November 2013 - Iv-Infra and Volker InfraDesign have won the Concrete Award 2013 in the ‘Bridges & Viaducts’ category with their sustainable design for the new Ramspol Bridge near Kampen. The Ramspol Bridge is the world’s first energy-neutral movable bridge. Solar panels installed nearby produce more than enough electricity to operate the structure, making the Ramspol Bridge 90% more energy-efficient than a traditional bridge. “Close collaboration within the chain and excellent craftsmanship have resulted in a very successful sustainable design,” said the jury in its report.
The bridge was constructed using prefabricated concrete elements as well as concrete elements casted in situ. The bridge deck features a new type of prestressed girder known as an RHE girder. These H shaped girders are connected in situ by means of transverse prestressing, eliminating the need for a compression layer. Prefabricated concrete pier bases enabled a high-quality finish, while the use of a low-heat concrete mix minimised the risk of thermal cracking. The pier bases also served as formwork structures, thus eliminating the need for complex cofferdams and reducing the nuisance level for shipping. The Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management (Rijkswaterstaat) recently designated the bridge as a model project. It proved possible to open the bridge sooner than contractually required, thanks in part to the application of ‘Lean Manufacturing’ principles.
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