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Projects / URBAN RENEWAL STRABAG Units / LEAN INTRODUCTION A new downtown Focusing on process for a metropolis optimisation

The Magazine of STRABAG SE

No. 01 teams 2014

10 Cover Story / HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT Competing for the best employees

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06

News / WOMEN STRABAG as 18

“employeress” People at STRABAG / OUR PRIVATE SIDE “If you can dream it, you can do it”

Projects / BUILDING SERVICES ENGINEERING A clean job

34

26

STRABAG Units /CONSTRUCTIVE COOPERATION Partnership working as a model for the future

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News Projects

05 Kunstforum 30 URBAN RENEWAL ARTbreak – A lunch break A new downtown for a metropolis with art at the STRABAG House 32 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 06 WOMEN POLAND/ZENTRALE TECHNIK STRABAG as “employeress” A bridge that sets new standards

06 KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT 34 BUILDING SERVICES ENGINEERING (BSE) connect – The internal A clean job communications platform 36 OLYMPIC VILLAGE IN SOCHI 07 ELEPHANT PARK Our contribution to athletic success Under a leafy canopy 37 SCHOOL IN MILOVICE 08 ANNIVERSARY New life in old walls “Mister SKB” Günter Lorenz celebrates 50 years on the job 38 O1NE Club A night club as a new landmark 09 Encord for Yas Island Our network for a competitive tomorrow 40 HOMESTAKE PROJECT Long overdue: Dam repair to European standards Cover Story 42 STAFF EXCHANGE ZÜBLIN – GILBANE People at STRABAG / OUR PRIVATE SIDE 10 Human Resource Development Transatlantic knowledge exchange Competing for the best employees Specials People at STRABAG 44 THE FAVOURITE PLACES 18 OUR PRIVATE SIDE OF STRABAG EMPLOYEES “If you can dream it, you can do it” Prague: My city

46 ACUPRESSURE TECHNIQUES STRABAG Units Successful self-healing – Doing something good for yourself 22 LEAN INTRODUCTION Focusing on process optimisation

24 STAFF ANALYSIS Research question: How much time do we need to get the job done?

26 cONSTRUCTIVE COOPERATION Partnership working as a model for the future

28 TRANSPORT SERVICES AND LOGISTICS (TSL) Our mission: In the right place at the right time 44 29 QUALITY OPTIMISATION Co-Qualify: In-house coaching for client satisfaction and success Specials / THE FAVOURITE PLACES OF STRABAG EMPLOYEES Prague: My city

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Dear Colleagues, Employees and Friends,

As a leading European-based technology group for construction services, what we actually sell are process services by bringing together people, materials and machines at the right place and at the right time in order to execute even the most complex construction projects – on schedule, of the highest quality and at the best price. Our success rises and falls with how well the many different people work together as teams. This is reflected in our motto: “TEAMS WORK.” – our clear commitment to you, the more than 73,000 people within the group. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to thank you for the good working relationship.

To acknowledge the important role played by the people within the group, we felt that “inform” was no longer suited as a title for our employee magazine. And so you now hold in your hands the first issue of our new employee magazine, “teams.”

Appropriately, this issue provides an insight into our human resource development headed by Günter Senoner. The department’s 132 employees are at work every day on different aspects of staff development, offering qualified support throughout the group. You can find out more on page 10.

Thomas Birtel CEO of STRABAG SE After the earnings drop of the year 2012, which had been impacted by noteworthy non-recurring items, we were able to again report significantly improved earnings in 2013. Our broad diversification is proving to still be the best form of crisis insurance. We will therefore continue to give strategic priority to selectively diversifying our business activities, maintaining our financial strength and having an end-to-end risk management system. Our most important asset, however, is and will remain the quality of our teams: Teamwork – on a small or large scale; internally or externally; across brands, countries and organisational boundaries – makes possible what cannot be done alone. This principle also forms the basis for our innovations. This year marked the first time that the members of ENCORD met at the STRABAG House in Vienna to discuss the future of the European construction industry (see p. 9). As I – and my colleagues on the management board – see innovation as a key strategic element, we must all work together to systematically make progress with this topic within our company.

Your

Thomas Birtel

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Kunstforum ARTbreak – A lunch break with art at the STRABAG House

Every 1st and 3rd (plus 5th) Wednesday of the month, STRABAG employees interested in the arts meet at 12 o’clock sharp to take an “art break” together.

Austria. A beautiful woman lies facing us on a mirrored surface. Her eyes are focused on a piece of broken mirror she holds in her hands. The exotic beauty in the image is called Nadège, is the work of Austrian artist Martin Schnur and was at the centre of the first ART- break – the new art education concept for all employees at the STRABAG House in Vienna.

DISCOVERING AND UNDERSTANDING ART TOGETHER “Nadège #3” by Martin Schnur The purpose of ARTbreak is to get people interested in art and to provide a brief insight into what’s going on Better understanding the works that we pass by every art-wise in the halls and foyers of the Vienna STRABAG day, talking about them and debating their issues and House and the STRABAG Artlounge on the top floor. impact with co-workers – that is the basic idea behind The colossal sculptures by Bruno Gironcoli, the exhibits ARTbreak. The critical engagement with the art collection by the STRABAG Artaward winners in the Artlounge, in the STRABAG Kunstforum in brief, 10-minute guided the artist-in-residence studio, and the many works of art tours also reinforces the internal communication and on the walls of the STRABAG House – they all form the enriches the workday immensely. focus of ARTbreak.

A large portion of the 2,500 works in the STRABAG art collection are housed at STRABAG’s Vienna headquarters. Artbreak! 1st, 3rd (and 5th) Wednesday of the month

Tanja Skorepa and Julia Schuster guide employees interested in the arts through the STRABAG House and explain the thoughts and motives behind the artworks.

CONTACTs: Tanja Skorepa and Julia Schuster, STRABAG Kunstforum

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WOMEN STRABAG as “employeress”

Equal opportunities for men and women – made visible through our company language.

International. “STRABAG as employeress…” Okay, that gender-neutral. This means that, from now on, we will does sound strange. But the point here is to highlight a always write out the masculine and the feminine form or change happening within the company – with the aim of use a gender-neutral alternative – in order to acknowledge shedding some outdated habits: for simplicity’s sake, it both sexes equally and e.g. to address both in our job has often been easier to simply use the masculine gender vacancies. This is especially important in languages, such when referring to both men and women. But simpler is as German, that make a gender distinction in nouns: while not always better. In keeping with our ambitions to recruit “employees”, “colleagues” and “experts” include both more women to the company, the management board men and women in English, gender neutrality in German has decided that all official company language should be will now require writing “Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeiter”, “Kolleginnen und Kollegen”, “Expertinnen und Experten”. To acknowledge both Since last year, we have been working hard on increasing sexes equally, we are now using gender-neutral the visibility of women within the group. But acknowledg- language. ing women is not just a matter of fairness. We are com- mitted to giving women the same opportunities as their male colleagues. An ambitious objective – and mindfulness of language is just one step in the right direction.

CONTACT: Diana Klein, Corporate Communications

KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT connect – The internal communications platform

Got a problem but no solution at hand? With the new platform, this should be a thing of the past.

International. A new tool has been available since March to help us deal with our daily challenges more easily and more quickly. In the future, the internal communications platform “connect” is to become STRABAG’s knowledge pool. If you have a specific question, you can contact the right “expert” directly or simply keep informed and up-to-date in your field and specialty area. The communi- cations platform was created through the cooperation of several colleagues and will continue to grow through mutual exchange. The platform does not limit you to your own organisational entity but allows you to exchange information and your experience across organisations and countries. You, too, can make your contribution by For questions about “connect”, please contact Marc Pühringer, reporting your experiences and answering questions to Karin Wögerer or Elisabeth Deinhofer (from left to right). help colleagues deal with an everyday challenge.

CONTACT: Marc Pühringer, Central Technical Division, Knowledge Management

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ELEPHANT PARK Under a leafy canopy

The elephants at the Zurich Zoo needed a new home – one that was as natural as possible. A clear case for Timber Construction.

Switzerland. The new Elephant Park at the Zurich Zoo changing, with exciting contrasts between the twilight was completed back in April 2013 – but such a beautiful areas and the more brightly lit parts of the enclosure. project simply deserves mention. The plan foresaw relocating the elephants to an approximately 10,000 m² The curved roof presented an enormous structural parcel of land outside the existing zoo. Without a doubt, challenge, with an asymmetrical structure that is the real eye-catcher of the new enclosure is its ambitious self-supporting over more than 80 m. The dome’s roof structure: a transparent, web-like design that gives relatively flat shape results in enormous horizontal forces, the new elephant house a light and airy feeling. The roof which called for the highest level of precision during consists of a laminated shell structure of timber slabs installation: the timber slabs were therefore placed using and solid wood sections screwed and nailed together in GPS technology. A special loadbeam was also used, several layers. The slabs were installed into the curved equipped with four motors that could be remotely roof using a falsework truss and fitted with structural rays. operated separately in order to individually regulate the A surrounding concrete ring beam with a cross-section length of the chains. Because of the special requirements, of 400 x 200 mm absorbs the forces and transfers them the loadbeam had to be outfitted with a separate standby via the pillars into the foundation. Some 22 t of nails and generator. Construction was completed and the elephants 350,000 screws hold the 15.2 m² triple-layer slabs and moved into their new home in April 2013. 550 m³ of gluelam timber together.

“Holes were later sawed out of the timber roof, as the structure is intended to recreate the elephants’ natural habitat, namely, a leafy canopy that lets the light shine through,” explains the technical business unit manager, Paul Huber. Like in nature, the points of light wander over the course of the day – the alternating patterns of light and shadow create an atmosphere that is constantly

The transparent, web-like roof of the new elephant house is a real eye-catcher.

Holes were sawed into the timber roof after its installation to create a near-natural habitat.

CONTACT: Paul Huber, Timber Construction Switzerland

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ANNIVERSARY “Mister SKB” Günter Lorenz celebrates 50 years on the job

All colleagues came together for a celebration in honour of the skilled construction equipment operator.

Germany. 1964 was an eventful year in many respects. The 64-year-old Lorenz will never forget his first day on In Germany, pedestrians were given the right of way at the construction site: it was in the Düren-Merzenich crosswalks. Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life in district in the Eifel region, and much of what is performed prison. The Rolling Stones released their first LP. And on by modern machines today was still hard manual labour the advice of a schoolfriend whose father worked as a at the time. roller operator for STRABAG, a young man by the name of Günter Lorenz applied for a job and on 24 March 1964 Lorenz is described as reliable, hard-working and was hired as construction helper at the Düren branch. always willing to lend a helping hand. He will be sorely missed after 1 May 2014, when he begins his well- A special ceremony was deserved retirement. Here’s wishing him all the best! held for “Mister SKB” – Günter Lorenz owes the nickname to the special relationship he had with his equipment, an SKB wheel loader – to commemorate 50 years of hard work in the transportation infrastruc- tures segment of the Cologne Business Unit.

CONTACT: Martin Rickert, Cologne/Düsseldorf Sub-Division

NEWS IN BRIEF

GIRLS’ DAY 2014 IN GERMANY MIPIM AWARD 2014 GOES TO DANCING TOP AWARD FOR ELEGANT ARCH BRIDGE A COMPLETE SUCCESS TOWERS CONSTRUCTION PROJECT OVER THE RHINE

Germany. Girls’ Day activities were organised France. STRABAG Real Estate has good Austria. The 2014 European Concrete Awards in March at several locations in Germany. reason to celebrate. Having already won the were presented during the Baukongress 2014 This day is the biggest career orientation day immobilienmanager.AWARD in February, trade fair taking place at the Austria Center for school-age girls with the aim of boosting the Dancing Towers project development also Vienna in April. A total of 34 projects realised the image of a career in the technical fields. scored the MIPIM Award in March. The in Europe were submitted for competition. The Züblin headquarters gave interested MIPIM trade fair in Cannes chose the unique In the category of Civil Engineering, STRABAG young girls an opportunity to talk to women high-rise duo for its first prize in the category won a fantastic 3rd place as contractor for working in a technical profession to find out of Best Office and Business Development. the new ÖBB railway bridge over the Rhine. more about what they do – complete with SRE managing director Thomas Hohwieler The new rail line between Lustenau in Vorarl- a visit to a tunnel construction site. The day and SRE project manager Matthias Pirschel berg, Austria and St. Margrethen in Switzer- ended at the concrete laboratory of the proudly accepted the award during a festive land was festively opened in March 2013. group’s testing laboratory TPA. In Frankfurt, gala in March. The “twisted” high rise building The heart of the line is the impressive arch the activities included a tour of various standing at the entrance to Hamburg’s bridge over the Rhine with a span of building construction projects “from the pit Reeperbahn thus gets to take home both of 102 metres – realised by STRABAG AG as to the penthouse”. The MERK Timber plant these renowned real estate prizes. sole contractor. in Aichach gave girls an opportunity to get to know the field of structural timber. And STRABAG PFS offered some interesting insights into building services engineering.

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ENCORD Our network for a competitive tomorrow

On 24 February 2014, 20 men and women out of the construction sector from all over Europe met at the STRABAG House in Vienna – and they all had the same thing in mind: the future of the European construction industry.

International. Learning from other companies in the In February 2014, the heads of research, development industry, exchanging views and networking are necessary and innovation of the ENCORD member companies prerequisites for progress. These thoughts also were came to Vienna for their first meeting at the STRABAG behind the establishment of ENCORD (European Network group headquarters. A workshop served as a venue of Construction Companies for Research and Develop- to debate the success factors for innovation within a ment) in 1989. The network gives European construction company and as an opportunity to give some examples companies an opportunity to compare notes on the from the real world. To get the group warmed up, the subjects of research, development and innovation. The colleagues from Hochtief (“rapid implementation of ideas 18 ENCORD members include some of Europe’s leading is crucial”) and Ballast Nedam (“the best ideas are general contractors and construction industry suppliers. formed together”) described how they implement their Zentrale Technik, STRABAG’s Central Technical Division, innovation management internally and benefit from it. has been a member since 2004.

The main objective of ENCORD is to foster the exchange “INNOVATION IS A KEY STRATEGIC ELEMENT” of knowledge and experience among its members and to facilitate the discussion of perspectives and develop- Innovation is one of the topics that our group management mental opportunities for the construction industry as a board wants to systematically make progress with. For whole. A special focus is on topics such as sustainable this reason, the meeting was attended not only by construction, occupational safety, lean construction and the regular group representatives but also by our CEO virtual construction. A second pillar of ENCORD involves Thomas Birtel and the management board members its work with funding agencies, in particular the European Peter Krammer and Siegfried Wanker. Union. ENCORD, jointly with the European Construction Technology Platform (ECTP), made possible a number of EU funding programmes for energy-efficient buildings (EeB) and infrastructure (REFINE).

More interesting and exciting information about ENCORD can be found at www.encord.org.

Thomas Birtel swapping notes with other ENCORD members in order to define the success factors for innovation.

CONTACT: Norbert Pralle, Central Technical Division, Development and Innovation

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HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT Competing for the best employees

Do the topics of “employer branding”, “university mentoring” or “potential management” mean anything to you? Do you know who in the group deals with these issues and why they are so important – or should be? Only a little? Then it’s time to change that!

International. As part of our cover story, the following pages will present to you the key processes that are decisive for effective human resource development and which are crucial in the competition for the best people. This brings us to the people behind the scenes, the ones who are responsible for it all: the employees in our Human Resource Development (HRD) department. Headed by Günter Senoner, the HRD team is composed of a total of 132 people, 34 of whom work for central HRD at the national BRVZs, while 98 are HR consultants at the divisions, central divisions and central staff divisions. The HRD department is organised across the group to deal with any and all matters related to human resource development. It assists the management in the recruiting process, in the introduction of new employees and in their qualification and further development. But what exactly lies behind the term “human resource development”? Read on! On the following pages, we outline the processes, offer you some good insights and hope to rouse your interest.

132 employ- ees across the group

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What lies behind the term “human resource development”?

Far more than you might think. If you thought that Human resource marketing means nothing more than human resource development was mostly about recruiting guaranteeing the company’s supply with qualified and new employees, then you’re wrong. In order to advise motivated personnel in the long term. The target groups and support the group as best as possible in matters of are current and potential employees. personnel development, the focus is on the following processes: We use the available tools from human resource mar- keting to present ourselves as an attractive employer −−human resource marketing on the labour market. Specific measures, such as employer branding or university mentoring, aim at −−the recruitment and introduction of new staff elevating the company above the competition. All together, these are prolonged processes requiring plenty −−management and employee support of blood, sweat and tears from HRD. But we can already see the first fruits of our labour, which shows us that −−qualification and training we are on the right track.

−−potential management Keep reading if you want to learn more!

−−HRD IT support

As it is impossible to describe all of these processes in the space available to us here, we have chosen three to present in more detail – in great part because they could be of particular interest to you: human resource marketing, qualification and training, and potential management. “These processes recently underwent the greatest changes and we are very proud to be supporting our employees in their personal and professional devel- opment in this way,” says Günter Senoner.

The first HRD basis meeting took place in Vienna last year. We offer our support for personal development.

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“Competing with other companies for the best employees”

Recent years have seen increased demands placed a new, standardised concept for trade fair stands, not only on the individual employees but also on the informational brochures and promotional images, as well companies themselves. Current and future employees as a new career website, was developed and gradually choose their employers based on specific aspects with implemented. which they identify the most. As a result, the companies find themselves not only in the classic marketplace competition; they must also compete for the position of most attractive employer.

The “Employer Branding” project was launched in March 2012 with the aim of positioning the company as an attractive employer on the labour market. “In order to be successful as a company now and to remain so well into the future, our goal is to find the best people and retain them for the long term,” explains Katharina Weissenbacher, process manager for human resource Info marketing.

An international survey of engineering students, employees and the management asked what makes up STRABAG as an employer, how the company is perceived externally, Our service and what our objectives and visions are. “After an analysis of the results, it was possible to define three If you want more information, terms which indicate the new orientation of the employer take some time and click your brand: variety, opportunity, everywhere,” says Senoner way through our new career in explanation of the starting situation. The ball is rolling website at www.strabag.com -> and the first step has been taken; now it is time to Career. define measures to be implemented. In close cooperation with Corporate Communications and an external agency,

The first HRD basis meeting took place in Vienna last year.

Field trips and lectures help us to establish and maintain the contact to young people.

CONTACT: Katharina Weissenbacher, BRVZ HRD

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Our recipe for success: Supporting young people with personal engagement

In order to specifically address the needs of university graduates, HRD and the operating units worked closely together in order to develop a university mentoring programme based on a concept that has already proven its worth at Züblin. Martin Kaftan “Mentoring not only keeps us on everyone’s lips – but also on everyone’s minds.”

Recruiting has always been important. But what matters is not just the recruitment but also the “maintenance”. In order to assure us an even more effective supply of university graduates, we launched a uniform mentoring concept in Austria and Germany in 2013 as a central component of our group-wide university marketing activities.

…I feel some responsibility toward young people standing at the crossroads between school and career. In my time, it was not usual to get a behind- the-scenes look at different companies. In this regard, a lot has changed for the better. Two years ago, I took part in the Recruiting Day at the Mödling Higher Technical Institute – a top event in which small companies and large corporations from all Austria and abroad informed students of their career opportunities. I saw that the graduates had specific I’m questions for the companies and were quite focused in their career decision. Additionally, lectures, field trips and open days also bring us into contact with young people by making our company, and the a mentor construction industry itself, more transparent. That’s where I see my task as mentor: using my years of practical experience to support young people in word because… and deed.

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Kurt Rieder

We’ve got about 54 mentors across the group who are in constant contact with students and professors. Each mentor is assigned to one or more places of learning where he or she assumes the role of company representative for the purpose of establishing and maintaining contact with the institution. During guest lectures, field trips, projects, practical training or trade fair appearances, the company makes an effort to be available to answer the students’ questions. “In this way, we can talk with students and recruit them through direct contact,” explains Kurt Rieder, mentor at the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences (FH Kärnten).

...I have worked for STRABAG AG for 24 years, since 2003 in a management function, and for me – no matter in which professional role I found myself – it has always been important to support young people in their development! One of my most meaningful jobs surely is that of introducing young people to the many opportunities that our company offers for their personal and professional development. As a graduate of the Graz University of Technology, I chose to become a mentor at my alma mater in addition to FH Kärnten. The regular exchange with professors, lecturers and students allows me to establish good contacts to the schools. The future graduates get a behind-the-scenes look at our company, and we get to know them at an early stage so we can better develop and guide them according to their individual needs. In the best case, we can I’m welcome them aboard our company some day.

Holger a mentor Sack because…

…it is a great pleasure to help develop tomorrow’s talents during their studies at the Esslingen University of Applied Sciences in Germany and to recruit them to the company. It is always very exciting to work together with young and motivated engineering students.

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“If you always do what you already can, you’ll always stay what you already are.” (Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company)

Henry Ford rightly recognised that constant development the group, even potential management won’t change forms the foundation for a successful professional that,” says Hopfgartner. life. This is why we rely on the systematic and effective management of high potentials within the group. It is management’s task to assess employees and to challenge and develop them in their daily work. Through a uniform potential management process, The respective HR consultants support the potential we systematically identify high potentials in the group assessment and the further process. HRD handles and develop their talents accordingly. This process the data material, provides the tools, performs the was launched in Austria at the start of the year – and confidential monitoring and is responsible for assuring will soon be introduced in Germany, Switzerland and the process quality. Hungary. Implementation will continue successively in the other national markets. Potential management addresses about 10 – 2 0 % of our staff at the levels 5 – 3 (at least two years with the group) and is designed to prepare these employees for DRAWING ON OUR OWN POTENTIAL a career along the management, project or expert ladder.

While management had handled the search for and development of high potentials more or less systematically in the past, we now have a uniform process and adequate tools available to us. “It is one of the group’s strengths that we can identify and develop our high potentials and fill key positions with internal talents,” explains Susanne Hopfgartner – she manages the process of qualification and training as well as potential management for the entire group. “All employees are CONTACT: primarily themselves responsible for their own career within Susanne Hopfgartner, BRVZ HRD

INTERNAL INFO

RUNG FOR RUNG UP STRABAG SE Management Board THE CAREER LADDER Division/Central Division/Central Staff Division Manager New career paths: besides the classical Sub-Division management ladder, in which leadership Top Project Top Expert 1 Manager Manager responsibility is important, employees can also climb the project or expert ladder. In Business Unit Senior Project

2 Senior Expert contrast to technical experts, who have Manager Manager

usually completed high-quality specialist Ladder Management Expert Ladder Group Manager Ladder Project Project Manager Expert training and possess excellent qualifications 3

in their field, project managers can fall back Level on their years of experience in the field of Site Manager, Commercial Site Manager, General Foreman, project management. 4 Senior Supervisor, Team leader, Specialist Ladder

5 Technician, Commercial, Foreman, Supervisor, Qualified staff Skilled Trades Skilled Trades

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We rely on internal experts for our training needs.

Internal training platform

The group academy is a virtual platform where colleagues share their knowledge in a variety of subjects. Serving as lecturers are employees from the service departments, the central staff divisions and the operating units. Classic examples include the IT start seminar, the commercial series or training workshops in the legal and technical areas. “The greatest advantage of this model is that the internal lecturers come from the field and know exactly what their colleagues need. In this way, we can make perfect use of the know-how within the group,” says Hopfgartner, explaining the model of the group academy. “For personality development or specialist topics, we sometimes hire qualified external trainers,” she adds.

The group academy offers up-to-date information in subjects such as technology, law, business administration, IT, personality and leadership. In the event of special qualification needs, i.e. required by only a small group entity, the group academy offers its support in terms of conception, trainer selection and realisation. Employees in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Poland and Russia have access via the STRABAG Intranet to the group academy’s “workshop list” and can – in coordination with the supervisors – register online for the further training events. In 2013, the group academy offered and held over 1,800 seminars with more than 17,400 participants. Across the group, this corresponds to a total of 23,812 seminar days in nine countries.

Curious? The goApp in STRAnet gives you easy access to the group academy’s course book online. Log in now and sample the offerings yourself! With so much to choose from, there’s sure to be something there for everyone.

That was our brief survey of the topics of HRD. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the HRD team directly. They always look forward to being helpful.

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OUR PRIVATE SIDE “If you can dream it, you can do it”

With this quote, Albert Einstein wanted to show that the possibilities for creative expression and growth are endless. At STRABAG, we also have many gifted and talented people working for us.

International. From wood to paint to wool – when it comes to hobbies, there is no limit to creativity and fantasy. To recharge their batteries or just to be creative, many of our colleagues pursue a hobby in the arts and crafts.

In our first issue of teams., we want to show you how different these hobbies can be. We asked for hobbyists in the company to write us and we received responses internationally. In the end, we chose four colleagues as representative for all replies.

These four people have one thing in common: they are creative and produce new things. After all, the word “creative” comes from the Latin “creare” which means to make or produce. And the works they create are something to be proud of. When doing their hobby, our colleagues appear to be inspired by the motto of American chemist Linus Pauling, who said: “It is not enough to have more ideas than others – it is also necessary to have the ability to judge which of these ideas are good.”

We hope you will be fascinated and inspired by the inventiveness and imaginativeness of our employees on the next double-page spread. Maybe you’ll even recognise yourself in one of your colleagues and will be motivated to start on a hobby of your own.

As a child, Naďa Robotová watched her parents and grandparents making things with their hands – this sparked the passion in her as well.

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Naďa Robotová with her hands – and so it remains to this day. After a longer period of time in which Naďa Robotová has worked in the insurance she focused exclusively on jewellery, she department at the group subsidiary BRVZ, moved on to making brooches. “In my opinion, s.r.o. for about six years. Since her childhood brooches are the best fashion accessory – days, she has been dedicated to doing a small thing to wear in various colours and handicrafts. “My parents and grandmothers shapes. Brooches can be pinned to a blouse, introduced me to it. I always loved to watch coat, jacket, scarf or handbag and can add POSITION: them work,” she tells us. During primary life to a simple T-shirt,” she explains. Automotive Insurance school, she attended an art group that COMPANY: brought her in contact with different tech- She made her first brooches for the fun of BRVZ, s.r.o niques. Later, she continued to grow at it for the family and as gifts for friends and COUNTRY: home, experimenting and constantly working acquaintances. First, she has an idea that Slovakia she puts to paper. This is followed by the choice of colours and glass beads. “I often lose track of time, don’t notice when I’m tired, and stop only when I’m finished. I think about every little detail, every thread, every bead, and I love every part of the work, which I do with all my heart and soul. At the moment, I am preparing for my role as mother and I already have my head full of ideas with which I would like to enrich the life of my baby.”

Naďa Robotová enjoys making brooches for family and friends – a present couldn’t get any more personal than that.

Hans Brück responsibilities rarely leave him with more than a couple of hours per week for his hobby. Hans Brück has always been fascinated by “The model I am working on at any moment model airplanes and sailboats. “I see these is always my favourite – otherwise I wouldn’t models as a complementary opposite to invest so much time. My current project, and today’s highly technological world. Explorers the biggest one so far, is an English galleon and navigators sailing around the world with from the late 16th century. At nearly one metre a compass in a wooden sailboat like in length, it’s twice the size of my previous Columbus or Thomas Cook – when I build models. The hull and the masts are finished POSITION: these models, I think about the daring of and I am now working on the rigging and Hosting Infrastructure these discoverers. Model building also is a the sails – then, after some six years of work, COMPANY: perfect way of switching off and clearing the model will finally be finished. But the BRVZ Stuttgart your head,” he says. next plans are already lying in my drawer.” COUNTRY: Germany He began with plastic model kits while still a boy, and a fleet of ships still stands in his parents’ living room cabinet. This was followed by remote-controlled ships and planes, and in 1978 he built his first model sailboat. Several years ago, the hobbyist switched to old wooden sailboats from the 16th and 17th centuries. These wooden models can either be bought in complete kits or you start with a blueprint and produce each part completely from scratch. Such a project can take up some time, as family and work

Hans Brück has a love for detail: his passion belongs to model building.

