Category: Nieuws blog

Geplaatst op: 3 November 2026

SNOW, HEAVY RAIN, AND ADDITIONAL INSTALLATIONS: A ROOF STRUCTURE HAS TO BEAR A SIGNIFICANT LOAD. BUT IS YOUR ROOF STRONG ENOUGH TO HANDLE TODAY’S DEMANDS? PELECON HELPS BUILDING OWNERS GAIN INSIGHT INTO THE SAFETY AND LOAD-BEARING CAPACITY OF THEIR ROOFS. THIS IS PRECISELY WHAT WE MEAN BY THE “INVISIBLE STRENGTH” OF A BUILDING.

GREATER LOADS THAN ORIGINALLY ANTICIPATED
Many existing roof structures were designed based on the standards in place at the time of their construction. These designs did not always account for factors such as snow accumulation or the additional weight of heavy solar panels and modern building installations. Furthermore, intense rainfall—which is becoming increasingly frequent due to climate change—can pose a significant risk. If rainwater or meltwater is not drained away quickly enough, it can pool on the roof. The weight of this water may cause the structure to deflect further, leading to even more water accumulation. With autumn and winter approaching, it is wise to have your roof structure assessed for sufficient strength and safety. While we carry out roof repairs during the summer, we conduct inspections all year round.

HOW CAN PELECON ASSIST?
Our structural engineers examine existing roof structures to assess their suitability for current and intended loads, ensuring compliance with applicable building standards—specifically NEN-EN 1991 and NEN 8700. Pelecon’s services include:

  1. Structural roof assessments for solar panel installations (Scope 12), covering both mechanically fastened systems and ballasted configurations.
  2. Structural checks for rooftop installations, such as air handling units; we evaluate existing roof beams and deck panels, and design supporting steel frames where necessary.
  3. Assessments of suspended installations, including cooling units, ceilings, and sprinkler piping.
  4. Investigations into roof drainage; we can arrange for precise measurements of the roof slope and evaluate whether existing emergency overflows are sufficient.
  5. Water accumulation calculations for scenarios where there is a risk of rainwater pooling.
    Expert advice on structural reinforcement, should any components prove to lack sufficient strength or rigidity.

FROM INSPECTION TO CLEAR ADVICE
We begin by reviewing available archival drawings and conducting an on-site inspection to verify that the actual conditions match the documentation. Our assessment covers elements such as roof panels, beams and connections, roof pitch, any deflections, emergency overflows, and existing installations. Following an initial quick scan, we share our findings with the building owner. We then evaluate the roof structure against the applicable standards for structural loads and existing buildings, discussing the parameters for snow loads and safety with the owner.

The final report presents our conclusions, along with a clear overview of recommendations, conditions, and expert advice. This may include guidance on regular gutter maintenance, the permitted placement of solar panels, or measures to reinforce the roof and improve water drainage.

CERTAINTY REGARDING YOUR ROOF STRUCTURE
Whether it concerns the installation of solar panels and equipment, or the impact of snow loads and heavy rainfall, Pelecon identifies the structural possibilities and any potential risks. Would you like to learn more about a roof inspection? Please contact us to arrange an introductory meeting with one of our structural engineers at our Gouda or Amersfoort office.

Geplaatst op: 10 September 2026

Last Friday, the largest climbing centre in the Benelux was officially opened in Nieuwegein by the mayor and an alderman of the Municipality of Nieuwegein. It is an exceptional building with international appeal, bringing together sport, engineering and architecture. Johan Cavé is the director and founder of Climbing Network. Thanks in no small part to his initiative and perseverance, this impressive project has become a reality!

Working closely with the design and construction team, Pelecon was responsible for the structural design and the further development of the building’s structural framework. The focus was on creating a safe, efficient and buildable structure that accommodates both the architectural ambitions and the building’s unique purpose.

The height of the building and the specific loads imposed by the climbing walls required carefully considered structural solutions. We are proud that our structural engineering expertise has contributed to this new landmark for Nieuwegein—and to a place where climbers can literally reach new heights.

