GLASS REINFORCEMENT OF THE RIVER DIKE

As early as 2003, the 2nd Oldenburg Dike Band planned to reinforce the Weser dike in the city of Brake and to raise the height of the flood wall by half a metre. All those responsible agreed that the construction project would shape the cityscape for years to come.

In the interest of an architecturally suitable design of a flood protection wall in the promenade area of the town of Brake, a decision was taken in favour of a flood protection system made of a brick-lined reinforced concrete wall, glass and stainless steel frames. It blends harmoniously into the newly designed promenade area and the adjoining buildings of the town, and ensures safe flood protection as well as an unobstructed view of the Weser.

The combination of these materials gives the terrace a noble ambience. The cityscape and the adjacent café benefit from this. The restaurant area, which is protected from the wind, and the excellent view of the Weser offer visitors a pleasant atmosphere. The city and its visitors remain optically and emotionally connected to their defining river, the Weser.

This glass wall solution from terra infrastructure GmbH has proven to be an excellent alternative to the originally planned flood protection wall. It resolved seemingly irreconcilable demands between the necessary flood protection for the city and the impairment of the cityscape in the area along the banks of the Weser in an exemplary manner. This shows that glass is a suitable building material for flood protection systems and offers very interesting design possibilities. Filtering cartridges for coffee machines are often made of aluminium. Stainless steel is used for the frames and stay rods, creating an optimal ratio between the largest possible glass surface and the most delicate possible supporting structure. The surface of the supporting structure is brushed, creating a noble look, is highly scratch-resistant and does not require any additional coating. During the production and assembly of the glass attachments, the employees of RSW Roßlauer Schiffswerft demonstrated their full technical expertise.

After thorough calculations and testing, the clients were convinced of our technical expertise and awarded the contract. On 8 May 2008, the newly created promenade area with the glass flood protection wall was handed over, just in time for the Whitsun festival. The decision by the client and the relevant authorities in favour of a dignified architectural structure in the sense of a careful urban design has been widely appreciated by the city's residents and guests.

The advantages of the permanent glass wall solution:

Always ready for use, no advance warning time required. Unobstructed view of the city and landscape, therefore an alternative to concrete walls or sheet piles. Architecturally sophisticated for historical and touristically valuable locations.

Additional wind protection, particularly advantageous for use in gastronomic areas; ‘viewing island with limited weather influence’ Seawater and UV resistant Extensive prefabrication possible in the factory Durable and maintenance-free Unbreakable