Heavy steel structures and machine foundations are more stable and stronger when the forces released are better distributed across their substrate. This also applies to the structures of a new nitrogen factory in Zuidbroek, Groningen. SealteQ Noord was commissioned to undergrout all steel structures and machine foundations of the factory. An enormous task that requires significant flexibility in planning.
A solid foundation for a nitrogen plant
Undergrouting of Structures
Undergrouting – also known as underpinning – is the filling of adjustment spaces between steel base plates and concrete floors or foundations. This can be done with concrete mortar or with epoxy. As a result, such a steel structure or heavy machine foundation is not only supported at the points where the base and floor meet, but across the entire surface area. The forces pressing on the substrate are thus better distributed. The structures therefore stand more firmly. The expected lifespan of the often concrete substrate is also much longer.
The enormous complex of the new nitrogen factory in Zuidbroek has quite a few steel structures and machine foundations that need to be undergrouted. Thirty thousand liters of epoxy are needed to provide all objects with a solid foundation, explains project manager Robert Eseryel. “We are not only doing the steel structures, but also the high towers, pumps and compressors. Basically everything that needs to be firmly anchored. In this case, we use epoxy for absorbing vibrations and isolating the concrete structures.”
That is, incidentally, the largest but not the only part of our assignment at the nitrogen factory in Zuidbroek. We also worked on the mixing station next to it, where we applied coatings to the floor and provided the concrete walls with an epoxy grout, explains Eseryel. Our specialists also repaired the concrete of the retaining wall. This must protect the nitrogen factory from potential flooding in the area. Finally, we are providing coatings to over five thousand square meters of floors in the nitrogen factory.
Nitrogen Factory Requires Flexibility
The assignment that our specialists from SealteQ Noord are executing at the nitrogen factory in Zuidbroek is not only complex in terms of scope. It also requires significant flexibility in planning, explains Eseryel. “The work proceeds in different phases. Our client releases parts of the construction site when they are ready to be undergrouted.”
We therefore cannot establish a schedule in advance. Because our organization is structured so that we can deploy our specialists flexibly, this is fortunately not a problem. Not for nothing is flexibility one of our core values. At SealteQ, despite having grown to six locations, we maintain short lines of communication. That is in our DNA. This allows us to respond quickly, both internally and externally.
More Information
Would you like more information about undergrouting or concrete repair? Please contact us by phone on working days at 0599-696333 or email info@sealteq.com. Our colleagues are happy to assist you.