More than 100 people from the construction world, local government, and research bodies in Holland met during the Soft Soil Day to update one another about progress in the field of building and maintaining municipal infrastructure on soft soil. This event was jointly organised for the third time by the Intergemeentelijk Samenwerkingsorgaan Midden Holland (Inter-municipal Cooperative for Central Holland), CUR Bouw & Infra, and Delft Cluster. These three parties are involved with all aspects that make infrastructure on soil such a challenge.

The theme of the Soft Soil Day on 12 June was: Soft Soil 3 x Better
- Reliable Techniques
- Controllable Processes
- Affordable Solutions

In addition to attending a number of interesting readings, you also had the opportunity to meet a range of companies at the knowledge market, where they presented innovative solutions for construction and maintenance/management of infrastructure on soft soil.

April 13 2008: Top quality drinking water in the spotlight

During the morning of Sunday 13 April (at approximately 10.30), the spotlight will be on the Delft Cluster project ‘Top quality drinking water in the 21st century’ during the TV programme “Nederland Bouwt” to be shown on the dutch channel RTL7. Holland’s world-class drinking water will be discussed, together with research that is being carried out to maintain this top quality.

Jan Vreeburg, researcher at Kiwa Water Research, is carrying out research into all aspects of providing and distributing drinking water. The findings from this research enable water boards to perform their legal function in the best way possible. Kiwa Water Research works together with other water authorities, universities, and numerous international research institutes, including UNESCO-IHE.

The most important strength of the research being carried out is that the knowledge is converted into practical and applicable tools: from techniques, to design rules that allow water authorities to carry out their role in a more efficient, quicker, or cheaper way.

The PWN water authority is one of the sector parties involved in providing clean drinking water. Martien den Blanken (director PWN) describes what is involved in providing clean drinking water, and the importance of research for PWN’s performance and for the customer.

11 March 2008: Well-attended, dynamic Delta Top

The sixth Delta Top was held on 11 March. This event was originally initiated by Delft Cluster, but has now been adopted by Deltares and the Netwerk Deltatechnologie (Delta Technology Network). It is a closed event where representatives from top levels of industrial circles, government, and the knowledge world meet to discuss delta issues. Some 120 participants, sitting at different tables, elaborate on possible directions for solving problems related to traffic pressure, safety, energy, and quality of living as part of an integrated plan. The solution should contribute to the image of The Netherlands as a leader in the field of Delta technology.

An identical direction for a solution emerged from a number of different tables (a floating ecological city in the Markermeer), as well as a variety of other plans such as a metro running beneath the whole of The Netherlands and a multi-functional island archipelago for the Maasvlakte.

The results from the 12 tables have since been compiled and discussed during Network Deltatechnologie. The Network will finalise the findings, and will present them and other reports to the Veerman Committee.

The State Secretary for Traffic and Public Works, ms. Tineke Huizinga, has already indicated the Cabinet’s considerable interest in the results from the Delta Top

Let users decide: using knowledge and creativity from the general public!

The new-build sector recently successfully completed the project ‘De gebruiker bepaalt’ (The user decides) during the Delta Top in cooperation with Delft Cluster. The focus of the project is to ensure central involvement of the general public. The new-build sector has shown that the public do not necessarily obstruct procedures, but in fact enhance the process. The public has substantial knowledge of local problems, and are creative when formulating possible solutions. If this source of know-how and creativity is used properly, it can prove to be extremely helpful!

All Delta Top participants were able to take away the results and learning experience gained from the project. Are you also interested? If so, you can order the (Dutch language) books “De ring van Utrecht is niet rond” and “Inspraak volgens ‘de gebruiker bepaalt’, analyse van het proces” by sending an e-mail to: janneke.salemans@deltares.nl. And be quick because first come, first served!