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POSITION: once ventured a bright pink jumper.” Her Real Estate/Insurance favourite creations include dresses, jumpers COMPANY: or sweaters and vests or waistcoats. But BRVZ GmbH caps and scarves aren’t uncharted territory COUNTRY: for her. A lot can come together over the Austria course of a year, and she finishes around 15 items in any twelve-month period. But there’s one piece that remains very special for her: many years ago, she knitted a traditional children’s waistcoat for her daughter, complete with geese, a goosegirl Doris Malik and a gooseherd, and embroidered with flowers. This was her personal masterpiece Doris Malik, who has worked for the but also her most complex. STRABAG Group for nearly 20 years, has a remarkable collection of homemade Each creation is a work of its own, as she clothing. Knitting and crocheting have been designs all the patterns herself. She draws a personal passion since her school days. her inspiration from existing designs, This love must lie in the family, as her mother altering the patterns to give them her own has also pursued this hobby with enormous personal style. “My hobby is the perfect passion for decades. change of pace after a hard day’s work and a wonderful way of switching off. Maybe Doris enjoys wearing her creations to work – I’ll even manage to convince my daughter Doris Malik: a unique specimen, like her and has received many compliments and of my hobby so she can continue the ‘family homemade clothes. custom requests. “But I really do this hobby tradition’,” she laughs. only for myself,” she stresses, and adds: “I prefer muted colours, earthy or quiet tones. Only rarely do I work with loud or garish colours. Still, on the advice of a colleague I

Konrad Gralewski

“Ever since I was a child, I have loved to draw and paint – and so it came that at school I always did the drawings for the other children in art class,” says Konrad Gralewski with a grin. Konrad has worked in estimation at STRABAG for the past five years and has been attending STRABAG’s project management training since last year. In the estimation department, he is responsible for POSITION: different properties, such as offices, ware- Estimation Construction houses and residential buildings. Projects COMPANY: Five years ago, the construction engineer STRABAG Sp. z o.o. and graduate of the Warsaw University COUNTRY: An empty wall at his of Technology bought himself an easel and Poland home inspired Konrad some oil paints – and his passion for Gralewski to create this unique work of art. painting really took off. At first, painting was intended as a good idea for long winter evenings, when he creates most of his work. spread out a large piece of felt 180 cm in surface measuring 135 x 92 cm, he wants Meanwhile, however, he cannot imagine his length, cut out little pieces from another to created an abstract work of art using life without art, and painting is his biggest piece, and glued these onto the large surface twelve round felt elements. hobby. He has even managed to “infect” his to create a very interesting floral composition. wife as well, whose first attempts at painting The work now hangs in his daughter’s were a very enjoyable experience for her. room – and the artist is already bursting with new ideas, with the next frame already An empty wall at his home inspired him to waiting for completion. Konrad is currently embark on a unique felt composition. He busy collecting different felt materials. On a

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LEAN INTRODUCTION

Focusing on process optimisation

“South+East goes Lean” – this was the theme of a meeting in March, where the new simulation model for building construction was presented to the division managers of the segment South+East. This was the first step towards a consistent rollout of this process- enhancing system.

International. The division managers who were present process optimisation is one of the core tasks to be approved of the new simulation model, which provided tackled by all managers in South+East. It concerns a hands-on experience of the differences in classic all operational processes – both in Transportation construction project management and synchronised and Infrastructures as well as in Building Construction and controlled construction processes, along with their Civil Engineering – from planning, procurement and effects and advantages (especially with regard to an work planning all the way to construction management improvement in long-term results). and the handover of the completed project to the client.

Thanks to its universal applicability to the various project stages and its many areas of use, Lean paves our way to an ideally managed construction site. Systematic

Lean serves as an excellent tool for increasing efficiency within the group. The Central Division BPM (Construction Process Management) will guide our way towards achieving operational excellence with the help of Lean. We would like to encourage all colleagues to actively engage in and become part of this techno- logical progress!

Siegfried Wanker, Member of the Management Board STRABAG SE

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On 17 March 2014, the division managers of South+East Paving convoy: asphalting a road surface. Paver (front of were given a hands-on presentation of the new simulation picture) with trucks carrying the bituminous mixture in the model for building construction. background.

INFO

WHAT DOES LEAN DO FOR BUILDING CONSTRUCTION?

By working closely together with our subcontractors, with architecture and engineering firms and with their clients, we are striving to achieve a true level of cooperation. In joint In close collaboration with site managers and forepersons, workshops, we are developing and optimising work schedules and workflows together. the Central Division BPM has tailored the principles Simple expedients such as wall posters and Post-it notes can help to better illustrate processes and procedures. This markedly improves the communication and transparency of Lean management to the needs of the group and on the construction site – two key aspects of our work. designed a Lean system for building construction sites. One key element is the consistent application of work process synchronisation in conjunction with an optimal sequence of deploying specialised teams. Within the group, this modular system is also called “synchronisation planning and control”. Our time-tested Lean system can be applied without reservations to the construction of residential, office and special buildings – starting from the design stage and structural works up to later construction phases and the final handover to the client.

CONTACT: Jörg Altner, Sub-Division BPM

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STAFF ANALYSIS

Research question: How much time do we need to get the job done?

The staff at the construction site is probably the team that best needs to be able to juggle unexpected situations. A first analysis and quantification of their tasks was recently conducted.

Austria. When it comes to the management and current level of works performed (approx. 85 %) – have organisation of projects, the construction sector often been completed in due time and to the full satisfaction has to face unforeseen and unpredictable influences. of the parties involved. Follow-up orders were placed as Two independent research projects analysed the job a result, which increased the overall invoicing amount by profiles of the construction staff in order to provide a 35 %,” concludes Martin Hörhan, Group Manager first quantification of their extensive field of responsibility. Operational Work Planning. The analysis of professional activities is an important basis for a requirements analysis regarding the professional At the beginning of the construction works, the start team qualification and skills of construction site workers. consisted of 14 employees (project management team The main goal of this study was to analyse workflows and field service team), supported by experts from the in order to identify weak spots and thus improve the following fields: controlling, time scheduling, work planning, working situation. contract management and billing. A well-structured organisation chart, an actively internalised responsibility assignment matrix (RACI) and the disciplined use of a joint project database formed the basis for the timely construction process. In order to determine the time needed for the individual tasks and meetings, all employees were interviewed using questionnaires based on a responsibility assignment matrix, both for the starting and the regular project phase. 157 tasks were included in the RACI, for which the individual times needed were then assigned by the subjects via the questionnaires. The result was an individual job profile for every single member of the team.

At the beginning of construction, the start team consisted Right from the tender phase, the contractual requirements of 14 employees, supported by experts for the Vienna main station project (118 deadlines from different fields. subject to penalties, short main construction time during ongoing railway operations, and permanent delivery of services by third parties) left hardly any room for perfor- mance deviations. In order to meet these requirements, the Vienna main station joint venture (STRABAG share 36 %) appointed a proactive and well-structured project team right at the beginning of the project. “Thanks to this The contractual requirements for the Vienna main station project left foresightedness, all works of the main order – given the hardly any room for performance deviations.

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The pillars of success: strong start team, strong project management, use of experts, experienced billing team, high motivation thanks to tight structure.

These results were complemented by the intense contact between the different team members and by the meeting hours.

12 % OF WORKING TIME REMAINS FOR “OTHER TASKS”

The results for the Vienna main station project show that the individual activity groups each account for between 3 % and 16 % and that, despite the structured assignment, an “Other tasks” partition of 12 % results. This share reflects the flexibility to react to contingencies as well as the marginally manageable efforts.

In a second, almost parallel research programme, the activities of construction site managers in building Other tasks Commercial construction projects with order volumes of € 4 million 12 % processing 12 % and more were empirically surveyed and complemented with quantitative observations. In total, 43 construction

Meetings Billing site managers and seven representatives of the higher 12 % 11 % management level (superior site managers, business unit managers) from four construction companies partici- pated in the survey. The results are based on about Execution 3,659 hours of observation, which corresponds to 16 % approximately two years of work.

Controlling 13 % Presen- Work “The different studies are only comparable to a limited tation planning extent, but their results and the insights gained from 7 % 10 % the studies can help us optimise the self-organisation of work tasks at construction sites. In addition to that, hints regarding a potential need for restructuring or Scheduling 3 % further training can also be derived,” Hörhan points out. The following pillars of success can be defined: the Higher-level strong start team, the strong project management, the organisation 4 % use of experts, the experienced billing team as well as a high level of motivation thanks to a tight structure.

Additional studies are planned.

CONTACT: Martin Hörhan, Central Technical Division, Operational Work Planning

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CONSTRUCTIVE COOPERATION

Partnership working as a model for the future

As early as mid-2012, STRABAG Transportation Infrastructures Germany started offering its private clients a new partnership model: the STRABAG teamconcept. Joachim Dillenburger, head of the working group STRABAG teamconcept, tells us how this model works and what advantages it brings us.

Mr Dillenburger, could you please explain to us how this model works? The model is based on partnership. The main focus is on the project goals of both contractual partners. This means that both parties are in the same boat and mutually agree to also achieve the goals of the partner. This contributes to a trusting cooperation and open and honest communication.

Why did Transportation Infrastructures now decide to implement this model? We had reached a point where we asked ourselves critically whether the multifaceted and internalised building practice already in place was actually future-proof. We believe that there is a lack of cooperation and that cooperation can considerably optimise building processes – for the benefit of all involved.

What exactly does that mean? How can processes be optimised? Simply put: unclear performance specifications and bad planning often lead to opposed interpretations of contracts, which in turn forms the basis of conflict-ridden negotiations with the client. All this is “lost time” – a waste of resources without any value-added. And since deadlines are thus missed, this also results in high costs. Such an approach is no longer seasonable. We need to change our way of thinking.

“Change our way of thinking” – What does that mean? And how does this pay off for STRABAG? The Contract Procedures for Building Works affected We expect our performance to be adequately remuner- our everyday behaviour. We need to break up our old ated – without unfair contractual provisions, one-sided patterns and re-learn organisation through a cooperation risks, or conflicts. We are striving for optimum planning model. Only specially trained employees are allowed and efficient construction processes that are to the to secure teamconcept projects. In addition, manuals satisfaction of both parties. have been compiled for support.

