Category: Markt_Woningbouw

Geplaatst op: 12 September 2024

Just around the corner from our office in Gouda lies the charming city of Rijswijk, in the province of South Holland. A delightful blend of history, nature, and modern amenities, it’s a great place to live, especially in the new homes of the RijswijkBuiten project. In 2022, Pelecon was commissioned to provide structural advice for 109 of the affordable homes in this project. Together with Klunder Architects and the Development Consortium Spoorzone Rijswijk (a partnership between Stevast Development and Dura Vermeer), we developed the plans.

What’s special about this project is that the homes are being constructed using tunnel formwork. This is a construction technique where a combination of floor and wall formwork is used in one mold (formwork) to pour concrete structures. This technique is mainly applied in the construction of repetitive structural units, where the walls and floors are poured simultaneously. The process works in cycles, with a new section of the building completed each day.

Tunnel formwork offers many advantages
Since the walls and floors are poured at the same time, the construction of a building can proceed much faster than with traditional methods. It is also extremely stable, strong, and cost-efficient. The use of steel or prefabricated formwork ensures precise measurements and high-quality finishing of the concrete structures. This reduces the need for further finishing work, such as plastering. Due to the large number of homes of the same size, there was a great deal of repetition.

Advantages of working within the BIM model
For this project, we have collaborated from the start using a BIM model (Building Information Model in 3D) with developers and the architect. This model streamlines the entire construction process from design to completion, increases efficiency, reduces costs, and improves communication and quality of the project. The digital 3D model provides not only visual information but also functional details about the building. In this project, we focused heavily on the impact of vibrations from the nearby passing train traffic on the construction of RijswijkBuiten. This is one reason why unreinforced concrete walls are widely used in this project. Since the building is constructed as a monolithic unit, the floors and walls are structurally connected, making the entire building work together structurally. Each wall has a small contribution to the whole and can therefore be optimized. Unreinforced concrete is very capable of handling loads.

Construction of the homes has already begun, with the piles currently being driven into the ground.

Geplaatst op: 5 October 2023

We always enjoy working out the structural design of an apartment building! So, with pleasure we are working on our advice for new construction project Kolkplein in Spijkenisse. With our experience and expertise, we ensure that the construction meets the technical requirements and at the same time meets the needs and wishes of our client Haagsebaan Vastgoed.

The main load-bearing structure of the building consists partly of sand-lime brick walls and concrete walls combined with wide slab floors. Several factors such as integrating in-situ walls with precast elements and the use of large, cantilevered balconies contribute to the complexity of the project. It is therefore critical to overcome these challenges for a successful outcome. Another aspect that adds to the complexity is the open space at the semi-sunken basement with a parking garage where large recesses must be made in the walls. All this requires a careful coordination of architectural design, structural stability, and feasibility to create a building. But we can do that!

The design of this building has balconies with large cantilevers of up to three meters, and the complexity of the materials is not something we see every day. We therefore advised on the connection of various elements with each other; precast, i.e., concrete, steel, and sand-lime brick. In cooperation with the project partners, we implement the structural design in the best possible way, including (temporary) safety, applicable building regulations and the desired schedule.

Renovation of monument

Geplaatst op: 21 April 2021

Surely this was a gem of an assignment to work on. Above the Rituals, on the corner of Kleiweg – Turfweg in Gouda, five homes were completed in December 2020. The renovation of this old building in the city centre started with a survey. The upper floors of the property had not been used for the last 30 years and were poorly maintained, making them dilapidated. The owner very much wanted to know whether a combination of shopping and living could be realised. Pelecon calculated all the existing structures and made a structural calculation for the renewed structure.

Residential complex Rijnzate, Alphen a/d Rijn

Geplaatst op: 31 October 2020

In Alphen aan den Rijn, Pelecon was engaged by client ‘Stichting Activite’ from Leiderdorp to calculate the structure of the Rijnzate residential complex. A challenging project in which we were also involved as consultants during construction by construction company Sprangers.

City Cinema, Roosendaal

Geplaatst op: 29 September 2020

A new City Cinema is being built for C-Cinemas in the centre of Roosendaal. This film temple contains six theatres of different sizes. Three theatres are located on the first floor level, partly above the outdoor area and partly above the grand café and kitchen. Two penthouses with roof terraces will be built on the complex. For energy facilities, the roofs will be used to install solar panels.

Shop and housing project, Santpoort Zuid

Geplaatst op: 19 January 2019

Santpoort is a unique new-build project which consists of three sub-projects:
1. a parking basement with a supermarket and flats above;
2. an apartment building
3. semi-detached houses with a garage in between.

The great thing about this project is that existing and new construction come together at this location. Which for us as structural engineers results in a number of challenges that we enjoy taking on!

Flats and commercial plinth: Keramus, Utrecht

Geplaatst op: 3 August 2018

Construction of the student complex Keramus on Briljantlaan in Utrecht started on 8 December last year and the complex was completed on 1 August. This project consists of 232 student houses in the centre of Utrecht and includes a parking garage for cars and bikes, a laundry room and creative spaces. (source: www.jansnel.com)

Redevelopment new housing estate Sterrenwachtlaan, Leiden

Geplaatst op: 22 January 2018

A project at a unique location in Leiden, with various types of housing and a residential tower with parking basement. Sounds like an inspiring assignment for a structural engineer! And it was, because the tower is full of structural challenges; also because floors have been merged. Our colleague Eric Noorduin, who also has a personal connection with this spot in Leiden, is happy to tell you more about it.