Precast concrete arches for efficient bridge and tunnel construction

Bergschenhoek Civiele Techniek has been creating the most diverse culverts, tunnels and bridges in the Netherlands with its corrugated steel structures for many decades. Two years ago the company was acquired by ViaCon and with that the product range has expanded considerably. At InfraTech 2025 the company puts the product ConSpan in the spotlight. With these precast concrete arch elements they continue where the possibilities of corrugated steel construction stops.

The ConSpan reinforced concrete arch elements lend themselves perfectly to the construction of a bridge or tunnel, says Dick van der Linde of ViaCon Bergschenhoek Civil Engineering. "It forms a perfect addition to our existing range, since corrugated steel has a number of limits in a technical sense, such as a minimum installation height and a certain coverage on the structure. With ConSpan, we can build much larger spans with a limited installation height. And, as with corrugated steel structures, it requires only minimal site preparation and a fast construction time is guaranteed. It's a matter of creating the foundation, which, by the way, we can also take care of with our precast 'express' elements, on which the arch elements are placed."

Scale panels

Price-wise, too, Dick says the ConSpan concept is a much more interesting method than a traditional construction of abutments and girders. "The shell elements are available in free spans ranging from 4 to as much as 20 meters. The larger elements are produced in two parts because they have to be transported by road. Depending on the span, the elements are 1.50 to 2.50 wide. On site, the shell elements are placed against each other with cellular rubber between them. The structure is covered on the outside with a specified backfill material, which is applied in layers and compacted in the same way as in our corrugated steel bridge and tunnel structures. Furthermore, the concept offers the necessary freedom in the design of the front and wing walls. Think of walls made of concrete blocks anchored with HDPE grids or on-site poured monolithic walls."

ConSpan structures are suitable for all traffic loads, Dick assures. "From ViaCon BCT we offer full support in all steps of the process, from design and engineering to construction on site. Although it is a unique concept by Dutch standards, abroad many dozens of constructions have already been built with ConSpan."