From Copenhagen to Hong Kong – practical experience with rotary vibration drilling technology
The latest developments in foundation engineering highlight the growing demand for effective, low-impact, and high-performance drilling technologies. The presentation will discuss Vibrodrill technology – a rotary-vibration drilling drive developed by Terra Infrastructure (formerly thyssenkrupp), currently considered one of the most important technological innovations in the field of deep foundation engineering.
Vibrodrill combines controlled torque with superimposed vertical vibrations, which translates into better soil penetration, lower drilling resistance, and greater tool stability compared to conventional rotary drilling drives. The speaker will compare different drilling drive concepts – purely rotary, with an upper hammer system, and vibration-assisted – in terms of drilling performance, energy efficiency, tool-soil interaction, and operational limitations. Great emphasis will be placed on practical experience gained in international infrastructure projects.
Case studies will include the construction of the Nordhavns tunnel in Copenhagen and extensive foundation work in Hong Kong and Italy, demonstrating the effectiveness of Vibrodrill technology in diverse soil and rock conditions. The project data presented will illustrate measurable benefits such as increased work efficiency, reduced tool wear, lower noise levels, and reduced vibration transmission to the environment, as well as greater reliability of implementation.
Developed and manufactured in Germany, Vibrodrill is an example of “Made in Germany” engineering in international applications. Its integration with carrier machines from many global manufacturers, including Casagrande, Comacchio, Hütte, HD, Klemm, Marini, Beretta, CZM, and MAIT, confirms the versatility of the solution and its growing acceptance in the global foundation market.
The presentation will conclude with a discussion of the potential directions for the development of vibration-assisted drilling and its role in responding to the technical and environmental challenges of contemporary geotechnical projects.
Sales Manager at Terra Infrastructure GmbH in the International Sales Drilling Technology department. Graduate of the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW) in Mosbach (2014).