Renovation of the winch system at the Grave Dam complex

Branche: Infra, Specials

DROMEC innovates at the Grave Weir Complex

The Grave weir complex is an essential component of water management along the River Meuse. With 20 frames and 60 gates, it regulates the water level and ensures that shipping can continue unobstructed under the John S. Thompson Bridge, even in the event of high water.

For this complex system, DROMEC – commissioned by Mourik of Groot-Ammers, part of the Mourik SWARCO Contractors’ Consortium – implemented a major modernization with 63 new winches. An innovative project!

Renewal of the winch system

Each section operates its gates using three winches: two gate winches with a lifting capacity of 3,900 kg each and one frame winch with a lifting capacity of over 13 tons. For the entire complex, DROMEC supplied a total of 63 winches, including three additional units for potential emergency situations.

Firsts and innovations

This project includes several innovations unique in the Netherlands. The traditional heavy chains have been replaced by lightweight and wear-resistant Dyneema fiber ropes, resulting in more efficient operation. In addition, the winches are fully electrically powered and integrated into an automated control system.

Throughout the project, there was close collaboration between Mourik, engineering firm Mechdes, and SWARCO as system integrator for the weir’s overall control. We can conclude that everything proceeded in a highly constructive and effective manner.

Sustainable and fitting for the surroundings

In developing the winches, special consideration was given to installation partially underneath the roadway. This required a corrosion-resistant design to withstand weather, water, and road salt. Rijkswaterstaat also required that the winches visually align with the historic character of the complex.

To ensure quality, DROMEC first developed a prototype. After successful testing, the winches were installed and commissioned. By continuing work throughout the summer, the team completed the project well within schedule.

Result

With the renewal of the winch system, the Grave Weir Complex is ready for the future. DROMEC has demonstrated that technical innovation and reliability can be seamlessly combined with sustainability and respect for the historical environment.

Looking for a similar custom winch solution for your waterworks or infrastructure project?

Contact the specialists at DROMEC for advice on your project, or discover more references on the projects page.

Contact Dromec

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DROMEC winches. Your movement in good hands.

Dynamic and Innovative in winches, winchsystems, controls and software. With our enthousiastic team, we develop  from small till  very big & complex systems with the highest demands in terms of safety and ease of use. We also work very closely with certified body’s as DNV, GL, BV, ABS, Lloyds so your winches and systems can be completely certified at our own company together with you.

It often starts with a good idea, preferably on a piece of scrap paper. After an initial consultation, we prepare one or more proposals, including a target price and preliminary drawing. Your idea or problem, always remains central in this. If the feeling on both sides is good, we start. Thanks to our own inhouse developed and written project software, your project stays in the picture and under control from start to finish, including the planning and delivery time.

We are LRQA ISO 9001 certified. Our policy is to maintain a healthy business by continuously improving the quality of our winches, drives, software and services. We strive for respect for people and nature, which contributes to the quality of our work. You can find our full policy statement here.

 

Cees Drost

Sales

sales@dromec.nl mail Cees +31 (0)317 - 68 11 55