Projects

DE08 Schönefeld

19.06.08

Berlin Takes Off with HOBAS

The Airport Berlin-Schönefeld is currently being reconstructed and extended to become the new international airport BBI (Berlin-Brandenburg International). From 2011 on, the complete air traffic will be concentrated in the south-east of the city allowing the inner city Airports Tegel and Tempelhof to be closed down step-by-step. With the establishment of new giant air fields, a solution for an extensive pressured drainage system had to be found as well. HOBAS CC-GRP Pipe Systems ranging from DN 600 to 1600 were chosen for this purpose.

The Airport Schönefeld has boomed over the past years and welcomed not less than 6.3 million passengers in 2007, almost a quadruple compared to five years ago. Low budget flights leading to attractive destinations all over Europe make Schönefeld interesting for tourists as well as business people. Around 20 million passengers are expected for 2011. A capacity extension to 40 million people per year is possible. The costs for implementing this mega project will sum up to around 2 billion Euros. 445 million will be spent alone on airside buildings and clearways. Investments in road and train connections, as well as multi-story parking lots, hotels and conference centers add to the given sum.

As with every airport project, it is a special challenge to assure unobstructed airport traffic during the entire construction period. The airport area will span a total of approx. 1470 ha – this corresponds to 2000 soccer fields. The optimal discharge of rainwater is therefore a top priority. Apart from the airstrips further extensions for additional open space and parking lots are planned which also require professional drainage.

This high-performing airport sets just as high demands on its future pipe systems: High loads incomparable with those of road traffic and aggressive substances such as kerosene and anti-freeze, which are employed especially during the cold season, had to be considered choosing the right pipe material. After extensively comparing the options, the client decided for HOBAS CC-GRP SewerLine Systems. Particularly their hydraulic performance, their ability to bear high static loads and their corrosion resistance were substantial criteria. Reaction forces resulting from internal pressure work on the bends and are overcome with locked sections and ground anchors.

The first pipes, produced by HOBAS Pipe Germany, have already been installed in April 2008. The contractor consortium is highly satisfied with the technical support of HOBAS which includes the elaboration of line and installation plans as well as installation support and pressure tests on site by HOBAS technicians. To keep construction times as short as possible logistics are carried out in close cooperation with all parties. A total of 8 km HOBAS SewerLine DN 600 - 1600 with pressure classes PN 6 to PN 10 are expected to be installed by September 2008. Due to the easy handling of HOBAS CC-GRP Pipes and an installation rate of 120 m per day, pipe laying could be finalized even before the estimated completion.

HOBAS has experience on the airfield: Successfully implemented projects such as the drainage system of airport Munich and the rehabilitation of the sewer system at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam prove the static advantages and durability of HOBAS products. Furthermore, the reputation of HOBAS secured HOBAS Benelux in the Netherlands an agreement as preferred supplier of pipe systems for Schiphol Airport. Airport Berlin-Schönefeld yet again sets example for the reliability and competence of HOBAS as professional partner for airport projects.