The construction of FAIR is picking up speed

In Darmstadt the preparatory work has now commenced for linking the existing accelerator systems of GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung to the new FAIR facility, which will take place later on. An important milestone here is the erection of two approximately 100-meter-long retaining walls that are up to eight meters tall. These walls are being built near GSI’s SIS18 accelerator ring, which will connect to the FAIR facility.

Eighty bored piles are currently being driven into the ground to create a solid foundation for the retaining walls to the north of the GSI facilities. The poured concrete piles, which are up to 1.2 meters in diameter and strengthened by steel reinforcement cages, are there to stabilize the building site.

Preparations are also under way at the two transformer locations on the 20- hectare FAIR construction site (one in the north, the other in the south). The work also includes the building of construction site access roads, the setting up of additional construction site equipment, and the creation of a temporary storage facility for construction material and excavated earth.

Photos: G. Otto, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung