Modernisation and repair of three locks (Neckargemünd, Hirschhorn and Obertürkheim, Neckar)

The three locks of Neckargemünd, Hirschhorn and Obertürkheim are located on the river Neckar; they were constructed between 1931 and 1959 as twin locks in solid construction with a usable length of approx. 105 m and a chamber width of 12 m. In the course of the development of the river Neckar for 135 m-long vessels, one chamber on each of the locks was to be extended. In order to ensure safe operation of the locks during the modification work for the chamber extension, the lock chamber not to be extended had to be repaired and modernised, in each case, before implementation of the planned extension.

IRS planned the new construction of the gates and the hydro-mechanical equipment for the repair/modernisation of the three Neckar locks. A particular challenge here was the consideration of the existing structure, the standardisation of the gate and emptying systems, which were also considered in the course of a variant study, as well as the restricted space available for drive units and gate bearings.

The engineering services were performed by IRS in a joint venture with KREBS+KIEFER Karlsruhe.

Scope of planning:
- Variant study for the gate structures
- Planning of head and tail gate (mitre gate with filling flaps) including equipment and mounted parts
- Planning of ice prevention equipment (air bubble installations)
- Planning of anti-collision cables (with hydraulic drive unit)
- Planning of chamber inspection gates including mobile walkways

Project planning
Structural planning
Refurbishment

 

 

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