The town of Krško in eastern Slovenia is the focus of a major project: the construction of a repository for low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste. A key element of this project is a circular diaphragm wall shaft, built by Bauer with its MC 96 duty-cycle crane. The Slovenian Agency for Radioactive Waste Management (ARAO) has tasked a consortium led by Riko of Ljubljana, together with Kolektor of Nova Gorica, CGP of Novo mesto and Kostak of Krško, to carry out the construction work.
The construction of Bauer’s diaphragm wall began in October 2024 and was completed at the end of last year, in December 2024. The next step involves the construction of an underground silo, which will serve as storage for radioactive waste. The facility is expected to enter final trial operation in 2028. The silo is set to be sealed in 2059, after which a 50 years active monitoring phase will begin, followed by 250 years of passive monitoring. Once the repository is sealed, the surface above it will be made available for other uses. Upon becoming operational in 2028, the repository will receive radioactive waste currently stored at Slovenia’s only nuclear power station at Krško, which accounts for 90% of the country’s total radioactive waste.
The initial estimated cost for the repository project was €200 million. Due to a re-evaluation of the total cost, Riko contracted the project for €93 million.
This project represents a major advancement in Slovenia’s waste management strategy, providing a long-term, secure solution for the disposal of radioactive materials. Located near the nuclear power station in Krško, the facility will enhance safety, and environmental protection in the country’s nuclear waste management efforts.
6,500 m2 of diaphragm wall installed up to a depth of 65 m
A key component of the project is the circular diaphragm wall shaft that was constructed by Bauer. With a diameter of 32 m, a depth of 65 m and a wall thickness of 1.5 m, the structure extends over an impressive area of 6,500 m². To achieve this challenging task, the specialist foundation engineering experts used a Bauer MC 96 duty-cycle crane with a BC 48 trench cutter and an MC 64 with hydraulic grab DHG/V. Also employed: the Bauer Cutter Inclination System (CIS) for precise positioning of the diaphragm walls, as well as the Hydraulic Grab Inclination System (HGIS) for continuous monitoring and control of the hydraulic grab.
Digital tools for sustainability and quality
In order to manage the complexity of this large-scale project, the team used digital tools for process optimization and lean management, key elements of the Bauer Construction Process. Thanks to detailed engineering, control and monitoring of all construction phases, it was possible to maintain optimal use of resources and the highest quality standards.
“With our technology and decades of expertise, we are setting standards for geotechnical precision. By using our thoroughly tried-and-tested diaphragm wall equipment on the one hand, and advanced digital systems on the other, we are able to meet even the strictest accuracy requirements while ensuring optimally sustainable design. Thanks to our dedicated team and state-of-the-art technologies, we have made a crucial contribution to this major project.”
said Stefan Neidhart, Project Manager.
Copyright 2017-2025 All rights reserved.