Self-drilling grout injection anchors limit grout spoil in water

In Alphen aan de Rijn, Hoogheemraadschap van Rijnland is working on the project Kadeverbetering Zuid- en Noordereinderpolder, which involves improving the dike along Kortsteekterweg, Lindehovestraat and Ziendeweg. The 5.5 kilometer long quay no longer meets the safety requirements and therefore the water barrier will be stabilized. For this project, High 5 Solutions, commissioned by Ploegam, contributed by installing a total of 759 self-drilling grout injection anchors via the sonic drilling technique. This minimized grout spoil in the water as much as possible. 

High 5 Solutions specializes in sonic drilling and vibratory techniques. Self-drilling grout injection anchors were installed on this project using a variety of tools. In locations with a wide corridor, this was done using a 55-ton sonic drill on floating equipment. In addition to the machine, the grout mixing plant with silo and the anchor material were also placed on the pontoon. In this way, High 5 Solutions was able to perform the anchoring work completely independently. In addition to the 55-ton machine, a small electric anchor boring machine was also deployed. This deployment was necessary to be able to carry out the work safely from floating equipment on much narrower waterways. With the deployment of electric equipment, High 5 Solutions made a nice contribution to Ploegam's ambitions regarding sustainable execution.

Uniform design

Logistical planning was a key factor in the success of the project. With 759 grout injection anchors to be installed, precise coordination of material transportation and staffing was essential. Because all anchors and anchor chairs were located below the waterline, the plan was devised to install the anchor chairs on the sheet piling in advance. By installing the sheet piling including anchor chair, the anchor could be installed and tested below the waterline without any problems. In addition, the decision was made to adhere to a uniform design as much as possible, so that the entire project could be carried out with only three anchor types. High 5 Solutions' project team worked closely with Ploegam in this regard to ensure that the necessary materials were at the right location on time and that the work went smoothly.

Safety

During the work, safety was the top priority. High 5 Solutions is certified on step 3 of the Safety Culture Ladder and holds Vca certification. In addition, High 5 Solutions has previously participated in the hein safety program at the request of Ploegam. By discussing safety together, this part of the cooperation is also given the desired attention each time. Moreover, much attention was paid to the surrounding area; the work was planned and executed in such a way that nuisance to local residents and nature was kept to a minimum. In addition to attention to the immediate surroundings, there was also attention to the environment. The machine operators on the project took part in the "The New Turning" course to create greater awareness in this area as well.

The project Kadeverbetering Zuid- en Noorder-einderpolder in Alphen aan de Rijn is a fine example of a cooperation between Ploegam and High 5 Solutions on various facets: two parties who see pleasure, safety and sustainability as important success factors within their work.