TPI January 2009

Construct ion and Bui lding

Reconstruction at Berlin airport The Berlin-Schönefeld airport is currently being reconstructed and extended to become the new international airport BBI (Berlin-Brandenburg International).

be spent on airside buildings and clearways alone. Investments in road and train connections, as well as multi- story parking, hotels and conference centres, add to the total. As with every airport project, it is a special challenge to ensure unobstructed airport traffic during the entire construction period. The airport area will span a total of approximately 1,470 ha – equal to 2,000 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. The high-performing airport sets 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 when choosing the right pipe material. After extensively comparing the options, the client chose Hobas CC-GRP SewerLine ® systems. Significant criteria were the systems’ hydraulic performance, their ability to bear high static loads and their corrosion resistance. Reaction forces resulting from internal pressure work on the bends are overcome with locked sections and ground anchors. The first pipes, produced by Hobas Pipe Germany, were installed in April 2008. The contractor consortium was said to be 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 were carried out in close cooperation with all parties. A total of 8km of Hobas SewerLine DN 600-1600 with pressure classes PN 6 to PN 10 were expected to be installed by September 2008. Hobas has previous experience on the airfield, with successfully implemented projects such as the drainage system at Munich Airport and the rehabilitation of the sewer system at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. Hobas Benelux has also secured an agreement as preferred supplier of pipe systems for Schiphol Airport.

ranging from DN 600 to 1600 were chosen for this purpose. The airport welcomed over 6.3 million passengers in 2007, almost four times the number from five years ago. Low budget flights to destinations all over Europe make the airport suitable for both tourists and business people. Around 20 million passengers are expected for 2011, and a capacity extension to 40 million people per year is possible. The costs for implementing this project will amount to around €2 billion. €445 million will

From2011, air trafficwill be concentrated in the southeast of the city, allowing the inner city airports Tegel and Tempelhof to be closed down step-by-step. With the establishment of giant new airfields, a solution for an extensive pressured drainage system had to be found. Hobas CC-GRP Pipe Systems

Solutions for engineering and construction projects

London and the South East of England are experiencing a surge in the development of prestigious projects, particularly in the sports, educational and leisure sectors. Many of these projects include venues and transportation systems that have to be completed by the time London hosts the Olympic Games in 2012. Saint-Gobain Pipelines is capitalising on the opportunities presented by the upturn in such projects.

Saint-Gobain Pipelines is a supplier of ductile iron and cast iron products to the UK’s key utilities, telecoms, highways, civil engineering, construction and housing sectors, and is a leader in the supply of cast iron soil and drainage and rainwater systems, ductile iron water and sewer pipes, fittings, valves and adaptors, and ductile iron access covers and gratings. Together with its international parent company, Saint-Gobain PAM, the company has provided solutions for engineering and

Saint-Gobain Pipelines’ rainwater S S systems were recently specified for the redevelopment of Twickenham Stadium

construction projects in over 80 world capitals and more than 1,000 major cities. “By working closely with our customers we are developing targeted engineering solutions that create a lasting legacy which will benefit the environment and local and international communities for years to come,” commented John Wilson, key account director, building services and industrial at Saint-Gobain Pipelines. The company’s pipes, fittings and drainage systems have been used in many internationally renowned UK venues, including the British Library, the Royal Albert Hall, Arsenal’s new Emirates stadium, the Centre Court at Wimbledon, the Channel Tunnel Rail Link and Bluewater Shopping Centre. The company also provides the infrastructure to support efficient operation of essential public amenities, such as hospitals, schools, libraries, retail developments and pumping stations, as well as high quality residential properties and commercial office buildings. As part of Saint-Gobain’s focus on the area of London and the South East of England, the company has set up a permanent exhibition called the Saint-Gobain Innovation Centre. Located in London Docklands, the centre showcases the company’s expertise and range of products relevant for the varied projects in the capital, and provides a venue for the company’s staff to discuss products and services with architects, contractors and engineers.

Hobas – Austria info@hobas.com www.hobas.com

Saint-Gobain Pipelines – UK sales.uk.pipelines@saint-gobain.com • www.saint-gobain-pipelines.co.uk

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Tube Products International January 2009

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