VOLMOLEN BRIDGE

SLIM BRIDGE IN ULTRA HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE

The 17-meter long Volmolen bridge, connecting Volmolen and Kordbaeck in Holland, was built according to the Delft UHPC Bridge System: a modular and demountable bridge concept for standard bridges in Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC). The material's properties, combined with an efficient structure and quick construction and preparation time, allowed Volmolen to be installed in just three days.

The construction of the bicycle and pedestrian bridge was surprisingly simple. Two curved HEA-500 steel beams rest on a concrete support without pile foundations. The slabs in Ultra High Performance Concrete are then placed on the steel beams with open joints between the deck elements. This design prevents dirt and moisture from accumulating, keeping the bridge clean and well-preserved. The railings are anchored to anchors embedded in the bridge deck.

Thanks to the very dense surface structure and the material's self-healing ability, the bridge deck and integrated wearing course have a lifespan of over 100 years. This makes the bridge maintenance-free and highly cost-effective.