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While the Neder-Betuwe dike reinforcement project does indeed increase the safety of the hinterland, the construction work also has a major impact on the surrounding area. Homes, businesses, and other properties in the immediate vicinity of the construction site deserve special attention. That is precisely why bbci Frijwijk was involved in the dike reinforcement project from an early stage to safeguard the ‘interests’ of the surrounding community.
“Early in the process, the Dike Alliance asked us to help assess the risks to the surrounding area and how these risks could be managed,” says Max Veels, the second-generation owner of the family-owned business bbci Frijwijk. “That’s a different approach than usual. Often, structural surveys and monitoring aren’t started until later in the process.”
One of bbci Frijwijk’s tasks was to draw up a comprehensive monitoring plan. “Based on risk analyses, we identified homes and structures that might be vulnerable to the construction work,” explains Wesley ten Braak, project manager at bbci Frijwijk. “Settlement, vibrations, or deformations can occur more quickly in older buildings and freestanding outbuildings than in new construction. By conducting a risk analysis and taking measurements well before construction began, we gained a clear picture of existing settlement patterns and the initial condition of the surrounding area.”
The dike reinforcement project is divided into three sections. For each section, bbci conducts preliminary structural surveys, baseline measurements, and various forms of monitoring during construction. “This includes both elevation measurements and deformation measurements,” Max adds. “In addition, vibration meters are deployed throughout the project, and advanced TILT sensors are used at high-risk locations. These sensors measure displacements and rotations in various directions and provide early warnings when deviations occur.‘
All work to be carried out is centrally accessible via the GIS platform. “Together with the dike alliance, monitoring has also been incorporated into this system,” says Max. “This provides all parties involved with a single, centralized view of the work, monitoring locations, and areas of concern. That transparency makes it easier to collaborate, respond quickly, and take immediate action where necessary.”
The information gathered also influences how the work is carried out. “Based on the risk analyses and monitoring data, decisions were made at certain locations to carry out the work differently,” Wesley notes. “For example, at a few sites, it was decided not to drive sheet piles but to press them into place, in order to further limit the impact on the surrounding area.” According to Max, that is precisely where the added value lies. “We take as much of the burden off clients” shoulders as possible by not only carrying out the work but, above all, by thinking things through with them in advance. By identifying risks and drawing up a clear monitoring plan, we create a common thread that is followed throughout the entire project.”
For bbci, this project is a great example of how architectural surveys, monitoring, and environmental management are increasingly converging. “While monitoring was primarily viewed as a contractual obligation years ago, there is now a growing awareness in the construction and infrastructure sectors that treating the environment with care is essential,” Max notes. “Not only to manage any potential damage, but also to maintain residents” trust and protect clients’ reputations.”