What advantages result for the client? We are flexible and can better react to our clients’ wishes. Clear advantages include cost reduction, adherence to deadlines, risk reduction, quality improvements and sustainability.

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“Both parties must be ready to cooperate. What is so difficult about team- concept: it is a different world, it requires a new way of thinking.”

Joachim Dillenburger, head of the working group STRABAG teamconcept

STRABAG should already be involved in the planning stage – one of the key phases of project development.

CONTACT: Joachim Dillenburger, Sub-Division Rhineland-Palatinate/Hesse

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TRANSPORT SERVICES AND LOGISTICS (TSL)

Our mission: In the right place at the right time

Setting up a new construction site is often a massive logistics effort. Once you know what you need, the next question is: How do I get these things as quickly as possible and at a reasonable price? teams. spoke with Jörg Techt and Alfred Gollubich, our logistics experts.

Logistics guru Reinhardt Jünemann could not have What does that mean, handling the logistics of an said it better: “The task of logistics is to provide the entire project? right quantity of the right objects in the right place Well, if necessary, we can already contribute to the at the right time in the right quality at the right cost.” planning and calculation phases, which certainly does This is not an easy task. How do you manage to make sense. However, we also provide a solution in do that? the event of current or acute need of transport. We TSL specialises in logistics issues for the entire group. may also be consulted for negotiations of framework This means that we provide support for all kinds of agreements with forwarding companies or in tender transports worldwide, irrespective of whether the object processes. Since we are very experienced in this field, in question is just a pallet or whether the logistics of we can contribute valuable input. Alfred Gollubich (left) an entire project need to be handled. specialises in railway, Specifically, how can I benefit if I bring you in? sea and air transports; Jörg Techt (right) is Our advantage over a forwarding company is that we the specialist for truck provide additional services, which translates into major transports. time savings. We answer enquiries and undertake to handle and clarify questions of transport law. On the other hand, we are all qualified logistics specialists with many years of experience in the sector. We know the market, the strengths and weaknesses of the individual logistics partners, and, of course, we also know their tricks. This enables us to offer our group’s operating units an advantage and increase the level of quality.

Can you give us a few examples of current or recent projects? We are currently organising sea transports of entire plants to Ghana and China. However, the transport of two tunnel boring machines for the Koralm Tunnel joint venture in Deutschlandsberg and the logistics for the façade elements for the EOD and DC Towers in Vienna were certainly two special highlights, just to name a few examples.

What steps do I need to take now if I want to organise a transport? Just get in contact with us. We will then discuss with you all further steps to be taken.

CONTACTs: Jörg Techt and Alfred Gollubich, Sub-Division Procurement, TSL

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QUALITY OPTIMISATION

Co-Qualify: In-house coaching for client satisfaction and success

Knowledge transfer is essential to both progress and optimisation. The in-house coaching concept “Co-Qualify” was developed by the Sub-Division Mitte with the goal of enhancing quality – a concept to render know-how within the sub-divisions more effective.

Germany. The name “Co-Qualify” is a combination of knowledge should then be transferred to other “Co” (short for cooperation and coaching) and “Qualify” construction sites dealing with similar challenges. This (stands for quality and qualification). With its variety of is how the valuable experiences of one individual can specific Co-Qualify tools, all employees have access to be made accessible for all. an extensive set of seminars, workshops and other useful instruments. The Co-Qualify hotline, for example, The Sub-Division Mitte is no longer the only group entity connects you with experts who can offer individual to apply this concept. By now, other sub-divisions have assistance in matters of work safety, remedial works begun to implement Co-Qualify as well. management, quality assurance, client support and the coaching of young professionals.

Co-Quality tips are in great demand. They help us apply best implementation practices directly on the construction site. The tips document relevant know-how that may not have been available throughout the sub-division or applied only sporadically. Via STRAnet and e-mail, this knowledge is now disseminated systematically to all colleagues, helping them fulfil their work tasks.

“Co-Qualify also offers valuable help in implementing current Have we sparked your group strategies.” interest? For more information, get on STRAnet or contact At the moment, targeted seminars are being held for our Co-Qualify hotline the introduction of the remedial works management tool at +49 800 78 25 439. M3. The Co-Qualify team is thus making an important contribution to curbing the organisational effort usually needed for the management of remedial works. Our Co-Qualify seminars have proven an efficient method to continually keep our site managers on a state-of-the-art level in technology. If possible, workshops and seminars take place in the afternoon so that the majority of site managers have the chance to attend.

Construction site visits are another essential element of the Co-Qualify concept. In a personal conversation, we analyse problems and work on specific solutions. According to the snowball principle, this specialised

CONTACT: Carl Dittgen, Sub-Division Mitte

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URBAN RENEWAL A new downtown for a metropolis

The Polish city of Katowice is the heart of a metropolitan area inhabited by 2.5 million people – and a place with high European standards where modernity meets tradition.

Poland. The urban renewal of the city centre of Katowice, INNOVATION AND TRADITION GO HAND IN HAND a project undertaken by STRABAG, is a great example of the perfect interaction between modernity and tradition. The new railway station in Katowice is one of the largest With one of Poland’s most modern railway stations, railway hubs in Poland. Every day, it handles more than Katowice Osobowa, STRABAG has built an integrated 500 trains carrying as many as 33,000 people – that transport, shopping and business hub that also includes makes 12 million people and more than 6,000 trains per a bus station and a road passage. year. Overall, the railway station covers 6,000 m2. It was carefully adapted to meet the specific requirements of all passengers, especially senior citizens and people URBAN RENEWAL OF THE CITY CENTRE with disabilities. The old railway station building dates back to the year 1972. Its main characteristics were the Katowice, located in the midst of a highly urbanised impressive cup-shaped pillars made of reinforced region in the Upper Silesian metropolitan area, is on its concrete that kept up the main hall ceiling. These unique way to becoming the seat of the newly evolving Silesian elements of the old building have been reconstructed Metropolis. The city’s character, originally defined by and integrated into the newly built railway station and the mining industry, has changed over the years. Many shopping centre. The 16 “cups” have been reconstructed mines were closed and later turned into culture and with a special formwork technique that previously had adventure parks featuring art galleries, theatres and not been used for 40 years. museums. As the future seat of the Silesian Metropolis, Katowice needs a multifunctional centre. The urban renewal of the city centre is unique in the country. Alfred BASKING IN THE GLOW OF BEAUTIFUL LIGHT Watzl, managing director of the STRABAG Sp. z o.o, EFFECTS says: “STRABAG has developed and built infrastructure around the world for almost 200 years. We are changing The sheer size of the building project was a challenge in the face of Europe, and here in Katowice this becomes itself. A six-storey building was constructed on a 30,000 m2 obvious more than anywhere else. On more than plot. The railway station is connected to a modern 200,000 m2, STRABAG has created a functional and shopping and service centre, the Galeria Katowicka. pulsating urban space.” The commercial area of the object covers 52,000 m2. Three above-surface floors and one basement level host 250 shops and service points as well as a multiplex cinema with ten screens. A two-level underground Info parking lot offers space for 1,200 cars.

At 70 m length and with a surface area of more than 3,600 m2, the façade is the most impressive architectural element of the shopping centre. Between the façade The importance and the concrete walls of the building, a lighting system has been installed. More than ten thousand openings let of Katowice the light of the lamps pass through, creating a beautiful light effect. The colour of the façade lighting can be Katowice is the most significant business, changed as required. university and cultural centre in south- central Poland. The city is the capital of The project’s size and constructional challenges make the Silesian Voivodeship, one of the the complex in Katowice one of the most exceptional smallest but most densely populated areas and sophisticated STRABAG projects in Poland. The in Poland. The average population project was finished using state-of-the-art technology density in this area is three times as high and energy-saving, environmentally friendly technical as in other parts of the country. solutions. “It was an opportunity to benefit from the entire range of STRABAG’s know-how and potential”, says Project Manager Artur Szarwiło.

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CONTRACT VALUE: € 110 million CONSTRUCTION TIME: December 2010–September 2013 ON THE CONSTRUCTION SITE: up to 1,200 people TOTAL AREA: 27,000 m²

Lights pass through tens of thousands of openings, creating a beautiful visual effect.

The interior features a minimalist design. Black and white are the dominant colours. Eyecatcher: the wall panelling and the suspended installations on the concrete ceiling.

One challenge among many: the exact reconstruction of the central railway station’s cup-shaped concrete pillars from 1970.

CONTACT: Artur Szarwiło, Sub-Division Building Construction (PP)

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BUILDING CONSTRUCTION POLAND/ZENTRALE TECHNIK 1 A bridge that sets new standards

On 9 December 2013, Poland’s largest arch bridge – the road bridge across the River Vistula in Toruń – was inaugurated. Europe’s most modern bridge not only connects two river banks, it also sets an innovative and new European standard in terms of cooperation: qualified staff from Poland, Austria, the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland pooled their forces in this project. 1

Poland. Poland is certainly proud of Toruń, and justifiably traffic route of national road 1 (91) – and an alternative so. The city owes its unique character mainly to the to the A1 motorway, which leads from the centre to perfectly preserved monuments, which – unlike many Poland’s north. historical buildings in other Polish cities – were spared from destruction during World War II. A special point of interest is the Medieval Town of Toruń, a UNESCO RECORD PARAMETERS World Heritage Site. The new road across the bridge keeps traffic at a safe distance from the valuable historical 5 November 2010 saw the kickoff of the prestigious monuments, ensuring that they will be kept in good project. In the course of the project, civil engineering condition for many years to come. The inauguration of objects and roads with a total length of more than 4 km the General Elżbieta Zawacka Bridge is a milestone in were constructed. The entire construction project the development of Toruń’s transportation infrastructure. comprises an area of approx. 400,000 m², of which the Before it was built, there was only one way to reach road surface makes up about 120,000 m². The three the opposite bank of the Vistula – across the usually largest viaducts have lengths of 830 m, 600 m and congested bridge built in the 1930s. The new bridge 300 m, respectively. “The structural arch support system, has virtually resolved the traffic problem in Toruń, which which is completely made of steel, is the centrepiece counts roughly 200,000 inhabitants. It is also an important of the project. It consists of two arch pairs with a span

CONTRACT VALUE: PLN 550 million (approx. € 140 million) CONSTRUCTION TIME: 2 years PEOPLE ON THE CONSTRUCTION SITE: 2,000 LENGTH AND WIDTH: 540 m und 24 m

For the first time, mastic asphalt was used. This waterproof material was previously only used for the lower road surface layers to safeguard the insulation of the bridge structure.

