Platform on concrete and steel in construction
As the saying goes, chips fall where there is chopping. In a construction project, however, nobody wants these chips. Especially in an environment with vulnerable buildings or structures, it is important to protect them from unwanted influences. Regardless of whether this concerns vibration, deformation, temperature, moisture or sound. It is the field of activity of Fides Expertise from Raamsdonksveer. “We are called in to prevent and control risks of a construction project,” says owner Fred Pannekoek. “Providing certainty, coming up with solutions and always being ready: that's what makes our work valuable and fun.”
Fides has everything in place to prevent damage and make timely adjustments where necessary. “That starts with making preliminary surveys to record defects and inventory existing situations,” Pannekoek continues. “Then we can track all types of physical readings with state-of-the-art equipment. Think vibration, height, crack width, subsidence, slope angle, groundwater level, noise, temperature, and so on. You have to remember that sometimes reality is different from theoretical calculations. If there are unexpected circumstances that cause you to get deformations anyway, you want to spot that in time so you can intervene.”
Fides is about more than technology. Pannekoek: “We provide a complete service: from monitoring plans and risk assessments to online monitoring and automated measurement reports. And if something unexpected happens, we are also available in the evening or at the weekend, throughout the Netherlands. What sets Fides apart is that we think out of the box. If a situation is not standard, we build our own solution so that we can always deliver what is needed. That's what makes our work fun: when things get difficult, we actually just find it more interesting.’
Monitoring is not just about collecting technical data. “It's about providing assurance to clients and local residents,” Pannekoek emphasizes. “In complex projects, we are involved in the entire process, from zero measurement to final measurement. Sometimes a periodic measurement is sufficient, sometimes we deploy a Total Station for 24/7 monitoring.” That involvement is also evident in the way Fides communicates with residents and clients. “We have regular residents” evenings. People are enthusiastic about our approach, especially because with monitoring we can show how we control the process to prevent damage. That reassures, especially in areas where there have been problems before."
