Accessibility with System

Jena stops with ramps from Fisco GmbH

Accessibility with System
Jena records and forecasts a continuously increasing number of passengers in public transport. To make public transport usage even more attractive and efficient in the future, the city ordered the so-called light rail in 2021, which is to be used across the entire rail network from early 2023. Great importance was placed on the vehicles from the manufacturer Stadler (Valencia) regarding interior space and multifunctional areas for various user groups, such as families with strollers, wheelchair users, and seniors with walking aids. As a result, the new trams are significantly longer and also a few centimeters wider than those previously used, while maintaining a track gauge of 1,000 mm. Thus, an adaptation of the stop infrastructure became necessary. An important part of the project includes, for example, partial platform height increases. With the help of the ramps, passengers with limited mobility (e.g., wheelchair users) can easily, quickly, and safely board and alight from the Jena trams. The appropriate system solution for this is offered by Fisco GmbH (Zusmarshausen). 

Property Brief

Property Type
Public Transport
Project Size
67 Ramps
Installed Fastening Materials
3000 fischer Concrete Screws
Material Features
very durable, electrically non-conductive and permanently resistant to corrosion and chemicals

Thus, the manufacturer of innovative fiber composite solutions in the construction sector developed a ramp system that is precisely tailored to the project's and client's requirements as well as the users' needs. "Two different height differences between platform and tram of 30 mm and 50 mm can be compensated thanks to the modular design," states Markus Cihlar, project manager at Fisco GmbH, citing one advantage of the system. "Further challenges include equipping highly uneven stops as well as platforms with convex and concave radii with suitable ramps. For this, we offer customized special solutions."

The project in Jena includes 67 ramps that meet the different requirements of the respective platforms and match the local construction situations. An innovative, concealed rail system from Fisco is used to secure the 9.5 m long systems. In this fastening method, a U-rail is first anchored to the ground. Subsequently, the individual ramp elements are plugged onto it. This solution requires only a few fastening points in the base anchor and the drillings can be freely positioned to avoid hitting reinforcement. This accelerates and simplifies the secure installation of the fastening rails. Additionally, the construction executors use a fast-curing 2-component PU system with high compressive strength to compensate for uneven surfaces at the Jena tram stops. 

 

Around 3,000 fischer UltraCut FBS II concrete screws in size 8x60 made of stainless steel (R) are used to anchor the rails into the ground. Fisco GmbH draws on the knowledge and experience of its parent company. The specialist for fiber composite solutions is a joint venture of the fischer group (Waldachtal), which holds technological market leadership in important fields of fastening technology, and Sortimo International GmbH (Zusmarshausen), which offers vehicle equipment and services around commercial vehicles. In addition to concrete, cobblestones are partially present as the anchoring base in Jena. Since this building material is not covered by the European Technical Assessment (ETA) of the UltraCut FBS II, the suitability of the fischer concrete screws for this specific application was proven by Fisco GmbH employees conducting pull tests on site with concrete screws. "The right fastening solution is an essential part of the overall system," says Günther Hirt, Managing Director of Fisco GmbH. "Thus, our affiliation with the fischer group was an important argument for our clients." 
Two different height differences between platform and tram of 30 mm and 50 mm can be compensated thanks to the modular design. Further challenges include equipping highly uneven stops as well as platforms with convex and concave radii with suitable ramps. For this, we offer customized special solutions.
Markus Cihlars (Project Manager at Fisco GmbH)

Further advantages lie in the high functionality of the innovative ramp system. The closed, non-slip surface without protruding screws ensures a high-quality appearance, reduces dirt deposits, and minimizes tripping hazards for wheelchair users and pedestrians. The low weight of the individual ramp elements, under 11 kg, additionally speeds up and simplifies assembly without any transport aids. Moreover, the material used is very durable, electrically non-conductive, and permanently resistant to corrosion and chemicals.

In addition to the 67 platform height adjustments for the Jena tram made from fiberglass-reinforced plastic, Fisco has already implemented 108 platform height adjustments for the Munich subway from a special, non-flammable fiber composite material. Various Fisco ramp solutions produced in an automated in-house manufacturing process as modular systems are available as standard. Thanks to the modular design, they offer numerous options for individual adjustment of height, width, length, and visual design. Additionally, Fisco develops and supplies custom solutions that are optimally tailored to the specific on-site conditions, customer requirements, and user needs.

 

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