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At a glance 1

cable-stayed bridge 296 m tunnel and trough structures 450 m Thanks to technology especially developed by STRABAG, the installation arch bridge 540 m of the bridge arches could for the first time be realised in Europe. access bridges 1,333 m

Vistula

1

In a spectacular operation, the two bridge arches were positioned on the bridge piers. The arch pairs weighing 5,400 t were assembled on shore and moved to the installation locations with special flotation devices.

arches were put onto the bridge piers. Prior to this, the river was deepened accordingly. Two abutments were installed at the river banks and the centre pier was erected on an artificial island the size of a football field, which had been reclaimed from the river. The arch pairs weighing 5,400 t were assembled on shore and transported to the installation locations of the abutments with special flotation devices: pontoons that were designed and produced especially for this operation, along with the equipment. On top of the pontoons of 270 m and a height of 50 m each,” says Site Manager stood the load-bearing towers with the hydraulic facilities Zbigniew Szubski. that were used to sustain the arch and position it onto the abutments after being transported there. Top-quality The construction project in Toruń was implemented by devices and innovative technological solutions ensured a consortium under the direction of STRABAG Sp. z o.o., the arches were installed with the highest precision Sub-Division PP. Through the combined efforts of several possible. This precision was required during the whole organisational units within the STRABAG Group, the operation and especially during the positioning of the large-scale project could be carried out smoothly: Sub- arches on the abutments: the guiding elements, the Division Bridge Construction (PK), Sub-Division North groove on the arch end and the bolt on the abutment, (PG), Sub-Division RD Concrete, TPA Laboratory and had to fit perfectly. The operation process was monitored Zentrale Technik from Vienna. “Zentrale Technik was via a network of high-tech systems and installations involved in the project implementation activities from the from water and land the entire time. Thanks to technology beginning. During the tendering phase, we helped developed by STRABAG, the installation of such large- develop the construction technology of the civil engi- dimensioned bridge arches could be realised in Europe neering structures and prepare the cost estimate. In for the first time. the implementation phase, we closely cooperated with the project engineers and the site and project manage- ment. We acted as general planner, coordinating the arch installation planning, and supported the drafting of programmes of works during the project,” explains Eugen Bindek, group manager at Zentrale Technik Vienna. All of these activities contributed to ensuring a secure and smooth implementation of the entire project.

COMPLEX CIVIL ENGINEERING OPERATION CONTACTs: Zbigniew Szubski, Sub-Division The most critical and spectacular stage of the bridge Building Construction Poland construction was the operation in which two bridge Eugen Bindek, Zentrale Technik Vienna

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BUILDING SERVICES ENGINEERING (BSE) A clean job

STRABAG was the main contractor for the modernisation and expansion of the industrial laundry centre of the Swiss Armed Forces: refurbishment, modernisation and automation all in one wash.

Switzerland. Armasuisse, the biggest textile centre of the Swiss Armed Forces, washes 1,500 t of laundry a year. The laundry centre is part of the logistics and infrastructure centre in Thun, near Bern. 90 % of the “laundry pile” is supplied by the Armed Forces themselves and the rest by the police, technology group RUAG and private suppliers.

The old building in which textiles are cleaned and repaired was refurbished and the adjoining new building now houses the special cleaning, dry cleaning and metal cleaning services. While the new building was compara- tively small, with a gross floor area of 1,520 m² and a height of 11.6 m, it nevertheless required an interesting array of works: underpinnings, shotcrete, earthworks, building construction, steel construction and insulated façades – to name but a few. All in all, more than 30 companies were active on the construction site.

BSE accounted for CHF 9.3 million of the overall contract value of CHF 16.4 million (about € 13.5 million). The centre’s building services technology was insufficient the vapour condensate thus produced to heat the and needed to be repaired, adapted and expanded. building. Processing machines were replaced by more powerful systems. Many processes could thus be automated – The water heating system also relies on heat recovery: including sorting, washing, drying, repairing and piling. every hour, its three big boilers heat 13.5 m³ of waste One fascinating new feature is the detection of defects, water from the machines to 45°C. The heat recovery such as missing buttons or torn insignia. If such defects tank, which has a capacity of 30,000 l, collects the are found, they are marked on monitors and the respective condensate from the steam unit and the waste water articles of clothing are “detoured” in the production line from the machines. and automatically conveyed to one of the centre’s many valiant tailors. The laundry centre also has three drying rooms that need 36,000 m³ of air per hour to operate. Each drying Apart from the modernisation of the machines themselves, room has two systems of heating coils – one using the transition from the electric heating system to a steam and one using hot water – which can heat the steam-based one was also a remarkable feat. The new supply air to a temperature of 60°C, 90°C or 150°C. steam unit – the heart of the entire BSE – produces an The combined circulation system recovers energy from output of 5.6 t per hour. A heat recovery system uses the exhaust air.

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CONTRACT VALUE: CHF 9.3 million (approx. € 7.6 million) CONSTRUCTION TIME: 15 months STEAM UNIT OUTPUT: 5.6 t/h WATER HEATING: 13.5 m³ waste water/h

Armasuisse, the biggest textile centre of the Swiss Armed Forces, washes 1,500 t of laundry a year. The sustainable Armasuisse project was a big challenge, 90 % of the “laundry pile” especially for the building services engineering experts. is supplied by the Armed Forces themselves. After a construction phase of 15 months, the project was handed over to a satisfied client in the autumn of 2013. BSE Project Manager Slavisa Sukic describes the project as a “model construction site” and especially praises the successful and smooth cooperation with Markus Schultheiss, general project manager of the operating sub-division. A clean job completed!

CONTACTs: Markus Schultheiss, Sub-Division Switzerland Slavisa Sukic, Central Technical Division, BSE Vienna

The sustainable project was a big challenge, especially for the BSE experts, who may now pride themselves on the project’s professional realisation.

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OLYMPIC VILLAGE IN SOCHI Our contribution to athletic success

It was not only athletes who gave a top performance at the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi: STRABAG demonstrated its know-how as the leading European- based technology group for construction services.

Russia. The XXII Olympic Winter Games were held in simultaneously. In an earlier project, STRABAG had February in the subtropical city of Sochi, Russia. The completed the airport in Adler by the end of 2009. city is known as a popular spa and seaside resort rather than a classic winter sports location and is frequently The construction of the Olympic Village posed quite a dubbed the “Riviera of the Black Sea”. few challenges, as the site was located on a marsh. In some places, this required soil replacement and filling to create a solid base. The logistics for the construction A VERY SPECIAL VILLAGE materials needed for the total of 58 buildings also proved difficult, as the only means of transport available were a STRABAG designed and built the Main Olympic Village railway line, a port and a country road of average width. with 47 residential buildings (3–4 floors) for the athletes and their entourage. A second complex of 11 buildings “The transport of construction materials was a real (6–7 floors) for the members of the “Olympic family” challenge and a great concern for everyone involved. was also built by STRABAG. All in all, more than The port was affected by heavy waves twice during the 2,700 apartments were constructed on a total surface construction phase. But, as you can see today, of 270,000 m². The apartments were designed with everything turned out fine and we were able to solve all terraces of varying sizes. problems,” says Technical Division Manager Dragan Pavelic. Construction works for the Olympic Village started in March 2011, after the contract had been signed in November 2010. At peak times, up to 350 STRABAG employees were present on the construction site and up to 5,000 blue-collar workers were employed

The Olympic Village was built to accommodate athletes and their entourage. CONTRACT VALUE: € 350 million CONSTRUCTION TIME: March 2011–December 2013 BUILDINGS CONSTRUCTED: 58 The Russian city of Sochi is located on the Black Sea and APARTMENTS CONSTRUCTED: has a very attractive subtropical climate. 2,711 CONTACT: Dragan Pavelic, Division Building Construction and Civil Engineering, SEE/RANC/UWT/Serbia

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SCHOOL IN MILOVICE New life in old walls

The history of the central Bohemian town of Milovice (located around 50 km north-east of Prague’s city centre) traces back to the 14th century. With the revitalisation of an old school building, STRABAG a.s. has contributed to shaping the future of this town.

