Emission-free foundations in concrete and steel

Sustainability, circularity and nuisance reduction are increasingly determining the construction process. Therefore, foundations have long since ceased to be an invisible component, but a determining factor in the success of a project.

For concrete and steel construction projects, how you lay the foundation becomes crucial. Not only for the construction, but also for the environment. Fundex (Funderingstechnieken Verstraeten) moves emphatically in this transition and combines advanced foundation techniques with ambitious environmental claims.

Expert in (deep) foundation techniques

With over seventy years of experience, Fundex presents itself as an all-round specialist in (deep) foundation techniques. Her expertise includes numerous vibration-free methods such as the patented Fundex® piles, combi piles with grout injection, Tubex® piles, Supra® piles, Twin® piles, drilled tubular piles and other techniques. In addition, Fundex also manages traditional piling and vibratory methods to accommodate different soil and project conditions.

Through its offices in Oostburg and Zeebrugge, Fundex is active in both the Netherlands and Belgium. This geographical spread makes it possible to take on cross-border projects and exchange knowledge.

Electrification and sustainability in practice

One of Fundex's flagships is the use of machines such as the CD20E and F4800E, which are fully electric and therefore can operate emission-free. The CD20E is a compact, lightweight drill that is ideal for inner-city projects, tunnels or sensitive areas. It operates quietly, produces no direct emissions and is designed to deliver maximum performance in confined spaces. The F4800E, in turn, is its heavier brother: a multifunctional foundation machine with electric drive, equipped with electric winches, hydraulic pump units, a battery pack, ... There is flexibility in this design: the machine is ‘be ready, be flexible’ set up, so it can switch between mains power, battery or other energy supplies in the future.

Challenges and strategic concerns

Yet the transition is not without obstacles. Electrification requires a reliable on-site power infrastructure, which is not available in every environment. The capital costs of electric machines and battery systems are higher than conventional machines, requiring a clear economic model that incorporates environmental and social benefits. Regulation is an additional brake: standardization and approval of innovative techniques is often slow, especially within a municipal or urban context. Even within the sector itself, there is sometimes reticence. Contractors used to classic methods need time and convincing evidence to make the step to new technologies. Fundex, however, takes the lead here and shows how it can be done.

Strategic role

Fundex positions itself in concrete and steel construction not only as a foundation specialist, but as an innovation partner that proves that sustainability is achievable. By working emission-free it shows that promises are not just words, but become reality - and exactly that stimulates clients to increase their ambitions. The foundation is no longer a trivial carpet pad, but a strategic part of sustainability performance. Fundex shows that you can combine deep structures, high construction volumes and innovative methods. With projects in both the Netherlands and Belgium, the company shows that emission-free, vibration-free and electric foundations are no longer an experiment, but a feasible step towards the future.