'We start where the big concrete elements end'

"We specialize in lightweight structures for infrastructure," says Geert Takke, general manager of Takke-Breukelen. "And we do this completely, exactly according to the client's requirements and the image quality plan. Where the large concrete elements end, we supply and assemble the finishing components."

As a supplier of these light construction works, Takke-Breukelen is making significant inroads. With the acquisition of two sister companies - Delft Infra Composites and LSEngineering - the company now distinguishes three disciplines. The first specializes in light stainless steel and aluminum structures, complete with items such as glass and lighting. The second takes care of composite structures. "Think of the finishing of artworks and load-bearing composite structures such as bridges, bridge decks and lock gates." The third branch focuses on the repair and renovation of steel bridges.

The complete product

"As a rule, the general contractors supply the concrete," Takke says. "We provide the dressing and finishing. As a partner in the construction process, we bear responsibility for the design - in line with our clients' 3D models - all the way through to anchoring and take care of our own verification and completion files. With this way of working, the interfaces are flawlessly aligned."

Preventing clashes

An appealing project to which Takke has made its contribution is the A12 parallel structure in Gouda. A large bridge with a movable section was built here, complete with edge construction and noise barriers. "Our people here checked our client's clearances as well as those of our own construction," Takke says. "This eliminated the chance of clashes 100%."

Complete elevator shaft

Takke also had a great responsibility in the execution of the Amstelveen Line. Here they realized an elevator shaft in one night, designed in consultation with the client, complete with glass and lighting and assembled. By dawn, the elevator was ready for use. "Of course, this is only possible with perfect preparation," Takke clarifies. 

Repair and Renovation

Finally, the Repair and Renovation Department provides samples of craftsmanship in the renovation of nine steel bridges across the country, from the Afsluitdijk to the Van Brienenoord Bridge. "All bridges are strengthened by bonding the steel plate. Meanwhile, the Frisian Scharsterrijn Bridge in the A6 and the Suurhoff Bridge in the A15 are ready for the future." 

Sustainability

Within all these activities, Takke-Breukelen closely follows developments. For example, sustainability, and circular construction in particular, is fully integrated into its policies. "Along the N69, for example, we have installed solar panels on a large scale," Takke explains. "As a result, this entire route is energy-neutral. And in Friesland we built a bicycle bridge in a bio-based composite. We are proud of that. In the context of sustainability, we like to look beyond the usual solutions."