breekwerk

Breekwerk is a term used in the Netherlands and Belgium to describe activities centered on breaking and crushing materials, particularly in construction, demolition, and mining contexts. It refers to on-site breaking of concrete, asphalt, and rock, as well as the processing of resulting rubble into usable aggregates. Breekwerk covers the operation of equipment such as crushers, including jaw crushers, cone crushers, and impact crushers; screens and conveyors; and tasks from primary fragmentation to size classification and stockpiling.

Typical workflow begins with primary breaking to reduce large pieces, followed by secondary crushing to desired sizes, then screening to separate material by grain size. Washing and mineral processing may be added to remove fines or separate impurities. On-site breekwerk is commonly combined with recycling initiatives, enabling the reuse of concrete and asphalt in road bases and other construction applications.

Safety and environmental management are integral, including dust control, noise mitigation, water suppression, traffic planning, and adherence to regulations and permits. The activity is usually performed by specialized demolition or quarrying contractors, sometimes at fixed plants or mobile units that can be relocated to different sites.

Term etymology stems from the Dutch werk meaning work and breken meaning to break; breekwerk literally translates as breaking work or crushing work. In practice, breekwerk is a common component of construction waste management and material supply chains, contributing to material recovery and reduced landfill use. Related terms include demolition, quarrying, and recycling of construction waste.