Liebherr concrete mixing plant operating at high altitude on the Eiger Glacier in Switzerland
A Liebherr Compactmix 1.0 is supplying the construction site for the “V-cableway” (or “V-Bahn”) project in the Swiss mountains with concrete. The project was a challenge both in terms of logistics and on-site operation.
The Grindelwald-Männlichen Gondola Cableway company and Jungfraubahn railway company are planning to build a V-cableway that will open up both the Eiger Glacier and the Männlichen (Bernese Alps). From a joint terminal in Grindelwald-Grund, a tri-cable aerial cableway will lead to the Eiger Glacier and a ten-seater aerial gondola cableway to Männlichen.
In addition, the new Rothenegg station will give the V-cableway a direct connection to public transport. In order to implement the project, the project managers at ARGE V-Bahn Oberland were looking for a mixing plant with special properties that could be transported by cable car.
Compactmix 1.0 ideally suited for the major V-cableway project in Grindelwald, Switzerland
At Liebherr they found what they were looking for: the Compactmix 1.0 A-R/ RIM-M is ideal for the job. Their compact design, system performance and pre-assembled, transport-optimised modules were decisive factors for the decision-makers.
Since the aerial cableway was not ready for operation by the specified assembly date, the plant components were transported to the construction site by 2-axle truck and dump truck. The plant itself was then built on the Eiger Glacier at an altitude of 2,340 m. For optimum mixing results, the plant is equipped with a ring-pan mixer with agitator system.
For concrete production at low temperatures, the plant is also fitted with a winterproof housing. The aggregates and cement are also delivered to the plant by aerial cableway and fed directly from the cable car into the series silo.
The clients as well as the contractors are Jungfraubahn AG and Männlichenbahn in Grindelwald. The total project volume is CHF 470 million. The opening is planned for the 2020/2021 winter season.