Waterproofing of the headrace at the power station

Situation

As part of the construction of the new Ritzersdorf power station in Styria, the construction of a new headrace was required for its water supply. An asphalt or concrete seal was out of the question from a technical and safety perspective. In the past, supply channels sealed in this way had shown significant drawbacks. Firstly, animals frequently fell into these channels and were unable to free themselves. This was to be avoided at all costs in Ritzersdorf. Secondly, the susceptibility to settlement and the resulting risk of cracking, as well as the technically complex and expensive construction process, argued against an asphalt or concrete seal.

Solution

A geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) was installed as the first layer. A geotextile was then laid on top of this. The GCL ensures reliable sealing and the geotextile provides the necessary protection for the seal. The channel sealing is relatively insensitive to settlement, blends in well with the landscape and is cost-effective. Another key advantage is the speed of installation. The construction project was completed in just over six months. This included the installation of the waterproofing, the connection to various concrete and bridge structures, as well as the application of fill and coarse gravel.

Advantages

• Fewer hazards for people and animals
• No slippery surfaces in the canal allow for continuous access point
• Rapid construction in just six months
• Cost-effective construction metho
• Resistance to settlement