Elastic foundation bearing of the Steigs power station

Effective vibration isolation for the hydroelectric power station

Since mid-2014, the Steigs hydroelectric power station in Mels has been supplying enough hydroelectric power to satisfy the annual needs of 3500 homes. The construction of the new underground power station building posed particular challenges to the owner, as hydroelectric power plants generate vibrations and subsequently sound radiation.

The challenges

Meeting various conditions for protecting two immediately adjacent family homes – as well as a planned residential complex on the former power station site.
All the buildings share the same rocky subsoil, which favours the transfer of vibrations.

The Getzner solution

To protect the power station and the neighbouring homes against vibration, the entire power plant foundation block, floor and side surfaces were fully elastically decoupled using Sylomer®. Around 170 square metres of different Sylomer® types, 25 mm thick were used as the bearing.

The materials were chosen on the basis of the specific loads, resulting from the foundation and the generator. The maximum permissible foundation movement around the pressure line was also a decisive factor in the choice of materials.

Special features

Vibration isolation protects the hydroelectric power plant and nearby residential buildings from vibrations
Residents no longer feel vibrations or noise
Measurements taken afterwards confirm the excellent impact of the Sylomer® bearings and compliance with the required limit values

„The collaboration with Getzner went really smoothly. The technical support and consultation services provided were always prompt and highly proficient. The installation of the Sylomer® bearing was supervised and analysed by experienced Getzner employees.“

Tobias Rüesch, Rüesch Engineering AG