VTS helps build tunnels across the Danube

The VTS products are becoming increasingly international and its expertise in tracked mobile solutions is increasingly being used by leading large companies in Europe and beyond. This is once again demonstrated by the beautiful project that VTS executed with PERI. PERI is responsible for supplying the mobile tunnel mould for the construction of the new Danube bridge with access tunnels in Linz, Austria.

Normally, these moulds are moved on rails. This is possible because tunnels usually have one straight track. This project is different. The tunnels will have double cloverleaves, so to speak, that will serve as access ramps for the new Danube Bridge. In a later phase, 2 x 3.2 km long tunnels under the city will be added. Due to the narrow radius of the access ramps, moving with caterpillars was the only option.

VTS took up this challenge in cooperation with PERI. We chose to supply the tracks including the corresponding electro-hydraulic powerpack with a total power of 2 x 37KW to operate the steering cylinders and the drive motors. In addition, VTS is responsible for the remote-control control and the driver programme. The control of the machine is very precise; in the tunnel, the 150-tonne installation must be manoeuvred into place with a margin of a few centimetres. The moving is done daily with sections of 12 metres each. This project will take several years, after which the set can be used again in other projects for moving heavy loads.

When everything has been assembled and installed, VTS will perform a fine-tune of the control system on site.