Ground Stability in HafenCity Hamburg: A Secugrid® Solution

Where others sink, Hamburg remains stable

Hamburg’s HafenCity is one of the largest inner-city development projects in Europe. Covering an area of approximately 157 hectares, this pioneering urban district will offer new residential and commercial spaces. To ensure that main transport routes are safe against flooding – including Hongkongstraße –  parts of the former harbour area are being raised by over 3 metres.

The key challenge: the subsoil consists of soft clay and peat layers that are highly prone to subsidence. Using conventional construction methods, long-term settlements of up to 40cm would be expected – posing serious risks to the road, utility lines, and nearby historical quay warehouses, which are piled.

Reliable strength when the ground weakens

An innovative foundation concept met the demands of bearing capacity, settlement control, and cost-efficiency: a load transfer platform (LTP) reinforced with high-performance Secugrid® geogrids from Naue.

The core of the solution: Secugrid^® by Naue

• Naue Secugrid® 400/40 R6 and 200/40 R6 geogrids with exceptional tensile stiffness and robustness for reliable load transfer and optimum load distribution
• Crosswise installation with side wrapping – enabling precise installation even in confined construction environments
• Securely installed with defined overlaps and junctions – ensuring maximum durability and long-term performance

System structure

• Rigid inclusions by lime-treated ground improvement (Ø 0.6 m) at 2.3m x 2.5m spacing
• Geogrid-reinforced sand cushions in 15cm layers above the pile heads
• Load-bearing structure with arching effect between the geogrid and subsoil
• Instrumentation and monitoring to verify structural performance

Functional, stable, future-ready – tested in a metropolitan setting

Even with the construction of a deep excavation pit adjacent to the LTP, all deformations remained within acceptable limits. The residual settlements remain below the permissible limit values of a maximum of 5cm even under permanent pore water pressure alteration following the large tidal range of the nearby River Elbe – proof of the robust, conservative design. The stress distribution clearly shows the formation of a load-bearing arch that efficiently transfers loads to the columns and reduces pressure on the subsoil.

Why Naue Secugrid®?

Naue’s Secugrid® was deliberately selected – a geogrid combining high efficiency design strength with exceptional long-term stiffness, ideal for demanding foundation systems. In the space-constrained setting of HafenCity, Secugrid® proved its value with reliable performance, robustness, durability, ease of installation, and consistent function.

Conclusion:

With Naue Secugrid®, an innovative solution with scientific support was realised in Hongkongstraße that not only meets today’s requirements, but will also withstand future loads – and at the same time connects the highest level of technical safety with economical construction.

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