Velodroom Limburg: sustainable timber construction for fast wheels
‘Bouwteam’ made the cycling dream come true
Belgium is the standard-bearer of cycling. Nowhere is the sport more alive than in our country. With numerous champions, classics, and monuments, we have left an indelible mark on the international cycling world. It is with sincere pride that Sweco has contributed to the realization of this state-of-the-art velodrome.
The ‘bouwteam‘ consisted of Sweco, B-juxta architecten, dbv architecten, and the contractors Vanhout and Houben. We have been involved in the project since mid-2019 when we submitted our first quote. After an intensive preparation phase, construction started in December 2021. The official opening, in the presence of the Flemish Minister of Sports, took place on June 13, 2023. Over the past years, we have worked on various studies, including techniques, stability, environmental design, and energy performance (EPB).
In addition to the 250-meter cycling track, the new complex offers space for four large multifunctional sports fields. There is also a professional gymnasium, fitness room, performance lab, medical center with an operating room, bicycle repair area, and a brasserie with a terrace.
Importance of timber construction in design
The track is made of wood from northern Finland, which is more resistant to temperature and humidity fluctuations than the originally planned Siberian hardwood. The Scandinavian spruce grows slowly due to the cold weather. This can be seen in the closely spaced growth rings, which give the wood its strength.
Robin op ‘t Roodt, Senior Project Leader at Sweco: “The wooden slats of the track, with a total weight of 90 tons, are supported by 380 wooden trusses that were erected in two days and nailed by hand with over 250,000 nails. If you were to lay all the wooden slats end to end, it would cover a distance of 60 km.”
BIM and Digital Twin ensure stability
The new velodrome was designed with a strong focus on sustainability and structural engineering. Thanks to BIM technology, the design team was able to collaborate efficiently and create a highly stable structure. This ensures that the velodrome is not only environmentally friendly but also has a long lifespan.
Robin op ‘t Roodt: “At the start, a BIM model (a Digital Twin of the building) was used to prevent clashes and optimize airflow. We also had to take badminton into account because the ventilation flow should not affect the flight of the shuttlecock.”
Solution for large span and groundwater
The steel trusses allow for a clear span of 78 meters, without intermediate columns that would obstruct the view for TV cameras, for example. They are curved and have a variable height, depending on the distribution of forces and the placement of the air groups. And they are made of high-quality steel (S460) to save materials.
Groundwater was the biggest challenge for the design and execution. Tension piles prevent the water from causing the foundation slab to float. The gymnasium also has a column-free span, but with a prestressed concrete beam that is 1.6 meters high and about 25 meters long. This is due to the heavy roof load from the overhead fitness and catering space.
Finally, the building is unique in terms of structural engineering. All three basic materials for creating beams with large spans were used here.
Innovative techniques aim for speed
The velodrome is homologated by the UCI, which means it meets all international standards and requirements for organizing official World Championships and European Championships. The track has an inner radius of 250 meters and an outer diameter of 285 meters. At its highest point, the track has a slope of 46.5%. When fully ridden, it can reach up to 47%.
The velodrome was calculated by Velotrack, known for its expertise in cycling tracks. According to Velotrack, the track is one of the fastest in the world. The wide corners are designed to allow top times, surpassing every Belgian record. And there will also be some records at sea level. This track is truly developed for speed and the new style of track cycling with heavy gears.