We congratulate Climbing Network and all parties involved on the official opening and wish every climber many enjoyable and challenging hours of climbing!

Geplaatst op: 22 July 2026

PELECON IS PROVIDING THE STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR A NEW STORAGE BUILDING ON THE DANUBE IN THE HAGUE ON BEHALF OF SHURGARD NEDERLAND B.V. FROM THE INITIAL DESIGN PHASE, PELECON HAS BEEN A PARTNER IN ALL STRUCTURAL MATTERS. WE WILL CONTINUE TO ACT AS CONSULTANTS FOR THIS INTERESTING PROJECT IN THE HAGUE THROUGH TO COMPLETION.

The site is a brownfield site that previously housed a food packaging company. One advantage is that a mains electricity connection was already in place at the start of construction. Furthermore, the location is strategically advantageous for the end user. However, even favourable locations present challenges. The greatest challenge in this project is the short lead time between the planning application and the start of construction. All the detailed design documents had to be finalised in a relatively short space of time, whilst at the same time incorporating changes and additional requirements into the design. By working closely with all parties involved, the project was able to proceed according to schedule.

STRUCTURAL SOLUTIONS
A distinctive feature of this project is the use of THQ beams. This structural solution makes it possible to achieve maximum clear height within the building, a key requirement for a self-storage facility. Furthermore, the use of these beams required careful coordination of the construction sequence and additional temporary facilities during the construction phase. Unexpected challenges also arose during the preparatory phase. For example, it only became possible to fully assess the existing transformer – which is to be retained – once parts of the existing buildings had been demolished. Thanks to good cooperation and swift coordination, these circumstances were also successfully incorporated into the structural design.

REPEATED COLLABORATION
Pelecon is collaborating on this project with Traanberg Architecten and Hercuton; we have already designed several storage buildings with the former. Together, we are realising a future-proof storage building in which structural quality, efficiency and feasibility are central.

Geplaatst op: 14 July 2026

SUSTAINABILITY WAS A KEY FOCUS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF BESTSELLER’S NEW DISTRIBUTION CENTRE. THE AMBITION WAS CLEAR: TO CREATE A DISTRIBUTION CENTRE THAT WAS AS SUSTAINABLE AS POSSIBLE. CONSTRUCTION IS INEVITABLY LINKED TO THE USE OF RAW MATERIALS AND THE PRODUCTION, PROCESSING AND ASSEMBLY OF MATERIALS, WHICH RELEASE CO₂. AS CO₂ PLAYS A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN GLOBAL WARMING, THIS PROJECT HAS DELIBERATELY SOUGHT WAYS TO OFFSET THESE EMISSIONS BY STORING CO₂ WITHIN THE BUILDING.

Bio-based materials play a key role in this. Materials such as wood and straw store CO₂ as they grow. Straw is a by-product of the grain harvest that is normally often burnt, causing the stored CO₂ to be released back into the atmosphere. By using straw as insulation material in the façades, this CO₂ remains stored for the long term and a low-value by-product is given a high-value application in construction.

PREFABRICATED STRAW MODULES
Prefabricated straw modules from Ecococon in Romania, the Czech Republic and Ukraine were chosen for the façades. These modules consist of a wooden frame into which straw has been compressed under high pressure. Each module is 400 mm thick and, due to production constraints, has maximum dimensions of 800 × 3,000 mm. The modules formed the building blocks for all the façades of the distribution centre.

Contractor Van de Ven transformed the straw modules into complete façade elements by constructing a structural framework of CLT and LVL timber, into which the modules were incorporated. The façade elements were fitted with fire-resistant cladding on both sides and then installed on site as prefabricated elements.

STRUCTURAL CHALLENGE
For Pelecon, this innovative façade presented a number of specific challenges. Pelecon designed and detailed the connections and joints between the timber façade elements and the timber, steel and precast concrete main supporting structure. This involved close coordination with the manufacturer Ecococon and the contractor Van de Ven to ensure structural safety, manufacturability and feasibility.

