The Flemish research institute VITO and the construction industry's innovation centre Buildwise have used the local sand to make different types of concrete and have tested these in the laboratory. Early December, a number of test pieces of concrete were placed in the tidal zone of the Deurganckdok, with the cooperation of Maritime Access Division of the Flemish Government and termnal operator MPET.
These elements will be immersed by Scheldt water twice a day and will be inspected every six months to see how they withstand the water. Among other things, it will be checked whether they crack, discolour or crumble over time. This way, it should become clear whether it is feasible to use local sand in the quay walls of the new tidal dock, thus reducing the need for transport of sand to the construction site.
This research takes place within the PIONEERS project with EU funding.
