50-metre Philips chimney relocated 170 metres in the Netherlands
A remarkable relocation project took place in Winschoten, the Netherlands, where Bresser successfully moved a 50-metre-high brick chimney weighing 565 tonnes to a new location in a single piece. After a journey of just over 1.5 hours, the iconic structure had been relocated 170 metres to the edge of the former Philips site.
Months of preparation preceded this exceptional operation. It was not the first time Bresser had undertaken the relocation of a chimney, but the project once again required extensive engineering and specialist expertise. Following the engineering phase, the chimney was fitted with a reinforced foundation slab and a custom-designed steel support structure.
A circular steel frame was installed around the upper section of the chimney and connected to the foundation slab by means of guy wires. This arrangement helped keep the centre of gravity as low as possible during transport. Steel bars were incorporated into the foundation slab and connected to heavy steel girders, creating a robust support structure capable of carrying the full weight of the chimney. At the new location, Bresser also constructed a new piled foundation to permanently support the structure.
The day before the relocation, two coupled self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) were positioned beneath the support structure on each side of the chimney. These specialised 24-axle transport platforms, supplied by Sarens, took over the full weight of the structure while the chimney was carefully cut free from its original foundation.
By the end of the evening, all preparations had been completed and the chimney was ready for transport.
Industrial heritage on the move
The following morning, under the watchful eyes of spectators and media, the masonry chimney began its journey to its new location. The relocation took approximately one and a half hours and could be followed by the public on site or via a livestream.
Following arrival, the chimney was permanently connected to its new foundation and the temporary transport structure was removed. The landmark can once again be admired in its full glory.
By preserving this distinctive piece of industrial heritage, an important part of Winschoten’s history remains visible for future generations.
Bresser is proud to have contributed to this unique project and would like to thank our dedicated team, project partners and client QSIL for their trust and collaboration.
Media coverage
This remarkable relocation project received widespread media attention throughout the Netherlands.
- https://nos.nl/video/2618074-toren-verhuizen
- https://dvhn.nl/groningen/oldambt/verplaatsing-schoorsteenpijp-in-winschoten-neemt-uren-in-beslag.-als-dit-niet-kriebelt-ben-je-van-steen-49281828.html
