RSRG impresses with its new ground shield foundation method.
An efficient solution for modern overhead line and infrastructure projects: the innovative foundation product enables precise and rapid installation of foundations for railway and noise protection structures that can be loaded immediately.
The Ground Shield Foundation method is a vibration-assisted, soil-displacement system for the rapid installation of immediately load-bearing foundations for overhead line systems, noise barriers and other applications. Two ground shields – an upper shield and a second, smaller shield on the guide tube – provide significantly greater resistance to lateral forces and rotation, enabling high moment loads to be safely absorbed. Tests in different soil types demonstrate reproducible load-bearing and deformation behaviour, with minimal impact on the ballast bed.
The method significantly reduces the personnel and machinery required. Installation requires only a road-rail excavator with a vibration unit and two installers. The foundations are installed without excavation or concrete curing and can be loaded immediately. This allows track possessions to be used to optimum effect and significantly increases the number of foundations that can be installed within each time window. Thanks to the compact design, the method can also be used beneath existing overhead lines and in extremely confined conditions.
The range of foundation types – GS Classic and GS 350/400/500 – allows adaptation to different load applications and ground conditions. RSRG’s internal load tests confirmed their suitability for coarse- and fine-grained soils, while the load-bearing capacity calculations were also validated using Plaxis 3D. With crossed fins, moments of up to 500 kNm can be absorbed, while the GS 500 achieves up to 925 kNm at the serviceability limit state.
Further advantages include low noise emissions of 76–86 dB(A), barely perceptible settlement, a low construction height and complete reversibility. The foundations are 100% recyclable and have a technical service life of at least 60 years in Austria. An additional coating can be applied for more demanding requirements.
Around 2,500 Ground Shield Foundations are already in use in the Netherlands. User trials have been successfully completed in Austria, and further steps in the approval process have already been initiated. The method is also suitable for noise barriers, lighting columns and signal masts. As part of European electrification programmes, the system enables significantly faster implementation. As the foundations can be loaded immediately, the method is particularly suitable for structured and industrialised construction processes.
