The Elbe retaining weir consists of four sections and after 60 years in operation needed repair – work started on Weir Section 3

The Geesthacht Weir is located some 140 km upstream of the Elbe estuary. It consists of four weir sections, each with a clear width of 50 metres, a fixed overflow sill and two fish ladders. The weir forms the limit of the Elbe high-tide and is intended to maintain the water level in the upper reach of the Elbe at NHN + 4.00 metres and thus ensure it is accessible for shipping throughout the year. Since going into operation in 1960, the weir has sustained considerable damage, and this made fundamental maintenance necessary. Planning was based on a status analysis of the concrete and steel structures. The findings indicated that the concrete structure required basic maintenance and the steel sectors weirs replacement. The operation in the existing structure, necessary in order to thoroughly restore it to operability, offered an opportunity to rectify the deficiencies in the plant and eliminate risks. In the first construction phase, Weir Section 3 is being modernized, with the other sections to follow. A dry construction pit is needed in order to carry out the measure. At the same time, weir operations have to be maintained and the complex setting of the construction site managed.

ClientLauenburg Waterways and Shipping Office
Project dataExisting structure dating from 1960, 4 weir sections, each with a clear width of 50 metres
LocationGeesthacht
Project statusPlanning ongoing

Our services

  • Building inspection
  • Status analysis
  • Expert report
  • Project design
  • Structural design
  • Restoration planning
  • Use of BIM methods

Download the project description PDF

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