PORR Slab Track Technology for Deutsche Bahn (S21)

Stuttgart 21, short S21, is one of the most important infrastructural projects in Germany in the last 20 years. The patented Slab Track Austria Technology by PORR will be used in this project also. In total, the underground railway station in Stuttgart and the new high speed rail connection to Ulm will run through more than 100km in tunnels.

PORR got the contract for Design & Build of 33km Slab Track as well as the electrotechnical installations and cabling works. The project covers besides the design and production of 6.300 pre-cast slabs also the installation of the slabs and the pouring of 80.000m³ of concrete.

The mass-spring system and a new era of noise protection.

Parts of the project will be equipped by PORR with special rail support points for noise protection. This method will reduce the amount of concrete works dramatically. Following very ambitious logistic challenges, PORR uses innovative machines driven by electrical power.

Perfect logistical implementation reaching high level achievements.

As the project follows an integrated construction method the 9,3km long tunnels can only be used as a cul-de-sac road.

Therefore PORR implemented a logistic concept to execute the concrete works and later on the electrotechnical installations and cabling works. PORR uses turntables for trucks, small electrodumper for concrete transport, a slim crawler crane and several specific forklifts.

This specified fleet of machines allows parallel construction works at different tunnel sections on a daily basis.

S21 is the most challenging railway project in Germany in years and will change the industry. The first main train station fully underground in a large city will be connected to the railway grid with a web of tunnels. Togehter with the new high speed rail link to Ulm travelling times between major European cities will be reduced significantly.

For PORR it is an honour to support this encouraging European railway project by delivering Slab Track Austria togehter with electrotechnial equipment.

Once work is completed, the maintenance free Slab Track Austria-Technology will enable sustainable high speed rail service for a life cycle time of more than 60 years.