Specialist steel engineering company is ready for sustainable replacement and renovation task

Many tunnels, locks, bridges and viaducts in our country were built during reconstruction in the 1960s. These structures have never been able to cope with the modern evolution, in which more and more and heavier traffic uses these structures. Therefore, we are on the eve of an enormous replacement and renovation task. Lommers Welding Services B.V. has fully equipped itself for this last year and is ready to meet the challenge in a sustainable way. 

The challenge

The replacement and renovation task begins with mapping the structure of a structure, says Gerda Lommers. "Often it is unclear what steel these aging bridges, tunnels, locks and viaducts are made of. In order to perform the work according to the prescribed standards and with as much reuse of materials as possible, we work in close cooperation with an approved metallurgical laboratory. Thus, we often initially provide what is known as Optical Emission Spectrometry (OES). This is necessary in order to have the right processes and procedures in place." Without OES analysis, major errors can occur. "Indeed, according to the NEN-EN 1090 and ROK, it is even prohibited to start welding without this data and identification of the steel," Gerda emphasizes. "Among other things, the OES analysis reveals the chemical composition of the steel used, but it also provides information about all kinds of alloys. In addition, it provides tools to calculate the carbon equivalent."

Smart implementation methodologies

So Lommers Welding Services is already facing the large-scale replacement and renovation task. "We think along with our clients in an integral way so that together we arrive at a robust design with a makeable design for execution. The manufacturability and safety are in fact tested several times during all work phases. Thus, if we are involved from the beginning of the project, we know how to stay within planning, project requirements and budget through 'smart' execution methods. That is truly unique for a steel engineering company," assures Gerda. "Our company and all employees are continually being developed so that we can successfully take on all V&R assignments and future work."

Top-level management

Lommers Welding Services works a lot on projects both on location and in the workshop where an execution class according to the NEN-EN 1090 and/or the ROK is applicable. "For example, we work a lot on projects for the Department of Public Works and are familiar with its working methods and all applicable standards and guidelines. We can also regularly be found on the water in the construction of sustainable projects. For example, we were involved in the realization of a wind farm on the IJsselmeer," Gerda says proudly. "Furthermore, we focus as much as possible on sustainable mobility and transport with electric cars, after which we work at work from fully equipped work containers. Sustainability is in the DNA at Lommers Welding Services. We also have an eye for the environment. For example, we have now trained an employee within our organization to be an environment manager. The goal is on the one hand to fit our work in such a way that it causes as little nuisance as possible in order to create more understanding for our work."

"All this together means that we can think along with our clients and completely unburden them here with a sustainable, integral and manufacturable solution."