Case Study

Managing quality and costs in sewer construction and rehabilitation

The city of Taunusstein benefits from cost-efficient sewer construction according to plan, thanks to TÜV SÜD's quality assurance during construction.

_{(March 2010)}

Most of Germany's sewer systems are in urgent need of rehabilitation or replacement. However, to ensure cost-effective sewer construction and reduce the operating costs of the sewer system while extending its service life, sewer projects must be realised as planned and in the best possible manner. TÜV SÜD assists the city of Taunusstein in extensive sewer construction and earth-moving activities by taking over quality assurance during construction.

"Our focus is on integrated project support from the drawing board to acceptance by the client", explains Hubert Orf, civil engineering expert, safety coordinator for construction and civil engineering and certified sewer rehabilitation consultant at TÜV SÜD Industrie Service. "We focus especially on the actual performance of contractually agreed services and the thorough planning and execution of the construction project.“

Integrated quality management

Risks posed by damaged and leaking sewer systems include the pollution of soil and groundwater and inefficiently sized sewer networks. Quality assurance during construction contributes to the timely identification of potential problems in sewer construction and helps to prevent subsequent damage. Several on-site inspections by civil-engineering experts ensure detailed recording of the actual construction quality and maximum transparency. As part of the quality assurance services, TÜV SÜD experts also review the plausibility of all contracts, plans and invoices and act as mediators if necessary.

These tasks require comprehensive technological know-how, planning expertise and familiarity with all relevant standards and directives. Sewer construction also increasingly relies on plastics. As TÜV SÜD has its own Institute for Plastics, clients benefit additionally from streamlined processes and one-stop services in materials testing.

Comprehensive expertise from a single source

Making sewer construction as fast and smooth as possible is critical for Taunusstein. Costly reworking or legal disputes must be avoided. TÜV SÜD's close cooperation with all stakeholders also helps to ensure the project will be completed on schedule and on budget.