Bio-based foundations: wood where possible, concrete where necessary

At a time when sustainable, recyclable and minimally environmentally damaging construction is becoming increasingly important, the wooden pile is once again in the spotlight. It is being used for foundations of homes, greenhouses, annexes and building structures such as sewer and pipe systems, ramps, light bridges and the like. Combining wooden piles with concrete overlays creates a solution with an optimal Environmental Cost Indication. This makes it not only a competitive investment, according to Betonfabriek Nigtevecht.

Concrete Loppers

To prevent wood rot of wooden piles, the piles should always be placed well below the lowest groundwater level. To bridge the distance between the wooden pile head in the groundwater and the above-ground construction, a (short) reinforced concrete pile is placed on top of the wooden pile: the so-called superstructure or upstand.

Production overlays taken over

Until recently, Betonwarenindustrie De Adelaar B.V. in Mijdrecht was the longer producer in the Netherlands. Due to redevelopment of this location, the production of overlays has been taken over by the nearby Betonfabriek Nigtevecht in Nigtevecht (near Amsterdam). De Adelaar B.V. continues to handle the sales of the risers. 

The square #180 and #220 mm concrete risers -also supplied in Belgium and Germany- have lengths from 1,500 to 4,000 mm and a cast-in steel tube or pipe which, set on or driven into the wooden pile, forms the connection between wood and concrete. The stringers can also be equipped with a vibrated hairpin in the head as a lifting point and/or attachment for edge beam reinforcement.

Concrete Segment Poles (BSP)

In limited indoor or outdoor areas where long piles are difficult or impossible to handle and smaller piling equipment is used, the Concrete Segment Pile (BSP) offers a solution. The BSP is available square #180 and #220 mm in lengths from 1,000 to 4,500 mm. The posts are coupled by matching steel connecting sleeves. It is a more economically and environmentally interesting alternative to the steel-filled concrete tube segment pile.

Specialty high-quality concrete products

Betonfabriek Nigtevecht is the partner for specialized, durable concrete products for ground, road, water, rail and agro construction. For example, the company also supplies the necessary pile caps/covers to fit the foundation piles, such as those used in pile mattresses in places where construction takes place on poorly bearing ground. All concrete products are produced with the high strength class C45/55 vibrating concrete mix with an almost CO2-free binder and including (recycled) concrete granulate. With this 'green concrete' Betonfabriek Nigtevecht wants to offer sustainable solutions without making concessions on quality.