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Applying lightweight fill materials and geosynthetics in infrastructure is gaining popularity. However, it does require specialized knowledge. With nearly fifteen years of experience in this field, Erik Kwast of geotechnical consulting firm Kwast Consult is frequently asked for his expertise. He is also chairman of the NGO, the Dutch Geotextile Organization.
Kwast Consult has specialist geotechnical knowledge of light embankment materials in infrastructure, such as Bims, EPS, foam concrete and the like. In addition, the consulting firm is called in for risk analysis and environmental influences, such as vibration analyses and soil deformations with Plaxis. Also for the application
of geosynthetics in infrastructure (foils, stability/foundation reinforcement, reinforced soil, pile mattress) and for the design of rail infrastructure (rail tracks, underpasses, overhead line foundations according to OVS/RLN), clients have come to the right place with Erik Kwast. Kwast Consult works for governments, engineering firms,
suppliers and contractors.
To make areas with weak, low load-bearing soil ready for construction, the land must be raised. "Traditionally, people apply sand under the area to be paved (infrastructure), but this causes settlement problems during construction and for many years after completion," Kwast states. "Increasingly, lightweight fill materials are being used to construct low-settlement infrastructure, such as Bims, Argex, EPS and foam concrete. Each type has specific characteristics that affect the application possibilities per site and project. Based on a variant study and the preconditions - costs, groundwater level, settlement requirements and so on. - we provide the right advice and, if required, provide execution supervision of the application of light fill materials in projects. Aspects such as rapid construction, low settlement and minimal environmental impact speak in favor of applying light fill materials. For example, we have been involved in the reconstruction of various neighborhoods in the municipality of Woerden and Oudewater, the temporary Suurhoff Bridge in Rotterdam and the N421 in Houten. Together with Joosten Concepts - a partnership between Joosten Kunststoffen and various producers, engineers and contractors - we are working on the southern ring road of Groningen (Aanpak Ring Zuid), De Groene Boog A16 in Rotterdam and widening A9 BaHo in Amstelveen."
Geosynthetics offer many (unknown) application possibilities. "Better, different, more efficient, environmentally friendly, more sustainable or cheaper design and construction is possible in many cases with the application of geo-plastics," Kwast continued. "We have extensive experience in designing foil structures for tunnel entrances and foundation and stability reinforcement for roads and railroads, for example. By working with geo-plastics, the necessary optimizations are achieved. Space can also be reduced by setting up steeper slopes. Designing with geosynthetics is specialized work. Nevertheless, it will be used more and more often," Kwast expects. "Materials are becoming more familiar and it is becoming increasingly difficult to build traditionally in limited spaces. Geosynthetics are also extremely interesting in terms of cost and sustainability."
For working out economic designs, Kwast Consult has many years of geotechnical expertise and experience with many dozens of completed projects to its name.
