Viaduct over A58 near Oirschot modified

The reconstruction of the N395 also "touched" the viaduct over the A58. The structure was completely ripped up and modified by VDR Service Group so that a new layer of quiet asphalt could be applied. A look back with Harry van de Rijdt of VDR Service Group, a valued partner of BAM Infra Nederland for more than forty years.

VDR Service Group has broad expertise in demolition and sawing work on and around engineering structures. "Removing an asphalt layer on a bridge deck, for example, simply listens more closely than performing the same 'trick' on a regular road section," says Van de Rijdt. "BAM Infra Nederland regularly hires us for jobs like that. We've built up that trust over all these years. In total, we spent about three weeks working on the project, divided into three phases. A routine job for us. There was no time pressure, so we were able to plan the work nicely in time."

Liquid-proof membrane 

Prior to the project, VDR Service Group first sawed in and removed the joint transitions. Van de Rijdt: "Then we removed the existing asphalt up to the impact plates on either side of the structure. This also involved demolishing the two concrete center guides on the deck. We then cleaned the concrete deck and coated it with a Stress Absorbing Membrane Interlayer (SAMI layer), a highly modified bitumen emulsion that acts as a fluid-tight membrane. The SAMI layer provides a completely waterproof and crack-inhibiting layer between the concrete bridge deck and the asphalt. In total, it covered an area of some 1,100 m2. After the bridge deck had been provided with a new layer of quiet asphalt by a BAM subcontractor, we applied the drainflex gutters. These gutters provide a watertight and flexible edging of the road surface on the concrete side of the structure."

Fast switching

VDR Service Group has a long relationship with the BAM. "It was one of my father's first clients in 1980," says Van de Rijdt, who has been active in the company since 2001. "Initially, our services consisted mainly of asphalt and concrete cutting with some sporadic concrete drilling. Since 2008, we have focused more and more on demolition and sawing work on and around bridges, tunnels and viaducts. In addition, we have since built up a fine expertise in bitumen processing, small-scale asphalt maintenance and crack repairs. We are completely self-supporting in this with qualified personnel and equipment. Our great strength lies in our ability to respond at very short notice. We are very flexible and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. That is important in the sector in which we operate and is also appreciated by our clients, we regularly hear back."