Load testing at Overamstel

Amsterdam faces the challenge of assessing 200 kilometres of quay wall, half of which is supported by wooden piles, many more than 100 years old. With TU Delft, contractor De Klerk and the municipality of Amsterdam, Iv carried out a load test on the former Overamstel industrial estate. The purpose of these load tests was to better predict the behaviour of the quay walls under load. Iv was responsible for the complete monitoring of the quay walls during this project.

Finding calculation methods that accurately represent the true strength of quay walls is not easy. Before the load was applied, simulations were conducted to predict how the quay wall would react. These predictions differed from reality, demonstrating the importance of such tests in improving calculation methods and achieving a closer match with the actual situation. The load test needs to lead to a reliable calculation model that accurately represents the actual structural condition of quay walls.

Conducting load tests helps to improve the safety and futureproofing of the quay walls in Amsterdam. This method allows potential hazards to be identified and addressed early, reducing the risk of incidents and damage. It also contributes to the development of accurate calculation methods for future projects in Amsterdam and beyond.