Track stability

Speed increases are part of the Wunderline project, a faster train connection between Groningen (the Netherlands) and Bremen (Germany). To make the trains run faster, it is necessary to strengthen the track stability between Sappemeer and Zuidbroek. After intensive coordination between ProRail, Arcadis and contractor Gebr. De Koning, one of the subsections was chosen for the installation of H sections in this subsoil with firm pot clay. The work will continue until Monday morning, 4 November.

H-profiles unique in rail underground 

H-profiles are steel structures that look like the letter H. They are placed every metre in a long row. One of the advantages here is that rainwater from the ground can drain away properly. The long row creates a kind of wall effect that gives the railway counter pressure. This method meant that the track did not have to be dismantled, which saved time. 1,600 dragline bulkheads were laid across the track for the machinery needed to carry out the work.

Danou Veenhof, regional director of ProRail: ‘The method of applying H-profiles has not been used in a railway environment before. Unique, in other words! It is therefore good to investigate whether we can use this method in more places in the Netherlands.’

Impressive

Deputy of the province of Groningen, Johan Hamster took a look at the work. ‘It looked impressive. A long row of large machines artfully all carrying out their work at the same time with, alongside and around each other on the closed railway track. Result of incredibly clever planning and logistics. All in a bid to remove as much of the disruption as possible in a short space of time, and with the aim of removing as much of the disruption as possible and reducing it in time. A handsome achievement by the team of ProRail, contractors and their staff, municipality and province.’

Photography: Stefan Verkerk