Little Helpers, Big Remediation Results Adapted from Information by BAUER AG Using many gigabytes of data, Friedrich Leifheit, site manager at the Bauer Umwelt division, creates images on his tablet that look like surreal works of art. These images are actually used to make a digital site model of the grounds of former gas works in Arnstadt, Germany. The grounds now contain nothing but piles of debris and the ruins of buildings. All other traces of an industrial history spanning over 70 years have already disappeared, except for environmentally hazardous materials such as tar, heavy metals, phenols, and hydrogen sulfide compounds still lurking deep underground. The Bauer Umwelt division of BAUER Resources GmbH, in collaboration with BAUER Spezialtiefbau GmbH was tasked with soil remediation of the site, including the construction of an excavation pit and groundwater treatment. Digital surveying of the site spanning more than two acres began by using a drone and rover rod. During its flight, the drone took hundreds of high-resolution images where objects can be distinguished down to fractions of an inch. The rover rod also enabled precise surveying to rapidly determine the cubic volume of debris, excavation pit volumes, and changes to the site. Using the images collected, 3D data were generated after the digital collection phase, then transferred to a digital site model. The result is true-to-scale, realistic photo representations of the entire site including fine details. Holger Kaiser, manager for building information modeling (BIM) and digitalization at BAUER Resources GmbH said, “The more precise and detailed data we have about a site’s condition, the more precisely the quantities can be calculated, and therefore also the expenditure required for a construction project. These little digital helpers make it possible, and also save us a lot of time.” Surveying work was followed by gradual excavation of three pits to a depth of approximately 11½ feet. In the process, more than 11,900 cubic yards of material were removed and disposed of, including approximately 16,000 tons of polluted soil and construction debris, as well as roughly 500 tons of soft tar. The foundations encountered were recorded in 3D on a tablet using surveying software, then forwarded to the BIM department at BAUER Resources to calculate volumes. After construction of the largest excavation pits, replacement boring was carried out with a diameter of nearly six feet to depths of almost 23 feet to remove the tar hotspot. For processing, the excavated soil was transported to the soil treatment center of the Bauer Umwelt division in Bleicherode. Polluted dripping water from the drilling process was treated using the established groundwater treatment system. Work will be concluded with construction of the last excavation pit followed by earthworks. This project is an example of a classic rehabilitation project characterized by an ambitious use of digital tools. Along with drones, rover rods, and tablets, the BAUER team also relied on digital tools for site documentation. Rather than using pens, paper, and cameras, the BAUER team recorded all relevant data, including tasks completed, personnel and equipment deployed, site images, and quality-related information using a construction diary web application. Using this approach, all construction diaries for the site were automatically collected and compiled. Leifheit said, “In this way, we can identify construction progress at a glance, review the work that has been performed, and adopt countermeasures or adjust the schedule in case of deviations. In addition, this information is available for all parties involved, around the clock, and from any location. This greatly facilitates and improves communication on the site.” 7 NOVEMBER 2021 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Atlantis Vault • Self-Contained • Self Con • Simple installation • Trouble-free operation For more information call: (270) 786-3010 or visit us online: www.geothermalsupply.com The Bauer team relied on a digital construction diary for site documentation. More than 11,900 cubic yards of material were removed and disposed of. ENV
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