snoekjesbrug (1938)
Over the Snoekjesgracht in Amsterdam lies a historic traffic bridge connecting the Snoekjessteeg to the opposite side. This bridge is located halfway along the short canal and is surrounded by a fascinating mix of architecture. On the southwest side, there are several beautiful municipal and national monuments, while the other three sides are dominated by relatively modern buildings.
The history of the bridge dates back centuries. On Pieter Bast’s map from 1599, a drawbridge is already depicted at this location. The site owes its name to Jan Pieters Snoeck, who built his house on the canal in 1595. The bridge, the canal, and the alley were subsequently named after him. The bridge is also visible on the map of Balthasar Florisz. van Berckenrode from 1625 and was referred to as the “Snoekjes Brug” by Gerrit de Broen in 1737. At that time, it was also a drawbridge, while the alley was known as the “Snoekjes Steeg.”
In 1847, the original wooden bridge was replaced, as evidenced by a tender from January of that year. The current bridge likely dates back to 1888 when the City of Amsterdam issued an order to “renew and widen fixed bridge no. 289, including the supply of necessary materials.” The planning and information management were overseen by the city engineer of the Stadstimmertuin, possibly Bastiaan de Greef. In the years following 1959, the bridge underwent a thorough renovation, maintaining its 19th-century appearance.
Today, the bridge serves as a beautiful connection in a historic part of Amsterdam, where centuries of history meet modern architecture.
The present
The foundation of the historic Snoekjesbrug is in poor condition and urgently requires repair. Although the rest of the bridge is in reasonable condition, a solid foundation is essential for the bridge’s safety and durability. Therefore, a plan has been devised to thoroughly renovate the foundation, ensuring that the bridge can be safely used for at least another 30 years after the work is completed.
During the restoration work, the bridge will be temporarily out of service, which may affect traffic in the area. To preserve the bridge’s historical value, its appearance will remain unchanged after the renovation. This means that the 19th-century character for which the bridge is known will be fully retained.
Throughout the restoration process, both the bridge and the surrounding buildings will be closely monitored with measurements. This is intended to detect any movements or damage in time and prevent further complications. This way, the safety of both the bridge and its surroundings is guaranteed, while this historic structure is prepared for the future.
Restoration
The foundation restoration of the Snoekjesbrug is being carried out using an innovative and meticulous technique. To ensure the stability of the bridge, holes are drilled through the abutments. Through these holes, screw injection piles are installed. The heads of these piles are incorporated into a concrete beam, which is placed on a layer of compressible material and remains separate from the existing abutment.
To ensure that the newly installed piles are immediately actively loaded, a jacking system is installed between the concrete beam and the overhanging part of the abutment. This system applies tension to the beam and thus to the piles, preventing further subsidence of the bridge. Once the tension has been applied, the jacking system remains in place, and the space between the beam and the underside of the abutment is further filled with concrete. This second concrete pour is then anchored to the existing abutment, creating a strong and durable connection.
The technical implementation of this approach has been detailed in a sketch called “Cross-Section of the Abutment,” showcasing the precision with which the work is carried out. The engineering firm CI-Engineers is proud to be responsible for the detailed design drawings (UO). This includes not only the drawings of the bridge itself but also those of the adjoining wing walls, providing a complete overview of the restoration project.
With this approach, the foundation of the Snoekjesbrug is not only restored but also prepared for long-term and safe use in the future, while preserving the historical value of the structure.