Major maintenance Erasmus Bridge Rotterdam
The bridge was soiled and the paint layers were partially chipped. Although the entire paint system was in good condition, rust spots were visible both inside and outside the bridge. The wear layers on the bridge deck were also (partially) in need of replacement.
Commissioned by the Municipality of Rotterdam, Van der Ende Steel Protectors Group, along with several subcontractors, completed this specialized job in close cooperation within a year and a half.
Preparation
Because much of the Erasmus Bridge lies over the Meuse River and is also 139 meters high, various facilities were needed to work efficiently and, above all, safely. Working on piers and tethers, for example, required additional facilities.
A safety deck was placed across the full width of the bridge, right under the pylon of the bridge. The safety deck formed the separation above the road surface to prevent paint, tools or other materials from falling onto the road surface. It also served as a platform for the pylon’s painters when they went up the height via the climbing system.
" Accessibility to all parts of the bridge and to the city was a complex issue. The height and shape of the pylon required special solutions: skewed lifting scaffolds and high altitude climbers. The safety deck above the traffic and below the work allowed everyone to use the bridge safely during the work.
Marcel Walravens – Project Manager of the Municipality of Rotterdam Urban Development
Cleaning
The bridge’s five piers were cleaned with a high-pressure sprayer. The pillars standing in the water were cleaned from a work vessel with an aerial platform. A special robot was used to remove the algae deposits from the tethers.
Removing corrosion
Where necessary, areas of corrosion were thoroughly removed and treated with various techniques such as manual sanding, machine grinding and blasting. Immediately after removal, the sites were coated with protective layers of paint.
" I am immensely proud that as a Rotterdam family business we have been able to maintain this iconic bridge with great success. It has been a challenging project where the team has had fun and dedication to achieve a beautiful end result.
Edgar van der Ende – Commercial director Van der Ende Steel Protectors Group
Repair-work on steel, bridge deck and concrete
During maintenance, elements related to the infrastructure such as steel grates, ramps, line channels, railing structures, concrete piers and abutments of the bridge were also repaired or replaced where necessary.
Maintenance of movable bascule bridge
The movable part of the bridge was also thoroughly addressed. Where necessary, the concrete work of piers and abutments has been repaired and reapplied with protective coatings.
When the bridge is open, the upper and lower sides of the bascule bridge become visible. These sides also received a solid maintenance check. Furthermore, the bascule basement has also been completely overhauled.
Application of new paint system
The bridge is painted the original color light blue. Although the bridge may appear white, 28 years ago the architect chose this beautiful light blue color that blends in with its surroundings.
Brake works
Brakes are protective structures around the bridge, designed to guide ships so they do not run into the bridge piers. Due to the constant impact of water, weather conditions and possible touching by ships, the materials of the breakwaters wear out, and therefore maintenance and repair were badly needed.
" This project had everything: a multidisciplinary scope, in the heart of Rotterdam, the media watching and then also having to perform your work at 140 meters above traffic and shipping. The thorough preparations and how all parties involved worked together were key to the success.
Borne van Elteren – Manager of Infra Van der Ende Steel Protectors Group
These techniques have been applied
Contact With Van der Ende
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