Bridge over the Temse River completed

The new bridge over the Temse River in Belgium has been completed. Next to the concrete and asphalt deck for road traffic is a special EKKI hardwood deck for cyclists and pedestrians. About 2300 EKKI deck pieces were installed, 98mm x 198mm, in lengths varying from 1.2 meters to 6.5 meters. What is unique about this deck is that nearly all deck pieces are of different length and require a unique pattern of drilled holes for fastening to the steel work below. Such a project requires very close attention to production detail as well as the sequencing of delivery to the site enabling the installer of the EKKI deck to start, and continuously work from one direction. To improve traction of this deck, epoxy and sand were applied to two grooves machined in the top surface of the EKKI deck pieces. Bridge over the Temse Photo's


Bridge over the Temse, Belgium

Hupkes seeks tradesmen!

FSC Bongossi
round logs

Since the end of 2008, Hupkes has access to 100% pure FSC Bongossi round logs. Hupkes is therefore capable of delivering FSC Bongossi products of any required dimension and length. FSC Bongossilock doors and bridges can therefore be delivered on relatively short notice.

Kattendijksluis in Belgium made from FSC Ekki.

In the restoration project of this historic navigation lock, the old doors are replaced with new 100% FSC Bongossi doors. What is unique about these Ekki doors is that all doors measure 9.5 meters x 13.5 meters. Normally in the current market such doors would be made of steel. However this being a restoration of a historic facility, as much as possible original materials must be used. For the required timber, FSC Bongossi was selected. This is a challenge considering the rather large dimensions and long lengths of the required Bongossi timbers. This project has a target date for completion in the spring of 2010.

Photo's, CLICK HERE.


 

VICTORIJA, an excellent alternative to impregnated softwood and naturally durable hardwood.

SIncreasingly, our clients request durable softwood instead of hardwood. We can offer an alternative to chemically impregnated softwood. Thermally modified wood has gone through a multi-step process of heating, called the VICTORIJA process, in which the natural wood elements such as the cellulose, hemi cellulose and lignin are modified in a manner that renders these materials unsuitable as food for insects or other biological attack such as moulds, mildew and other causes of rot. In other words, durability of the wood is achieved without the use of chemicals or creosote. This environmentally friendly process also improves the swelling and shrinkage characteristics of the wood. In general, the strength characteristics such as 'strength in bending' and 'modulo of elasticity', are somewhat dependant on the application. From tests it appears that VICTORIJA modified softwood has durability class I - II. If you want more information about VICTORIJA modified softwood, click here. If you want information about projects realized from this product, click here.

Wall made of VICTORIJA modified softwood.