Militair verblijfsgebouw, Fort aan de Uppelse Dijk Werkendam (Altena 30)

English translation

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Description

Cluster 80.

NEW HOLLAND WATERLINE

Introduction

BOMBPROOF BUILDING F as representative of a type of bombproof structures provided with earth covering on three sides and on top and possessing only a facade on the throat side. Bombproof Building F is situated on the east side of the fort, midway between building B and the small, semicircular bastion. 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. Thickening of masonry, application of shock-absorbing masonry systems (including by means of arches and vaults), shallow slope angles and curved or conversely 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 attack force. Furthermore, the application of earth coverings proved to be a good means of absorbing or damping the energy of impacts. This is the reason why many masonry or concrete works were provided with an earth layer or 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 considered to withstand a predetermined number of impacts from heavy calibre. Both access doors later inserted in reduced-size frames.

Description

BOMBPROOF BUILDING F, situated to the east on the fort, is a brick structure covered with earth on three sides and on top, of which only the approximately 25-metre-long north facade is visible. Bombproof Building F is executed in brick, received a sober form, virtually without ornamentation. The facade is somewhat articulated by four arched openings, visible through three-course stretches. On the left a facade section sloping as a retaining wall. Three facade openings: below both left arched openings later modified entrances, likewise below an arched opening and below the third arched opening a window closed by a wooden shutter. The fourth arch is closed. The interior was not visited.

Valuation

BOMBPROOF BUILDING F of the Fort at the Uppelse Dijk / Fort Altena is of general importance because of:

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

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

This concerns a component from approximately 1880, namely an example of a bombproof building protected by earthworks.

* Ensemble value and situational values as part of the New Holland Waterline and because of the functional and physical coherence with the other components of the complex.

* The component is representative because it is a good example of a bombproof shelter on a fort from the last quarter of the 19th century.

* The component is well preserved because various characteristics in the exterior have been retained and remain recognisable.