Why are foil structures crucial for civil works?
Foil structures are widely used in civil engineering. Think of tunnels, railroad underpasses, sheet pile pits and sunken infrastructure. Depending on location, design and lifespan requirements, these structures are used to sustainably control groundwater flows (seepage) and extend the lifespan of structures.
Foil structures can also help to control contaminants in a controlled manner in the event of calamities. Commonly used materials are geomembranes such as PE-HD, PE-LLD and PVC-P, often in combination with geotextiles. Proper construction and inspection are essential to ensure leak-tightness and durability.
How do we inspect leak-tightness of groundwater barriers?
During construction, we inspect foil structures for two main applications:
- Deepened PE foil structures in the dry, such as at tunnel drives or railroad underpasses
- PVC zinc structures in the wet, such as sheet pile pits and sections of sunken roadways
Our inspector evaluates the performance and records the findings in a report. If the requirements are met, this report is provided with a declaration of conformity.
Inspection throughout the entire process
Our inspection work takes place throughout the entire process:
- During prefabrication
- At the project site during execution
- After realization of the construction, including geo-electrical measurement for a Liquid-tight Facility Declaration (LINK to AS SIKB 6702 text).
In addition, we offer testing facilities for lifetime testing of applied plastics. Under accreditation, through a unique combination of fully independent inspection, laboratory testing and intepreration by our accredited long-term behavioral experts, we can issue a life expectancy of at least 100 years.
With independent inspection:
- Secure the leak-tightness of your groundwater barrier.
- Prevent damage from seepage or leakage
- Reduce the risk of environmental damage in case of calamities
- Demonstrate compliance with standards and project requirements
- You receive a clear report with a declaration of conformity
You invest in certainty, sustainability and demonstrable quality.
Accredited inspection according to recognized guidelines
We are accredited for inspections of plastic film constructions. In doing so, we work according to, among other things:
- The "Protocols for the application of plastic geomembranes for the purpose of soil protection".
- The "CUR221 Manual Foil Constructions for sunken infrastructure".
This ensures that your foil construction will be assessed independently and according to the applicable standards.
