Product:
FRIAFIT
The Challenge
Events such as the flood disaster in the Ahr valley show that global warming and the resulting climate change are real and can be seen and experienced in a very tangible way. It is clear to all social actors that there is an urgent need for action. Sustainability is therefore not a fashion, but a necessary requirement that is gaining in importance worldwide in view of the climate crisis. Back in 2017, the United Nations (UN) formulated 17 goals for sustainable development to be achieved by 2030. Local authorities and industry are therefore called upon to act.
The climate protection housing estate in the Sennestadt district of Bielefeld is an exemplary example of how sustainability has been implemented by those involved. The estate is part of the "100 climate protection estates in North Rhine-Westphalia" project. The aim is to reduce heat-related CO2 emissions in housing estates. Climate-friendly urban development is primarily characterized by low energy consumption and CO2 savings. The remaining energy is generated from renewable sources and as locally as possible. A geothermal, cold local heating network, photovoltaics and external insulation of the facades make a decisive contribution here. However, the underground infrastructure also has to meet high sustainability standards.
The project at a glance:
- Measure: Sustainable solutions for climate protection housing estate
- Construction site: Bielefeld district of Sennestadt
- Client: Sennestadt GmbH
- Building contractor: STRABAG AG East Westphalia division, Lemgo
- Construction site support: Aliaxis Deutschland GmbH
- Products: FRIAFIT sockets AM, manhole connection ASF/AEM, wastewater saddle ASA TL, FRIATOOLS fusion and peeling equipment
The Solution
The client, the non-profit Sennestadt GmbH, attaches particular importance to a sustainable solution for the drainage of the area. This poses challenges that are not exactly commonplace: The groundwater level in the development area is around two meters below ground level, which means that the sewer is located in the groundwater in places. In addition, the new development borders directly on a water protection zone. The entire rainwater drainage of the area is completely infiltrated via troughs and channels. On the one hand, this is intended to achieve a retention effect during heavy rainfall and, on the other hand, the rainwater will be fed directly into the groundwater. In consultation with the planning engineering firm Röver, Sennestadt GmbH and the environmental services of the city of Bielefeld opted for a homogeneously fused drainage system made of polyethylene (PE). The reason: a fused, permanently tight wastewater system means that groundwater cannot enter the sewer system (infiltration), nor can wastewater from the sewer disrupt the rainwater infiltration process/groundwater (exfiltration).
The Realisation
From March to June 2021, a total of around 1.3 kilometers of main and supply pipes will be laid to create the wastewater sewer system, including the house connections. Normally, the seals are a weak point when connecting pipes and sockets. With FRIAFIT fittings from Aliaxis, the electrofusion process is used: this creates a particularly homogeneous and inseparable connection between pipe and socket. All fusionwork (pipe connections, fittings, connecting elements) is carried out by specially trained STRABAG Lemgo personnel. STRABAG is also responsible for the construction of the manholes and the sewer construction with trenches and excavations
The Conclusion
Everyone involved is highly satisfied. Sennestadt GmbH has also met its ambitious goals in terms of climate protection and sustainability for the sewer system. Groundwater protection close to the water protection area is ensured, and the long service life and subsequent recyclability of the material are convincing across the board. The STRABAG Lemgo team is delighted to play its part in the realization of the climate protection settlement
