11,000 m3 of underwater concrete for Groningen ring road

Aquatech Diving is active throughout the Netherlands and sometimes (far) beyond. That makes a project in the 'backyard' for the experienced specialist in civil underwater construction therefore extra special. The diving company has been involved in the Aanpak Ring Zuid project from the very beginning. Together with managing director Steven Spanhaak, we discuss the highlights.

Our first contact with Construction Combination Herepoort dates back to 2017, says Steven. "Our expertise was requested to perform some inspection work. In order to create the large construction pit at Julianaplein, a number of pipe sections had to be moved first. We assisted the construction consortium with that, including inspections of culverts and sewers, the placement of valves and in the creation of several pressure pits for the new sewers. Then we moved along to the next phase, the creation of the construction pits for the sunken location."

Underwater concrete

The construction pits were built in the wet. "We assisted in finishing the anchoring systems," says Steven. "In addition, we poured a total of over 11,000 m3 of underwater concrete. A considerable amount, and given the schedule quite a challenge. But with our team of specialists together with the construction consortium, we were able to bring that too to a successful conclusion. After pumping the pit, our work was done, and we could move on to the next tub in the project." Steven looks back on a nice and smooth project and praises the cooperation with the construction consortium. "It's always nice when you get to be part of such a mega-project. And the fact that it is also located nearby makes it extra special for us." 

Making a difference

Aquatech Diving has been in the industry for many years. Steven: "We distinguish ourselves by our northern mentality, high service and quality. The great thing is that we can increasingly bring our expertise to bear in the early stages of a project. Only then can we really make a difference. By jointly optimizing the design in such a way that it can be more efficient, faster and safer with an effective diving deployment." Aquatech Diving is therefore a well-known player in civil underwater construction and, for example, also involved in the construction of the underground bicycle storage facility under Groningen's new train station, at the Kornwerderzand floodgate on the Afsluitdijk, and in the construction of several underground parking garages in Amsterdam. The diving company is also supervising the restoration of the Hunsingo lock in Zoutkamp." 

Equipped with modern materials and expert personnel, Aquatech Diving is able to perform the most complex works.