Samenvatting

As a result of the 1953 floods in the South West areas of the Netherlands, the Zandkreekdam was constructed. A lock within the dam connects the Veerse meer and the Eastern Scheldt. Additionally, it connects the island Noord-Beveland to Zuid-Beveland over the provincial road N256, by means of a movable bridge.

In 2002 a second bridge was implemented to reduce traffic delays. This has improved the situation for all traffic types, except for agricultural vehicles. Various regulations and prob-lems regarding the existing situation are the combining factors that result in a disadvantage for this type of traffic.

By means of this research, a solution is aimed to be found to reduce the waiting times for agricultural vehicles. Through a theoretical research it is found what the existing situation’s impact is on the waiting times, and why agricultural vehicles use this crossing. By means of consultations with experts, the question on how to improve this junction is discussed with 10 experts in the working field. A result of these consultations is the program of requirements. This program displays the possibilities and limitations of what the best solution looks like.

A variant analysis is performed, through which a variety of technical- and non-technical-variants is identified and evaluated. By cross referencing the variants with the program of requirements, 1 variant is determined as decisive option.

This variant includes the redesign of the existing Zandkreekbrug. With a structural redesign, the layout can be reassigned, which allows agricultural vehicles to cross once again. This will likely reduce the waiting times with half, due to the creation of an additional crossing oppor-tunity. When incorporated together with the current developments, agricultural vehicles might not need to wait at all any longer.

The technical design is elaborated through calculations and drawings. The calculations include several assessments, which cover the bridge’s elements in several states and conditions. This includes aspects as strength, deflection and fatigue assessed at an open and closed bridge.

The drawings display the selected elements used in the calculation. It provides a visualization which can later be used as basis for any further developments.

The results of the calculations are not all positive; some elements are not sufficient which results in additional challenges, discussed in the conclusion and recommendation chapters.