Our specialists regularly discover damage that was initially unnoticed. With our in-house expertise, we often provide our clients with even more sustainable solutions than initially anticipated. This prevents the need for faster and often more costly repairs, thereby averting further deterioration. Furthermore, it ensures an even longer lifespan for structures. A prime example is the Zeedoksluis in Den Helder, which our specialists from SealteQ Heerenveen renovated.
Sea dock lock: an even longer life and avoiding worse
Works on the Zeedoksluis
The Zeedoksluis in Den Helder was constructed in the late seventies. The complex is therefore almost forty years old and is expected to serve for many more years to come. BAM, one of our long-standing partners, renovated the locking and operating mechanisms. During these works, BAM discovered damage in the concrete. They subsequently engaged SealteQ Heerenveen and our concrete specialist Gerrit Uilenreef.
Initially, we applied an anti-slip coating to the stairs and lock gates. Additionally, approximately three and a half square meters of concrete repair were necessary. Thirty formwork tie holes also required replacement. These are the holes that remain in poured concrete after the formwork is removed. Once the concrete has cured, these tie holes are filled with concrete repair mortars. Over time, they require restoration.
During the inspection, our concrete specialist discovered that more than ten times the initial amount – approximately forty square meters – of concrete renovation was required. Furthermore, we found that not thirty, but the majority of the formwork tie holes needed replacement, ultimately totaling between three hundred and five hundred. Moreover, the initial number of meters of injected cracks doubled from ten to almost twenty. By continuously inspecting during the works, we were able to repair almost all initially invisible damages.
Additionally, we applied a new sealant layer to the expansion joints, which accommodate movement in concrete. However, this was not as stipulated in the specifications. On the advice of our concrete specialist Uilenreef, waterproof layers of cast mortar were added before sealing. Had this not been done, the joints would have continued to leak, with all the associated consequences.
Expertise further Extends the Lifespan of the Zeedoksluis
Because specialists like Gerrit Uilenreef collaborate closely with our clients, we were able to further extend the lifespan of the Zeedoksluis. The quality of forty-year-old concrete is not comparable to modern standards. However, this does not imply a lack of protective measures. Therefore, we treated the lock walls with a carbonation-inhibiting, protective coating.
Carbonation prevents oxygen and water – which are necessary for the oxidation of reinforcing steel – from penetrating further into the concrete. Consequently, oxygen and water do not further corrode the reinforcing steel, and subsequently the concrete.
Thanks to this extra protective layer on the concrete, the Zeedoksluis can be utilized for a considerable period once more. We actively collaborate with our clients to devise the optimal solution. This significantly reduces the need for new, costly raw materials, thereby contributing to the future of our planet.
More Information
For more information on concrete repair, please contact us by phone on weekdays at 0599-696333 or email info@sealteq.com. Our colleagues will be happy to assist you.