Soil freezing – Gaining stability with ice

One unique method for temporary stabilization and sealing of the subsoil: soil freezing. With this method, pore water in the soil is frozen into ice by circulating liquid nitrogen or a saline solution. After it has been stabilized, the subsoil serves as the basis for the construction of load-bearing and impermeable structures – among others for tunnel construction. We would be happy to assist you with our specialist knowledge in the area of soil freezing.

Brine freezing

The brine used is a nearly 30 % solution of calcium chloride in water. It circulates at a temperature of approx. -30 °C to -38 °C in low-carbon steel pipes, which form a closed circuit with the freezing system. Under normal conditions, freezing a soil body takes around 20 to 30 days.

Nitrogen freezing

Liquid nitrogen is stored in isolated tanks at slight excess pressure and a temperature of -196 °C. The liquid nitrogen circulates through copper or stainless steel pipes and is converted into gas. Under normal conditions, freezing a soil body takes around five to eight days.

Üsküdar Metro Station, Istanbul, Turkey
Construction of 33 horizontal freeze pipes and twelve thermometer pipes using nitrogen freezing.

Download

Do you have any questions?

Then get in touch with us.

BAUER Spezialtiefbau GmbH
Head office
bst@bauer.de
+49 8252 97-0

You might also be interested in...

Competencies – Building without limits

Excavation pits, foundations, cut-off walls or soil improvement: Your expert for complex specialist foundation engineering projects. Contact us now and learn more!

Competencies – Building without limits
Future topics – Today, tomorrow and in days to come

Standing still is not an option for us. Because the journey towards a digital, innovative and sustainable future has only just begun. Together into the future.

Future topics – Today, tomorrow and in days to come
Press releases – What we move

Here you can find our latest press releases – everything at a glance. Sign up for the press distribution list now and make sure you don’t miss out on any news!

Press releases – What we move