Project Description
Post-tensioning Innovation for Primary School – Belgium
GO!, the organization behind official education in the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium, continues to reshape learning spaces for future generations. With 700 schools serving 300,000 students, their latest project—the Go! Zavelberg Primary School in Sint-Agatha-Berchem, ‘characterized by its greenery, serves as a transition between the semi-urban environment and the Zavelberg nature reserve’.
This state-of-the-art facility includes a nursery, kindergarten, and primary education spaces complemented by high-quality outdoor spaces. The design integrates a light steel structure along the south and north façades, ensuring the building meets modern educational needs and enhances its surrounding environment.
The Power of Collaboration
The Zavelberg primary school project brought together expertise from various fields to deliver a harmonious balance between functionality, sustainability, and innovation.
- Architects & Engineers: ABETEC
- Architects: OSKAR
- Builder: DEMOCO
- Landscape Design: Atelier Arne Deruyter
- Acoustics: D2S International
Efficiency and durability of post-tensioning technology
Interspan was commissioned to design and construct a post-tension slab for the Go! Zavelberg Primary School. This slab spans an impressive 11 meters while maintaining a thickness of only 300mm—a testament to the efficiency and durability of post-tensioning technology.
The project also posed unique requirements due to the integration of the Halfen HIT Insulated Balcony Connector. These connectors are essential for maintaining the thermal envelope of the building, ensuring energy efficiency while accommodating the cantilevered elements and balconies.
The “Green Building” Movement is gaining momentum worldwide, resulting in stricter regulations regarding the energy efficiency of structures. This is evident in recent energy code changes (IECC, ASHRAE 90.1 and NECB). Various demands are placed on balcony connections:
- Higher demand on exterior effective R-values
- Continuous insulation (CI) through the exterior building envelope
- Effective thermal insulation on the balcony slab to guarantee a high level of interior comfort
SPECIALIST SLAB POST-TENSIONING
At Interspan, we firmly believe in fostering collaborative relationships with our clients to identify and implement optimal solutions for their specific needs and projects. Our approach revolves around customer-centricity, emphasizing partnership, innovation, and excellence. As a result, we have established ourselves as a trusted and dependable partner for businesses worldwide.
REASONS TO USE POST-TENSIONED CONCRETE:
- Increased clear spans
- Thinner slabs
- Lighter structures; reduced floor dead loads
- Reduced cracking and deflection
- Reduced storey height
- Rapid construction
- Large reduction in conventional reinforcement
- Higher degree of crack control
