Driving Innovation: The Challenge of Installing 122-Meter Piles for Mjøsa Bridge in Norway

News published on July 13, 2024

Keller Geoteknikk, working alongside COWI, has made significant progress on a major infrastructure project in Mjøsa, Norway. The construction of a new bridge over Lake Mjøsa required an extraordinary trial piling operation, in which massive piles, each measuring 122 meters in length and weighing 100 tonnes, were driven 35-40 meters into the lake bed. This ambitious undertaking highlights both the scale of the project and the technical challenges of building on the lake’s submerged, often unpredictable, ground conditions.

The success of the trial piling was largely made possible by the use of IQIP’s Hydrohammer® S-350, a specialized hammer spread designed to provide high force and precision in demanding underwater environments. The Hydrohammer® S-350 was crucial in overcoming the complexities of driving such large and heavy piles, demonstrating its capabilities for handling massive loads and achieving the required depth in challenging conditions. This cutting-edge technology is a cornerstone of IQIP’s longstanding reputation in the industry for delivering effective piling solutions for large-scale projects worldwide.

This project in Norway is part of a broader context of ambitious bridge construction projects where IQIP’s technology has been instrumental. For instance, the construction of the Pelješac Bridge in Croatia, completed in 2019, stands as a prominent example of the company’s expertise. The Pelješac Bridge, which spans the Adriatic Sea, required the installation of a 130.6-meter long steel tubular pile weighing 260 tonnes and with a 2000 mm diameter. To drive this enormous pile, IQIP used the Hydrohammer® S-800, a larger, even more powerful variant of the technology employed in Mjøsa. This project was particularly challenging due to the deep waters and the large-scale foundations required to support the bridge’s immense structure. The successful installation of the piles for the Pelješac Bridge further cemented IQIP’s role as a leader in providing innovative piling solutions for some of the most challenging infrastructure projects globally.

The trial piling in Mjøsa will provide crucial data on the ground conditions beneath the lake, guiding the final decision between two potential bridge routes. IQIP’s expertise and cutting-edge equipment continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful execution of large-scale, high-stakes infrastructure projects around the world.

Mjosa Bridge Norway IQIP
Mjosa Bridge Norway IQIP 1

ABOUT IQIP

IQIP is the worldwide leading foundation and installation specialist. For over 40 years, we have been offering total solutions for construction projects in the Offshore Wind, Oil & Gas, and Civil markets, as well as Decommissioning. In addition to supplying innovative and high-quality equipment, we continuously invest in operating in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. With consultancy, engineering, production, and installation, IQIP provides reliable tailor-made solutions to optimize the operational efficiency of our customers and reduce project risks. Our combination of craftsmanship and passion makes IQIP a reliable partner in building a world for the next generation with the highest care for the environment.

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