Video Guard camera towers secure construction progress on new landmark
Cross the Rhine-Herne Canal once and the Emscher twice: This is possible with the “Jump over the Emscher” at the water cross in Castrop-Rauxel. The impressive bridge, which is currently being built by the Emschergenossenschaft, has a unique appearance. It therefore has the potential to become one of the most popular photo motifs in the region. However, spectacular projects already attract attention during the construction phase – often not only in a positive sense. Construction sites are repeatedly the target of vandalism or thieves tamper with building materials and machinery. The more conspicuous the construction project, the greater the attraction for onlookers. To prevent them from entering the area without authorization and putting their own lives in danger, the areas must be secured. The project managers responsible for the project on the Emscher therefore rely on the intelligent Video Guard camera system to secure the site.
One of the most spectacular construction projects in the Ruhr region has been under construction at the Wasserkreuz in Castrop-Rauxel since April 2021. The 450-metre-long pedestrian and cycle bridge “Sprung über die Emscher” connects the “Platz der Schichten” on the eastern bank of the canal with the “Brückenvorplatz West” on the western bank. In future, it will incorporate the regional cycle paths Emscher-Park-Radweg and Emscher-Weg and link the two towns of Castrop-Rauxel and Recklinghausen. The new connection will significantly enhance the region, particularly due to the sharp rise in the number of leisure tourists. The new landmark offers passers-by numerous impressive viewpoints and invites them to linger with seating.
The bridge was commissioned by the Emschergenossenschaft. The planning consortium of Schüßler-Plan, DKFS Architects and Smeets Landschaftsarchitekten won an international design competition and was awarded the contract for implementation at the end of 2019. Construction of the mega project began in April 2021. The ARGE MCE / Bauunternehmung Gebr. Echterhoff GmbH & Co. KG began with the special civil engineering and concrete formwork construction, thus ensuring that the bridge had a secure foundation. Such an important construction project always attracts a great deal of attention. Unfortunately, thieves, vandals and unauthorized guests are also interested in tampering with the construction site, often putting themselves in danger in the process. Extensive measures therefore had to be developed for the security concept in order to prevent intruders from entering and not to jeopardize the construction progress.
Video Guard is a deterrent
Four Video Guard camera towers are used in Castrop-Rauxel. They have been protecting the site since June 2022 and their eye-catching design with warning lettering alone is a deterrent. The solar-powered version of the construction site security system works independently of mains power. Energy is supplied via photovoltaic modules and battery technology, which is supported by an environmentally friendly fuel cell when there is insufficient sunlight. Each tower has two Starlight Dome cameras. With its 180 degree viewing angle, each camera keeps a large area in view. Two high-performance infrared spotlights guarantee optimum visibility at night, when theft and vandalism are more common. This light is imperceptible to the human eye. Criminals are therefore not forewarned. The video material is analyzed using artificial intelligence. This is made possible by neural network algorithms and self-learning video analytics. False alarms are virtually impossible. If the software detects an intruder on the premises, an alarm is triggered in the control center, which is manned around the clock. The trained security staff immediately analyze and assess the situation. As a first step, they can address unauthorized visitors directly via a loudspeaker on each Video Guard and ask them to leave the premises – with a sound pressure level of up to 120 decibels, this measure is already deterrent enough in most cases and leads to retreat. If the request is not complied with, the security experts inform the local police, for example, who then deal with the intruders in a targeted manner. This means that construction progress is not jeopardized by damage or stolen building materials. In this way, the Video Guard camera system contributes to increased protection on the construction site and prevents disruptions to construction progress caused by theft and vandalism.
Commissioning of the new landmark in the Ruhr region is planned for late summer 2024.