The relatively thick, bio-based façade elements also required careful coordination of the structural design, façade construction, detailing, fixings, deformations and prefabrication. It is precisely with innovative construction methods that an integrated approach is essential to reconcile structural safety, feasibility and sustainability.

THE RESULT
A total of approximately 40,000 m² of Ecococon cladding was installed, an exceptional scale for a project involving bio-based façade construction. Due to this scale, the production of the straw modules at Ecococon took over a year.

The result is an innovative façade construction in which an agricultural by-product has been transformed into a high-quality building material. By not burning the straw but incorporating it into the façades for the long term, a significant amount of CO₂ is sequestered and the façade makes a direct contribution to Bestseller’s sustainability ambitions.

THAT LITTLE EXTRA
For Pelecon, this project demonstrates that structural engineering advice goes far beyond simply sizing a load-bearing structure. By actively contributing ideas on material choices, manufacturability, detailing and collaboration between the manufacturer, contractor and structural engineer right from the initial design phase, Pelecon helps to deliver innovative and future-proof construction solutions. It is precisely in bio-based projects that the strength of integrated structural design really comes into its own.

Geplaatst op: 10 July 2026

FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF APARTMENT BLOCKS B AND C ON KOLKPLEIN IN SPIJKENISSE, PELECON STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS IS PROVIDING ADVICE ON THE STRUCTURE AND CARRYING OUT STRUCTURAL QUALITY CONTROLS DURING CONSTRUCTION. COMMISSIONED BY HAAGSEBAAN VASTGOED B.V., THIS PROJECT DEMONSTRATES HOW IMPORTANT A FLEXIBLE AND PRACTICAL CONSTRUCTION APPROACH IS IN BALANCING PLANNING, QUALITY AND FEASIBILITY.

FROM TRADITIONAL TO PREFAB
The original brief involved designing and further developing the main load-bearing structure for the apartment blocks. However, during the construction phase, the decision was taken to change the construction method. In order to achieve the desired construction speed, a decision was made – in consultation with the client and the contractors – to opt for a structure using prefabricated elements.

This change had major implications for the structural design. The entire structure had to be adapted within a very short timeframe, so that suppliers and prefabricated element manufacturers could be provided with the correct specifications in good time. This required quick thinking, in-depth structural knowledge and close collaboration with all parties involved.

ADVICE FOCUSED ON MANUFACTURABILITY AND SPEED
Pelecon not only investigated whether the switch to prefabrication was structurally feasible, but also advised on the most efficient solutions and alternatives. In doing so, it constantly assessed manufacturability, the production capabilities of the prefabricated elements and the impact on the construction schedule.

Within the modified design, measures included replacing all load-bearing sand-lime brick walls with prefabricated concrete elements; replacing the wide-slab floors with prestressed solid slabs combined with a layer of foam concrete; using solid concrete for the balconies; and adapting the façade construction to use prefabricated elements. These optimisations made it possible to significantly speed up the construction process without compromising structural safety or quality.

CONSTRUCTION QUALITY CONTROL DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Pelecon’s involvement does not end with the design phase. Structural quality checks are also carried out during construction to ensure that the structure is actually built as designed. For example, checks are carried out on site on the reinforcement that has been installed, before the concrete is poured. During these inspections, checks are made to ensure that the reinforcement has been installed entirely in accordance with the structural drawings. After all, correct positioning, cover and detailing are essential for the strength, safety and durability of the building. By carrying out these checks in good time, any deviations can be identified and corrected immediately. This minimises failure costs, keeps the schedule on track and guarantees the quality of the final result.

COLLABORATION AS THE KEY TO SUCCESS
We were commissioned for this project by Haagsebaan Vastgoed BV and worked in collaboration with various construction partners, including Van Boxsel Engineering, MBS Cascobouw, Dycore, Goudriaan Staalconstructies and Staton Bouw. It was precisely this intensive collaboration between the client, the structural engineer, suppliers and contractors that made it possible to fully convert the structure to a prefabricated solution within a very short timeframe.

