The special concrete is used in the hanging elements of the new bicycle and pedestrian bridge in Zoutkamp over the Reitdiepsluis. Approximately 70 m3 of concrete was used for the ground-supporting construction on both land sides for the prefab hanging elements. In this trial, cement was replaced by a less environmentally harmful binder.
Reducing CO2 Emissions
This is the first time the province experiments with geopolymer concrete in a bridge construction. Previously, the province used cement-free concrete in part of the Groningen-Assen cycling route. The province also used asphalt and paving materials with low CO2 emissions. This aligns with the province’s policy to reduce CO2 emissions in the use of equipment and materials in civil engineering.
Collaboration
The trial in Zoutkamp is part of the “Geopolymer Concrete Pilot in Light Structural Applications.” Research organization TNO, Rijkswaterstaat, and supplier BouwCirculair conduct five years of research on the concrete’s short- and long-term properties. TNO will inspect the Zoutkamp construction and perform core drilling.
Design and Testing
Delft University of Technology assisted in designing and testing the correct concrete mix. The university tested the mix for shrinkage, strength, and frost-thaw resistance. The bridge trial suits this type of concrete because relatively high demands are placed on strength and frost-thaw resistance.
Bicycle Bridge Zoutkamp
Next to the existing bridge over the Reitdiep, a new bridge for cyclists and pedestrians will be built. The bridge is made of steel and has five spans of varying lengths. The total length of the bridge is 62.5 meters. A bicycle bridge aims to improve the flow of cyclists and car traffic in Zoutkamp.