Multi-purpose scaffolding and support systems for expansion Royers Lock

Contractor consortium TM Rinkoniên Rechteroever is making grateful use of the scaffolding and support structures of Matemco Hulpconstructies B.V. for the expansion of the Royers Lock in Antwerp. The great strength of this system lies in its far-reaching flexibility and interchangeability, because both the supports and scaffolding use the same material and the same uprights and links. And that is very efficient, especially with such a large project as this lock. 

Matemco's systems are highly appreciated in Belgium. "Some three years ago, together with our Belgian partner BELTEK, we were also able to supply the support structures for the construction of the recreational bridge on the Left Bank, part of the Oosterweel link," says Tom Diepgrond of Matemco. "This arch bridge poured on site has a span of 60 meters without center piers and was quite complex to make. The project went very well and that was reason for TM Rinkoniên Right Bank to approach us for the Royers Lock extension."

Engineering 

The Royers Lock dates back to 1907 and connects the Scheldt to the docks and to the Albert Canal further along. The lock is being converted into an inland navigation lock that can also efficiently handle larger and modern barges. To this end, the lock will be lengthened from 180 to 230 meters and widened from 22 to 36 meters. "This extension involves a lot of concrete work. Together with BELTEK, our labor partner, we are supplying all scaffolding and support structures on the project, including stair towers, bridges, et cetera. The project has been running since early 2024 and will continue until early 2026," says Diepgrond. "We handle the engineering, drawing and calculation work and the supply of the materials, while BELTEK is in charge of the labor part of it. In total, it involves 20,000 m³ of supports, 20,000 m² of braid racks, 500 m¹ of stair towers and possibly additional systems that are not in the picture at the moment."

Market leader

Matemco is one of the market leaders in the Netherlands when it comes to heavy supports. "The expansion of the Royers Lock is quite a large-scale project and also quite challenging at some points," Diepgrond knows. "We specialize in that and the flexibility and interchangeability of our material also makes it extremely interesting for the client. We proceed very efficiently. For the lock walls, for example, we start with braid racks. Then we can use that same material to convert the braid racks at the top into floor support."

Trinity

According to Diepgrond, Matemco works as a trinity with labor partner BELTEK and client TM Rinkoniên Rechteroever. "We have weekly consultations with each other, both digitally and on site, during which all construction parts that are scheduled at that time are gone through. That works very efficiently. For the benefit of all the scaffolding, support structures and stair towers to be made, we also make 3D assembly plans, so that every detail is clear to our labor partner. In addition, we regularly supervise the execution team on site, because the (dis)assembly is also quite challenging, with several construction parts running up simultaneously in the planning. But we can be trusted to do that, as we have now proven."