Van Noordenne Wapeningsstaal provides complete reinforcement of Schiphol Bridge

Commissioned by Rijkswaterstaat, construction consortium VeenIX is widening the A9 between the junctions Badhoevedorp and Holendrecht. To this end, various engineering structures are being widened or rebuilt. The Schiphol Bridge is one of the most appealing and challenging objects, for which Van Noordenne Wapeningsstaal provides the complete reinforcement. From 3D drawing work to braiding on site.

Van Noordenne Wapeningsstaal is a familiar face in the region and has also been involved in previous subprojects of the extensive road expansion program Schiphol, Amsterdam, Almere of the Dutch Department of Public Works, of which the A9 Badhoevedorp and Holendrecht stretch is the final piece. "We were approached by VeenIX to work out and realize the reinforcement of structure 1 (Schiphol Bridge) and 2 completely in 3D, as well as to provide the braiding on a number of smaller structures," says Piet van Houwelingen, director of Van Noordenne Wapeningsstaal. "That is also our strength, providing the 3D modeling to braiding within one company. VeenIX thus has a single point of contact for all reinforcement."

Automated rebar plant

After approval of the 3D model, reinforcing steel is cut and bent in Van Noordenne Wapeningsstaal's automated reinforcement center. "Parts are prefabricated where possible, delivered to the construction site and applied according to the laying plan," is how Piet describes the process. "We delivered the pile baskets and piers prefabricated, but most of it is braided on the job, such as the widening of the abutments, deck and bascule basements. All quite complex braiding, partly because of the connection to the existing Schiphol Bridge."

Van Noordenne Wapeningsstaal is still working on the Schiphol Bridge until at least the end of October. Artwork 2 will follow at the end of this year. "The principle is the same, because the artwork is also widened, but the volumes are smaller. During the work, we then also provide the necessary braiding work on the smaller artworks."