Engineering of complex structure with free span of 32 meters

A construction project often involves complex structures. Architects and contractors therefore surround themselves with specialized and reliable partners. For example, the experienced engineering firm Verhoeven-Leenders was involved in the construction team for the realization of the Erasmus University's energy-neutral Sports Building on the Woudestein campus in Rotterdam. This multifunctional sports complex consists of spaces stacked on top of each other and connected to each other, which poses many challenges. Nice examples are a span of 32 meters and the location next to a parking basement.

The new sports building at Erasmus University in Rotterdam is a landmark building at the entrance to the campus. It includes three large competition halls, as well as two training halls, extensive fitness facilities and a catering facility.

"The design consists of different sports spaces, which are connected and even stacked on top of each other, all behind a semi-transparent shell. A covered inner street forms the central meeting place, from which one can access the various spaces," explains Henk Verhoeven, director and co-owner of engineering firm Verhoeven-Leenders. "This building is based on a steel support structure with concrete hollow-core slab floors. For the floor between the two superimposed sports halls - with a free span of 32 meters and a variable load of 500 kg/m² - a steel structure would require a large structural height. In addition, the requirements in terms of vibration and fire resistance would pose an additional problem. Here we were able to draw on our experience in infra. We used prestressed concrete HRP girders with a minimum overall construction height of 1.7 meters for the floor. This allowed the building height to be reduced, which was advantageous for the total facade area."

Thinking along and implementing

There was also an additional challenge with this project. After all, this new sports complex is located next to an existing parking basement, which was not to be put under additional strain due to and during construction. "The Sports Building is now in use. We are proud to collaborate on such projects. After all, we like to think along about feasible constructions, simple but above all complex issues. In doing so, everything is tailored to the wishes of our clients and the other building partners. We support them with designs and advice from idea to construction," Verhoeven concludes. "Over the years, we have become a specialist in the field of complex calculation and modeling work, enabling structures to be built cost-effectively. Moreover, clients can also come to us for an independent assessment to ensure the safety and quality of their structures, say as a kind of second opinion and also in case of damage."