Lightweight Access Bridge for Data Center near Schiphol

For the construction of a new data center near Schiphol, our client required a temporary access bridge spanning several underground utility lines. A key requirement: the bridge had to be demountable and easy to lift out in case of maintenance or malfunction.

The original plan involved a heavy concrete structure with a solid foundation. However, Janson Bridging proposed an innovative solution: a lightweight bridge made of fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP). This significantly reduced the self-weight, making lifting operations easier and allowing for a lighter substructure. The bridge was installed at ground level and integrated seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

Technical Specifications and Design Choices
The bridge had to meet specific requirements:

• Length: 19 meters
• Width: 7.8 meters (including edge barriers)
• Lanes: Two
• Load capacity: 60 tonnes in total (max. 15 tonnes per axle)
• Self-weight: Only 33 tonnes
• Structure: Manufactured as a single piece and placed in one lift

The glass fibre-reinforced bridge was selected for its unique combination of strength and low weight—crucial for both transport and installation.

Logistical Challenges
Transporting a bridge nearly 8 meters wide is no ordinary task. Due to its exceptional width, transport was carried out at night under strict supervision and route planning. Because of delays in the construction of the substructure, the bridge was temporarily stored on-site.