Erasmus University building closed due to risk of collapse

The Erasmus University in Rotterdam evacuated and temporarily closed the Polak building on Woudestein. According to the University, the safety of the building's floor can not be guaranteed. The Ministry of Home Affairs called on municipalities across the Netherlands to check their buildings after it was revealed that the collapse of a parking garage at Eindhoven Airport in May was caused by unsafe floors, NOS reports.

A report released late last month revealed that the collapse at the airport was due to a technical error in the structure's floor - the plates used were not roughened, so the concrete layer poured over it could not bond well. There was also insufficient support for pillars. The Ministry therefore called on municipalities to check all buildings in which the same building technique was used. 

The University did not announce exactly what is wrong in the Polak building. They are still investigating what measures need to be taken. The building opened in 2015. It houses 850 study places for students, lecture halls and shops, according to the broadcaster. 

All other buildings on campus are safe, the Erasmus University said.

On Thursday afternoon it was revealed that a new primary school in Hoeven will not open as planned, because the contractor can not prove that the building is safe. The same technique was used as in Eindhoven. The primary school therefore postponed its move to the new building for safety reasons.