Special construction method for Terbregseplein viaducts

Freyssinet offers an unparalleled range of civil engineering disciplines and skills worldwide. Founded in 1943 by Eugène Freyssinet, the inventor of prestressing, the company contributes to the construction of a wide variety of structures through a network of sixty subsidiaries as a main contractor or subcontractor. Its specialisms include the construction of cable-stayed structures and joint structures, jacking, sliding, and special construction methods for both new construction and renovation. The company is also demonstrating its extensive expertise in the A16 Rotterdam project with the construction of two viaducts over Terbregseplein. 

Freyssinet offers solid support during every project. Not only in terms of engineering and product manufacturing, but also when it comes to implementing technical solutions on site. Whatever the client's wishes or needs, Freyssinet always delivers performance based on innovation and sustainability. “In addition to specialist renovation techniques, we are experts in designing and implementing specific construction methods,” says Jurgen Jochims, director of Freyssinet Zuidwest B.V., which operates from Oud Gastel. “This is an activity in which we address traffic disruption and/or structural challenges in an adequate and results-oriented manner.”

Special construction method

One of the most striking projects within this framework is the application of the Incremental Launching Method (ILM) for two viaducts over Terbregseplein in Rotterdam. Within the partnership created for this purpose, Freyssinet is responsible for all prestressing (longitudinal, transverse, and external), all temporary supports, and ball segment bearings. Finally, the company is responsible for the launching operation itself. In order to ensure that the work commissioned by the De Groene Boog consortium seamlessly met the defined preconditions, Freyssinet was involved in the extensive project from the tender phase onwards. “An important starting point here was to minimize disruption to traffic on both the A16 and A20 motorways,” Jochims continues. “The choice of this construction method was one of the reasons why Rijkswaterstaat ultimately awarded the contract to De Groene Boog. After completing the design and preparation process, construction began at the project site at the beginning of last year. The first segment was then launched at the end of 2021. At present, four segments have been completed and the first concrete section spans the A20.” 

High point

In order to optimally realize the formulated scope, Freyssinet has quite a bit of work planned in Rotterdam. For example, the two structures will be fitted with a total of more than 900 tons of prestressing steel in close collaboration with colleagues from Freyssinet Poland. In addition, the specialist will supply and install forty special spherical segment bearings. “For the ultimate highlight, the launching operation, we will be using special equipment,” says Jochims. “Examples of this are the now familiar launching nose and the temporary steel support structures weighing more than 400 tons.”