Czech Republic. At the beginning of the 20th century, the children of Soviet soldiers. STRABAG a.s. submitted a military compound was established in Milovice. the best bid in the tender for the project realisation. After the occupation of Czechoslovakia in the year 1968, Soviet soldiers and their families settled on these The building development is divided into four stages. In premises. In the 1980s, the compound housed up to the first stage, several objects were torn down, a school 100,000 Soviet soldiers and their families. Over time, kitchen with modern equipment was built and the entrance an autonomous settlement developed that consisted building was renovated. In January, the first 480 school of residential buildings, a hospital, a kindergarten, kids took their seats in the state-of-the-art classrooms. an elementary school and recreational facilities. The “Juventa” school in Milovice is to become one of the cutting-edge institutions of its kind in the Czech A BUILDING WITH HISTORY Republic. In the course of the next project stages, a new pavilion will be completed and the existing gym After the Soviet soldiers left the area in 1991, the military as well as the outdoor sports area (including a park) compound was included in the municipality of Milovice. will be extended. Moreover, a library, a music room The residential buildings were renovated and soon after and computer-equipped classrooms will be built. Upon a large supply of relatively cheap flats attracted primarily completion of the project, the school will have the young people. Thanks to its rapid growth, Milovice has capacity to accommodate 1,600 school kids and will become the “youngest” town in the Czech Republic be the biggest school in the region. and the high birth rate soon led to a lack of space in the town’s kindergarten and school. Thus, the town had a project for the renovation of the run-down elementary school drawn up, which had originally served

CONTRACT VALUE 1st STAGE: € 5.2 million CONSTRUCTION TIME 1st STAGE: June 2012 – December 2013 BUILT-UP AREA: 2,890 m² ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: September 2017

Bright colours, clear structures and lots of space. The new school in Milovice convinces with its unique design.

The school kids enjoy learning in the bright and friendly classrooms. CONTACT: Daniel Novotný, Sub-Division Building Construction & Civil Engineering Prague

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O1NE Club A night club as a new landmark for Yas Island

Just in time for the first Formula One weekend – on 1 November 2013 – the night club “O1NE” on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi opened its doors. The club makes an impression for three different reasons: it is designed to house around 840 guests, its façade is adorned by the world’s largest graffiti and it has the largest permanently installed 3D projection mapping.

United Arab Emirates. The United Arab Emirates are The starting signal sounded with the drilling of piles known for making the impossible possible. Who else on 17 January 2013, followed by the reinforced concrete would manage to operate a ski arena in the middle of skeleton structure, prestressed concrete girders and the desert? The latest prestige project has been the the prefabricated façade. Between July and October, night club “O1NE” on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. A novel STRABAG realised all building services engineering (BSE) club that aims to provide its guests with an unprecedented components as well as the installation of the kitchen, clubbing experience. The bar has been set high – including the commissioning. Simultaneously, a selected especially because such prestige projects depend heavily general finishing contractor carried out all carpentry on the professional execution of the construction works and specialist finishings. The outside facilities company. And this is where the team of the Abu Dhabi were completed between September and October. branch comes in. Environmental aspects were also taken into account by means of energy-efficient project implementation and “We can be absolutely proud of our achievement of water-conserving sanitary installations. having handed over the club in this form after only eleven months – despite a delay in the planning phase – in The irregular elliptic floor plan of the main building, with time and to the client’s fullest satisfaction,” writes Christian a diameter of around 65 metres and a height of Meichsner at the beginning of his project report. “We 17 metres, makes it the world’s largest graffiti surface took over the project with a contract value of around and turns the building into a landmark for Yas Island, AED 65 million (approx. € 13 million) as general contractor which is characterised by the Yas Marina Circuit and hotel and coordinated the planning, construction and com- buildings. missioning of the club, including all official acceptances and approvals.” A CASE FOR THE GUINNESS BOOK OF RECORDS?

Besides having the world’s largest graffiti surface, the Info club is also equipped with the currently largest perma- nently installed 360-degree 3D projection mapping TEAM SPIRIT system. The projections are unique and aim to provide the guests with a novel clubbing experience. The club Proof of a good team is when the team spirit goes applied for an entry in the Guinness Book of Records beyond office doors. Marco Vogel, Heike Wiume for both features. and Priya Kaippally (from left to right) successfully participated in the Dubai Marathon in January 2014. To make up for the six-week planning delay caused by missing approvals from local authorities, the construction team tried to compensate with special proposals, such as a suspended prefabricated façade, overtime and night shifts. “Outside temperatures of up to 55°C and a humidity of almost 90 % – conditions found in a low-temperature sauna – aggravated the execution of the construction work. And then there was the Islamic month of Rama- dan – during which Muslim colleagues refrained from having any water or food during the daytime. For us Europeans, these are inconceivable working conditions,” describes Christian Meichsner.

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Eyecatcher from afar: the world’s largest graffiti – a contender for the Guinness Book of Records.

CONTRACT VALUE: AED 65 million (approx. € 13 million) CONSTRUCTION TIME: January 2013 – October 2013 CAPACITY: 840 guests EYECATCHER: World’s largest graffiti façade

The permanently installed 360-degree 3D projection mapping allows for an unprecedented clubbing experience.

From left to right: BSE site manager CONTACT: Robert Blazvic, Estimada representative Sub-Division Building Nour Mousli, site manager Mazen Ammo, Christian Meichsner, project manager Christian Meichsner Construction & Civil Engineering Middle East

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HOMESTAKE PROJECT Long overdue: Dam repair to European standards

A 47-year-old dam, which was completed in 1967, urgently needs to be repaired to secure the water supply to the cities of Aurora and Colorado Springs. This does not sound spectacular at first – but at an altitude of 3,200 m in the Rocky Mountains this is an entirely different story.

USA. While dams with asphalt lining are common in Europe, they are unique in the US. As the asphalt lining of the Homestake Dam was installed when it was first built in 1967, it is understandable that extensive renovation and maintenance work is needed 47 years later. “It’s actually way too late,” explains project manager Thomas Neumann. “Since the drinking water reservoir, with a capacity of around 53 million cubic meters, has continuously been in use and was completely drained only at the start of the renovation work in 2012, the extent of the maintenance and repair work could only be guessed. The actual condition was sobering. Many faults could only be identified upon closer inspection – this has required a lot of flexibility to adjust to the changing situation.”

Due to the extreme climatic conditions – up to -30°C in winter and +30°C in summer as well as strong UV radiation – high standards were set for the selection of materials, like highly polymer-modified bitumen, and for the quality of the paving. As there were no technical standards or empirical values for asphalt-based lining in the US, we partially resorted to European standards, tested technologies of STRABAG International GmbH and included these as a basis in the tender. Additionally, US standards (ASTM) also had to be taken into account, particularly in the production monitoring of the asphalt mix.

CHALLENGING: MOUNTAIN AIR AND FROSTY WINTERS

The Homestake Dam and Reservoir is located in the Rocky Mountains at an altitude of 3,200 m. This altitude imperative to respect this target as the drinking water level is not only demanding for the machinery – the supply in Colorado can only be ensured by a working human body also needs to adjust to the mountain air. reservoir. Given the harsh winters in this region, which For this reason, people need to observe an acclimatisation can last from mid-September to May, there is only period of around one week. Hydraulic equipment as a very small window of time with optimal construction well as motorised components, like ventilation, need to conditions. be especially adjusted and attuned to the mountain air.

Since the maintenance and repair work, with a total value of $ 12.6 million (approx. € 9.2 million) is extensive, the project was divided into three six-month phases. The first phase was launched in April 2012, the second phase commenced a year later in April 2013 and the last phase is to be completed by September 2014. It is

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CONTRACT VALUE: $ 12.6 million (approx. € 9.2 million) CONSTRUCTION TIME: April 2012 – September 2014 (3 construction phases) DAM HEIGHT: 70 m CREST OF DAM: 600 m

The 47-year-old Homestake Dam needs to be renovated to ensure drinking water supply. Not an easy task under extreme climate conditions of between -30°C and +30°C.

CONTACT: Thomas Neumann, Sub-Division Projects (MC), Business Unit Dams/AWB

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STAFF EXCHANGE ZÜBLIN – GILBANE Transatlantic knowledge exchange

Ed. Züblin AG and Gilbane Building Company have joined forces for a unique staff exchange programme. Each partner now benefits from the other’s extensive expertise.

International. While preparing for a tender for the Two Züblin units are participating in the exchange construction of a new American military hospital in programme: the Central Technical Division (5D design) Ramstein, Ed. Züblin AG of Germany began a unique and the Sub-Division Stuttgart. Project Manager cooperation with Gilbane Building Company of the US. Peter Steinhagen established the necessary contacts A staff exchange programme offers employees and developed the joint venture until it was ready to of both companies an opportunity to learn about the be signed. Klaus Pöllath, division manager and member partner’s structures and internal processes in the host of the management board, signed the agreement and country. This is expected to facilitate cooperation in acts as “patron” of the staff exchange programme. quotation processing as well as in the project manage- ment of future contracts. The programme is designed for three-month visits to the partnering company, A SUCCESSFUL CONCEPT but visits can also be extended. Two German and two American colleagues have participated in the exchange The arrival of US civil engineer Joseph Claussen programme so far. in January 2013 marked the start of the exchange programme. In the beginning, Joseph Claussen was Gilbane is a fifth-generation US family business in deployed in the Stuttgart Sub-Division’s big MILANEO the construction industry with more than 60 branch project, familiarising himself with the organisation and offices. The company was founded in Providence, management of a large construction site in the Züblin Rhode Island in 1873. Its roughly 2,500 employees teamconcept business model. “I have learned many generate annual revenue of about $ 3 billion. The valuable lessons here at Züblin. This is why I have company offers management services in turnkey extended my stay,” says Joseph Claussen. John Myers, construction (with a focus on healthcare and federal another Gilbane employee, has been with the German projects), project management, project development 5D group since January 2014. and relocation logistics.

From left to right: Jeff Schramm (Gilbane), Nikolas Früh (5D design Züblin) and Tom Gilbane (CEO Gilbane) met at the Gilbane headquarters in Providence, Rhode Island.

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“The Züblin–Gilbane exchange programme offers participants a unique insight into the working culture and processes of the joint venture partner. This will undoubtedly bring major benefits for future cooperation.”

