One-stop shop for sensors (and data)

Royal Eijkelkamp has presented a new line of geotechnical sensors for both short-term and long-term monitoring of civil structures. Together with the already available water (quality) sensors, the family company now offers a complete package of sensors for soil and water research. And it doesn't stop there.

With an extensive product portfolio and far-reaching synergy between the various divisions, Royal Eijkelkamp offers a versatile program of solutions for performing soil and water research. "As a renowned player, we are involved in large-scale water projects all over the world," says Rutger van Goethem, Sales Director at Royal Eijkelkamp. "Our geotechnical equipment division, which includes CPT and soil boring machines, is also growing in size. What was still missing was a line of geotechnical sensors."

Complete assortment

Royal Eijkelkamp's palette of geotechnical sensors is very complete and in many cases complementary to the existing range of water (quality) sensors. Van Goethem gives an example: "If a construction pit has to be made, current information about the groundwater level on site is of course essential. To this end, we have for many years supplied a wide range of 'Diver water level loggers' for monitoring groundwater levels, whether or not linked to the well abstraction program. When installing the sheet piling and excavating the cofferdam, other forces play a role. The pressure exerted on the sheet piling and construction must be monitored, as must the setting of the soil. For that entire spectrum, we now supply geotechnical sensors, from inclinometers for short-term and long-term monitoring (in-place inclinometers) to pressure sensors, strain gauges and vibrating wire sensors."

New benchmark

Although the geotechnical sensors have only just been launched, they are already being used worldwide. Van Goethem: "The sensors have been extensively tested with a number of pilot customers on large construction projects, in dike reinforcement projects and even when creating new pieces of land. So they are truly proven solutions with excellent quality that can be deployed for life, depending on the type. We supply sensors for each phase of a project: sensors that record valuable data in the preliminary study, during execution and throughout the life of a structure to monitor its condition, plan maintenance, etc. In the latter case, the sensors are completely "wrapped" into a structure. Because most sensors are made under vacuum rather than with an O-ring, they are guaranteed to be sealed from moisture. We are definitely setting new standards with our new line of geotechnical sensors."

Royal Eijkelkamp's ambition is to become a one-stop shop for soil and water research. "We supply the sensors and equipment but, if required, we can completely relieve clients, whether through a partner or not," says Van Goethem. "The latter is happening more and more, with it even being possible to purchase only the data. A trend that has been started by municipal authorities in particular, but which is now also appreciated in larger construction projects. We can interpret this in many different ways. So in that respect, too, we are a one-stop shop."