Excavators instead of waves - reconstruction of the Great Wave Canal in Hanover

In the joint Coastal Research Centre of Leibniz Universität Hannover and the Technical University of Braunschweig, a globally unique large-scale research facility will be created with the reconstruction of the large wave channel by 2022. In addition to the new wave machine, the GWKplus will have a circulating current system, which for the first time will allow tidal currents to be studied as in the sea, as well as a deep section.

For the construction of the new inlet and outlet structures, as well as the deep section and the pump house, parts of the GWK will first be demolished. The new structures will be built under the protection of enclosing, watertight excavation pits. For this purpose, sheet piles will be driven into the naturally sealing clay layer and anchored back using the single-phase slotted method. The excavation pit is kept dry by means of (residual) dewatering.

In the course of the excavation work, a total of about 24,000 m³ of excavated soil will be produced, some of which will be reused within the construction project. The soil masses to be provided for this purpose will be temporarily stored proportionally within the property and on an external interim storage area. The surplus soil will be directly transported away and disposed of.

Mull & Partner Ingenieurgesellschaft mbH is supporting the project in the areas of soil and waste management, dewatering and health and safety coordination.

More information on the TU Braunschweig website: https://magazin.tu-braunschweig.de/m-post/bagger-statt-wellen/

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