Historically and in present time Amsterdam’s canal system has been a vital element of the city’s infrastructure. It is part of the city’s DNA and a dominant factor in creating its unique atmosphere. However, a large part of the historical quays and bridges are in a bad state. Around 200 km of quay walls and 850 bridges need to be investigated to assess what state they are in and what load they can still handle.
3 million euros invested in Urbiquay research
The Urbiquay program is was jointly set up by NWO, the City of Amsterdam, and AMS Institute, in collaboration with the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. The three research projects awarded within the ‘Urban Bridge and Quay Wall Innovations’ (Urbiquay) call will work on monitoring the condition of bridges and quay walls, environmentally friendly repair methods which also takes into account cultural-historical values, and methods for improving the (circular) approach and logistics of this type of complex construction projects. The three projects will lead to new knowledge and solutions for future-proof bridges and quay walls, for many cities in the Netherlands and around the world. Research grants a total of 3 million euros.
“I am very impressed with the proposals and the consortia. They seamlessly match the task at hand, and I am very much looking forward to the collaboration and the results!”
Sarah Bork - Head of Innovation Bridges and Quay Walls at Gemeente Amsterdam
“The renovation bridges and quays are deeply connected with major transitions in the areas of climate adaptation, circularity, energy, transport and logistics and with the overall development and liveability of historic delta cities. Science is an integral part of solving such a large and complex task”
Kenneth Heijns
Former Managing Director at AMS Institute
AMS Institute as facilitator valorization process
AMS Institute has been a partner of the Urbiquay program since its inception and will support the valorization process.
“We are ready to apply the knowledge we gained in over 140 research projects on valorization and value creation. By working together with the Municipality of Amsterdam we can make actual impact in the Urbiquay program and more general in the city”
Henk Wolfert
Program Manager Research & Valorization
