Pillar Formwork Accelerates Construction of Bridge Nieuwendijk

As part of the project River IJsseldelta, the cooperation Isala Delta is building a new and unique artwork: the bridge Nieuwendijk over Reevediep. This 360 meter long bridge is characterized by its simplicity. Isala Delta creates a special designed steel formwork for the pillars of the bridge with the aid of Hendriks Precon. The formwork not only speeds up the construction of the pillars, but also preserves its concrete form.

Isala Delta Builds Bridge Nieuwendijk
Isala Delta is a cooperation consisting of Boskalis and Van Hattum and Blankevoort. Commissioned by Rijkswaterstaat (Department of Public Works) and the province of Overijssel, the company works on the broad IJsseldelta in-situ project. This project combines area development and water safety with the construction of 350 hectares of new delta ecosystems alongside the Reevediep.
Van Hattum and Blankevoort develop all the civil mechanism of this project, including the construction of the bridge Nieuwendijk. The bridge is an iconic link that connects the northern and southern channels together. The bridge is characterized by its clear design and carefully detailed features.

This manifests itself in the tight, open steps-like pillars. “The pillar looks like an unfolded staple; a form which is probably to be realized with traditional formworks, but in a relatively short time as many as 13 times should be repeated,” explains Marco Menninga Van Hattum. “The designer of Next Architect wanted to a sleek, aesthetic design with a concrete image and CUR100 quality, which is not disturbed by construction joints and rods. Then it was quickly decided to use steel casing.”

Smart pillar formwork
The formwork constructed by Hendriks Precon has an area rated class B1 according to CUR 100 and consists of two sets of cases and a lock box which are connected by bolts. The head cases are adjusted and bolted to the securing cases. To make replacing feasible, the set cases are designed with wheels which can operate automatically. “That would make the replacing of the formwork much faster,” says Marco Menninga. “Faster than a wooden case. Moreover, the entire pillar can be poured at once.” 10 out of 13 pillars that are poured are identical. Three have a distinct, elongated shape. “Hendriks Precon has developed an extension for this which can be mounted on the case with flanges. The formwork is thus adjustable in height so that other three pillars can be made with the formwork.”
In order to simplify and, at the same time, ensure the safety while making the formwork, for example, during the pouring of the concrete, a fence is installed around and above the platform. Also, each column is equipped with a small platform.