This technique involves freezing of the groundwater. The principle is to abstract heat from the soil until the groundwater is frozen. The following effects occur: - water impermeability from the frozen soil - increased strength of the frozen soil. Ground freezing can be used in almost any type of soil, provided that the soil deposit contains sufficient water (at least 10%). The soil is frozen by insertion of lances, which can be pre-installed at the outer edge of a concrete structure or applied by means of drilling. Through the lances liquid nitrogen at 196 degrees Celsius or another fluid with a very low freezing point is pumped, causing the surrounding water to freeze. The whole process is monitored using sensors and control technology.
Name of project |
Client |
Amsterdam, ground freezing new entrance Van Gogh Museum |
Bouwbedrijf Van der Spek bv |
Amsterdam, Freezing diaphragm wall transition Noord-Zuid subwayline |
Max Bögl Nederland |
Rotterdam, Cross connections Statentunnel |
Arge VST |
Amsterdam, Cross Connections 3 caissons Noord-Zuid subwayline |
Heijmans |