Highest construction in the Netherlands protected with the newest detection and extinguishing technology

Introduction Gerbrandy tower

The Gerbrandy tower, also known as Radio Mast Lopik, is the highest structure in the Netherlands at 372 meters. It is one of the most important radio towers in the Netherlands for FM radio, television and emergency service alerts.

The tower consists of a concrete tower of approximately 100 meters high, on top of which a steel mast of 260 meters and an antenna, so that the total height is 372 meters. The steel mast has a diameter of 2 meters, weighs 235 tons and is supported by guy wires. We have provided the steel mast with a new aspiration detection and extinguishing gas system.

Challenge; Installation with limited space

The mast is equipped with a small lift, the highest stop point is 335 meters, the top of the mast can only be reached via a staircase. This made the assembly of the fire detection and fire extinguishing system a challenge. In addition, the mast is 2 meters wide, so the working space is very limited.

Approach; The importance of preparation

The extinguishing gas system is made in two separate arrangements to distribute the floor load on the 21st floor. The pipework of the detection and extinguishing gas system was lifted in 2-meter sections with the lift to platforms and assembled from there.

Early detection and automatic extinguishing

The entire steel mast is equipped with a highly sensitive smoke extraction system, also known as aspiration detection. This system is able to detect a fire early. In addition, the mast is equipped with an automatic SK InerFlex® extinguishing gas system. Two overpressure provisions have been placed at the border with the concrete at 100 meters height and one at the top of the tower. The extinguishing gas presses the oxygen out through the top of the tower if a fire starts. The extinguishing gas is safe for the existing transmitters and other electrical equipment.