Future-oriented concrete for the construction of station platforms

Figure: Hering Bau

Fig. 1: Modular system – consisting of platform element and foundations

Figure: Hering Bau

Fig. 2: A typical example for a station platform in modular construction

Figure: Hering Bau

Fig. 3: The precast concrete elements for the station platform are supplied with a high-quality surface texture manufactured at the factory

Figure: Hering Bau

Fig. 4: Carbon dioxide absorption of different concrete wastes through accelerated carbonation

Figure: Hering Bau

Fig. 5: Preparing an optimized four-stage mixing process for RC concrete

Figure: Hering Bau

Figure: IKT

Diagrams 1-3: Course of the compressive strengths of concrete after one, three and seven days

Figure: IKT

Diagram 4: Results of the tests proofing the freeze-thaw and deicing salt resistance – scaling after 28 freeze-thaw cycles

Figure: IKT

Diagrams 5-6: Carbon footprint and resource consumption of the developed concrete mixture by comparison

Figure: IKT

The German Federal Foundation for the Environment funds the „SUScon“ research project. In this context, the Hering Bau station platform specialist and the scientific partners involved could develop new concrete mix designs, allowing considerable improvements of the carbon footprint of precast concrete elements while maintaining the same quality.

Against the background of ambitious EU-wide climate goals, sustainability has high priority in railway construction projects for some time as well. As far as new construction and the refurbishment of station platforms using modular precast concrete systems is concerned, the use of sustainable concrete, in particular, ensures a substantial reduction of carbon emissions and the conservation of resources. This is confirmed by the „SUScon“ (sustainable concrete) research project funded by the German Federal Foundation for the Environment (DBU – Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt).

As part of this...