The Gigerwald project, which began in April 2022, required maximum precision and tightly organized time management. Our piping specialists at Josef Muff AG were faced with a demanding challenge in raising the bottom outlet and the headrace at the Gigerwald dam.
The installation of the DN 600 and DN 1000 dewatering pipes was a particularly challenging task for our highly specialized team. After dismantling the DN 600 bypass, our Josef Muff AG specialists had an extremely tight time window of just 24 hours to install these critical components. Detailed planning and flawless implementation were essential for mastering this time challenge.
The installation process included:
Two temporary bypass pipes DN 600 and DN 1000
Four solid steel pipes with a diameter of 3500 mm for the new bottom outlet
The precise coordination and efficient use of the approximately 2800 working hours of the overall project were decisive for the success of this project. Our installation team of 5 specialists worked hand in hand with skilled workers from Marti AG under great time pressure, demonstrating the highest level of professionalism and technical expertise.
Complexity and precision
The interface between the 1000 mm bypass and the second 3500 mm pipe posed a particular technical challenge. This connection required maximum precision both in production and during assembly on site. The engineers and measurement technicians from Marti AG and our fitters were responsible for making the connection precisely to ensure the integrity and functionality of the entire system.
Josef Muff AG was confronted with challenging working conditions during the work on the Gigerwald dam. Extreme winter conditions and narrow access roads made logistics difficult, so a shift operation was set up to keep to the tight schedule. Special safety measures were taken in the alpine terrain. Despite the complex conditions, a tight schedule had to be adhered to, which underlines the expertise of Muff AG.
In conclusion, it can be said that the renovation of the Gigerwald dam is a prime example of how complex challenges in the hydropower sector can be successfully overcome. Josef Muff AG, in collaboration with Marti AG, Lombardi SA and Axpo or Kraftwerke Sarganserland AG, demonstrated its expertise and adaptability through the use of technical solutions. These progressive approaches were decisive in ensuring the high quality and efficiency standards under the demanding conditions on site.