Karin Haasis-Straube, Programme Manager Staff Exchange and Head of Human Resource Development Stuttgart.

Nikolas Früh of Züblin’s 5D design team became the first German participant in the exchange programme in the spring of 2013. “I was able to contribute produc- tively to the work of the US 5D team from the third day, thanks to their use of the same (software) tools and BIM concepts. Working on real projects and attending conferences and meetings in Boston, Miami, Phoenix, Athens and Denver was a valuable experience. It gave me a chance to learn about internal processes and 5D management at an internationally renowned construction company,” Nikolas Früh proudly reports. In addition to Nikolas Früh, Sven Winkler (Sub-Division Stuttgart) has also spent six weeks at Gilbane in the US. Both sides hold weekly online conferences with their exchange programme teams and participants also report on their experience in video recaps and regular STRAnet blog entries. Two employees of each company have so far exchanged their jobs in the US and Germany – an interesting experience to remember!

Joseph Claussen (centre) with colleagues of the Sub-Division Stuttgart. CONTACT: Karin Haasis-Straube, HRD Stuttgart

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THE FAVOURITE PLACES OF STRABAG EMPLOYEES Prague: My city

Aeneas Sylvius once praised Prague as the “pearl amongst cities”, and Goethe viewed it as “the most precious gemstone in the crown of cities”. Thanks to its interesting architectural history, today’s Prague has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites and is not only a popular tourist destination, but also serves as a backdrop for blockbuster films.

A touch of history A green belt in the middle of the city

A stroll through the historic centre of Prague always has a certain Near the bustling city centre, but far from the crowds, lie the Rieger appeal for Edita Novotná. Most of all, she enjoys a walk early in Gardens, where Stanislav Bedřich prefers to relax after calling it the morning or late at night, when the narrow old lanes are deserted. a day. The park facility is ideal for city dwellers looking to do some A cruise on the Vltava River can be charming, too. You can travel outdoor sport and exercise, eat out or take the dog for a walk. by ship from the city centre to the Zoological Garden in the Troja Close by is the Žižkov Television Tower, which stands 217 m tall. district – the favourite place of Edita’s kids. The highest structure in this city offers a panoramic view that you should not miss!

From the back of a horse After work

It is said that the most beautiful view of the world is from the back The most widely consumed beverage in Bohemia is beer. Historic of a horse. Monika Jásenská, an equestrian enthusiast, couldn’t documents prove that the “golden liquid” was brewed here as early agree more. But when she’s not on horseback, she loves practicing as the 11th century. After work, Marek Orság and Karel Veselý sports such as inline skating and cycling. Monika believes that like to meet with their friends at their favourite pub, U Fleků, which exercise is the best way to shrug off a day full of work while doing boasts a brewery of its own. U Fleků is the only brewery in Central something for your health. Good for her, then, that Prague keeps Europe that has been brewing beer for 500 straight years. adding new bicycle lanes.

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The “Czech paradox”: most restaurants sell beer at a lower price than mineral water.

Marek Orság and Karel Veselý

Prague: My city

SPECIAL TIP

Worth seeing!

The Staroměstská metro station was voted one of the twelve most impressive underground stations in Europe by readers of the CNN news website.

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ACUPRESSURE TECHNIQUES Successful self-healing – Doing something good for yourself

We all find ourselves under pressure at some time: facing a heavy workload, trying not to neglect our private lives and, on top of it all, still finding time for sport or exercise. Just thinking about it can be stressful enough! We don’t have a perfect recipe for a stress-free life, but what we can offer is some guidance for self-help.

International. Dr. Birgit Bauer is the author of “Erfolgreich heilen – Streicheln statt Stechen” (roughly: Successful Healing – Pressing instead of Poking). The book offers some do-it-yourself guidance based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine. While Western medicine usually focuses on the symptoms of an illness that you can see and feel, Oriental medicine treats not only the symptoms but also the underlying causes. Both methods have their value – they just take a different approach. The aim should be to find the right mix for yourself. Our goal here is to give you some tips and good advice for your daily life. We hope you try it and would be happy if it helps.

To relax your eyes, press the eyebrows from the bridge of the nose to the RELAX YOUR EYES outside and then move back beneath the eyes towards the nose – followed by pressure at the back of the head. Do you work at the computer? Read the newspaper a lot? Like to read in bed? Do you have to do a lot of strain. But how? You already know how! Take your strenuous, exact or detailed work or do you wear thumb and index finger and pinch the inner edge of your glasses? Do you ever think about how important the eyebrows or, if you want, a little bit lower at the bridge ability to see is for you? The answer is clear, so we must of your nose. Then press your thumb and index finger find a way to relieve our eyes from all the stress and- across the eyebrows to the outside into a little pit before moving back toward the nose along the edge of bone beneath the eyes, all the way to a little pit by your nose. Finish by applying strong pressure at the back of your SPECIAL TIP head – between the tendons at the base of the skull. Finding the right pressure points is easy: they hurt! If you press with both hands simultaneously, it’s easier.

Accident prevention BOOSTING YOUR CONCENTRATION

You can practice these Looking up “concentration difficultly”, you’ll find a definition acupressure techniques – either that includes “strong mental distraction including a lack the ones on the fingers or on the of interest, exhaustion, mental deficiency, depression head – in your car while waiting and schizophrenia”. Hopefully your case isn’t that severe at a red light or when you’re yet. But you can’t start early enough to keep mentally stuck in traffic. fit. Concentration disorders often have quite ordinary causes, e.g. a stiff neck or tension due to long hours at The increased concentration the PC, tiredness from too little sleep, improper posture, can help reduce the risk of an lack of exercise or simply a lack of interest in the work accident! at hand. Already centuries ago, Chinese merchants knew of a little remedy to maintain their concentration during long negotiations: Holding a walnut in their hand, they let it circle through their fingers. The acupressure of the finger tips stimulates the circulation in the fingers and gets the blood flowing through the entire body – including

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Practical know- ledge Soothing tensions fast

your brain. Try it yourself! You can also use marbles if Do you sit at a desk for eight hours a day? you don’t have a walnut. If that’s too complicated for Do you have to lift and carry a lot? When you, there’s a less conspicuous alternative: press the you talk on the phone, do you like to hold thumbnail of both thumbs into the tips of the other the receiver by squeezing it between your fingers. The pressure points lie 2 mm behind the nail. shoulder and your head? In the evening, do Move from the index finger to the middle and ring you complain about fatigue, headaches or fingers and on to the little finger. Finish by pressing the tension in your neck and shoulders? If you pressure point of your thumb with the nail of your answered “yes” to just one of these, you little finger. You should press each point for about ten should take a break from work to exercise seconds. And how often? As often as needed! your arms, shoulders and head. Shorten your lunch break by just a few minutes and The pressure points on your head are especially good. do the following exercises: Using your fingernail, the pressure can be quite painful but also very effective. Start beneath the nose and press −−Stretch your arms up in front of you each point for five to ten seconds – even if it is uncom- to shoulder height, raise the palms fortable. After finishing with the points at the back of the of your hands and press against an head, immediately begin again at the nose. Activate all invisible wall while alternating with points five times in a row – afterwards, you’ll be able to both arms. sit through even the most boring stage play. −−Raise your arms at your sides to shoulder height with your palms pointing up, then lift both shoulders at the same time.

−−Let your arms hang down with the palms of your hands pointing to the floor, then press down while alternating with both arms.

−−Bend your upper body down to your thighs and swing your arms loosely in front of your knees over your lower back.

−−Clasp your fingers together in front of your upper body, then raise your arms above your head with your palms facing up. Slowly count to five, then relax.

−−Slowly raise your arms in front of you to shoulder height with the palms of your hands facing up and your thumbs turned outwards. Make a fist and These pressure points are especially effective to increase your concentration. Start beneath your nose and then move to the back of the head. simultaneously pull both arms to your chest – then stretch your arms out quickly and spread your fingers. Breath- ing is important in this exercise: breathe in as you raise your arms, then hold your breath and count to five, breathe out while lowering your arms, then hold your breath and count to five again. SOURCE: “Erfolgreich heilen – Streicheln statt WeA nsprechpersonwish you lots of fun: trying these simple Stechen” by Dr. Birgit Bauer, Pichler-Verlag, exercises!Max Mustermann, Harum quidebis 1999. doluptaqui reped qui atiunto tatquatur

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Editing and publishing: STRABAG SE, Villach • Editors: Barbara Amon (editor-in-chief), Carmen ­Ferner • Organisation of national editions: Edita Novotna (Czech Republic/Slovakia), Mónika Varjú (Hungary), Bozena Czekajska (Poland), Elena Seleznjova (Russia) • Layout and print management: Gundula Schmid • Prepress: R12 Spannbauer Ges.m.b.H. & Co KG, Wien Printing: MACK GmbH, Schönaich • Photography: Andreas Balon (cover), Daniela Beranek (p. 5), Carmen Ferner (pp. 5, 6, 12, 21, 28), Edi Day (p. 7), Martin Stadler (p. 7), Isabell Höhne (p. 8), Rieder Privat (p. 15), Rudi Froese (p. 23), MS Fineart Druckservice (pp. 34 – 35), Sergey Guneev/ Ria/picturedesk.com (p. 36), illustrations by Royalize Medienproduktion (pp. 33, 42 – 43, 45), Fotolia (p. 44), Openstreetmap (pp. 44 – 45), iStockphoto (pp. 46 – 47) • Inquiries and mail: STRABAG SE, Corporate Communications, Tel. +43 1 22422-1145, Fax +43 1 22422-1177, [email protected], Donau-City-Str. 9, 1220 Vienna

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