Research and consulting under one roof

'Ortageo employs experts in the fields of soil, water, environment, asbestos and explosives detection. Not only do they understand their own field, they can also empathize with the client. They want to know everything about their plans. So that they can tell them how the work can be carried out safely, as efficiently as possible and at manageable costs.

On-site surveys are primarily a tool for arriving at sound advice. "This also applies to geotechnical investigations," emphasizes Jasper Bresser, business manager of Ortageo West. "That's why we like to get involved early in a project. Then, based on the client's plans, we can also advise on which investigations, where should be carried out. After the surveys, we provide the calculations and customized advice. And even in the implementation phase, we often stay involved if additional advice is needed."

Passion. Especially in the face of complexity

"By default, in geotechnical engineering you are dealing with a complex set of factors," Bresser continues. "The size of the survey area, accessibility, soil quality, the infrastructure present and specific risks such as contamination to name a few. The more complex the conditions, the better we thrive. We also have the equipment to probe in hard-to-reach locations, for example. And because we also have disciplines other than geotechnical engineering in-house, we can provide clients with broad advice in managing environmental risks." 

Nice examples

"A good example is the geotechnical investigation we carried out for the widening of the A27 motorway," adds Robbin Schipper, Geotechnical Consultant. "Here we carried out both drilling, probing and environmental soil testing and incorporated the results into a recommendation. We were also able to indulge in the research around the water tower in Zwijndrecht. The water tower was surrounded by basins, so we first had to map the subsurface using ground-penetrating radar technology. Then we used core drilling to make holes in the basin floors so that we could conduct the soundings. This kind of integrated project makes us happy."

QuickScan soil energy transition

At present, Ortageo has many assignments arising from the energy transition. Both the generation of environmentally friendly energy and its transportation require knowledge of the soil. "This plays out, for example, in construction plans for a new residential area," says Schipper. "With a QuickScan, an early and quick investigation, the client gets a good impression of the subsurface at an early stage." 

Always close

"Furthermore, in all our projects we keep the lines of communication short," adds Bresser. "Clients, structural engineers, contractors, they can all call our project managers directly. That way we can switch quickly. And with offices in Almelo, Weurt near Nijmegen, Oud-Beijerland and Rolde in Drenthe, Ortageo is close by throughout the Netherlands."