On new paths thanks to Track Piler

Railroad construction is a challenging area for the use of specialist foundation engineering technology. After all, for foundation projects in the station area, it is crucial to block as few tracks as possible in order to maintain operations. RTG Rammtechnik GmbH, together with the Leipzig-based company TECHNE KIROW GmbH, has developed an innovative track-bound drilling rig and pile driver (Track Piler) that opens up completely new possibilities in this area of application. 

As with standard RG pile drivers, it is possible to attach various equipment for different drilling, piling and mixing methods to the Track Piler. In terms of hydraulics and control technology, the Track Piler is prepared for KDK rotary drives, MR vibrators, HRS hydraulic hammers, MPZ or MPU sheet pile presses. The fully radio-controlled remote control can be used to operate the controls and all machine functions. The Track Piler has a huge advantage in that it can self-erect, thus eliminating any need for auxiliary equipment ensuring the rail operation on neighboring tracks is not affected. Additionally, the articulation of the rig allows it to transition from transport to working mode without disruption to the existing overhead powerlines. 

The benefits of the Track Piler were on full display for four days in mid-February when it was used to carry out foundation work for a new signal bracket, in a very confined space, in the middle of the city of Ulm and its main station, on behalf of the Deutsche Bahn (DB). The rail-mounted rig eliminated the need for the logistically complex transportation of a conventional pile driver through Ulm city center.

Mobilization of a conventional rig to the site of the foundation work would have required several rail lines to be dismantled and overhead power lines removed, resulting in massive restrictions to train services for an extended period of time, and significant additional costs. However, the special capabilities of the Track Piler allowed it to be easily mobilized to the site on the existing rail system.

The foundation works consisted of the installation of eight pipes with an outer diameter of 508 mm and 13 m in length at one of the platforms. Due to the challenging subsoil, it was necessary for the pile foundation to first be vibrated, then hammered, and then drilled into the ground using an MB auger drive and a drilling auger. These piles created the foundation for a new signal boom, which will support the control of long-distance traffic across two tracks in the future. This was because it was not possible to simply build a signal bridge due to an canopy on the neighbouring track.

We are proud that our innovation, the Track Piler from RTG, was once again able to prove how efficiently it can carry out foundation work in the railroad sector under difficult circumstances and confined spaces. Many thanks to Deutsche Bahn and safe travels ahead!