Commissioned by the Westerwolde local authority, we restored seven bridges in the picturesque village of Bourtange between 2020 and 2023. Located close to the border with Germany, the village was constructed during the Eighty Years’ War and is now a major attraction. For the two-phase project we worked as part of a construction team in close liaison with the Westerwolde local authority. One important aspect of the project was the need for the bridges to retain their authentic and historic appearance.
Composite - for a long service life
By mid-2020, all bridges on the western side of the fortress had been completed, with three bridges given a new composite bridge deck. The decision to opt for composite materials for the sandwich panels of the bridge decks was very much deliberate and designed to ensure their durability. This construction, comprising composite and rigid foam, allows the bridge deck to deform when it becomes overloaded.
The bridges were 3D measured
Work on the bridges on the eastern side of the fortress began in 2021, with all being worked on at the same time. The renovation involved a different construction process. Once the woodwork had been renovated, the bridges were 3D measured. The remaining bridge decks were then produced using the results obtained with 3D technologies. Each bridge deck needs to bear an axle load of twelve tonnes, which led to the decision for a composite bridge deck with a deck thickness of 100 mm. Amongst the materials used for the deck are several layers of glass, which together will help to ensure the strength of the bridge in the long-term.
The last bridges were completed at the end of 2022.
A great project and a great collaboration with construction company Blokzijl, painting company Beikes, Fiby and Stork.
