Does DMT have anything to do with decarbonization?

What is the connection between resource reuse and the projects we deliver? And is it actually possible to extend an existing building with 6 additional floors by reusing the existing foundation piles? These questions formed the framework for our participation this week in Amsterdam during Conference on Foundation Decarbonization and Re-use.

The purpose of the project was to verify the load-bearing capacity of piles driven in 2002.

With a subsoil primarily consisting of clay, the expectation was that the load-bearing capacity had increased sufficiently over time to handle the load from six new floors. The tests were carried out while the building was in full operation, which placed high demands on both planning and execution. Through thorough preparation and strong coordination, the work was completed efficiently and safely 💪🏼 Four piles were tested. The result? No significant increase in load-bearing capacity was observed.

A building in full operation

A subsoil primarily consisting of clay

Key learnings from the project:

• Thorough documentation is essential – geological data, pile records, and precise pile positioning proved to be absolutely critical
• Continuous monitoring is necessary when existing structures are affected
• Buildings change function over time – therefore, future adaptation and reuse should be considered early

For us, a responsible approach to construction is not only about new materials and solutions – it is just as much about understanding, testing, and optimizing what already exists.

Conclusion:

The project shows that reuse of existing foundation piles cannot be based on assumptions of increased load-bearing capacity over time – it requires documentation and verification. Although the potential for resource savings and decarbonization is significant, it is crucial to work in a data-driven and risk-aware manner when bringing existing structures into play.

At DMT, this means we actively contribute to decarbonization by investigating and optimizing the use of existing foundations – but always with a focus on safety, documentation, and realistic assessments of load-bearing capacity. Reuse is an important part of the solution, but only when it is technically sound.

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