Spooldersluis Renewal, the Netherlands

The Spooldersluis project involves the complete replacement and renovation of the Spoolde Complex, a key lock system connecting the IJssel River to the Zwarte Water in the municipality of Zwolle. Originally constructed in 1963, the Spoolde Complex, including a lock and a movable drawbridge, has become outdated, with deteriorating mechanical and electrical systems. The project is crucial to restoring the complex’s operational efficiency and ensuring its ability to accommodate current and future traffic demands. 

Project details and key parties 

Awarded to the Le Chêne consortium (a collaboration between Van Den Herik, SPIE, and BAM Infra), the project must be completed within an extremely tight timeframe of just 14 weeks, starting in April 2025. During this period, both marine and road traffic will be temporarily halted, with the entire complex undergoing extensive renovations. The scope of work includes the replacement of lock door drives, mechanical components of the drawbridge, electrical cables, and the coating system of all steel components. Additionally, concrete damage will be repaired, and the operation and control systems will be entirely updated. The renovation also includes upgrading the operating building and ensuring the entire complex is free of malfunctions upon completion. 

DMC's role and scope of work 

DMC’s involvement in this major renovation is focused on the design and interface management, structural design of both concrete and steel components, and comprehensive BIM management. We play a pivotal role in overseeing the hardware and software testing processes, including the Integrated Factory Acceptance Test (iFAT). The iFAT, which took place near the Spoolde Complex, enabled early testing of the new systems, ensuring minimal risks and helping to meet the tight 14-week deadline. 

By integrating 3D BIM management and carefully coordinating the design and testing phases, DMC is helping to streamline the complex renovation process and contribute to the successful and timely delivery of this critical infrastructure project. 

Location 
Spoolde Complex, Zwolle, the Netherlands 

Structure 
Lock complex 

Owner/Operator 
Rijkswaterstaat (Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management) 

Our Client 
Le Chêne (a collaboration of Van Den Herik, SPIE, and BAM Infra) 

Completion Design 
2025 

Challenge 
Renovating a critical lock complex within a very tight 14-week period, ensuring minimal disruption to marine and road traffic. The complex's outdated mechanical, electrical, and coating systems required complete replacement while maintaining operational efficiency. 

Solution 
DMC's comprehensive involvement in design and interface management, 3D BIM integration, and structural design of concrete and steel elements. Additionally, the early execution of the Integrated Factory Acceptance Test (iFAT) reduces risks and helps ensure the complex to be fully operational and free of malfunctions at the end of the 14-week period.