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Infrastructure and Water

Infrastructure and Water

Infrastructure & Water: engineering that enables movement

We design and realize controlled motion systems for hydraulic civil structures, including locks, weirs and movable bridges.

Locks, weirs and bridges appear solid and immovable, yet their operation relies on advanced mechanical systems: winches that balance heavy loads, gate mechanisms that regulate water levels and reliable technology that is essential at critical moments. MechDes has been developing these drive systems for more than 30 years, with a focus on safety, energy efficiency, durability and ease of maintenance.

No two hydraulic infrastructure projects are the same. A gate mechanism has different requirements than a bridge that opens frequently. What works best depends on standards, safety, maintenance, components, hydraulics and robustness. That is why we look beyond the technical solution alone, taking water management, risks and end users into account as well.

We start with the purpose of the structure: why, when and how it needs to move. From there, we design solutions that function logically, are easy to maintain and are prepared for the future, with carefully considered choices in structure, drive systems and safety.

Infra & Water: engineering from concept to reality, including standards frameworks and FAT/SAT support

From preliminary to detailed design: considered engineering in every phase including FAT/SAT support.

A design is developed step by step: in the Preliminary Design (VO) we explore options, in the Definitive Design (DO) we work out the chosen direction with analyses, and in the Detailed Design (UO) we deliver all construction information. We follow guidelines such as ROK, VOBB and the Eurocodes, and we assess standards and alternatives in a well-founded manner.

Infrastructure is only complete when it performs as intended. Our involvement goes beyond design alone; we also support the practical realization. We ensure that the overall solution is manufacturable, maintenance-friendly and safe. In addition, we verify the interfaces between civil engineering, hydraulics and control systems, so that everything aligns before construction or installation begins.

During the FAT (Factory Acceptance Test), we verify whether the design has been correctly translated into hardware and whether everything functions properly prior to transport. The SAT (Site Acceptance Test) involves on-site testing, where we coordinate with control systems, sensors, safety systems and existing installations. This ensures a smooth transition from design to operation.

Hydraulic systems

Design and optimisation of hydraulic drives for locks, weirs, movable bridges and similar structures. Including sizing, energy balance, piping concepts and functional analyses.

Mechanical design

Design of moving structures such as weir gates, bridges, sluice gates, winch configurations and mechanical assemblies. Focused on load paths, robustness, maintainability and reliable operation.

Strength & system analyses

Substantiation of design decisions with calculations and analyses appropriate to each phase (preliminary, detailed and execution-ready). Including strength, stiffness, use and failure scenarios, and integrated system checks.

Controls & monitoring integration

Integration of sensors, limit systems, positioning and safety chains. We ensure mechanics, hydraulics and controls work together logically, including functional specifications and FAT/SAT test criteria.

Renovation & life extension

Modernisation of existing water infrastructure with inspection-based substantiation, recalculations, replacement components and optimisations for reliability, safety and future readiness.

FAT & SAT support

Support during acceptance testing: from factory verification to on-site testing. Focused on demonstrable functionality, safe commissioning and a smooth handover to operations and maintenance.

Clients

We work for asset owners, contractors, integrators and OEMs in infrastructure and hydraulic engineering who want to safeguard reliability, safety and maintainability from the very first design. From renovation to new build, always aligned with standards frameworks and the reality of operations and maintenance.

Let’s start the conversation

Do you have plans for a waterworks structure, a renovation or a new design? We are happy to think along on a solution that moves logically, is safe and remains maintainable throughout its entire service life.

Rik

New projects

For new projects, please contact Sales:

Rik de Muinck - Commercial Manager

Project Management Team MechDes Engineering

Ongoing projects

For questions regarding ongoing projects, please contact your Project Manager.

We engineer your vision.

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