Replacing the sheet pile wall of the PWN Andijk intake canal
From March 2026 to March 2027, SOCOTEC Netherlands will carry out an extensive monitoring programme during the replacement of approximately 600 metres of the waterside sheet pile wall of the inlet channel of PWN in Andijk.
Keys informations
- Date: March 2026 - March 2027
- Location: Andijk
- Client: Combinatie Tebezo Waterbouw & Nautische Dienstverlening – Sterk
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Project overview
This channel plays an essential role in the drinking water supply of North Holland, as it transports water from the IJsselmeer to the storage reservoir of the PWN treatment facility, where it is purified into drinking water for thousands of residents. The landside sheet pile wall will remain in place during the works.
During execution, small movements of the sheet pile wall or the surrounding dike body may occur, as well as vibrations caused by construction activities. Such deviations may affect the continuity of the drinking water supply, making a carefully designed and continuous monitoring programme necessary.
SOCOTEC Netherlands is responsible for the execution of the full monitoring programme and the Plan of Approach, based on a monitoring plan provided by a third party. Our specialised teams work closely together during both the preparation and execution phases to continuously monitor the critical components of the project. This includes both the sheet pile wall structure and the surrounding dike body, as well as adjacent structures. Through the targeted placement of measurement points, monitoring can be carried out efficiently and purposefully, ensuring that all relevant movements and vibrations are recorded and any deviations are detected in time.
Challenges and approach
The project combines technical precision with operational complexity. During the works, the sheet pile wall and surrounding dike body may exhibit minor movements, and vibrations caused by construction activities may lead to potential structural damage. In addition, access to the site is limited, which requires careful deployment of measuring equipment and additional attention in organising the works. At the same time, the drinking water supply for North Holland must remain continuously guaranteed, requiring precise planning and control of all critical points.
To address these challenges, SOCOTEC Netherlands’ specialised teams carefully monitor all critical components of the project, both during the preparation and execution phases. Movements, vibrations, and potential effects on adjacent structures are continuously recorded and analysed, allowing any deviations to be identified immediately. Our pragmatic approach and rapid response capability ensure that preventive measures can be taken where necessary, thereby safeguarding the safety and stability of the sheet pile wall.
For these activities, advanced surveying equipment is used, including Leica instruments for precise elevation and coordinate measurements and Locator One digital stakeout beacons for real-time position data. Through this combination of measurement methods, SOCOTEC Netherlands can immediately detect deviations and provide timely advice on preventive measures, ensuring that the sheet pile wall remains safe and the drinking water supply continues uninterrupted.
Value delivered to the client
Operational success
Thanks to continuous and targeted monitoring, the project was carried out on time, without delays or disruption to the drinking water supply. Any deviations were detected immediately, allowing preventive measures to be taken before they could affect water distribution.
The work is carried out efficiently because measurements are taken only at critical points, and resource deployment is optimally aligned with the most important safety aspects. This approach results in cost-efficient monitoring, providing direct benefits to the client. In addition, the project delivers valuable insights for future infrastructure projects, particularly regarding collaboration between teams and the use of specialised surveying equipment.
Thanks to continuous and targeted monitoring, the project was carried out on time, without delays or disruption to the drinking water supply. Any deviations were detected immediately, allowing preventive measures to be taken before they could affect water distribution.
The work is carried out efficiently because measurements are taken only at critical points, and resource deployment is optimally aligned with the most important safety aspects. This approach results in cost-efficient monitoring, providing direct benefits to the client. In addition, the project delivers valuable insights for future infrastructure projects, particularly regarding collaboration between teams and the use of specialised surveying equipment.
Expertise of SOCOTEC Netherlands
Through these activities, SOCOTEC Netherlands demonstrates how the Business Unit Monitoring & Surveying contributes to the safe execution of complex infrastructure projects. Independent measurements and analyses provide both the client and PWN with assurance that the works are carried out within safe limits. In this way, controlled execution of the sheet pile wall replacement is made possible, and the drinking water supply in North Holland remains reliable and uninterrupted.
