Platform on new construction, renovation, restoration and transformation
Traffic congestion around Arnhem has been increasing for years. To improve traffic flow in the region, the national government and the province of Gelderland are working on the large-scale infrastructure project ViA15. This project involves extending the A15 to the A12 and widening the A15. Franki Grondtechnieken has been contracted to install foundation piles at various locations. In doing so, the company is laying the foundation for future bridges and roads.
Although the actual construction of the new infrastructure has yet to begin, preparatory work is now in full swing. The project involves the construction of various engineering structures, including viaducts, railroad bridges, and sunken road structures. In addition, two temporary construction bridges have been built along the N810 as part of a construction road between the A12 and the Pannerdensch Canal. Rijkswaterstaat is the client, while construction is being carried out by the GelreGroen consortium, a partnership between Dura Vermeer, BESIX, HOCHTIEF, Van Oord, and John Laing.
Franki Grondtechnieken has been commissioned to carry out foundation work for various engineering structures. The company installs foundations at a variety of locations, employing different techniques depending on the soil composition and specific design requirements. According to Giany Sahertian, project manager at Franki, this is precisely where the company’s strength lies. “As part of the international Franki Foundations Group, we have access to a wide range of foundation techniques, specialized staff, and international expertise. This allows us to select the most suitable solution for every location.”
For one of the first structures within the ViA15 project—the so-called pergola structure—Franki installed over a hundred tubular screw piles with a diameter of 650 mm. This structure is part of the approach bridges leading to a future bridge and serves as an elevated support structure for the new highway. The foundation work is a crucial step in the project’s schedule. Only after the foundations have been installed can subsequent work on bridges, viaducts, and other engineering structures begin. Sahertian: “We are installing the foundation piles on which the structures will ultimately be built. In doing so, we are literally laying the foundation for all engineering structures along the route.” There are always two important deadlines to meet. “The day we’re allowed to start and the day we have to be finished. The rest of the project builds on our work. Staying on schedule is therefore essential.”
Another technique used involved screw-in steel tubular piles with grout injection. This work took place in the immediate vicinity of the Betuweroute and had to be carried out during a four-week closure of the rail line. Due to the limited time available, the project involved collaboration with Kandt BV and Molhoek. This allowed four foundation-driving machines to be deployed simultaneously. “The conditions were challenging,” said Sahertian. “We were working under high-voltage power lines, which required machines with a maximum working height of sixteen meters. Thanks to this collaboration, we were able to complete the work within the allotted closure period.”
In addition, Franki is installing large-diameter piles with a diameter of 800 mm as part of the ViA15 project. This technique is widely used abroad but is still relatively unknown in the Netherlands. “Because we are part of a Belgian group, we have the necessary knowledge and experience to successfully apply this technique as well. We are working with a specialized Belgian team to carry out the project.”
The upcoming phases of the project will also require a customized approach. This summer, Franki will begin installing ground-displacing screw piles with a lost tip and grout injection. This foundation technique offers several advantages. The process is virtually vibration-free and low-noise, while the amount of excavated soil remains limited. Furthermore, the method is well-suited to the relatively firm sandy soils found along parts of the route.
For Franki, ViA15 is a project centered on both technical diversity and collaboration. “The great thing about this project is that we can apply various foundation techniques within a single integrated project,” says Sahertian. “In addition, the collaboration among all parties involved is going exceptionally well. There’s a lot of coordination, and everyone knows what the other disciplines are working on.”
