Innovative shallow construction

Project in brief

Until now, underground construction has mainly been limited to the Pleistocene soil layer, the deep sand. Although this layer is load-bearing, a disadvantage is that it is located more than 20 metres below the surface in many areas of The Netherlands. We are developing innovative techniques that will also enable the Holocene top layer to be used for underground functions in an intensive and cost-effective manner, such as underground transport.  These techniques offer a wide range of possibilities for urban areas in particular, where space is scarce. We are carrying out this project together with the Centre for Underground Construction, within the Delft Cluster-COB Consortium.

In the December 2005 issue of the Delft Cluster journal STAND, a double-A4 page summary was included of the Consortium’s programme, together with an interview with the co-leaders Peter van den Berg (DC) and Inge van Berkel (COB).

Products of knowledge

Tool for tensile force calculations (for cables and pipelines) Software tool reduces risks during horizontal drilling What is it? A software tool that can be used to calculate tensile force during horizontally-driven drilling (HDD). What can we use this for? The calculation of tensile forces so that the design can be adjusted. We now know which tensile forces occur when extracting the product pipe during HDD. Who will be interested? Buildling contractors More information henk.kruse@deltares.nl

TDT (Totally Different Tunnel) The Totally Different Tunnel: thinking in a new direction What is it? Final report from creative workshops containing ideas for new tunnel construction methods. What can we use this for? As a spin-off project, research is now being carried out into how the method developed for TDT and the ideas that have been formulated can be used when developing new solutions for split-level railway cuttings. Who will be interested? ProRail and public transport companies. More information marieke.kodde@tno.nl

Risk tool for bundling cables and pipelines Mapping out the risks of bundling cables and pipelines What is it? A software tool to determine the risks of bundling cables and pipelines. What can we use this for? For each new situation, we can now take balanced decisions about whether cables and pipelines should be bundled together or not. We have provided quantitative insight into the risks associated with bundling. Who will be interested? Engineering consultants, area developers, town and country planners. More information anne.kamphuis@cob.nl

COB as a portal for underground use of space and construction New portal makes underground knowledge transparent and accessible What is it? A digital environment that gives access to knowledge that has already been developed for underground construction and the use of space underground. The system starts from the principle of questions, and provides direct access to applications, aspects, and examples. What can we use this for? Via the COB portal, the knowledge developed by Delft Cluster is also distributed by means of manuals and courses, as well as digital project environments in the future. Who will be interested? Anyone working in, or interested in, the world of underground construction and the use of space underground. Principals, contractors, knowledge institutes, and educational bodies. More information wendy.hobma@cob.nl