SMART STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING FOR A MORE EFFICIENT CONSTRUCTION PROCESS
This project demonstrates that structural engineering goes far beyond simply carrying out calculations. By actively contributing ideas on alternative structures, construction methods and implementation processes, Pelecon helps to ensure a more efficient construction process, a faster construction pace and a high-quality end result. Kolkplein in Spijkenisse is therefore a fine example of how structural engineering expertise, flexibility and collaboration lead to a future-proof apartment complex that meets the highest standards in terms of safety, quality and feasibility.

FROM DESIGN TO COMPLETION: PELECON’S APPROACH AT ROTTERDAM LOGISTICS PARK

Geplaatst op: 4 June 2026

A DISTINCTIVE APPROACH TO STRUCTURAL DESIGN
In the magazine Logistiek Vastgoed Nederland, Pelecon discusses its distinctive approach within the world of building structures. Whilst many structural engineering consultancies limit themselves to the design phase, Pelecon remains involved from the initial sketch right through to completion. This combination of technical expertise, flexibility and personal commitment is clearly evident in the Rotterdam Logistics Park (RLP) project.

ROTTERDAM LOGISTICS PARK AS A BEST PRACTICE EXAMPLE
In the article, co-owner Mack Stolwijk and project manager Bastiaan Hoefnagel share their experiences with this sustainable logistics complex. They explain how Pelecon contributed ideas throughout the process, responded quickly to changes and developed smart structural solutions. The result is a future-proof, sustainable and architecturally distinctive logistics building that was successfully completed within a tight schedule.

POSITIVE ASSESSMENT BY HEEMBOUW
The quality of this collaboration was also confirmed in a supplier assessment by Heembouw for the DC Campus RLP project, building sections B and C. Pelecon achieved an overall score of 8.4. The preliminary phase was rated 8.5 (very good), whilst the construction phase received an 8.3 (good).

In particular, Heembouw rated Pelecon’s proactive input, the quality of its engineering, its adherence to agreements and its focus on sustainability as good to very good. This independent assessment underscores the committed and results-oriented approach with which Pelecon manages projects from design to handover.

Read the article in Logistiek Vastgoed Nederland here.

A look at the use of steel in construction: an interview with Mack Stolwijk

Geplaatst op: 1 June 2026

Our colleague Mack Stolwijk takes a positive view of the steel industry. He places great importance on sharing knowledge and learning from one another. He therefore sees our firm as a knowledge hub for steel structures. For him, steel remains the most important construction material, widely used in the Netherlands in the construction of high-quality distribution centres. ‘Both timber and concrete are outperformed in terms of construction speed and costs.’

Read the full interview with Mack in the magazine Bouwen met Staal.

Theory and practice of vibration analysis

Geplaatst op: 26 March 2026

When designing Bestseller’s large wooden distribution centre, we faced a clear challenge: ensuring the stability and vibration control of the structure. Due to the intensive use of machinery and forklift trucks, combined with a relatively light timber floor, vibration nuisance was virtually inevitable. It was crucial to thoroughly investigate this challenge in advance and find manageable solutions. Thanks to thorough preliminary research and realistic requirements, a building that is both stable and comfortable could be realised with relatively minor adjustments.

The floor structure consists of 120 mm CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber), covered with a waterproof membrane, onto which a 120 mm thick concrete floor is poured. It is noteworthy that there is no structural connection between the CLT and the concrete, which makes the vibration behaviour particularly complex.

The building to scale
To ensure certainty, a realistic mock-up was built in advance at main contractor Van de Ven in Veghel. This test setup comprised four columns, main and secondary beams, and a complete CLT+concrete floor, including all fixings and membranes to replicate the actual behaviour as accurately as possible.

