In early October, the 25th harbor bridge with InfraCore®Inside was installed in the Calandkanaal Rotterdam. The bridge is one of a series of 6 bridges, with contractor company Hakkers as main contractor, for the Port of Rotterdam Authority. The 6 harbor bridges in the Calandkanaal consist of 2 separate bridge sections, which together have a total length of 55.6m. They are 1.5m wide.
Since 2014, FiberCore's harbor bridges have been developed into prefabricated "standard" truss bridges. Whereas previously these were produced with a span of 19.4m, the truss bridges can now be delivered with a length of 36.2m in 1 piece. The maximum span is 31.4m. The developments mean that the bridges can now be delivered in a very short time, can optionally be supplied with sustainable bio-resin, and there is a possibility to integrate piping systems and LED lighting into the bridge.
The parties involved conducted a feasibility study in 2014 with the objective of making the life cycle cost of the fiberglass-reinforced plastic port bridge competitive compared to the classic port bridge made of steel. The feasibility study was successful and resulted in the realization of harbor bridges for the Port of Rotterdam Authority. These harbor bridges were built according to a totally new bridge concept: the truss bridge made of fiberglass instead of steel. The truss bridges are located in the Port of Rotterdam, and are part of the client's character to be an international leader in sustainability.
Currently, several other port locations are showing interest in applying composite harbor bridges with InfraCore®Inside there as well. Are you curious about the specific wishes of the client from the Port of Rotterdam or would you like more background information?