Die „nullte Stopfung“ als neuer Meilenstein – Präzision, Teamwork und Effizienz im Bahnbau.
In a pioneering project by the Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group, a “zero tamping” process was implemented for the first time – an unconventional solution setting new standards in rail construction.
Zero tamping is a type of “pre-tamping” that enables the creation of the final track geometry without pre-ballasting. The track panel is laid directly onto the tunnel floor, and once ballast is added, it is brought into its correct position through three tamping and two stabilisation passes. This innovative approach ensures precise track geometry from the first deployment of tamping machines, setting a new benchmark for optimal results.
On a defined section of the Hauenstein Tunnel, tracklayers and the Digital Rail Services team of RSRG installed rails and sleepers with millimetre accuracy using a measurement trolley, so that only minimal corrections were required during tamping. This helped avoid damage to the adjacent cable duct due to limited working space during the process. The track was stabilised over 2.5 kilometres after both the first and second tamping passes.
The true success factor in this project was seamless teamwork. For the first time, a construction site was managed from planning to execution as one integrated group. All participants – technical departments, site managers, foremen and machine operators – were involved from the beginning and carried out detailed inspections and planning sessions.
This integrated approach paid off. Despite some planning uncertainties, the project was completed two shifts ahead of schedule. RSRG will continue to work on the Hauenstein Tunnel in five further stages until 2028.
One key takeaway from the project was the importance of continuous optimisation. All insights and lessons learned are being incorporated into the planning of future construction phases to further increase efficiency.
Facts
Project Hauenstein-Tunnel
- Location: Basel–Olten, Switzerland
- Scope: Installation of rails and sleepers
