Underground Infrastructure and geotechnical engineering

We have gained extensive experience in the design of underground infrastructure in vulnerable environments with high, urban complexity. Some prominent examples are the North/South metro line and Zuidasdok (both in Amsterdam) and the Oosterweel Link in Antwerp (Belgium). Technical feasibility and safety are paramount in all our designs. Our expertise in tunnel and fire safety contributes to a successful and safe design, throughout the lifespan.

Thanks to our front-end expertise of soil-structure interaction, based on advanced finite element analysis (FEA), analyses can be conducted that reveal hidden unsafe features, or indicate risks in structures. These are the complex issues where our high-end expertise of geotechnical engineering, structures, tunnel safety and relevant 3D tools (DIANA, PLAXIS, FSE and CFD simulations) provide crucial added value to demonstrate the required level of safety through integrated consultancy.

Within complex infrastructure projects, many different areas of expertise come together. By working in multidisciplinary project teams (integrated technical management), we arrive at a fully supported design. Regardless of whether this concerns a planning study or a detailed design, a modest-sized project or, on the contrary, a mega project in a complex environment. We have the knowledge and people to reduce complicated issues to their essence and implement a successful and future-proof project.

We have been successful through the structural alliance Tunnel Engineering Consultants (TEC) for many years. In collaboration with our partner Royal HaskoningDHV, we work on challenging projects worldwide. An iconic project was the Hong Kong-Macao Bridge, the longest bridge in the world, which opened in October 2018. In this project, TEC advised on the underwater tunnel.