Carinthia, Austria, April 2026 — Liebherr equipment is playing a critical role in an Alpine dam expansion project at the Wurtenspeicher reservoir, where construction teams are increasing dam height and storage capacity.
The project is being executed by Züblin under challenging high-altitude conditions.
Dam Expansion to Boost Energy Capacity
The Wurtenspeicher reservoir forms part of the Fragant power plant group. The upgrade aims to improve energy storage and operational flexibility.
Key developments include:
- Increasing dam height by 7 meters
- Raising water levels by 8.5 meters
- Expanding storage capacity from 2.7 to 5 million cubic meters
As a result, the facility will support more efficient energy management.
Challenging Alpine Conditions
The project site sits at an altitude of 1,700 meters. Therefore, logistics and construction operations are complex.
Narrow access roads and tight tunnel spaces create transport challenges. In addition, harsh weather conditions limit working windows.
Consequently, precise planning and specialized equipment are essential.
Advanced Liebherr Equipment in Use
Züblin is deploying two key machines:
- Liebherr LB 45
- Liebherr HS 8070 HD
The LB 45 drilling rig features a folding leader. This allows easier transport through tight alpine routes.
Moreover, the machine delivers a maximum torque of 450 kilonewton meters, enabling efficient deep foundation work.
Precision Drilling and Foundation Work
The project involves installing bored pile foundations using the Kelly drilling method.
Key technical details include:
- Drilling depths from 2.7 to 22.5 meters
- Pile diameter of 1,200 millimeters
- Total of 2,800 meters of bored piles
Additionally, a secant pile wall with 167 piles ensures subsoil sealing. The structure anchors directly into bedrock.
Due to strict tolerances, deviation is limited to just 1%, requiring high precision.
Overcoming Geological Challenges
The site presents difficult geological conditions. Workers must handle:
- Highly abrasive materials
- Strong bedrock formations
Therefore, advanced machine features are crucial. The LB 45 includes overload protection and rope length measurement systems, which improve safety and accuracy.
Project Timeline and Outlook
Construction began in 2025 and is scheduled for completion in 2026.
However, timelines remain tight due to alpine weather risks. Early winter conditions could impact progress.
Despite these challenges, the project demonstrates how Liebherr machines in Alpine dam projects enable efficient and precise construction in extreme environments
