Foundation risk
Foundation problems can have major consequences for the stability and value of a property. SOCOTEC Netherlands offers the Quickscan Foundation Risk, a quick and cost-effective method to detect potential foundation problems without the need for a full foundation survey. This innovative method was developed in cooperation with the Kennis Centrum Aanpak Funderingsproproblematiek (KCAF) and offers reliable results based on standardized measuring methods.
What is a foundation risk and why is it important?
Foundation risks refer to issues that arise when a building's foundation no longer meets the requirements needed to safely support the structure. This can lead to settlement, cracks in walls or floors, or even structural instability. Foundation problems are especially severe in areas with soft soil, such as peat or clay, which are common in the Netherlands.
Timely identification of foundation risks is crucial to prevent serious damage and ensure the safety of buildings. Early detection of foundation problems saves long-term costs, prevents property damage, and can help protect a building's value. This is especially important for housing corporations, municipalities, property managers, and other real estate professionals responsible for maintaining and ensuring the safety of multiple properties.
Talk to our experts
How does the SOCOTEC Quickscan work?
The Quickscan Foundation Risk is a fast, efficient, and cost-effective way to detect foundation problems without the need for a full foundation survey. The Quickscan consists of three non-invasive measurement methods performed on the exterior of the building:
1. Visual Inspection: Assessment of cracks in the facade and other visible signs of foundation problems.
2. Plumb Line Measurement: Measurement of the vertical alignment of the facade to check for tilting or settlement.
3. Joint Mortar Measurement: Measurement of the horizontal alignment of the facade to check for deformations that may indicate foundation issues.
How does the SOCOTEC Quickscan work?
The Quickscan Foundation Risk is a fast, efficient, and cost-effective way to detect foundation problems without the need for a full foundation survey. The Quickscan consists of three non-invasive measurement methods performed on the exterior of the building:
1. Visual Inspection: Assessment of cracks in the facade and other visible signs of foundation problems.
2. Plumb Line Measurement: Measurement of the vertical alignment of the facade to check for tilting or settlement.
3. Joint Mortar Measurement: Measurement of the horizontal alignment of the facade to check for deformations that may indicate foundation issues.
Project description - SOCOTEC QuickScan Foundation Risks
A QuickScan is a limited investigation of the condition of the foundation, often involving only the exterior of the property by means of ribbon joint measurements (deformation of a wall or façade to the left or right) and lead measurements (deformation to the front or back of a wall or façade). Any cracks present are also inventoried in the process. The subsidence characteristics may be derived from satellite data or multi-year elevation measurements, provided these are available or will be provided by the client.
The different components are performed according to the KCAF guideline QuickScan Foundation Risk, an addendum to the guideline Foundations Under Buildings, version dated March 25, 2025 (green version).
The overall assessment of the results in this QuickScan is based on the foundation investigation according to this addendum. The outcome of a QuickScan is an assessment of possible (structural) foundation risks. It is not suitable to determine the nature and extent of foundation problems or to determine an enforcement period, as is done in a full foundation investigation. The risk level thus provides a simple action perspective for whether or not to conduct follow-up investigations.
The measurement data from the QuickScan can become part of the final complete foundation investigation.
Want to know more about our Services ?
