Delft Cluster

Newsletter | May 2009

AIO in Focus

Fifty research assistants (AIOs) are linked to Delft Cluster, and we aim to tell you more about the interesting work they carry out via ‘AIO in Focus’. This month is the turn of Holger Netzel. Netzel was awarded his doctorate on 17 April with his dissertation ‘Building Response due to Ground Movements’. His research has led to important innovations/improvements in the field of risk management in relation to the environmental impact of inner city construction projects.


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Second Rode Hoed debate on 16 June on the growth of Almere

‘Growth of Almere inside and outside the dikes: a quality leap for the living environment?’
The second ‘Delta in Balance’ debate will take place on 16 June 2009 in ‘De Rode Hoed’ in Amsterdam. Following the success of the first debate, another interesting subject is on the programme: ‘Growth of Almere inside and outside the dikes: a quality leap for the living environment?’
The National Water Plan states that there is space to live outside the dikes, provided that this does not interfere with the discharge- and future water level plans for lakes. The effects of climate change, acting in accordance with the Bird Habitat Guidelines, government Spatial Development policy, but also the ambitions of the Noordvleugel (the area around Amsterdam) as laid out in the Randstad Urgent Policy must all be embedded in implementation of the plans. Almere has therefore developed a number of alternatives that are described in the policy document Almere 2030.

Decisions concerning these alternative plans are due to be made in 2009. The most imaginative alternative is that from Almere Waterstad, which combines an ecological leap in scale from the IJmeer/Markermeer with urban development inside and outside the dikes.
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Report ‘Effects of water management in urban areas – first step towards an assessment system’

Changes in the groundwater levels in urban areas are coupled with bottlenecks as well as opportunities. An effects-analysis method would be useful in order to provide a better broad estimate of the effects.
As part of the Delft Cluster project ‘Integrated urban Water’, Deltares has made the first step - and given direction to - developing an effects-assessment system for urban areas within The Netherlands. This assessment model can then be linked to the results from hydrological models in future.
This effects-assessment tool means that the effects of an intervention or change in water management can be evaluated more effectively, and alternative management scenarios and measures can be assessed.


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Fourth Technology Symposium on 25 June

The fourth Technology Symposium organised by Delft Cluster - COB, KIVI NIRIA will be held on 25 June in Fort Voordorp, Groenekan. The theme will be ‘Construction pits in urban areas’. Alongside the technology issues, information will also be given about risk- and process aspects (building professionally towards reliability). Delft Cluster project leader Paul Hölscher will give a presentation on reliable vibration measures.


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Risk Management seminar on 3 June

Acting with the participation of many municipalities, Delft Cluster has carried out research into obstacles and conditions over recent years so that risks and opportunities can be dealt with effectively. The project is now in the final phase, and we would like to share the knowledge and experience that has been gathered. For this reason, the ‘Grip on Municipal Projects’ seminar has been organised on 3 June 2009 in Delft. Participation in the seminar is free of charge.


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14 May 2009 CUR Construction & Infra-Day

The CUR Construction & Infra-Day took place on Thursday 14 May. The programme began at 13.00 in the Schouwburg in Gouda, with the theme ‘Safe structures do exist’. Speakers included Hans Nijssen (Chairman of the CUR Construction & Infra steering committee), Cees Brandsen (Chief Engineer-Director of Infrastructure Services, the Department of Transport, Public Works and Water Management), Dik de Weger (Coordinator for Safety Management Infrastructure Services, the Department of Transport, Public Works and Water Management,) and Uri Rosenthal (Chairman of the COT Institute for Safety and Crisis Management). Parallel sessions were also held alongside the introductory presentations.


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