Concrete beams reused outside Rijkswaterstaat project for the first time
Concrete beams (known as girders), which support the A9 near Amstelveen, are getting a second life. They will be reused in a new bridge on the N201 (Gooi and Vecht region).
First large-scale reuse of girders
Iris Lommerse, innovation and market advisor at Rijkswaterstaat: 'This is the first time that girders have been harvested, modified, and reused on such a large scale. It is also the first time they are being used for a project outside of Rijkswaterstaat.'
A9 expansion project
The A9 motorway is being widened to four lanes in each direction between the Badhoevedorp and Holendrecht interchanges. Near Amstelveen, the motorway will be constructed below ground level. In collaboration with VeenIX, the construction consortium, several girders were harvested during the works.
‘What used to be demolished is now reused for decades,’ says Frans Noordberger, sustainability programme manager for the Province of North Holland. 'It’s a no-brainer: the lifespan of these girders far exceeds their original use. This project shows how government and industry can advance the circular economy together.'
The benefits of reuse
This project is part of a learning process to standardise concrete element reuse. Reusing girders requires more effort than traditional construction methods, but the benefits are significant: up to 97% CO₂ savings compared to new girders, and fewer raw materials used.
Scaling up for efficiency
Wouter van der Berg, co-initiator of the Groene Liggers V.O.F. consortium, sees market potential: 'Harvesting girders requires lighter machinery. Scaling up increases efficiency and reduces risk. With more experience, reusable girders could become competitive and even a better option than new girders due to their environmental benefits.'
The reuse of girders from the A9 is just the beginning. By gaining experience, parties aim to make reuse standard practice in future projects. Other authorities, such as water boards and municipalities, are also embracing circular construction.
Expanding reuse across projects
‘Recently, we supplied girders to the Municipality of Haaksbergen for reuse in the Vloedstegen Bridge. We also placed 30 girders on the National Bridge Bank, allowing more parties to explore scaling up reuse,’ says Iris Lommerse. ‘And it’s not just about girders. We see increasing reuse of sheet piles, guardrails, asphalt, and traffic signs.’
