Foundations, ducts, soil remediation
Removal of underground structures and infrastructure: machine foundations, furnace foundations, cooling water ducts, containment basins, pits and contaminated soil layers. Including soil replacement, compaction and site profiling.
Foundations, ducts, soil remediation
When is this service relevant?
Industrial foundations are not standard components. Furnace foundations carry loads of several hundred tonnes, consist of high-strength reinforced concrete and extend up to 4 metres into the ground. Cooling water ducts, cable trenches and containment basins run through industrial sites as an invisible network.
SBS knows these structures from furnace construction: anyone who dimensions and builds foundations for high-temperature furnaces understands their reinforcement, cast-in components and foundation depth. This knowledge is decisive during dismantling — for the choice of demolition method, the assessment of the load-bearing structure and the avoidance of damage to the subsoil.
A particular challenge in industrial civil engineering is contaminated soil beneath production areas. Decades of use leave behind mineral oil contamination, heavy metal inputs and legacy chemical contamination, which must be assessed analytically and disposed of properly before the soil is replaced.
At a glance
- Research into services and utility line enquiries before excavation work
- Ground investigation report for deep foundations and high groundwater levels
- Soil sampling in accordance with LAGA PN 98 where contamination is suspected
- Shoring measures (sheet piling, Berlin-type shoring) for deep pits
- Dewatering for work close to the groundwater table
- Compaction verification in accordance with ZTV E-StB when backfilling
How we work on Foundations, ducts, soil remediation
Proven methods and specialised equipment for optimal results.
Demolition hammer & concrete crusher
Hydraulic demolition hammers and concrete pulverisers mounted on an excavator for the controlled demolition of massive reinforced concrete foundations. Cutting of the reinforcement with excavator-mounted shears.
Soil replacement
Excavation of contaminated soil layers and replacement with certified backfill material. Placement and compaction in layers in accordance with ZTV E-StB. Soil analysis determines the excavation depth.
Compaction & Proctor
Layer-by-layer compaction of the backfill material with a single-drum roller or vibrating plate. Compaction control by means of the plate load test (DIN 18134) or the dynamic plate load test.
Backfilling & site modelling
Backfilling of the excavation with suitable material. Site profiling to the client's specifications. Surface left development-ready or prepared for new construction.
Step by step to the result
Structured, transparent and on schedule — this is how we work.
Investigation & planning
Survey of the underground structures: foundations, ducts, service lines, pits. Utility line enquiries with the service providers.
Evaluation of as-built drawings and ground investigation reports, and ground-penetrating radar surveys where applicable. Where contamination is suspected: soil samples in accordance with LAGA PN 98.
Exposure & shoring
Excavation down to the top of the foundation. Installation of shoring measures for deep pits and adjacent buildings.
Sheet pile shoring, Berlin-type shoring or benched slopes depending on depth and the space available. Dewatering where required.
Foundation demolition
Breaking up of the foundation with a hydraulic hammer and concrete crusher. Separation and separate collection of the reinforcing steel.
The concrete is processed on site with a mobile crushing plant or removed as construction rubble (AVV 17 01 01). Reinforcing steel is handled as scrap metal (AVV 17 04 05).
Soil remediation (where contamination is present)
Excavation of contaminated soil layers. Analysis determines the excavation depth and the disposal route (LAGA Z classes).
Sampling of the base and walls of the excavation. Disposal in accordance with the AVV: Z0/Z1 recoverable, Z2 restricted, above Z2 landfill or soil treatment. Documentation for the contaminated land register.
Backfilling & compaction
Layer-by-layer placement of backfill material (RC material or gravel). Compaction in accordance with ZTV E-StB. Compaction verification.
Layer thickness max. 30 cm per layer. Degree of compaction Ev2 ≥ 45 MN/m² for trafficable areas, Ev2 ≥ 80 MN/m² for new construction. Plate load test as verification.
Material flows in Foundations, ducts, soil remediation
Proper separation, recovery and disposal of all resulting materials.
Concrete demolition material (unreinforced and reinforced)
AVV 17 01 01Reinforced concrete foundations, floor slabs and ducts. After processing, usable as RC material in road and pavement construction.
Reinforcing steel
AVV 17 04 05Reinforcing steel (B500) from foundations and floor slabs. Magnetic separation during mechanical processing.
Excavated soil (uncontaminated)
AVV 17 05 04Uncontaminated soil and stones. Recovery in accordance with LAGA M20 as backfill material or in landscaping.
Contaminated excavated soil
AVV 17 05 03*Soil contaminated with mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH), heavy metals or PAHs. The LAGA Z class determines the disposal route.
When is this service relevant?
Typical situations in which Foundations, ducts, soil remediation is used.
Removal of heavy machine foundations and furnace foundations
Removal of underground ducts and service lines
Soil remediation in the case of mineral oil or heavy metal contamination
Preparing industrial sites for new construction
Removal of containment basins and pits
Site modelling following building demolition
Frequently asked questions
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