Category: Nieuws blog

Geplaatst op: 23 October 2023

WE HAVE HAD ELISE BOOMS ON BOARD AT PELECON FOR OVER FOUR YEARS. HAVING JUST GRADUATED FROM THE TU DELFT (CIVIL ENGINEERING WITH A MASTER’S DEGREE IN BUILDING ENGINEERING), ELISE JOINED US IN GOUDA. HER FIRST ASSIGNMENT WAS TO DEVELOP CONSTRUCTION ADVICE FOR A HOUSING PROJECT, AND PRETTY SOON SHE GOT CONCRETEBLOCKENGINEERS (CBE) IN HER PORTFOLIO. “IN THE BEGINNING, I MAINLY MAINTAINED CONTACT WITH CBE’S CLIENTS AND A COLLEAGUE MADE THE STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS; NOW I DO BOTH MYSELF. NICE TO NOTICE THAT AT PELECON I GET EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP MYSELF!”

Elise holds the position of ‘Project Constructor’ at pelecon and makes the structural calculations, especially for housing projects. “I enjoy calculating for new construction and remodeling projects the most! For these projects I also perform the checks of third-party pieces and sometimes I also inspect the reinforcement on site.

THE MOST CHALLENGING PROJECTS
“I am currently working on an apartment complex in Leiden, a project full of difficult issues. It is the first high-rise I am working on. It involves calculations for high wall beams and it’s just a complex building where you have to keep a close eye on how everything fits together. I’m learning a lot from this, because you do have to take different things into account than with ‘standard’ houses.”

MY PRIDE
“I look with pride at the Ringfazant project in Nieuwegein. This is a new construction project for a residential care facility for 30 clients. In this project there has been clear communication between all parties from the beginning, so the project is running smoothly and we are now working on a beautiful result in execution. I am also proud of the new housing development De Perken in Hoogvliet, Rotterdam. Due to the poor subsoil, the foundation of the houses was quite a challenge. Among other things, we were able to solve this by using coupling piles (to achieve a long pile length) and a beautiful result was achieved.”

Geplaatst op: 5 October 2023

IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO IMAGINE THE DUTCH LANDSCAPE WITHOUT THEM: SOLAR PANELS. ON HOUSES, BARNS, GARAGES, OFFICE BUILDINGS, IN MEADOWS. WE GENERATE ENERGY ON EVERY STREET CORNER. THAT’S GREAT, BECAUSE IT MAKES US MUCH LESS DEPENDENT ON THE LESS SUSTAINABLE SOURCES OF ENERGY AVAILABLE. BUT WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR YOUR BUILDING IF YOU WANT TO INSTALL SOLAR PANELS? WE ALWAYS SAY: CHECK THE CONSTRUCTION OF YOUR ROOF FIRST!

The first types of solar panels are made of glass and weigh almost as much as the roof of a hall. Much lighter panels already exist, but they may not be lifted by wind, due to occurring wind suction. Most panel-bearing systems for flat roofs are fitted with ballast tiles. This means that only stronger but also stiffer roofs can support these solar panels. Older buildings often do not have roofs with sufficient load-bearing capacity. But also, the type of roof, even if it is a new roof, determines whether there is sufficient load-bearing capacity for solar panels. In addition, the type of insulation package also plays a role.

STRUCTURAL CALCULATION
We make structural calculations for roofs, both older and newer roofs. We determine whether it is possible to install solar panels and where they can best be installed. We do this based on our own checklist and a visual inspection, all in accordance with current safety standards. Recurring points of attention are the snow loads to be calculated, which in some cases are higher due to the restriction of free blowing – this applies to panel support systems. In addition, the risk of water accumulation on relatively lightly designed roof structures is a major concern – sufficient emergency overflows are a requirement here.

ADVICE
When a building structure and/or roof structure is insufficiently strong for the installation of solar panels, we make a recommendation. Often in consultation with the client and/or owner of the building. After all, this person has an energy ambition that determines the number of solar panels needed to achieve that ambition.

FOR WHO?
Now you will think: Pelecon advises large clients, mostly for utilities and logistics. But we also advise smaller clients. For example, for a smaller office building or to make a small residential area more sustainable. Feel free to contact us to discuss the possibilities.

