Demolition with KEMROC rotary drum cutters

Making Space for the new Exhibition Bridge in Leipzig

In Leipzig, the historical “Messebrücke” or Exhibition Bridge was replaced by a modern concrete structure. The support pillars of the old bridge have now been demolished. Specialists from STRABAG used two hydraulic excavators fitted with KEMROC rotary drum cutters to do the work. In this way, they avoided using breakers or shearers, and thus any possible damage to the new bridge from vibration. Work could also proceed safely, without any danger to nearby railway tracks and passing trains.

In Leipzig (Germany), a bridge for pedestrians and cyclists will soon be completed and once again connect the Alte Messe to the Wilhelm-Külz-Park with its famous VölkerschlachtDenkmal (Battle of the Nations Monument). The original bridge which passed over a fourtrack railway line was built in 1912. One hundred years later it had to be demolished since the upper structure couldn’t be renovated economically. Demolition of the bridge was completed in 2016 and the abutments by autumn 2019. The supporting pillars were left in place. They should hold the shoring while constructing the new bridge. Once the modern concrete replacement was built this year, it was time to remove the old supporting pillars. The main contractor, GLASS Ingenieurbau Leipzig GmbH subcontracted the work to the specialists of STRABAG AG, Leipzig Division. They were to face very difficult conditions as the railway lines were in very close proximity …