Project logistics isn’t associated with going to the beach but that’s exactly what happened when heavy-lift specialiser, Mammoet, had to move a beach pavilion on the island of Texel in the Dutch province of North Holland.
Although the venue, Paal 17 Aan Zee, only needed to move 23 metres closer to the surf, the wooden structure had to be moved with preparation and precise execution considering the fragility of the structure and ecological sensitivity of the environment.
According to the Dutch company, the relocation was necessitated following “recommendations by local authorities that sand dunes close to the pavilion be allowed to grow”.
“This will ensure that there is sufficient room for the dune to grow in order to be strong enough to counteract erosion and rising sea levels.”
Contracted by civil and infrastructure works company, JLD Contracting BV, “it was important that the move was carried out at relatively short notice,” Mammoet said.
“After just weeks of preparation time, the whole pavilion was rolled to its new location in just ten minutes.
“Given the structure’s wooden composition, it was also important to handle it with care.”
The minutely adjustable surface provided by the deck of self-propelled modular transportation (SPMT) made sure that the building could be carried in one piece without deformation.
The heavy-lifter said it was the first time a pavilion had been moved liked this in the Netherlands.
JLD installed piling at the building’s proposed new location, which was long enough to absorb future erosion of the beach, and also installed a beam layer perpendicular to that on which the building formerly stood.
A steel platform was constructed beneath the pavilion to guard against bending of the structure, before it was disconnected from gas, water, sewerage and electricity utilities. Paal 17 Aan Zee could then be lifted using the stroke of two SPMT trains.
The SPMTs were then driven under the building and took the full weight of it, allowing the old piling to be cut. The pavilion was then driven forward by the SPMT operator, over the newly installed beams, and lowered.
