A fortress, a castle and a MiniLite
Job
The fortress is located 35 kilometres south-east of Dresden, 247 meters above the Elbe Valley, and is the first stop of the day on the job route of Olaf Glöckler and his colleague Kersten Briese. The 9.5-hectare fortress complex has been open to the public as a museum since 1955. More than 31 million visitors have already visited the cluster of over 50 structures from various eras.
Glöckler and Briese's second port of call on this day is Hirschstein Castle. It is the landmark of the municipality of Hirschstein in the rural district of Meissen. The municipality has been the owner of the historically valuable object since 2013. On site, the two Komplex Company employees will meet Mayor Conrad Seifert, who is involved in the revitalization of the castle which is in need of restoration. Concerts, book readings and exhibitions are hoped to raise urgently needed funds. The structure rises on a 25-metre-high cliff on the left bank of the Elbe opposite Diesbar-Seusslitz. The long years in which it was unused have left distinct traces. Water collects in the enclosed courtyard and soaks into the old masonry. The water causes the castle walls to deteriorate; cracks and discolouring are already visible. In the forecourt, the staircase to the entrance hall sags on the right-hand side; there, too, a crack gapes along the castle wall. In order to estimate the rehabilitation requirements and identify the most important measures, an intensive survey is required.
Challenge
Every year in December, the historical romantic Advent market is held at the fortress. It is considered one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany. The spectacular location and the lovingly staged hustle and bustle attract several tens of thousands of visitors. For this purpose, 500 Christmas trees are set up, kilometre-long strings of lights are hung up and numerous market stalls are carpentered on site. In addition to these preparations, which are visible above ground, the precautionary cleaning of the sewage pipes is one of the essential measures for the expected stampede of visitors. "To avoid any unwanted surprises in the toilets under increased use, with the cleaning, we ensure trouble-free disposal of sewage through the sewers. Afterwards, the pipes are inspected with the MiniLite and the ORION," says Glöckler.
The sewer network of Hirschstein Castle is to be captured and inspected. For a holistic rehabilitation concept, not only the cause of the enormous moisture in the castle was to be found, but also the run of the pipes was to be measured with width, length and height data (xyz coordinates). For this purpose, the company also used the MiniLite, with which 3D pipe run measurement can be carried out in conjunction with the 3D GeoSense software module and the ORION 2.8 L pan and rotate camera which is equipped with a 3D sensor. In addition, a transportable compact system is required for the job, as the paved inner courtyard is only accessible via the doors of surrounding premises.
Solution
This year, Manuela Briese, who has been the owner and managing director of Komplex Umweltservice GmbH for almost 8 years, invested among other things in a push camera system. She is satisfied with the latest technical acquisition, the MiniLite: "For our special jobs with severely limited space or challenging accesses, the mobile inspection system is just the thing." In addition, it has made an important addition to the company's range of services: "We immediately opted for the equipment, which also allows us to carry out pipe run measurements," Briese continues. The Orion 2.8 L 3D pan and tilt camera is used on the MiniLite to inspect ramified lateral systems from DN 100 upwards. It produces an upright image in the axial view, can rotate endlessly around its own axis and pan automatically around joints. The 3D sensor integrated in the camera allows the pipe run to be measured with width, length and height information. The inspection results are displayed in clear reports. Data can be easily exchanged via USB stick.
Result
During the ongoing inspection and automatic measurement, the camera position of the ORION 2.8 L can be seen at any time from the network graphic that builds up on the display of the MiniLite. 3D GeoSense pipe run measurement captures the x,y,z coordinates of the pipes so that structural specifications such as pulled joints or bent pipes are registered realistically. During the inspection, Glöckler and Briese document a large number of displaced pipe joints and leaks in the pipe run. In the forecourt on the right in front of the castle, the experienced inspectors detect root ingrowths at the pipe connections of the vitrified clay pipes and a pipe collapse, which can lead to undermining and thus to subsidence of the soil. Beyond the subsurface causes of moisture in the foundation, the circumspect employees of Komplex Umweltservice GmbH draw attention to the leaking gutters. They hand over the comprehensive data from the geodetically accurate site survey of the wastewater facilities to the engineering firm commissioned by the municipality. They serve as a basis for the calculation of necessary investments and the planning of the structural implementation with the optimal use of resources.
Company introduction
Komplex Umweltservice GmbH is based in Berggießhübel near Pirna and offers a wide range of services, from leak testing via the elimination of pipe or sewer blockages through to sewer inspection with a TV camera. Sewer rehabilitation by means of short liners and pipe liners is also part of the 10-strong team's range of services. The company carries out work for private households, property management companies, cities and municipalities. "We also do jobs on company and business premises, in kindergartens, schools and everywhere where other firms have already given up," explains Manuela Briese. "Can't be done, doesn't exist. At the most, that it's difficult is all we accept," adds Olaf Glöckler, the newly appointed second company director, together with her. Suction and flushing vehicles as well as sewer inspection and rehabilitation vehicles form the basis of their work. Last but not least, the orange-painted fleet includes a Multicar, affectionately known as the Ant, which was acquired specifically for work at the Königstein fortress due to its size.
