Waterproof construction thanks to flexi channels and liquid-tight layer 

Extra stable and strong seal

On all new viaducts and pedestrian bridges of the A16 Rotterdam, Brabotech is installing water seals, or flexi gutters, between the asphalt and the shoring side of the concrete on behalf of construction consortium De Groene Boog. In addition, Brabotech provides expert renovation of the older structures.

"The advantage of flexigote is that it is more flexible than poured asphalt and therefore more resistant to the working of connecting structures such as bridge sections," explains project manager Dirk Andeweg. "It ensures that there is a watertight seal between the concrete and the asphalt. Flexigoot consists of a flexible mixture of bituminous joint filler with pre-covered crushed stone. This combination provides an extra stable and strong seal." The peak of the work was between July and October 2023. In addition to flexi gutters, Brabotech also applied SAMI. This stands for Stress Absorbing Membrane Interlayer and is a liquid-tight layer between the concrete and asphalt. This layer serves to absorb the horizontal and vertical stresses that may arise during the operation of the construction, as well as to create a fluid-tight construction.

Renovation of asphalt

Installing flexi gutters is one of the North Brabant contracting company's specializations. They are also active in the field of concrete repair, joint transitions, maintenance of wooden bridges and asphalt maintenance. And as for the latter, for that Brabotech is also getting into action at the A16 Rotterdam where it is renovating the older viaducts. "We remove the old asphalt, clear it of concrete, repair the deck and clean it all up so we can then apply the SAMI and flexi gutters."

The cooperation with construction consortium De Groene Boog is more than pleasant, according to Dirk. "It is a very collaborative organization that all work well and pleasantly together."