Measurers are the eyes and ears on the project

Isn't it being dug too deep? Is the rock at the right height? To check whether the work is carried out according to the work model, IGL's surveyors take care of the measurements in the middle and south sections of the Juliana canal. They are the eyes and ears of the work planner and the drivers. IGL Richard Roufs, Project Leader IGL, explains how they work.

"With two men, we are responsible for sizing on a daily basis," Richard explains. "We walk the Juliana Canal on site and check the work. Every machine has a GPS machine control so that the operator knows exactly how deep, how far and how much to dig or just dump material. Our surveyor also has this 3D design model. He walks around with a GPS receiver, that way he determines the x, y and z coordinators and can provide a survey for verification." IGL is a surveying and hydrographic engineering firm with three offices: in Nieuwegein, Herten and Vlissingen. They are "masters of measurement" and have various fields of expertise, including geodesy, hydrography and technical surveying. For example, they take care of surveying within residential construction, utility construction and road building. They also do drone measurements. The projects and clients are diverse, from ProRail, Kadaster and Rijkswaterstaat to municipalities, contractors and construction companies.

In accordance with working model

The widening of the Juliana canal consists of four phases: excavation, installation of bentonite mats, pouring of gravel and application of poured stone. In all these phases, the IGL surveyors check whether the work is carried out according to the working model. Does the operator encounter something unexpected during the work, for example waste or debris? The IGL surveyor measures this immediately and informs the work planner who can then take action. 

Eyes and ears

IGL's surveyors are also the eyes and ears on a project. "Our surveyors are the link between 'inside' and 'outside' and work in a team with the machinists and the relevant contractor. Communication is very important here. It makes for very good cooperation which makes the work go smoothly."

Safety Rules

Safety is an important issue. In addition to standard requirements such as a VCA diploma and personal protective equipment, our surveyors have also completed a mandatory e-learning safety course on house rules, and safety is on the work agenda on a weekly basis. Together we discuss progress and possible safety issues. 

Contribute

The dimensions an sich are no different than on many other projects. Yet what makes the Juliana Canal different for Richard and his people is the time pressure and scope. "It's a whole logistical process to get all the work right so that there are no delays. That's quite an art. From our location in Herten, the Juliana Canal is just around the corner. Nice that we can contribute to this beautiful project on our own Limburg soil."