum

Franz-Werner Gerressen is Director of Method Development Department at Bauer Maschinen GmbH, Germany. He has studied at the RWTH Aachen, Germany and graduated as civil engineer.  Since 1992, after joining Bauer Spezialtiefbau GmbH, a sister company of BAUER Maschinen, he was responsible for some departments like the Department of Construction of Diaphragm and Cut off Walls as well as for Ground Improvement Department. Since 2004 he builds up the Department of Method Development for Bauer Maschinen GmbH with focus on developing new methods like Cutter Soil Mixing or improving methods like Full Displacement Piles. In addition to the development, he was involved in the promotion and introduction of new technologies as an author and speaker of over 70 technical publications in countries all over the world.