The initial construction work, a turnkey excavation pit for the new exhibition hall, is being undertaken by the joint venture Baugrube Messehalle 5, which consists of Bauer Spezialtiefbau GmbH and Weimer GmbH.

Bauer's scope of works include construction of a cut-off wall with embedded precast reinforced concrete units, the installation of micro piles up to a depth of 30m, and of large-diameter bored piles with diameters from 900mm to 1,500mm down to a depth of 36m.

In addition, Bauer is executing a two-layered tie-back of the cut-off wall and is responsible for the dewatering system, implementation of the measuring concept, and the planning coordination.

"The works for construction of the overall excavation pit are being completed within a very short turnaround time of just 24 weeks," said Michael Moser, senior site manager at Bauer Spezialtiefbau. "We expect our work to be completed by the end of August." A KLEMM KR 806-3GS rig and a Bauer BG 46 are being used for this work.

The particular challenges of this project - apart from the short turnaround time - are the high excavation output in earthworks and coordination of the various trades involved in the project.

"At the beginning of the project, detailed coordination was required with the trades involved in demolition works of the old exhibition hall. Then, at the end of our works, we need to coordinate well with the trades involved in the shell construction, which will then have already started," Moser explained.

Currently, the project is progressing to the complete satisfaction of all parties, despite the coronavirus pandemic and the associated official requirements and restrictions.

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