Municipality of Hardenberg renovates bridge according to unique SUREbridge method

Pilot project in municipality of Hardenberg

The municipality of Hardenberg will not replace the bridge on the Toeslagweg in Loozen, but renovate it. This will be done according to the unique SUREbridge method in which the bridge will be provided with a composite layer. The municipality of Hardenberg is thus the first municipality in the Netherlands to use this innovative product. 

The bridge over Radewijkerbeek on Toeslagweg is outdated. And that means this bridge is up for replacement. However, the municipality of Hardenberg has joined forces with Van Heteren, Strukton Civiel Noord & Oost and FiberCore Europe to realize the SUREbridge concept in the municipality. The design and engineering of this is in the hands of Nepocon ingenieurs&adviseurs. This concept means that the bridge does not need to be replaced but reinforced with composite.

Bridges are increasingly made of composite. However, renovating existing bridges with composite is new. Outdated bridges are costly to maintain, sometimes have to be demolished and rebuilt, and this is not sustainable and causes a lot of inconvenience to the environment. With SUREbrigde, the existing structure is preserved and strengthened and its lifespan is extended. Because the final construction time is short: minimum inconvenience, maximum result.

Composite

The word composite may not sound immediately familiar. Yet it has been used frequently and for decades; in aircraft, windmill blades and in Formula 1 cars. In bridge construction, the material is relatively new; composite, or fiber-reinforced plastic, consists of glass and/or carbon fibers combined with a resin.

Sustainable

Bridges using composite are in the spotlight. They are quick to attach, have a long lifespan and can be reused in other locations. In addition, the environmental impact of a composite bridge is low. This makes it a sustainable product.

Alderman Jan ten Kate: "I am very pleased that we are the first municipality in the Netherlands to participate in this pilot project. We consider sustainability of paramount importance and find it important to look for solutions that limit the inconvenience to the environment, but maximize our results. It is an innovative solution and we are happy to participate. I look forward to the renovation of the bridge."