A thorough analysis
The vibration behaviour was analysed by Cauberg Huygen, using the following approach:
• a literature review of the required comfort levels for both office and distribution areas;
• measurements on existing machinery to identify the main sources of vibration;
• the creation of an FEM model to predict the impact on the timber structure in advance;
• field measurements on the mock-up to validate the model’s assumptions
The conclusions were clear and directly applicable:
In practice, CLT and concrete work well together in relation to vibrations. Despite the absence of structural connections and the membrane, there is sufficient microscopic interaction.

Please note!
The transition between the office and the distribution area is a critical point. The structure is interrupted and designed with expansion joints at this point, meaning that vibrations require particular attention. The main source of disruptive vibrations comes from forklift trucks placing pallets. By adjusting lifting heights, driving routes and unloading locations, this disruption can be effectively minimised. Vibration-sensitive installations such as pallet robots require a separate, rigid and heavy-duty structure.

The strength of Pelecon
This project demonstrates exactly where Pelecon’s strength lies. Much of what we do is invisible, yet indispensable for a safe and comfortable building. Our tagline ‘the invisible strength’ is therefore not just a slogan: we ensure that structures function stably, safely and reliably, even when you cannot see them.

Bestseller’s sustainable distribution center in Lelystad: wood, steel, and concrete with low CO₂ emissions

Geplaatst op: 23 February 2026

Bestseller’s new distribution center (DC) in Lelystad is striking for its enormous amount of wood: 23,500 m³. However, wood isn’t the only material: steel and concrete also play a significant role, with sustainability and low CO₂ emissions being key priorities.

Sustainable design as a starting point
During the preparatory phase, Bestseller commissioned us to design a building with the lowest possible CO₂ emissions and to use bio-based materials wherever possible. The distribution center consists of several building sections with varying functions and loads. Therefore, the structural option with the lowest environmental impact was chosen for each section.

High-bay warehouses and section D: steel with a low environmental impact
Height and large spans were decisive factors for the high-bay warehouses and section D. Steel proved to be the most suitable construction method. Both steel structures are fully detachable and constructed of XCarb® steel, a type of steel with a low environmental impact.

Sections A and B: Timber Construction
In sections A and B, the superstructure is constructed entirely of timber. The floor load on the upper floors is 7.5 kN/m². Wood not only provides sufficient load-bearing capacity here but also contributes to the project’s biobased ambition.

Section C: Precast Concrete and Timber
Section C combines precast concrete floors with a timber roof structure. The floor load on the upper floors is 12.5 kN/m². This hybrid solution provides the necessary strength and stability, while the timber roof contributes to reducing CO₂ emissions.

Greyatter Industrial floors on HS-piles 
All industrial floors are constructed of low-carbon concrete: Greymatter from Van Berlo. The Greymatter concept used here involves reducing the cement content through granular packing optimization. The industrial floors at ground level are founded on mini-vibrated piles. These are slender piles that are driven into the ground at high speed. These piles are only suitable for supporting the industrial floor and are not part of the main load-bearing structure. Besides being a highly cost-efficient system, this floor system also achieved the best LCA rating. This maximizes sustainability at the foundation level.

Although timber was not suitable everywhere, materials with the lowest possible CO₂ emissions were deliberately chosen for each section. In a future article, we’ll determine the building’s final LCA value and provide insight into the overall environmental performance of this unique distribution center. Stay tuned to our social media for another Bestseller update!

A BRAND NEW CANTEEN AT PELECON IN GOUDA

Geplaatst op: 4 February 2026

At Pelecon in Gouda, we have something new: our canteen has been completely revamped! We prepare the most delicious lunches in the new kitchen. And the seating areas offer a pleasant place where we can recharge our batteries, have lunch together or simply catch up with colleagues.

Our pleasant working environment grows with our team. That’s why we have room for new colleagues at Pelecon: we are looking for talented engineers. Want to know more? Take a look at our vacancies.

Will you be in our neighbourhood soon? You are welcome to drop by for a nice cup of tea!