EXTENSION OF THE TRAM NETWORK

THE PROJECT AND ITS REQUIREMENT

As part of the ‘Binger Straße’ construction project in Mainz, a new dual-track railway line is under construction. This will help to ease traffic congestion around the main station and make public transport more climate-friendly and attractive in the future. The new track, around 300 metres long, connects existing tracks
with those leading to the main station and runs right next to the residential area requiring protection. Measurements showed that vibration and structure-borne noise emissions would affect neighbouring buildings and the well-being of local residents, requiring the implementation of structural engineering measures.

THE SOLUTION

To counteract the vibrations effectively and significantly reduce them outside the track structure, the installation of a full surface supported mass-spring system with a tuning frequency of f ≤ 20 Hz was recommended and planned. The Calenberg USM Type 2020 was used as the main elastic horizontal bearing of the
mass-spring system for this project, covering an area of around 1400 m². The transition area, with a total surface of approx. 300 m², was supported by the USM Type 2030 system. Calenberg’s track bed mats are made from premium-grade, robust elastomers and meet the required specifications for decoupling the track structure, effectively achieving the required protection target.

Crossing utility lines, as well as sewer manholes and water inlets within the track bed, presented a further challenge during construction. Cisador 35 from Calenberg was used as the elastic element for the insulation of these installations.