Stabilisation of southern abument
Following a break of several months, during which a new ski tunnel with a lift was built, REMEX continued it supply of material this year to stabilise the Bottrop Alpine Centre. The original ground, a tailing pile from former mining operations, cannot permanently meet the load-bearing requirements of the more than 600-metre-long indoor ski hall and its associated infrastructure. This year, the southern abutment is due to be completed.
Bespoke construction materials solution
A bespoke materials concept is being used for the project to meet the high requirements of stability, water permeability, bulk density and quantities required. The chosen approach is a joint development by REMEX and its subsidiary MAV. The material being installed is a combination of processed incinerator bottom ash of the GRANOVA brand, a material derived from the thermal treatment of municipal waste, and smaller quantities of iron silicate sand, a by-product of copper recycling. The latter ensures that the required bulk density is achieved. The materials are mixed and installed on site. From November 2020 until June 2026, approximately 780,000 tonnes have been delivered to Bottrop for the southern slope construction.
A tried-and-tested concept
The current project is not the REMEX Group’s first in Bottrop: the northern slope of the site was successfully stabilised between August 2015 and September 2020. Back then, REMEX won over not only the City of Bottrop as the licensing authority, but also the Ministry for the Environment of North Rhine-Westphalia and the Münster District Government. The concept of backfilling with mineral substitute construction materials against the direction of movement prevailed over various alternatives – and scored highly not only for its resource efficiency but also for the high availability, consistent quality and great homogeneity of the material. During the construction phase, proven safety standards from landfill construction, as well as regular quality monitoring, ensure the long-term stability of the structure.
Before and after comparison
Move the slider to the left or right to compare the changes.
View of the northern section of the construction project: on the left, in 2017 during construction work; on the right, in 2026 after recultivation.
A sustainable solution with long-term benefits
For the northern section of the construction project, REMEX’s Oberhausen site supplied around 790,000 tonnes of incineration bottom ash – a quantity comparable to that used in the current project in the south. Today, there is no trace left of the ground stabilisation work carried out at that time: the greened northern slope blends unobtrusively into the landscape whilst also impressing with its long-term stability. In the long term, this is also planned for the southern abutment. Following the summer break, which lasts until 30 September, work on the infrastructure and the conveyor systems for the underground lift tunnel is due to be completed. By the start of the 2026/27 season, the Alpincenter will once again guarantee reliable operations – based on a permanently secure foundation.
With its 640-metre-long slope, the Alpincenter Bottrop is one of the best-known leisure attractions in the Ruhr region. Visit the website
By using secondary aggregates, REMEX is making a significant contribution to the long-term preservation of the Alpincenter Bottrop. The project demonstrates how high-performance recycled construction materials successfully combine technical requirements with the conservation of resources.
Share article
