Press statement on the North-South urban rail project in Cologne
February 18, 2010
February 18, 2010
Press statement on the North-South urban rail project in Cologne
In a personal letter, the Chairman of the Executive Board at Bilfinger Berger, Herbert Bodner, has assured Jürgen Roters, Mayor of the city of Cologne, that both the Company and its joint venture partners will carry out a thorough examination of the causes in relation to the most recent incidents at the Cologne urban rail line site.
"The way that the protocols for the diaphragm walls were dealt with is absolutely unacceptable and the reasons behind it must be brought to light", said Bodner. From today's perspective, however, it is clear that, despite the inaccurate protocols, no geometric deviations have occurred in the diaphragm walls that would endanger their stability.
"For me, as an engineer, the failure to install shear dowels at the joints of the diaphragm wall reinforcements is inconceivable and something that I have never seen in all my years of professional experience", continued Bodner. The joint venture has given its unconditional support to the ongoing investigation. Following intensive testing and analysis, experts from the joint venture and other professionals involved came to the unanimous conclusion that the structures of the North-South urban rail line in Cologne are stable despite the general lack of shear dowels. Further precautionary measures are nonetheless being initiated at the Heumarkt excavation pit.
In addition to the personnel measures already taken, the focus for the joint venture now is on a strict review of the quality assurance systems in place. "Through close cooperation with the client and the authorities involved as well as through open communication, we want to help to re-establish confidence in this construction measure", said Bodner on behalf of the joint venture.
