Accessibility with System

Jena bus stops with ramps from Fisco GmbH

Accessibility with System
Jena records and forecasts a continuously increasing number of passengers in public transport. To make public transport usage even more attractive and efficient in the future, the city ordered the so-called Lichtbahn in 2021, which is to be deployed across the entire rail network from early 2023. Great emphasis was placed on interior space and multifunctional areas for various user groups, such as families with strollers, wheelchair users, and seniors with walking aids, in the vehicles from the manufacturer Stadler (Valencia). As a result, the new trams are significantly longer and also a few centimeters wider than the previously used ones, while maintaining the same track gauge of 1,000 mm. This made an adjustment of the stop infrastructure necessary. An important part of the project includes, for example, partial platform height increases. With the help of ramps, passengers with limited mobility (e.g., wheelchair users) can easily, quickly, and safely board and alight the Jena trams. The suitable system solution for this is provided by Fisco GmbH (Zusmarshausen).

Project profile

Object type
Public transport
Project size
67 ramps
Installed fastening materials
3000 fischer concrete screws
Material characteristics
very durable, electrically non-conductive and permanently resistant to corrosion and chemicals

The manufacturer of innovative fiber composite solutions in the construction sector developed a ramp system that is precisely tailored to the requirements of the project and client as well as the needs of the users. "Two different height differences between platform and tram of 30 mm and 50 mm can be compensated thanks to the modular design," says Markus Cihlars, project manager at Fisco GmbH, highlighting an advantage of the system. "Further challenges include equipping highly uneven stops and platforms with convex and concave radii with suitable ramps. For this, we offer customized special solutions."

The project in Jena includes 67 ramps that meet the different requirements of the respective platforms and fit the on-site construction situations. An innovative, concealed rail system from Fisco is used to fasten the 9.5 m long systems. In this fastening method, a U-rail is first anchored to the ground. Then the individual ramp elements are attached to it. This solution requires only a few fastening points in the anchoring base, and the drillings can be freely positioned to avoid reinforcement hits. This accelerates and simplifies the secure installation of the fastening rails. Additionally, the construction executors use a fast-curing 2K-PU system with high compressive strength to compensate for the uneven subfloors at the Jena tram stops.

 

Around 3,000 fischer UltraCut FBS II concrete screws in size 8x60 made of stainless steel (R) are used to anchor the rails in the ground. Fisco GmbH draws on the knowledge and experience of its parent company for this. The specialist for fiber composite solutions is a joint venture of the fischer group (Waldachtal), which holds technological market leadership in key areas of fastening technology, and Sortimo International GmbH (Zusmarshausen), which offers vehicle equipment and services related to commercial vehicles. In addition to concrete, cobblestones are partially present as the anchoring substrate in Jena. Since this building material is not covered by the European Technical Assessment (ETA) of the UltraCut FBS II, the suitability of the fischer concrete screws for this specific application was demonstrated by Fisco GmbH employees conducting pull-out tests on site with concrete screws. The correct fastening solution is an essential part of the overall system, says Günther Hirt, Managing Director of Fisco GmbH. Thus, our affiliation with the fischer group was an important argument for our clients.
Two different height differences between platform and tram of 30 mm and 50 mm can be compensated thanks to the modular design. Further challenges include equipping highly uneven stops as well as platforms with convex and concave radii with suitable ramps. For this, we offer customized special solutions.
Markus Cihlars (Project Manager of Fisco GmbH)

Further advantages lie in the high functionality of the innovative ramp system. The closed, slip-resistant surface without protruding screws ensures a high-quality appearance, reduces dirt deposits, and minimizes tripping hazards for wheelchair users and pedestrians. The low weight of the individual ramp elements, under 11 kg, additionally speeds up and simplifies assembly without any transport aids. Moreover, the material used is very durable, electrically non-conductive, and permanently resistant to corrosion and chemicals.

In addition to the 67 platform height adjustments for the Jena tram made of GFRP, Fisco has already realized 108 platform height adjustments for the Munich subway made from a special, non-combustible fiber composite material. Various Fisco ramp solutions manufactured in an automated in-house production process as modular systems are available as standard. Thanks to the modular design, they offer a wide range of options for individual adjustment of height, width, length, and visual design. Additionally, Fisco develops and supplies special solutions that are optimally tailored to the individual local conditions, customer requirements, and user needs.

 

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