Construction of 3rd column Beatrix Lock
Due to ever larger ships, fewer ships can use a lock movement. The number of lock movements is increasing, as is the waiting time, explained technical manager Leon Wijker. In addition, Patrick Kemperman, environmental management consultant, explained the relocation of two Hollandse Waterlinie bunkers. The simultaneous renovation of the monumental part, the preservation of the hydraulic elements, as well as the redevelopment of the monumental lock-keepers' houses are special parts of the work.
Maarten van den Berg, design coordinator of the Sas van Vreeswijk consortium, looked at the work from the perspective of the Design Build Finance and Maintain Agreement. The deployment of a further developed Building Information Model in combination with the application of vitual reality, significantly shortens the lead time of the design phase.
The fascinating lectures were followed by a tour of the site and a spectacular climb up to the engine room of the current lock.
Gert-Jan van den Dries, board member Construction & Hydraulic Engineering South
Description
The Princess Beatrix Lock is the largest monumental inland navigation lock in the Netherlands. This lock is located in the Lekkanaal near Nieuwegein. About 50,000 vessels pass through the Beatrix lock annually and the Lekkanaal is the most important direct main waterway link between the ports of Rotterdam and Amsterdam. The 3rd-column ensures that shipping traffic can continue to pass the Princess Beatrix Lock smoothly and safely. Ships will be able to pass through the lock complex significantly faster in the future. Thanks to the larger, wider and deeper lock chamber, the ever larger inland vessels will soon be able to pass through the lock. Also, part of the Lek Canal will be widened to make room for extra berths.
Speaker(s)
Patrick Kemperman, environment advisor at RWS
Location
Princess Beatrix Lock in Nieuwegein
Organiser
Construction and Hydraulic Engineering
Name and contact details for information
Gert-Jan van den Dries, 06-27003126