On 24 and 25 September, Vroom delivered a presentation to the EFFC Task Group AI during the Baugrundtagung in Leipzig. The presentation focused on the application of artificial intelligence within the foundation engineering industry.
The presentation addressed both the challenges facing the industry and the opportunities offered by AI. One of the topics explored was the relationship between recorded installation data and geotechnical site investigation results. An emerging development involves reconstructing a cone penetration test (CPT) profile based on drilling pressures, crowd force and rotational data. Using AI, the actions of the rig operator are translated into data that can be used to assess the reliability of an installed screw pile.
While such assessments have long been common practice for driven piling systems, AI now offers the potential to apply similar methods to screw pile systems. The objective is not to determine the actual bearing capacity, but to assess whether the recorded installation parameters are consistent with the geotechnical site investigation results. This provides additional insight into the reliability and quality of the completed foundation works.
The subject was also discussed during the EFFC meeting in Edinburgh on 1 and 2 October. Foundation contractors from across Europe gathered to share developments and insights from the industry. The discussions highlighted the leading position of the Dutch foundation engineering sector within a relatively stable market, while also identifying challenges such as electrification and nitrogen emission regulations.
The meeting also provided valuable inspiration from other countries. In Austria, for example, an annual Master Driller Training programme has been established, in which rig operators receive training not only in machine operation but also in quality assurance and geotechnical engineering principles. A deeper understanding of ground behaviour enables foundation works to be carried out with even greater reliability.
Through its active participation in these international initiatives, Vroom continues to contribute to knowledge sharing and innovation within the foundation engineering industry.
