Different disciplines addressed in Amstelveen line renewal

The Amstelveen line is being renewed. And it is badly needed. The line, almost in its current form, has been in operation since 1990 and has become an important link in regional public transportation. But the express streetcars are outdated, don't run often enough and are prone to breakdowns.

Also, traffic safety around the line is not optimal. The current express streetcar 51 will therefore be converted into a safe, fast and reliable connection with Amsterdam Zuid as its terminus/starting point. The preparatory work for the conversion of the Amstelveen Line has been going on for quite some time.

Foundation work has started
On Feb. 1, the symbolic starting ceremony took place, marking the beginning of construction work. Main contractor for the renewal of this streetcar line is VITAL, a partnership of VolkerWessels companies Van Hattum en Blankevoort, VolkerRail and KWS. They have now started the foundation work. VITAL deployed Kandt Aannemings- en Funderingsbedrijf BV for this purpose. With more than 40 years of experience in installing and removing sheet piling and pile systems at the most diverse locations and under various conditions, they proved to be the suitable party for this foundation work.

Kandt is working in Amstelveen with several machines in different places at the same time.

Marco Kandt says several of Kandt's machines are at work. "We have started installing steel sheet pile walls. During construction, the adjacent subway, freeway and surrounding area are well taken into account. We want to avoid as much inconvenience as possible. The sheet piles will therefore be installed using vibration-free HF/VM vibration and partly vibration-free silent piling. The LeKa grout injection piles will be installed completely vibration-free. This applies especially to the three underpasses we are going to make. This is because these three intersections will be constructed as flyovers and will be sunken. Our equipment is currently spread over several locations on the Amstelveen Line. Our added value lies in relieving the client of this complex logistical challenge involving very limited construction sites with many unforeseen circumstances. Our organization and equipment are well equipped for that."

Work at Zonnestein Station on Sport Avenue.

Surprising approach
"With such a large-scale inner-city project, it is important to look very specifically at the equipment to be deployed. You also encounter a lot of underground infrastructure that was not always clear beforehand. As a result, you have to switch planning almost daily. We have a very close contact with the client so that we can switch quickly in our execution. This decisiveness in cooperation with the client is going well. In addition, we are working with several machines at several locations simultaneously and are therefore able to significantly shorten the construction period. In that respect, too, the inconvenience during construction for local residents and travelers will be less than expected. In addition to installing the sheet pile walls and piles, we are also installing the steelwork near the sheet pile walls so that it will be possible to dig responsibly: the so-called outrigger frames. We also take on this welding and construction work."

Kronenburg Station in Amstelveen.

New machine
"We invested in a new broker machine at the end of last year. This new addition to our product range can perform various techniques and is being used on this project with a so-called top pusher with which sheet piles can be installed or removed vibration-free. Thus we are again completely future-proof and can handle any project," concludes Kandt.