Circular economy thanks to semi-mobile gravel plant
Apart from its sheer complexity, one of the most impressive features of the “Waldenburgerbahn” project is the regional solution it is using to create a closed material cycle. In Nuglar (BL), close to the construction site, a plant has been set up to prepare materials for three projects: the Liestal four track expansion, the Waldenburgerbahn and Dreispitz Basel. It’s a great practical example of how a closed material cycle can be achieved.
RECYCLING MATERIALS LOCALLY
Implenia has invested more than CHF 3 million in the semi-mobile gravel plant, which can be dismantled when the projects are finished and used again at another location. Excavated material is delivered to the plant, where it is washed and graded into different sizes. Around 90% of the material is prepared in this way and then returned to the same construction site for re-use as standardised aggregate.
This circular economy concept showcases Implenia’s competence in sustainability-related matters. By recycling building materials, the company uses fewer resources, as well as cutting CO2 emissions by reducing the number of truck journeys. The volume of excavated material that has to be deposited is also significantly reduced, as is the cost of materials.
Sustainability
Suitable material excavated during the earthworks is turned into certified type UG 0/45 gravel mix at the gravel works in Nuglar, and then re-used at the construction site in Niederdorf or the four-track expansion site in Liestal. This reduces landfill volume, materials transport and primary material consumption.
Challenges
The biggest challenge is posed by the logistics at the construction site, which is hemmed in between the houses of Niederdorf, between Kantonstrasse and the Frenke River – a challenge made even tougher by the strict timetable.
