Outstanding design perfectly implemented
Glattalbahn: Infrastructure for a growth region
A light rail system for the Glattal
Good design promotes identification
In 2004 the local transport authority Verkehrsbetriebe Glattal (VBG) invited tenders for the railway technology services of the Glattalbahn in accordance with the WTO - one of the significant infrastructure projects in Switzerland. BURRI Public Elements was awarded the contract as full-service general contractor for the RSI railway stop infrastructure. This mandate comprises development, planning and project work as well as the design, manufacture and installation of all RSI elements: waiting areas with technical equipment, railway stop and bridge railings, security fencing, bicycle stands and toilets. A total of 44 stops with 45m platforms have been produced . As the project progressed using prototypes, the technical aspects were not the only factors to be considered - co-operation with numerous specialists, all user groups, conservation bodies and disabled associations was also of great importance.
Special mountings of steel plates weighing 750kg without visible bolts, special powder coating, IP65 roof/railing tube lights with 45,000 lighting hours irrespective of length, transparent rear glass panels for protection against birds, roof glass with silk screening for transparency and solar protection, multi-functional railway stop/ bridge railings with optimum potential equalization. For the benefit of disabled persons and optimum maintenance, ticket machines, loudspeakers, flat BURRI information and light boxes, electrical and communication cabinets, swing-out waste bins, underground vent pipes, drainage etc. were integrated flush with the walls.
Your contact person
Andreas von Euw
Realisation / Mobility & Public Transport
Send email to Andreas von EuwMaking of
Competencies deployed in development:
Dependability for all user groups
Complies with guidelines of the Swiss Equality for Disabled Persons Act
Besides compliance with the railway-technical standards and safety aspects, the usability for all user groups was of top priority for the planners. Thus, upon completion, the Glattalbahn shall be the first railway system in the Zurich Public Transport Network whose entire infrastructure widely complies with the guidelines of the Swiss Equality for Disabled Persons Act. With regard to the platforms and stops, this already applies upon opening of the first phase. The close co-operation with the BÖV (Swiss Specialist Department for Disabled Persons and Public Transport) resulted in new solutions. Level-free crossings between platform and vehicles are achieved in the course of the regular replacement of rolling stock with the VBZ (local transport authorities Zurich).
Overall plan with regard to urban development
Perfect collaboration of client, architects and planners
The architect Kai Flender has designed the "central theme" with all elements for the Glattalbahn and accompanies the project as an expert. The architect and town planner Rainer Klostermann is responsible for the entire overall management regarding the design and the issues with regard to urban development. BURRI public elements is supported by the sub-project manager RSI Richard Angst, Ernst Basler & Partner. Purchaser of the Glattalbahn are the local transport authority VBG and the Zurich Transport Network ZVV, respectively. It represents the canton of Zurich and realises its duties and responsibilities as awarding authority. The site management of the individual track sections rests with the Civil Engineering Office of the canton of Zurich as well as the Civil Engineering Office of the city of Zurich.
Holistic design with intelligent details
Usability and ideal lifecycle costs LCC
Special mountings of steel plates weighing 750kg without visible bolts, special powder coating, roof/railing tube lights IP65 with 45,000 lighting hours irrespective of length, transparent rear panel glass for bird protection, roof glass with silk screen for transparency and sun protection, multi-functional railway stop/ bridge railing with optimum potential equalisation. - For the benefit of disabled persons and optimum maintenance, ticket machines, loudspeakers, flat BURRI information and light boxes, electrical and communication cabinets, swing-out waste bins, underground vent pipes, drainage etc. were integrated flush against the shear walls.
Efficient development and implementation within the team
Experience, professional competence and application of system solutions
The close collaboration with designers and architects is traditional in our company. Therefore BURRI efficiently implements even demanding specifications with its own development and design department. The comprehensive know how in the field of public elements and the numerous in-house system solutions and products save costs. A highly efficient on-site production, the internationally geared purchasing and professional installation teams increase the flexibility and guarantee adherence to schedules. In this way BURRI controls the entire value stream from planning to installation as the full-service general contractor.
Cost minimisation for the client
Full-service general contractor from the development through to maintenance and upkeep
An investment such as the Glattalbahn must pay off in the long term for the public budgets as well. Therefore, the same way as the client, BURRI Public Elements costs out using the so-called Life Cycle Costs, the total expenditure for building and production as well as repairs and upkeep during use. An example: a special powder coating with long-term anti-graffiti protection was used for all surfaces. With such measures for the design and choice of material, BURRI ensures that unnecessary follow-up costs regarding maintenance and upkeep are prevented. As BURRI also executes the maintenance for the first phase of the Glattalbahn, the costs remain completely manageable for the operator.
