Insights into the U3 underground project in Nuremberg.
Work on the U3 line in Nuremberg is progressing rapidly. Thanks to close collaboration between the Public Transport and Digital Rail Services (DRS) teams as well as the Machinery Department of the Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group, track construction in the tunnel section of the U3 was carried out swiftly, precisely, and to the highest quality standards. The key to success: simplification, automation, and digitalisation.
The project focused on track construction, particularly the installation of 3,800 metres of slab track and four turnouts on individual supports.
A flexible lifting system was developed specifically for the non-standard gauge. Boreholes were drilled using a specially designed drilling unit capable of executing four core drills in parallel with automated feed. The flushing water was treated and reused.
Even the grouting of the support points was optimised. The mixing and grouting unit for the IVES track system, which had already proven itself in previous applications, was used efficiently once again.
These optimisations enabled the completion of both tracks and two turnouts within just eight months. Around 95% of the 11,000 support points have already been drilled, assembled and grouted.
The installation of the conductor rail in the tunnel section – essential for powering the underground trains – was largely completed on track 1, with work already starting in parallel on track 2.
In the outdoor sections, following the completion of the civil engineering and cable-laying works, ballast track construction began. Surveying data for the 3D machine control of the road-rail excavator was also prepared by the DRS team.
Thanks to collaboration across departments, workflows could be automated and digitalised. The targeted use of innovative machinery and technologies increased efficiency and work quality, which in turn led to better project planning and reduced workload for on-site staff.
Facts
Project Nuremberg U3 Underground Line
- Location: Nuremberg, Germany
- Team: Public Transport, Digital Rail Services (DRS) and Machinery Department
- Scope: Track construction with 3,800 m of slab track, 9 turnouts, conductor rail
