Bomvrij militair object, Fort Honsdijk Schalkwijk (Houten 26)

English translation

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Description

Cluster 61. Remise E / Bombproof building.

NEW HOLLAND WATERLINE

Introduction

REMISE E / BOMBPROOF BUILDING as a shelter protected by an earthen covering against projectile impacts. With the increase in the range of artillery, the force of projectile impacts and the explosive power of (brisance) grenades it became increasingly difficult to withstand bombardment. Reinforcement of masonry, application of shock-absorbing masonry systems (including by means of arches), shallow slopes and curved or pointed forms, use of concrete - and later reinforced concrete - in increasingly heavy execution, was one of the ways to keep the fortifications resistant to increasing offensive power. Moreover, the application of earthen coverings had proved to be an effective means of absorbing or dampening energy. This is the reason why many masonry or concrete works are provided with an earthen layer or a front protection of sand or earth. Depending on the period of construction - and thus the expected impact force of projectiles - the term 'bombproof buildings' was used when they were deemed to be resistant to a predetermined number of impacts from heavy calibre.

Description

Situated north of the entrance building on the northwestern bastion and covered by earthwork, REMISE E / BOMBPROOF BUILDING, from the period 1878-1882. The building is constructed of unreinforced, so-called brickstone concrete, with a later metal door on either side of the central axis.

Valuation

REMISE E / BOMBPROOF BUILDING on Fort Honswijk is of general interest because of:

* Cultural historical values as part of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie as designed by C.R.T. Kraijenhoff and initially from 1815 realised by him, Jan Blanken and Major-Engineer Willem Offerhaus and subsequently strengthened and improved by others for approximately 125 years.

* Architectural historical values, in particular as an expression of military-strategic architecture, which is based on: a. the system of inundation and access defence (19th century), b. the competition with increasingly strengthening offensive means (19th century).

This concerns a component from the period 1878-1882 and is an example of a bombproof remise.

* Ensemble value and situational values as part of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie. Also because of the functional and physical coherence with the other components of the complex.

* The component is well preserved because characteristic components have been retained and remain recognisable.