1,500 tons of rebar for A27 project

Strong focus on innovative prefabrication

The A27 is of great importance for the traffic flow and accessibility in the region and therefore an essential link in the Dutch road network. For Holterman Wapeningsstaal the A27 project is a nice challenge and an opportunity to show where they make the difference as a specialist in reinforcing steel. 

As a regular partner of several infrastructure builders, we were approached by construction consortium ALSÉÉN to use our expertise for several structures in the route, begins Patrick Hofland, foreman at Holterman Reinforcing Steel. "Thanks to our experience, our reliability in delivery and our innovative precast solutions, we fit seamlessly into the high demands of this project."

From engineering to logistics

Holterman's contribution to this project goes far beyond simply supplying steel. "We are responsible for the entire process: from engineering and 3D modeling of the reinforcing steel to production, prefabrication and logistical coordination," explains Hofland. "Because we perform all of this in-house, we can guarantee short lead times and completely relieve the construction consortium. This integral process also allows us to think along early in the project. In consultation with structural engineers and contractors, we look for the most efficient solutions, considering not only strength and safety, but also sustainability, cost savings and feasibility."

Involved in various works of art

On the route of the A27, Holterman Reinforcing Steel is involved in the supply of reinforcing steel for several structures, including viaducts, underpasses and a bridge. Considerable quantities are involved, spread over various objects and phases:

• Hooipolder underpass - approximately 850 tons
• Hooipolder viaduct - approximately 160 tons
• Oosterhoutsweg viaduct - approximately 310 tons
• Julianaweg viaduct - approximately 50 tons
• Bridge over the Dongen River - approximately 100 tons
• Kerklaan viaduct - approximately 35 tons

"In total, we supply some 1,500 tons of steel," Holfland summarizes. "Thanks to our capacity and modern machinery, we are able to process and deliver these large volumes quickly, flawlessly and just-in-time."

Optimizations

In the preliminary phase, we work with the structural engineer and the building consortium to see where optimizations are possible, says Hofland. "Often this leads to more efficient detailing, allowing material savings without compromising quality or safety. An important part of our approach is prefabrication. What can be prepared in our factories in Markelo and Hooge Zwaluwe only needs to be assembled at the construction site. This has several advantages: it speeds up construction time, increases quality by working under controlled conditions and contributes to safety on site. ′

For contractors, this means they can focus entirely on execution, while we make sure the parts are available at the right time, in the right form and in the right place."

Hooipolder underpass

Although each object has its own complexity, the underpass at Hooipolder clearly stood out, according to Hofland. "Weighing approximately 850 tons of reinforcing steel, this was by far the largest part of our job. The combination of size, shape and schedule made this the most challenging part of the project," he says. "However, thanks to our scale, experience and innovative approach, we were able to successfully complete this challenge. Our automated production processes and flexible planning ensured that we were able to meet the agreed delivery times without compromising on quality or safety. 

VPH hook

Holterman distinguishes itself in the market by making extensive use of automation, robotization and innovative solutions. "This enables us to work faster, safer and more sustainably than traditional methods," he said. An example of such an innovation is the VPH hook. "With this solution, sharp ends in rebar are a thing of the past. This means a significant improvement in safety on the construction site, as the risk of injury is greatly reduced. For us, this is typical: any innovation that contributes to safety, efficiency and sustainability is given priority with us."

Secondary raw materials

According to Hofland, the strength of Holterman Reinforcing Steel is not only in scale and innovation. "We are involved in society and have a unique vision of sustainability. This is possible because we control the entire chain: from procurement to delivery. For example, our steel comes as much as possible from secondary raw materials - scrap instead of iron ore - and our production sites run largely on solar energy. With this approach, we not only supply steel for tomorrow's infrastructure, but also contribute to a more sustainable construction sector and lower CO2 emissions."

For Holterman, the renewal of the A27 is not just a technical project. "We also see it as a social task," says Hofland. "Improving accessibility and livability in the Netherlands affects us all. We are proud to be able to make a valuable contribution to this national project with our knowledge, materials and innovative solutions. With 1,500 tons of reinforcing steel delivered for multiple structures, we show that we have the capacity and expertise to make large-scale and complex projects a success."