Exclusive reinforcement and formwork techniques: Smart products that save convenience and time

For large-scale projects, Max Frank Nederland arranges formwork and reinforcement techniques as a thinking partner. "For sixty years we have listened attentively to our customers' wishes and asked the right questions. As a result, we have now penetrated to the core of our task. We have solutions in house that cannot be found anywhere else." 

With these words, Jurgen Tinke, general manager of Max Frank Nederland, immediately expressed the philosophy on which the group's services are based. Max Frank Nederland wants to offer its customers added value through know-how and a broad spectrum of innovative products such as spacers and formwork, reinforcement, sealing and acoustic technologies. Tinke: "We capture this ambition under the heading 'Building Common Ground'."

Thinking partner

A project recently delivered by Max Frank Netherlands is the Maas Delta Tunnel of the Blankenburg connection, carried out by consortium BAAK in Rotterdam. This tunnel descends a distance of just 945 meters to a depth of 27 meters below ground level before climbing back up to ground level. "The steep design was the only way that the navigation route of the Meuse could remain," Tinke says. "But the extremely steep tunnel did present challenges. It was great to help think about the solutions."

Applied techniques

For optimal reinforcement, the Max Frank Coupler interconnection system was used. Stremaform® pour interruptions and crack inductors were also placed at several locations while the reinforcement continues. The crack initiators ensure that cracks fall where they are desired. Dynamic transverse force dowels were used to connect two poured sections together. In addition, T-heads were installed instead of transverse force brackets to accommodate high dynamic loads. "It reaches too far to fully explain the reinforcement techniques used here," notes sales manager Richard van der Ham. "The bottom line is that they all provide convenience and therefore time savings. And time savings mean savings." Several of these techniques were also applied at De Groene Boog near Bergschenhoek.

Waterproofing Guarantee

A totally different product was provided by Max Frank for the foundation of the Terraced Tower, performed by Besix in Rotterdam. Here everything revolved around the absolute waterproofing of the basement. "For this challenge we have the unique product Zemseal® in house," says Tinke. "You could compare this to a kind of wallpaper that is applied in the formwork of the basement to then seal the seams with tape. After that, pouring takes place. Zemseal® is a typical Max Frank product. The large pillars of the basement are made with Pecafil® as lost formwork."

"When faced with special challenges, we never throw in the towel. It is precisely then that we ask ourselves how things can be done differently, better and smarter. As a result, our products are constantly being further developed. Sometimes this happens at the encouragement of the Production Department, other times at requests from the market."