Wooden structures in hydraulic engineering, sustainable and (cost) efficient repairs

Wood structures in hydraulic engineering are often only affected where air and water separate. Yet when soft rot occurs, the entire structure is often replaced, while localized deterioration is perfectly renovatable. With its unique, patented Protek Aqua^® method, Protekta Aqua Tech of Gemert can not only restore works of art constructively, but also extend their lifespan by decades.

"Thanks to our method, there is a demonstrable reduction in CO₂ and tropical hardwood saved," says general manager Sjaak Bisseling. "In addition, pulling and driving piles with the Protek Aqua^® method is not necessary, minimizing inconvenience to the surrounding area. Bicycle boating and pedestrian traffic can continue as usual during the work."

To underscore the advantages, Bisseling mentions the mooring piles in the Port of Rotterdam. "These piles are 25 meters long. At low tide, about five meters of these protrude above the water. This part is subject to weather and wind and will eventually rot away. The 20 meters below it remain in excellent condition and are needlessly discarded when replaced. By repairing the local deterioration, we combat this. The result: significant savings on tropical hardwood, a reduction in CO₂-emissions as well as cost savings for our client." 

Remming work in Eindhoven.

In addition to mooring posts, Protekta repairs wooden bridges, dolphins, sheet piling, jetties and lock gates, among other things. In doing so, the firm uses a patented epoxy, Protek Aqua^®, which has excellent adhesion both above and below water, Bisseling said. "Before we proceed with the application, the wood structures are professionally stripped of all affected parts. Then we make a formwork, into which Protek Aqua^® is applied. The epoxy is cured within 24 hours, after which the formwork is removed and the finishing is done. We provide a standard 20-year warranty on epoxy restoration of works of art."

In recent years Protekta has been allowed to perform several beautiful works, commissioned by municipalities, provinces, water boards and contractors. As examples Bisseling mentions Port of Rotterdam, Groningen Seaports, the municipalities of Leiden, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Utrecht, Gouda, Zwolle, Eindhoven, Middelburg and Almere and the provinces of Zeeland and Overijssel.