Civil & Architecture

With composites, architects and civil engineers can realise completely free-formed shapes and apply a wide range of finishes and textures to structural façades, bridges, and other load-bearing elements. Solico has extensive experience in the structural engineering of these complex components, including the approval, certification, and class compliance processes required for both architectural and civil infrastructure projects.

Composite engineering for Civil & Architecture applications

Our knowledge and expertise allow such structures to move from Architectural design, through plan approval and into production faster and more efficiently. In addition, Solico frequently supports the end-user by providing independent supervision and quality assurance of production facilities.

Our specialisation is composite engineering. We are passionate about composites because we believe this advanced material brings unique advantages to the Civil & Architecture industry:

  • Composites are lightweight and extremely strong. Therefore:
    - Installation is faster and easier, using less crane capacity
    - The structures impose less load on the foundations of the building
  • The coefficient of thermal expansion of facades can be influenced by amending fibre types and orientation, matching, for example, their substructure.
  • Composites provide unique appearances, such as matt and high gloss painted metallic paints, wrapped surfaces and fire-proof painted surfaces.
  • The cycle time of series-produced components is commonly lower than traditional materials, creating scheduling benefits.
  • Composites are virtually maintenance-free, and corrosion-resistant;

In summary, composites can turn every complex design into reality. 

Explore the full benefits of composite materials

Solico provides a range of services, including composite engineering, quality testing via our in-house laboratory, and the option to establish an office on site for seamless project collaboration.

For more information, please contact us.

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Newest cases

Strength assessment and structural verification 'Defeat the Waterwolf' - Madurodam

Strength assessment and structural verification 'Defeat the Waterwolf' - Madurodam

The life-size pumping station in Madurodam is a replica of the Cruquius pumping station, used in the Netherlands to drain lakes and reclaim land. This replica has 6m long 'cast-iron' look glass fibre reinforced composite arms that move the pumps. 

Customer: Nedcam

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The composite Quay bridge for Umicore, Hoboken

The composite Quay bridge for Umicore, Hoboken

Together with Vink BVBA, Solico worked on the quay bridge for Umicore. The bridge is 120 meters long and is made 100% of composite material. The bridge is composed of several parts which were assembled using bolts, nuts and connection profiles. 

Customer: Vink BVBA

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The composite roof of Yitzhak Rabin Memorial Centre, Tel Aviv

The composite roof of Yitzhak Rabin Memorial Centre, Tel Aviv

The 5 roofs, designed to look like dove wings, were not achievable using conventional materials. The option of using concrete material measured over 1m in thickness. This would have resulted in far too much weight for the building to sustain. 

Customer: Holland Composites

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Eric van Uden

Managing Director
Eric van Uden