Bauer Spezialtiefbau Executes XXL Diaphragm Wall Shaft in Slovenia
- Construction of LILW repository in Krško, Slovenia as strategic project of national importance
- XXL diaphragm wall: Using MC duty-cycle cranes, Bauer Spezialtiefbau constructs shaft 65 m deep
- Digital tools and lean management for quality and sustainability in construction work
Krško, Slovenia – How to dispose of waste? This question is not only the subject of discussion on a small scale, but also represents a challenge at the national level – especially when it comes to radioactive waste. The town of Krško in eastern Slovenia is the focus of a major project: the construction of a repository for low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste. The Slovenian Agency for Radioactive Waste Management (ARAO) has tasked a consortium led by Riko d.o.o. of Ljubljana, together with Kolektor CPG of Nova Gorica, CGP of Novo mesto and Kostak d.d. of Krško, to carry out the construction work. Trial operation of the facility is planned in 2028.
6,500 m2 of diaphragm wall installed up to depth of 65 m
A key component of the project is the circular diaphragm wall shaft that was constructed by BAUER Spezialtiefbau GmbH. With a diameter of 32 m, a depth of 65 m and a wall thickness of 1.5 m, the structure extends over an impressive area of 6,500 m². To achieve this challenging task, the specialist foundation engineering experts used a BAUER MC 96 duty-cycle crane with a BC 48 trench cutter and an MC 64 with hydraulic grab DHG/V. Also employed: the BAUER Cutter Inclination System (CIS)® for precise positioning of the diaphragm walls, as well as the Hydraulic Grab Inclination System (HGIS)® for continuous monitoring and control of the hydraulic grab.
Digital tools for sustainability and quality
In order to manage the complexity of this large-scale project, the experienced team used digital tools for process optimization and lean management, key elements of the BAUER Construction Process. Thanks to detailed engineering, control and monitoring of all construction phases, it was possible to maintain optimal use of resources and the highest quality standards. “With our technology and decades of expertise, we are setting standards for geotechnical precision. By using our thoroughly tried-and-tested diaphragm wall equipment on the one hand, and advanced digital systems on the other, we are able to meet even the strictest accuracy requirements while ensuring optimally sustainable design,” explains Project Manager Stefan Neidhart.
Right from the start of diaphragm wall work on October 1, 2024, the crew from Bauer Spezialtiefbau showed full commitment. “Thanks to our dedicated team and state-of-the-art technologies, we have made a crucial contribution to this major project,” explains the project manager. The construction of the diaphragm walls was successfully completed in December 2024.
