River locks in Trier, Germany | 2018

Upgrading Moselle Locks with Second Chamber

Since the completion of the first construction phase in 1964, the Moselle has been used as a major European waterway. After further expansion stages, it can be navigated by ships and barges up to 135 m and 172 m in length respectively, with a width of 11.45 m, from the French town of Neuves-Maison to Koblenz, as a Class V-b waterway. 

However, the existing locks are no longer up-to-date in their dimensions and cause waiting times for lock passages. In addition, the transportation of goods shares the route with abundant tourist excursion boats. Therefore, the locks are now being gradually equipped with a second lock chamber, with standard dimensions of 210 m x 12.5 m.

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Ausbau der Mosel Schleusen
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The locks in Zeltingen and Fankel have already been expanded and are in operation. The Trier lock was one of the first to be completed as part of the earlier Moselle expansion. Age and traffic volume were decisive factors in the decision to undertake the construction of a second lock chamber.

The overall construction project includes expanding the upper and lower forecourts to a length of 225 m, relocating the Trier water gauge, building a control center for the lock facilities in Zeltingen, Wintrich, Detzem, and Trier, as well as an ecological compensation measure at the Monaise marina.

For the construction of the circular cell, a guiding framework is necessary. The beams are set into pre-drilled holes and connected with curved steel elements. Subsequently, the flat planks are positioned, fixed to the guide, and once the cell is closed, ramming can begin to reach the final depth. To expedite the work, the planks are partially joined together on-site to form double planks. After the end of the construction project, the cell can be dismantled.

The circular cell will be dismantled after the completion of the lock construction. Due to the geological structure, pre-drilling is required for sheet pile work in some areas. The foot of the sheet pile must be embedded in conglomerate layers or low to medium strength layers of clay and siltstone.

The upper forebay is built with a single anchored PU 22 sheet pile wall. As a special feature, the planks of the middle jetty are factory-armoured and delivered. A curved sheet of the same wall thickness as the sheet pile profile is welded to the pressed double plank in such a way that the trough is closed after ramming, and the sheet pile is not excessively damaged in the event of a ship impact. The cavity is systematically filled with sand or other material. 

The completion of the structure is scheduled for 2019. The construction costs are estimated at around 40 million euros.