At the end of the semester, students enrolled in the “Geotechnical Engineering 3” module of the Master’s program in Civil Engineering—Existing Structures organized a geotechnical engineering forum. Three geotechnical engineering experts were invited to provide expert input for the forum.
Dr.-Ing. Alexandra Weidle kicked off the presentations with an overview of regional soil and groundwater conditions. Using the geotechnical and thermal findings derived from experience over the past years as a guide, the presentation addressed the construction of the Messeturm, the S-Bahn tunnel to Ostend, and the development of the PalaisQuartier in Frankfurt am Main. A practical connection to the PalaisQuartier was established regarding the use of energy piles.
The subsequent presentation by Dr.-Ing. Sebastian Fischer began by providing a fundamental overview of the history of high-rise construction in Frankfurt am Main. He then described the role of the engineering firm Prof. Dr.-Ing. Katzenbach GmbH in the geotechnical optimization and quality assurance of the design during the sizing of the pile foundation for the Elbtower. The Elbtower was founded in a disturbed zone, the so-called geological trough. To design the foundation, detailed site investigations and pile load tests had to be conducted. During the presentation, the methodology—including numerical models, measured values, and the sensitivity analyses employed—was discussed in greater detail.
The final presentation by Mr. Tilman Schade focused on the complex calculation of support pressure and its practical application to the mechanized tunnel boring for the U5 line in Frankfurt. Based on DIN 4085, the calculation of the minimum (to prevent settlement) and maximum (to prevent uplift) support pressures was presented. As an alternative to the support pressure calculation, the Stability Ratio Method (SRM) was presented, which was used in the design of the north tunnel. A prerequisite for its application is the presence of undrained clay. Finally, the inner-city challenges of connecting to the existing line were illustrated, including ground freezing, the formation of a pipe shield, and the difficulties of working under compressed air.
Following the presentations, the students engaged in discussion with the speakers. The Geotechnical Forum was organized with the aim of fostering knowledge exchange and networking. The event was supported by the Rhineland-Palatinate Chamber of Engineers.
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