Photocredits: Heembouw – project Reshift

Geplaatst op: 5 October 2023

OUR STRUCTURAL ENGINEER EELCO KINGMA HAS BEEN WORKING AT OUR OFFICE IN AMERSFOORT SINCE PELECON MERGED WITH REIJNEVELD. BEFORE THAT, EELCO WORKED AT REIJNEVELD FOR OVER 35 YEARS. AFTER STUDYING STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING AT HTS, HE COMPLETED VARIOUS OTHER STUDIES, INCLUDING HTI, CULMINATING IN A MASTER’S DEGREE IN PSME FROM THE CONCRETE ASSOCIATION. WE ARE PLEASED TO HAVE EELCO ON BOARD AND IT’S TIME YOU GOT TO KNOW HIM A LITTLE BETTER TOO!

Eelco started behind the drawing board where he worked on various projects as a structural draftsman at Leydes and Reijneveld. He quickly progressed to structural engineer/project leader. From that position he works on a variety of projects, from initial design to implementation and construction supervision. Eelco says: “I have an inspiring job in which I cooperate a lot with colleagues, partners and our clients on diverse projects. This can vary from small housing projects to large distribution centers. Because I have enough experience, I often work on the projects that are constructively more complex. I find the challenge in this to provide a good manufacturable, financially workable and feasible solution for these projects.”

PROUD OF…
Eelco doesn’t have to think long about the answer. “I am proud of all the projects we have been able to complete. Because I have been working for a while now, I come across a lot of buildings of which I know how they are structurally constructed. But if I had to mention several examples that I am really proud of: Arla Foods Nijkerk, Achmea Tower underpass in Leeuwarden, De Rotterdam steel construction, 79 homes Waterhof in Nieuwegein, Dijkman Eemnes, the theater tower in Amstelveen. And more recently Zandbergen Veenendaal, Bieze Nijkerk and Aware Lopik.”

Are you curious what all these projects Eelco mentions involve? Most of them are on our projects page and if you want to know more, feel free to come and have a coffee with Eelco at our office in Amersfoort.

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.

Geplaatst op: 4 October 2023

CONTENT SPECIALIST RESHIFT HAS FOUND A NEW WORKPLACE WITH WORKING CAFE IN A FORMER OLD R.A.C. GARAGE ON THE NIJVERHEIDSWEG IN HAARLEM. THE BEAUTIFUL BUILDING WITH CHARACTER WAS COMPLETED IN LATE 2021. IT IS PACKED WITH STYLE ELEMENTS AND IS THEREFORE SUITABLE FOR A CREATIVE CLUB LIKE RESHIFT.

Reshift’s building was once built as a maintenance place for central government cars. Some renovation was therefore necessary. To turn this garage into a suitable home, Reshift engaged Delft-based Vakwerk Architecten for the design. Where we stepped in for the construction advice. A nice challenge soon appeared.

LIMITATIONS ARE THERE TO BE ADDRESSED
With the limitations of the existing structure, but also with concern for the preservation of the existing structure, we structurally designed the renovation and new construction plan. We advised to use durable products while preserving the existing structure as much as possible. The roof construction is a wooden beam, supported by a steel frame which is in sight, remains the same as the existing roof construction. A nice detail is that a spiral staircase was harvested from a donor building. Because of the limited working space on site, a small pile-driving rig and a light system floor on the first floor were used. Applying light lifting equipment was why a perk.

INTENSIVE PROJECT
To arrive at a good advice, we spent quite a bit of time modeling and clashing, with input from the various disciplines within the BIM model. So, our advice can be called thorough. During the construction we remained actively involved, which enabled us to adjust where necessary and allows us to say that we used our knowledge and skills in this project from A to Z. And….. the result is impressive!

It’s a warp

Geplaatst op: 21 August 2023

Our summer holidays are behind us and we are back at work with enthusiasm. And not without reason, since this summer we have been visiting our relations in style! Nobody on the road can ignore us anymore, because we drive around in our own Pelecon car! Decorated with our butterfly, in the colour of our house style and with our logo. #invisiblepower

We didn’t do the wrapping of our car, supplied by Maas Autogroep, ourselves, of course. That was done for us by Joël Alfons of Alfons Sign. Both: thanks for the good service!

