Locks and flood defenses in IJssel Delta - 'We dive deep to find the best solution'

This includes new locks for shipping and (emergency) barriers that can be deployed during storms and high water. 

An important partner in creating the right flood defense solutions was Hollandia Infra. It had been involved in the IJssel Delta redevelopment since 2014 and was constantly thinking along. "The projects were tendered with a Design&Construct contract," says Patrick Bos, project manager at Hollandia Infra. "This form of tendering brings out the best in us. We can then think, design, build and assemble." In the IJsseldelta program, Hollandia Infra designed and realized the mechanical part of the Reeve Lock Complex's lock and sluice gate.

Recreational lock

For the Recreation Lock, now called 'Scheeresluis', Hollandia Infra realized in Phase 1 the retaining equipment, movement works and bulkhead beams. This lock is located in the northern part of the connecting dam IJsseldijk. "The Scheeresluis received two sets of point doors, driven by an electro-mechanical movement gear with gear transmission," Bos explains. "In addition, we supplied the bulkhead beams to close the lock chamber in case of emergencies or maintenance."

Reevee lock complex

The Reevee Lock Complex falls under Phase 2 and will replace the Roggebot Lock. This complex consists of a lock, sluice and fish passage. Bos: "For the lock, we designed and produced the hydraulic movement mechanism, two single swing doors and a set of spare doors. Initially, the Schutsluis was to be equipped with a gear drive, but in the event of a collision this construction is too vulnerable. On our advice, a hydraulic cylinder with a large overflow was chosen, cheaper and less vulnerable." For the lock, Hollandia Infra designed and built four gates with eight hydraulic cylinders, which were lifted in during the summer.

Lots of knowledge on board

Bos finds the IJssel Delta a beautiful, challenging project. "In recent years, the number of structural engineers, engineers and draftsmen in our design department has increased considerably. This immediately makes it clear why this project is right up our alley. We have an incredible amount of knowledge on board, both from practice and from the books. Give us the functionalities and requirements of a project and our project team will dig deep, examine all perspectives together with the client and come up with the best solution."