Excursion Nebest test loading circulair viaduct A76

In the coming weeks, collaboration partners within the Closing the Loop initiative will begin load testing beams for reuse in a new viaduct over the A76 near Nuth. This is a world-first: never before have full-scale beam tests been conducted on-site! The tests aim to determine the actual strength (shear capacity) of the beams, which is crucial for reusing this type of viaduct beams (HNP beams). Current regulations are generally based on the assumption of using new materials, resources, and products rather than circular ones. Within these existing frameworks, the beams do not meet the requirements. Additionally, based on current calculation methods, they theoretically lack sufficient capacity for use in their existing form. These load tests, therefore, open new doors for the reuse of viaduct beams.

The tests bring the realization of the circular viaduct at Daelderweg over the A76 one step closer. As part of the follow-up to Closing the Loop, Rijkswaterstaat has commissioned Strukton Wegen & Beton to lead the next phase. This phase includes testing, research, preparation, and design for constructing a new circular viaduct over the A76, using high-quality reused components from three existing viaducts. Within the Closing the Loop consortium, Strukton is responsible for the viaduct’s construction, Antea Group for its design, GBN Group for harvesting and storing concrete beams from existing viaducts, and Nebest for material testing.

Program

8:45 Gather at Eindhoven Central Station
09:00 Departure from Eindhoven Central Station
10:15 Pick-up of students by Nebest from Heerlen station
11:00 General introduction to the circular viaduct at Daelderweg A76
11:30 Explanation of load testing
12:00 Guided tour of the test site
12:30 Conclusion with free lunch