Solico engineers composite elements for Netherlands infrastructure project

Solico Engineering B.V. (Oosterhout, Netherlands) announce its partnership with composites systems integrator Advantage Composite B.V. (Franeker, Netherlands) to engineer the composite elements of the Phase 3 N34 reconstruction project in the Netherlands.

The project includes the extensive reconstruction of multiple viaducts and underpasses along the N34, a provincial dual carriageway road linking the Dutch provinces of Drenthe and Overijssel. Advantage Composite BV manufactured composite elements engineered by Solico for the project, working with Netherland-based BAM Infra (Gouda), Dura Vermeer Infra (Rotterdam) and Van Spijker Infrabouw (Meppel), who were main contractors for Phases 1 to 3, respectively.

Solico’s scope of work covered the detailed engineering of various infrastructure elements including steel support structures, composite claddings, railings and handrails used throughout the project. In addition, Solico’s in-house test laboratory reportedly supported Advantage Composite BV with an extensive material testing and characterization program, enabling the finite element analysis (FEA) of components using a novel bio-based material with a wood finish aesthetic.

Solico says all composites components and their supporting structures were engineered to meet all required national and EU safety standards, and also to include design elements and bio-based materials inspired by the natural landscapes surrounding the new structures. One such example is the bio-based material used on the Valsteeg viaduct cladding in Phase 1, which is said combines the striking visual aesthetic of weathered COR-TEN steel with the durability and weight reduction of a composite material.

With the first two phases completed and Phase 3 ongoing, Solico says it is proud to have supported Advantage Composite BV with the project and contributed to the successful reconstruction of the N34 infrastructure.

“Solico has supported us with a complete engineering service throughout the N34 project,” notes Henk Duijn, general manager of Advantage Composite BV. “It makes such a difference to collaborate with experienced partners who can not only work with existing composite materials, but who can also characterize a new material and incorporate that in our structures too.”