Structural Hydraulic Engineering

Barge Terminal Venlo

An extension of the existing quay was necessary for the expansion of the Barge Terminal in Venlo. This project, done by BLM Wegenbouw in collaboration with Van den Biggelaar and Stevacon, commissioned by Gemeente Venlo, considerably enlarges the capacity of the terminal. With an extra 180 meter quay, an extended crane track and 30.000 m2 extra storage area, the project contributes to a future proof inland waterway infrastructure in Limburg.

Our approach

BT Engineering (BTE) was called in to optimize the existing design. The Venloschol, a relatively impermeable soil layer above a deeper sand layer from which drinking water is extracted, was an important boundary condition: no construction component was allowed to be placed under this layer. That limited the retaining wall depth to only 3 meters, with a height of approximately 12 meters.

Our team researched the feasibility of the more efficient design and realized a reduction for four to three anchor rows, thanks to in part the stamping effect of the underwater concrete floor. With advanced software (PLAXIS 2D, SCIA Engineering and D-Sheet Piling) we calculated the customized design, optimized and developed into an Implementation Design (UO) – level, including detail engineering (reinforcement, steel structures) and phasing.

In addition, we actively supported the contractor with site engineering during the building phase: additional calculations, design adjustments and on-site technical support made for a supple and trusted building process.

The impact

Strong optimal design: reduction from four to three anchors with constant stability
Higher feasibility and safety: integral approach avoided risks in critical ground water layers
Efficient building process: design tailored to implementation in detail, including phasing and prefabricated components
Direct support during implementation: fast technical checks and solution on-site

Key Facts

Barge Terminal Venlo

Client: Van den Biggelaar Grond- en Waterbouw B.V.
Sector: Structural Hydraulic Engineering
Duration: 6 months
Location: Venlo

Shayan Kalanaki

"This project was especially interesting because of the combination of structural and geo-technical aspects that formed a great challenge. In addition, I appreciated the direct contact with the client, through which we could discuss technical details about the design and the implementation. The internal collaboration at BT Geoconsult with colleagues from different disciplines and managing the technical drawings was also educational. Moreover, the visit to the project was really nice – it was wonderful to stand in such a deep construction pit and see the work from close by."

Project Leader

Why BTE?

Through out unique combination of geo-technical and structural expertise we are able to rapidly come up with goal oriented to smart, feasible solutions. In this project we made optimal use od our structural and geo-technical knowledge, as well as our own CAD engineers for working out detailed drawings and we delivered an integral design that is technically correct and feasible.