Solid foundation from residual material

The construction of any structure depends on a solid foundation. Today there are cementitious foundations for infra and construction made from residual materials. Strong, durable and cost-saving. B-CIS BV from Zaltbommel specializes in making cement-bound foundations from residual materials. In this the company is unique and at the same time market leader in the Netherlands.

B-CIS manufactures, supplies and processes this cementitious building material as foundation layers for infrastructure and construction applications. For this purpose, the company has developed mixtures called Powerbase 5, Powerbase 10 and Powerbase R. Since the company began operations in 2010, more than 2.2 million tons of it has been produced and processed.

Cost savings on multiple fronts
Powerbase creates a stable, bonded foundation. In addition to the cost savings generated by this building material itself, a considerable reduction in the costs in the superstructure of a structure is simultaneously made possible. For example, a finish of one or two thin layers of asphalt will suffice. Director/co-owner John Beekmans: "With a Powerbase foundation layer, a strong distribution of the (traffic) load to the subgrade is achieved. Because we also achieve higher compressive strengths with our mixtures, they can even be used in underpinned, settlement-free pavements."

Powerbase 5 and 10 are made primarily of contaminated soil and mineral residues. Powerbase R consists mainly of AEC bottom ash from waste-to-energy plants and other mineral residues. For example, sorting screen sand, the last, non-reusable residue released from sorting construction and demolition waste. Using Powerbase in cementitious foundations saves on scarce, expensive primary raw materials such as clean sand, gravel or high-quality aggregates. An additional advantage is that difficult or non-recyclable problem materials can be put to good use. Powerbase is stronger, tougher and more elastic than conventional rubble or concrete granulate. As a result, relatively large settlement differences can be absorbed without damage to the superstructure of a pavement. Powerbase is supplied under NL-BSB product certificate and can be used in many different ways without restrictions.

Construction aircraft stands Eindhoven airport.

Widely applicable
Powerbase is often used in infrastructure works such as roads, industrial sites, liquid-proof pavements, parking lots, container terminals, airports, bicycle paths, quays and warehouses. B-CIS also offers unique and sustainable solutions against subsidence caused by weak soils. Beekmans: "Depending on the purpose, we design a ready-made and guaranteed settlement-free construction for each project."

Powerbase now also has many applications in structural applications. For example, in distribution centers with raised load docks and in underpinning interior floors, where working floors for pile drivers are required. 

"A great example is the triple win-win situation at Twence Waste and Energy. This company wants to process bottom ash sustainably in the form of freely applicable building material. It also wants to waterproof an old landfill site and operate a solar park on it. For this purpose, we have developed Powerbase R. We process bottom ash sustainably into a useful building material that covers the landfill body and makes it accessible for the construction of the solar park," says Beekmans.