Approach structures
August 2016 - Approach structures ensure that ships move into the right path near bridges or locks to prevent collision damage. They can also be used to moor vessels waiting for a bridge or lock to open.
The approach structures at the Lorentz and Stevin lock complexes in the Afsluitdijk Barrier Dam have been suffering increasing levels of damage in recent years as ships have got larger and heavier. They have now reached the end of their economic life and, in order to maintain safety levels, they are being replaced.
Tailored cutting work
The Hakkers company from Werkendam designed and prefabricated all the floating jetties and permanent approach structures for this project before installing them on location. The steel tubes for the permanent structures are driven into the bed. The floating jetties with platforms fitted out with steel gratings are also attached to the tubes in such a way that they can move with the water level. De Boer Snijbedrijf cut materials to size from S235JR and S355J2+N sheet steel for this project. The total amount of steel used was 2,200 tonnes.