Bilfinger Berger finds problems in Duesseldorf

An internal investigation by Bilfinger Berger has uncovered problems on with its work on the Wehrhahn Line of the Düsseldorf metro. The investigation follows earlier revelations substandard work on the Cologne metro project may have caused the collapse of the city's archive building last March.

The company has found problems with six of the 500 diaphragm wall joints on the Düsseldorf line where it is suspected that, as in Cologne, dowel bars have not been inserted to connect the reinforcement cages. However, the company added that the structures were "completely sound."

Bilfinger Berger went on to say that the employees responsible for these joints have been relieved of their duties, and that it has made both its client and the public prosecutor in Düsseldorf aware of the problem.

A statement added, "The status of the project in Düsseldorf cannot be compared to Cologne. Because the project is in its early stages, additional strengthening measures can, if required, be implemented as the excavation progresses. The structural stability is fully guaranteed at all times."