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As a leading consulting organization in the field of the physical environment, Aelmans Adviesgroep focuses on the fields of Real Estate, Environment, Environment, Agro and Construction from twelve branches. Branches that work closely together and this is particularly true of the three soil offices within the consultancy organization: Aelmans Eco, Archimil Bouw- en Milieuadviseurs and NIPA Milieutechniek.
Together, the three soil agencies within Aelmans Adviesgroep form the go-to person for technical research. "Our work goes much further than just advice in the field of soil research, building materials or soil remediation," says Hans van Vliet, environmental consultant at NIPA Milieutechniek. "We also take asbestos inventory, acoustics and, for example, quickscans regarding flora and fauna. Through optimal cooperation between our agencies, we offer clients a total package: solution-oriented advice as a basis for the further follow-up of projects."
The optimal synergy between Aelmans Adviesgroep's soil offices came in handy recently on a project in Oss where a large 180 m pentane tank3 to be placed in the ground. "From NIPA, we have long provided the annual monitoring, batch inspections and environmental research for this company, which has several similar storage tanks," says Van Vliet. "To bury and stably place the pentane tank (14 meters long, 4.20 meters in diameter) below ground level, a good plan is essential. That's where the expertise of our colleagues at Aelmans Eco comes in handy." Liaqat Omid, geotechnical consultant at Aelmans Eco: "It was up to us to conduct geotechnical investigations and provide the burial advice. Due to the limited space on the site, it is not possible to create an embankment and we provided an alternative in the form of a sheet pile structure."
However, the installation of the sheet piling structure is no mean feat. The CPT investigation, also conducted by Aelmans Adviesgroep, showed that the subsoil is quite compacted. In plain language: rock hard. "Add to that the sensitive environment with critical business processes, and our choice for a short sheet pile wall with steel ring purlin and corner stamp is justified," says Omid. "In addition, drainage is necessary here because of the high water table." Van Vliet adds: "It is important to set up the drainage so that there is no damage to the well or its surroundings due to uneven settlement. The soil that is released also needs to be properly deposited. These questions all come along. Because we have been actively monitoring water and soil quality at this site for many years, we have a lot of data available. That data is essential for drawing up the drainage advice by our colleagues at Aelmans Eco."
After the excavation of the construction pit, the concrete floor will be poured in the dry and the pentane tank will be anchored to the concrete floor to prevent buoyancy. "This project is a great example of how we as agencies strengthen each other. We have a lot of knowledge and expertise in-house and thanks to short lines of communication between all offices and disciplines, also with other parts within the Aelmans Adviesgroep, we can efficiently respond to the future challenges and the ever-increasing demands for quality, planning and certifications."
