Liebherr drilling technology supports alpine dam foundation works

Deep foundation equipment enables precise piling and transport in constrained high-altitude conditions for reservoir expansion.  www.liebherr.com Hydropower infrastructure, dam construction, and deep foundation engineering in alpine environments require robust drilling systems capable of operating under logistical and geological constraints. In this context, Liebherr provides drilling and lifting equipment to support the height increase of the Wurtenspeicher reservoir dam, a key component of the Fragant power plant group in Austria. The project aims to increase the reservoir’s storage capacity from 2.7 to 5 million cubic metres by raising the dam height by 7 metres and expanding the structure. This upgrade supports more flexible and efficient energy management, particularly in hydropower systems where storage capacity directly impacts operational responsiveness. Alpine logistics and transport constraints The construction site, located at approximately 1,700 metres above sea level, presents significant logistical challenges. Narrow access roads and confined tunnel sections limit the transport of heavy machinery. To address this, the LB 45 drilling rig is equipped with a folding leader, allowing the machine’s transport length to be reduced. This feature enables navigation through tight bends and restricted access routes, making it suitable for deployment in mountainous terrain. Precision drilling in demanding geological conditions Deep foundation work is being carried out using the Kelly drilling method, with bore depths ranging from 2.7 to 22.5 metres and diameters of 1,200 mm. In total, approximately 2,800 metres of bored piles are being installed. The secant pile wall, consisting of 167 piles, forms a sealing structure that anchors into bedrock across the dam foundation. The geological conditions include highly abrasive materials and high-strength rock, requiring precise control of drilling parameters. Construction tolerances are strict, with a maximum deviation of 1% for the pile wall alignment. The LB 45 drilling rig delivers a maximum torque of 450 kNm and supports multiple piling methods, including Kelly drilling, continuous flight auger drilling, and double rotary drilling. With an optional lattice mast extension, drilling depths can reach up to 37 metres, allowing flexibility for deeper or more complex applications. Additional features such as overload protection on the Kelly winch and rope length measurement on the auxiliary winch support safe and accurate operation, particularly during reinforcement cage installation. Lifting operations and site coordination For lifting tasks, a Liebherr HS 8070 HD duty cycle crawler crane is deployed on-site. This equipment supports material handling and installation processes required for deep foundation work in constrained environments. Project timeline and environmental constraints Deep foundation works began in 2025 and are scheduled for completion within the year. Due to the high-altitude location, construction timelines must account for variable weather conditions and early winter onset, requiring precise planning and execution. The deployment of adaptable drilling and lifting systems demonstrates how specialized equipment can address both logistical and geological challenges in alpine dam construction, supporting efficient execution of complex infrastructure upgrades. Edited by Natania Lyngdoh, Induportals Editor — Adapted by AI. www.liebherr.com Powered by Induportals Media Publishing