EDGE and Lightyards Eindhoven
For the large-scale EDGE and Lightyards construction project in Eindhoven, SOCOTEC Netherlands provided comprehensive structural monitoring. In this forward-thinking district—where living, working, and technology converge—we deliver precise measurements and analysis to ensure safety and clarity throughout the construction process. A great example of how we contribute to innovative and sustainable urban development.
Important Information
Project Name: Development of the Edge and Lightyards in Eindhoven
Date: Project start 2015
Clients:
Development of EDGE: Edge Technologies | Execution by Bouwbedrijf Jongen and Van de Ven Bouw en Ontwikkeling
Location: Next to the Central Station in the center of Eindhoven
Scope: Two buildings
Project Summary
Living, working, and recreation come together at a unique location next to the Central Station in the vibrant heart of Eindhoven. An inspiring area development is underway here, where the ambitions of the municipality of Eindhoven, ProRail, and developers Edge Technologies and AM come together. Under the leadership of Edge Technologies, an innovative and sustainable office building, the EDGE, is being built, with an impressive area of 25,000 m². Alongside this smart office, a 70-meter-high residential tower will be constructed, with 175 luxury rental apartments in the private sector. Both buildings will be connected by a green oasis.
Area developer AM plays a key role in the realization of the residential buildings Highlight and Lumen, part of the Lightyards area development. Together with the adjacent EDGE project, these developments form a larger whole. Lightyards offers a contemporary and future-proof housing supply for both tenants and buyers, combined with a centrally located, sustainable work environment. Accessibility, a green living environment, social interaction, and connection are central here.
In the development of EDGE and Lightyards, SOCOTEC Geotechnics and MOS Grondmechanica, part of SOCOTEC, have been closely involved. For EDGE, MOS Grondmechanica provided geotechnical advice for the foundation and excavation dewatering. SOCOTEC Geotechnics prepared geotechnical advice for the execution of the excavation and foundation for Lightyards.
Project Description
The locations of both EDGE and Lightyards present complex challenges. On one hand, due to their proximity to the station and the Dommel River, and on the other hand, because of the two-story underground parking garages being constructed beneath the buildings. Crucial factors such as vibrations, groundwater, noise, ground deformation, and safety play a significant role in this process.
To create a six-meter-deep excavation for the parking garages, an innovative ground retaining structure was chosen. A diaphragm wall, pre-drilled with bentonite, minimizes vibrations and reduces disruption to the surrounding area. Special attention was given to the potential presence of World War II explosives.
MOS Grondmechanica provided EDGE with comprehensive dewatering and foundation advice during the design phase. Based on the soil research and the loads from the buildings, an analysis was made of the stiffness of the subsoil relative to the pile foundation for the further development of the pile/slab foundation. Additionally, optimal advice was given for the dewatering process to manage groundwater efficiently during the construction of the underground parking lot.
For Lightyards, SOCOTEC Geotechnics, commissioned by AM, prepared a geotechnical report. This started with thorough geotechnical and laboratory research, including soundings and borings. These fast and reliable techniques provide crucial insights into the composition and load-bearing capacity of the subsoil. Based on this research, advice was then provided on how to execute the excavation and foundation with minimal impact on the surrounding environment.
"With our advanced equipment, we were able to map the behavior of the soil with great precision," says Rudi de Koning, a specialist in excavations, construction sites, and groundwater management. He has been involved in this project for some time and follows it with great enthusiasm. "It's wonderful to see how these ambitious projects are becoming a reality, and that we, both from SOCOTEC Geotechnics and MOS Grondmechanica, are making an essential contribution in the field of research and geotechnical advice."