Cathelijn tells…..

Geplaatst op: 5 July 2023

We do another round of introductions, this time Cathelijn Donraadt is talking! Our ArtEZ Art Academy graduate colleague is originally an Interior Architect and has been working at Pelecon since January 2022. A creative background and now working at a technical club; how about that?

Cathelijn graduated as an interior architect, but missed the technical challenge in the profession. “That’s why I made the choice to start working as a technical draughtsman first. I was mainly concerned with buildings, working out bridge girders and developing components to make the drawing work easier. After this job, I joined a specialist in underground construction. Here I carried out small projects with less challenge after which I soon started working at Pelecon,” says Cathelijn.

Modeler at Pelecon
At Pelecon, Cathelijn is a modeller, which means she creates a 3D model in the Revit drawing program based on a client’s model and the structural engineer’s specifications. “From there, we also make the necessary drawings at Pelecon. Furthermore, I am working on improving our way of working with Revit. This includes adding the right data to the beams and columns in our model. I also ensure that an IFC model exports only the correct/relevant data from our model, with the aim of making it as easy as possible for our customers to read our models.”

What I prefer to work on
“I prefer to work on somewhat larger projects with a lot of diversity, such as Bestseller and A-ware. These are challenging projects where you fine-tune the design together with the client. In these projects, especially at the beginning, a lot is unclear and there are often many adjustments and changes. This means that, as a modeller, you have to be alert to design clashes. So you have to model in a smart way. With our structural model, we try to help the client as much as possible with the structural design.”

My pride!
“I am especially proud of our team, that we are so well matched. That we understand each other which allows us to make great strides in a short time. So that we can surprise our customers with multiple, diverse solutions. To ultimately choose the best solution and develop it into a suitable end product.”

Friend of the Groene Hart Ziekenhuis

Geplaatst op: 25 May 2023

Pelecon is part of its environment and pays close attention to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). We recently became a friend of the Groene Hart Ziekenhuis in Gouda. We made a donation which was added to the ‘Cuddles from Freek the Giraffe’ project. We love the idea that all children who have to stay in hospital a bit longer or undergo a tedious examination find a buddy in the giraffe.

Like us, would you also like to donate to the Friends of the Groene Hart Hospital Foundation? For more information, visit www.vriendenvanhetghz.nl and donate!

Structural calculations for cold storage facility

Geplaatst op: 23 May 2023

We have frequently shared projects of our clients who have high-quality cold storage facilities. But did you know that these halls require special structural attention? We mention some examples

A cold store has a double floor, the lower one of which is heated. You understand that you can’t just build two floors on top of each other, the floors can negatively affect each other and we want to avoid that. Also, the steel structure of a cold store is on wooden bobbins, so there too the frost cannot go deep into the ground resulting in damage to the building. And when there are two cold stores close to each other, it is very important that moist air between them does not freeze and cause damage.

Not to mention today’s energy requirements. Insulation is getting thicker and thicker, and with that, installing solar panels is actually always a desire. This means that the roof structure of the cold store must be calculated accordingly, which is now an almost daily issue. So we don’t turn our hand to that!

Want to know more about our work? We can’t stop talking, so feel free to drop by for a cup of coffee in Amersfoort or Gouda!

Rezoning Norit building Amersfoort

Geplaatst op: 10 May 2023

Since 2020, Pelecon has been working with architect StudioWA! worked on the redevelopment of the old Norit building in Amersfoort. In addition to a beautiful business building, the office tower is now part of the modern, authentic Norit Campus. We do not use these superlatives for nothing, as this vibrant heart for the Isselt business park, an urban area in development, exudes luxury and even has a wonderful gym with a large membership base.

“By re-voting and therefore opting for sustainability, it was unique to work on this project,” says André Verschoor. “But we did face a number of challenges. For instance, the foundation of the artwork in the courtyard had to be demolished to build the sports facilities. As the work of art is part of the building, it was still quite a computational challenge.”

More is planned for this urban area, but more on that later.

Photography: Architect StudioWA!