Efficient Foundation Investigation in Rotterdam

Project Summary

The KCAF is a foundation focused on collecting, developing, and sharing knowledge about the approach and prevention of foundation problems. For over 15 years, the foundation has been supporting property owners dealing with such issues. Many areas in the Netherlands, particularly those where buildings were historically founded on wooden piles or shallow foundations on clay, have reported foundation issues to KCAF’s national helpdesk in recent years. Factors such as soil subsidence and drought, driven by climate change, are exacerbating these foundation problems. For a long time, this issue was underestimated.

Recently, the Council for the Environment and Infrastructure (RLI) conducted research on this topic and published an advisory report titled “Well-Founded”. This report was presented to the Dutch government and highlights that foundation problems could potentially affect at least 425,000 buildings in the Netherlands. Many of these buildings are already experiencing subsidence damage or will be affected between now and 2050. Without preventive measures, the number of properties suffering foundation damage and the associated repair costs will increase significantly in the coming years.

In collaboration with KCAF, SOCOTEC Risk Management & Claims is involved in a pilot project to efficiently assess the risk of foundation problems at building blocks or individual properties. SOCOTEC’s extensive expertise in monitoring, visual inspections, and geotechnical assessments has been applied to enhance KCAF’s FunderScan product. The FunderScans objectively assess measurement data in accordance with the KCAF guideline “Foundations Under Buildings”. Based on this assessment, KCAF provides a conclusion and recommendation on how to proceed with the obtained results.

This method responds to market demand for a straightforward way to determine whether a property has foundation problems.

Project Description

For the pilot project, SOCOTEC Risk Management & Claims collected field data from 3,400 addresses. The FunderScans in this pilot included three key measurement components:

• Visual Inspection: This inspection maps all facade defects. SOCOTEC conducts this inspection following NIVRE classification guidelines, ensuring that every relevant deviation is accurately recorded. These classifications align with KCAF guidelines.
• Plumb Line Measurement: This measurement determines the tilt of the facade, helping assess the overall structural integrity, deformations, and subsidence.
• Joint Height Measurement: This method identifies settlement differences that have occurred since the building's construction. It is a crucial step in understanding how the foundation—and consequently, the facade—has shifted over time.

During these measurements, SOCOTEC uses various tools, including a hose level, which helps determine the apparent slope of an object or surface.

The collected data was processed by SOCOTEC to predict the risk of foundation problems for each building unit. Additionally, existing data from the FunderMaps platform—such as building settlement rates and foundation types—was incorporated into the analysis.

Based on SOCOTEC’s assessment, KCAF provided a conclusion and recommendation, outlining potential actions for property owners.

The FunderScan is a cost-effective and reliable method to assess risks before investing in expensive investigations. It is a versatile solution applicable to both residential and commercial buildings.