EPS constructions with low MKI value

In the widening and sunken construction of the A9 between Badhoevedorp and Holendrecht, construction consortium VeenIX, working on behalf of the Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management, is making full use of the possibilities of EPS as a lightweight filler material. The specialists of Joosten Group are assisting the consortium in the design, delivery and installation of the EPS constructions and have already managed to implement quite a few optimizations to date. 

Specialist knowledge is available at Joosten Group, making them the place to go for everything to do with infrastructure, water management and greenery in public spaces. "It is precisely on projects of this size that our strength comes to the fore. We know that more is required than just supplying materials," says Martin Wal, commercial director of Joosten Group. "Every large project has its challenges with regard to design, planning and financially. As a group, we are able to think along as a partner to come up with smart solutions that can make a difference in quality, construction time, MKI value as well as price. Within our club of specialists, we can assist a contractor in the design of the lightweight embankment construction, in supplying the EPS materials and in applying them via our partner Bonneveld. At Joosten we call that the OLA principle: design, supply and installation.

Project Team

Within Joosten Group, the A9 Badhoevedorp - Holendrecht is classified as a GP project. "A project of such magnitude requires the right people with the right knowledge and experience," Wal believes. "That is also the reason we formed a project team almost immediately. We fly all major infrastructure projects this way. And that is appreciated, also by VeenIX." On this project, Joosten has a permanent team as a point of contact that looks after all interests. At the time Joosten Group was called in by VeenIX, EPS was provided as a lightweight fill material for the construction of many structures. "There was a lot of EPS budgeted with a heavy type. Moreover, there was an MKI obligation on the project. We then brought in Erik Kwast of Kwast Consult within the design team; Erik is also a partner of Joosten Concepts, part of Joosten Group. This allowed us to contribute to optimizing the heavy EPS type to a lighter type. This optimized solution resulted in a significant reduction in the total MKI impact on EPS deliveries and also a financial benefit. In addition, we can offer a take-back guarantee for the delivered EPS at the end of its service life. That together results in an extremely low MKI value."

One thing leads to another

The optimized design combined with the low MKI value meant that Joosten Group put away over 35,000 m3 of EPS in the project last year alone. "We have since won the tender again for the next subarea," Wal says with appropriate pride. And it doesn't stop there. "As Joosten Group, we always consider constructions integrally. There is often a reinforced soil construction on top or a gabion cage against it. We secure these interfaces internally at Joosten and we draw up the integral design together with the client. We also carry out such a construction according to the OLA principle, where we carry out both the design, delivery and realization integrally together with our regular partners. In addition, the combination on the project can use our wide range of products. For example, large plastic pipe sections have also been provided and custom PE manholes delivered from Joosten Production and Welding Technology on the job. Therein lies the strength of the Joosten Group. From a competitive position, we bring knowledge and expertise to the project. With this in mind, the contractor or combination can handle many complex issues with only one party on board."