Sustainable sewage products

"Preparation and execution ran largely in parallel," says Kevin Helmons of Martens Concrete. "Because we keep a large stock of the most common pits, contractors can start quickly. In addition, because of our state-of-the-art production process, our delivery times are very short."

The sewer design had already been outlined in the tender, knows Tim Pellikaan of Martens Beton. "Nevertheless, we were able to assert our expertise in the product selection and exact dimensioning of the sewerage products for the entire route. The underpasses in particular involve pipes and manholes of substantial dimensions, partly because of the high groundwater level and the sunken location, a lot of water must be able to be buffered." Thus Martens Beton took care, among other things, of the production and delivery of about 330 concrete pipes Ø 500mm unreinforced and type Forte, over 380 concrete pipes Ø 1000 mm unreinforced, 22 concrete wells in dimensions 133×133 to 190x190cm and over 150 wells 80x80cm. Helmons adds: "In addition, we also supplied eco-pushers. We are justifiably proud to be called in by a partner like Boskalis for such a prestige project. That just shows the position we hold in the market."

Smart design

Martens Beton has an enormously wide assortment with different variants of pipes in stock that can also be used interchangeably. "The latter is quite unique," says Pellikaan. "Thanks to clever design, our products are also a sustainable choice. We achieve the lowest MKI value in the market with our sewer products, mainly because we save up to 50% on material (concrete) compared to the competition. For example, we produce standard manholes 80/80 and 100/100 in wall thicknesses of only 10 centimeters, without sacrificing strength. That makes a huge difference and has a positive impact on the MKI value. Especially in EMVI tenders, which we encounter more and more often, it turns out that with a low MKI value there is a greater chance of winning the tender. We like to think along with our clients in this regard."

Prefabricated pump wells

Martens Beton has several sales channels. Helmons: "The Martens Beton and Martens Prefab Concrete divisions often work closely together on projects. So too with the N69, for which the Prefab Concrete division produced two large prefab pump wells in a very short time. At the start of the project their dimensions were not yet known. We were happy to think along with them. Because of the synergy between the two departments, we can quickly and appropriately answer any issue that arises during a Design & Construct project." 

Innovations

Speaking of issues, Martens Beton, together with Boskalis and others, is participating in the ViCi consortium, in the Rijkswaterstaat's request to come up with a solution for circular viaducts. "This was based on the Bebo arch bridge, for which we are the exclusive licensee in the Benelux. We also continue to continuously develop our range of drainage products. The Qube concrete pipe is our sewer pipe with the new perspective. The new design is entirely focused on the most efficient possible workability in which the concrete pipe can be cut to size along its entire length. The Qube also has a special connection with a rubber ring positioned in a ring chamber at the spigot end. It provides a fast and highly efficient sliding connection. The Qube pipe is currently available in diameters 1000, 1250, and 1500 mm. Other diameters will be added to the range later this year. This new type of pipe is now being used on various works within the Netherlands. Boskalis has also already used the Qube series to its full satisfaction."