Innovation in foundation works thanks to joining forces

You could describe the association as a think tank. With members who bring enormous expertise within its ranks, the Dutch Association of Foundation Contractors ensures continuity, progress and innovation in the field of foundations. "We are an association of, for and by foundation contractors," Jaap Estié opens the conversation. Estié is a director at the NVAF.

"We are a professional organization with two people in the office. The working groups and committees of our association include between 80 and 90 active members from our membership. The board is made up of volunteers from member companies," Estié said.

Collaboration and divide knowledge
The volunteer board is formed by chairman Ton Groeneweg (Tubex), Peter Vroom (Vroom Funderingstechnieken) -also chairman of the working group on contractual relations-, treasurer Eelco van der Velde (Bauer), Bartho Admiraal (Volker Staal en Funderingen) -also innovation manager-, Co van 't Hek (Gebr. Van 't Hek) -labor and environmental, Hein van Laar (Hakkers) -for water works- and Thimo Verhoef (Funderingstechniek Noord) -for everything around microtechnology. "The emphasis in everything we do is on cooperation. Even former board members still help out. We have a number of working groups and standards committees, affiliated with NEN," continues Estié. "For example, there is the Technical Committee on Foundation Machinery -also working room 6 of the TCVT, where, among other things, accident investigations are carried out. This committee also includes certifying bodies, which perform inspections. In the ARBO & Milieu working group the same accidents are also investigated, tested against ARBO laws and regulations. All the results of the investigations are included in the revision of the guidelines."

A complete construction pit in Nijkerk. (Image: NEW DIGIT Photography Al)

Giving new employees a good foundation
The NVAF offers a number of industry-specific training programs. "In this way we want to give new employees a good foundation. There is a partnership with Regiocollege Noord-Holland in Heerhugowaard for the purpose of an MBO course. Within the working groups, guidelines are being developed for safe hoisting, safe working from water and working in the public environment. "Also, a revised guideline is in the making for working in contaminated soil. This is necessary because of the recently introduced CROW 400."

The third edition of the trade booklet "Safe Foundations" was recently released. Estié: "Every technique in our industry is described in terms of what it entails and the applicable guidelines. This book was funded by the ARBO catalog and by the NVAF. Parts of this book are part of the ARBO catalog Foundations. The book is printed in an edition of 3,000 copies and it is intended that everyone working in the foundation industry will have one."

Pursuing sustainability means innovating, and that produces great developments." (Image: FotoMix.co.uk)

Sustainable employability of employees
"We run in the European Federation of Foundation Contractors (EFFC). This is where NVAF addresses sustainability issues, among others. The focus is now on sustainable employability of employees. We are also investigating the possibilities of reducing CO₂-emissions. Pursuing sustainability means innovating, and that yields great developments. For example, incorporating a heat exchanger with the foundation pile so that it can be used with a heat pump in the home. Heat exchangers installed in sheet piling: another great example. The innovations in foundation techniques are very diverse. For vibration-free foundations, several systems are coming into the picture."

New Practice Guideline
"Some time ago, the alpha-P standard for the Netherlands was reduced. As a result, we in the Netherlands often use heavier piles than necessary, piles with more use of concrete and steel, resulting in more CO₂ emissions. For this reason, the NVAF is now taking up innovation together and conducting trials with piles at scale. The goal is to build knowledge and share it, also sharing the costs of the research," Estié outlines.

The board, from left to right Jaap Estié, Peter Vroom, Eelco van der Velde, Ton Groeneweg, Co van 't Hek, Thimo Verhoef and Hein van Laar.

Foundation repair
Estié also sees new developments in the field of foundation repair: "Foundations are being restored from home, made possible by the fact that the machines for this are becoming smaller and simply fit through the door. This makes it possible to build a basement under a canal house in Amsterdam. Looking at innovations in mechanical engineering, we see major developments taking place in the areas of monitoring, sensors and connectivity. However, no matter how digital we become, our profession remains adventurous. You can probe all you want, however, as soon as we hit the ground we enter the great unknown."