Bomvrij militair object, Werk op de Spoorweg bij de Diefdijk Geldermalsen (West Betuwe 25)

English translation

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Description

Cluster 65.

NEW HOLLANDIC WATERLINE

Introduction

BOMBPROOF BUILDING B / REMISE / TELEGRAPH BUILDING (as the only building on the north side of the Work on the Railway at the Diefdijk) of a type of bombproof buildings that is provided with an earth covering on three sides and on top and that has only a facade on the throat side. With the increase in the range of artillery, the force of projectile impacts and the explosive force of (brisance) grenades it became increasingly difficult to offer resistance to bombardment. Reinforcement of masonry, application of shock-absorbing masonry systems (among other things by means of arches), shallow angles of inclination and curved or pointed forms, use of concrete - and later of reinforced concrete - in increasingly heavy execution, was one of the ways to keep the fortifications resistant to increasing offensive force. Moreover, the application of earth coverings proved to be a good means of absorbing or dampening the energy. This is why many masonry or concrete works are provided with a layer of earth or a front protection of sand or earth. Depending on the period of construction - and thus the expected impact force of projectiles - one spoke of 'bombproof buildings' when they were deemed to be capable of withstanding a predetermined number of impacts of heavy calibre. The building had, among other things, a special function as a telegraph building.

Description

The BOMBPROOF BUILDING B / REMISE / TELEGRAPH BUILDING (on the north side of the railway through the Work on the Railway at the Diefdijk) is a single-storey building with a facade on the west side. The building had, among other things, a function as accommodation for the telegraph (service), which was connected to the railway and any necessity for bridge operation. The building, realised around 1886, is constructed in tuff concrete and is covered by a layer of earth, which conceals all sides except the west facade from view. The earth layer was applied as protection against projectile impacts. The facade is relatively high and has a sober and functional architecture, in which later alterations are visible, possibly in connection with the function as a telegraph building and/or its discontinuation. Facade openings are all sealed, but on the left two later facade openings have been made - both closed with iron shutters. The facade ends on either side in sloping retaining walls for the earth embankment; the left retaining wall bends slightly backwards from the building line. The interior was not visited.

Valuation

The BOMBPROOF BUILDING B / REMISE / TELEGRAPH BUILDING (north side of the Work on the Railway at the Diefdijk) is of general interest because of:

* Cultural-historical values as part of the New Hollandic Waterline as designed by C.R.T. Kraijenhoff and initially realised from 1815 by him, Jan Blanken and major-engineer Willem Offerhaus and thereafter 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 race with increasingly reinforced offensive means (19th century).

This concerns a component from around 1885, namely an example of a tuff concrete building covered with earth, bombproof and containing a telegraph function in connection with the railway.

* Ensemble value and situational values as part of the New Hollandic Waterline. Also because of the functional and physical coherence with the other components of the complex and in particular with the railway and any (emergency) operation of the bridges.

* The component is (in its exterior) reasonably representative because it, in appearance, exhibits characteristics that emphasise the defensive purpose of the time, but these characteristics do not visibly recall the function as telegraph accommodation.

* The component is moderately preserved because it has undergone visible adaptations in the course of time.