UHPC Concrete Maintenance Free sluicegates
- Groningen - The Netherlands
The UHPC C170-195 sluice gates at Robbegatsluis in Friesland represent a critical infrastructure project commissioned by the provinces of Groningen and Friesland. FDN Group was tasked with the research, design, construct, delivery and implementation of advanced lightweight UHPC concrete sluice gates, ensuring safety, reliability, and durability for one of the region’s key waterways. This project highlights our commitment to engineering excellence and sustainable solutions. For the first time in the world lightweight sluice gates were produced in UHPC C175-190 concrete.
Project Description
The Robbegatsluis project involved the design, production, and installation of high-performance concrete sluice gates in UHPC for the locks. These gates are essential for managing water levels and supporting maritime traffic safely. The project demanded precise coordination and adherence to stringent quality standards to ensure long-term operational reliability for 100 years. Design -testing and fabrication was the task at hand for FDN.
Challenges of the Project
The project presented several technical and logistical challenges. Working within an operational waterway required careful planning to minimize disruption to shipping. The installation process demanded precision due to the size and weight of the sluice doors. Furthermore, environmental regulations necessitated innovative approaches to protect the surrounding ecosystem. The design of the sluice doors were such that ship collision had to be resisted by elastic bending of the doors. Major testing was done with dynamic loading on thin 60 mm UHPC plates to show reliability during ship collision on the gates. The tests were passed successfully after which production of the door were started.
Sustainability
Sustainability was central to the project’s design and execution. Materials were selected for their durability and low environmental impact, while production processes minimized waste. The gates themselves are designed for long-term efficiency, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and ensuring responsible water management.
Innovation & Technology
FDN Group implemented state-of-the-art engineering solutions throughout the project. Advanced modeling and precision manufacturing techniques were applied to ensure the gates’ reliability and performance. Cutting-edge control systems were integrated to provide operators with precise management of water levels and traffic flow.
FDN’s Contribution
FDN Group played a key role in every stage of the project, from initial design and testing of the materials to final installation. Our team provided technical expertise, project management, and quality assurance to deliver a solution that meets both operational and environmental requirements.
Partners
The successful realization of the UHPC sluice gates was a collaborative effort involving several key partners:
Concrete Valley Waco: Specialized in the production of the UHPC gates according to FDN protocol made specially for the gates.
Machinefabriek Rusthoven: Responsible for the finishing touches, including the integration of metal components.
FDN Group: Led the engineering and design efforts, ensuring the project’s technical success.
This partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration in achieving innovative and sustainable infrastructure solutions.
Clients: Province Groningen and Province Friesland