It all began with a pilot for a possible first application, on the VIKTOR platform, back in 2021 for underwater concrete floors. This application turned out to be the first of many more to come. Soon, other tools for designing submersible tunnels, noise barriers, underpasses, and more followed. Without comprehensive programming experience, people at Arcadis started developing tools for themselves and their colleagues. Because Arcadis is an international company that works in many countries the aim is to use tooling on platforms all over the world. The VIKTOR platform is one way to realize this.

In this article, we will discuss the first developed tool which by now has been used on several projects. One of those cases is a large underpass and aqueduct in the N247 highway in Broek en Waterland, commissioned by Province of North-Holland. 


![Blog_Arcadis_Rotonde](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/Blog_Arcadis_Rotonde_3d11885327.png)

*© Arcadis Architecten (Tom Kramer) commissioned by Province of North-Holland.*

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## Semi to total automation

Why realizing this tool on the VIKTOR platform? For the design of underwater concrete floors, Arcadis always used to work with validated Excel sheets and off-shelf programs to perform calculations. To gather all necessary data to fill such a sheet, a lot of coordination between different divisions is required. This takes up quite a lot of time and is ultimately only good for the calculation of a specific design in one specific situation. That's why Arcadis started looking for a better way to automate this, by adding an extra dimension to the calculations that allowed them to quickly play around with parameters in search for the (cost) optimal   design which fulfills the requirements and is cost effective. 

## From under water concrete to construction pit

So, that's what they did by building a VIKTOR application around the validated Excel sheet. Now they were able to try different input parameters and swiftly asses how these parameters affect their design. To take it a step further, they also decided to link other processes into the application. Through an integration with Deltares’ D-Sheetpiling and D-Foundations, it became possible to automatically calculate tensile piles and sheet piles as part of the design. Additionally, a module was built to upload CPTs, enabling automated analysis of soil layers. Gradually, their tool for under water concrete floors got transformed into an application to calculate the entire construction pit. The application was finalized by adding a cost estimate based upon the generated design.

> “The tool was first created for under water concrete calculations but in the end, it became a total construction pit design-tool. We can now fully calculate the underwater concrete, the pile foundations, and the sheet piles of the construction pit itself.” – Mark van Esseveld, Project Manager at Arcadis

By extracting information from D-Sheetpiling to an Excel file, the tool can read all interaction forces that are transferred from one object to another. The pile reactions are extracted from Excel and sent to D-Foundations, where they're processed and returned as graphical visualizations in the tool's results section. Following the brute force tactic, this process is repeated numerous of times to generate many different design options. 

> “As an engineer, you use a lot of programs; for concrete constructions, sheet pile constructions, and geotechnical constructions. These often need to interact with each other. It’s great if you are somehow able to automate this. VIKTOR is a great way to enable these programs to communicate with each other and take out a lot of error-prone parts.” – Peter Konijnenbelt, Senior Designer at Arcadis

![App1.jpg](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/App1_7180d95812.jpg)

*Excavation results from D-Sheetpiling*

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![App2.jpg](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/App2_94ab4f1d34.jpg)

*Optimal pile tip levels from D-Foundations*

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## Optimal design based on costs

Usually, costs are determined based on the calculated construction. For this tool, however, a cost component was added; the construction is automatically calculated but at the same time also optimized based on cost parameters, like the amount of steel and installation costs. In the end, each design gets matched with a price tag based on the input parameters. Then, either Arcadis or a client can choose a design based on price per square meter construction pit, as can be seen in the image below.


![App4.jpg](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/App4_61703132b4.jpg)

*Presentation of the optimization results via a parallel coordinates plot*

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![App5.jpg](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/App5_b83d2e2694.jpg)

*Alternative representation of the optimization results via a contour plot*

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> “We can basically say: “We can provide the client a full and transparent insight in a valid design spectrum given a preset range for several parameters”. Based upon this insight, a preferred design (e.g. cost/preferred dimensions) can be selected. Thus, the basis for the design of a construction pit can be determined for any given № of cross sections” – Mark van Esseveld, Project Manager at Arcadis   

## The most significant benefit

Regarding the question about the most significant benefit of their tool, Arcadis agrees on the improved work-efficiency. Mark: “… and with that we can offer good work for a good price, which is a big advantage for our client. We can consider the design spectrum in higher detail in less time, which means we can do more at the same cost whilst the design is being optimized simultaneously”.

Where Arcadis first needed two colleagues – a designer and geotechnical engineer – to work on a project, it's now possible for one colleague to calculate the entire construction pit in much less time. Only some basic Geotechnical and structural knowledge is required here. Of course, specialists are involved to check the calculated results, but less time is needed because steps are automated. All steps of the process are integrated in one system with multiple colleagues, meaning all in- and output is programmed and runs smoothly. Intermediate steps are taken out of the equation (i.e. transfer of data), saving time and reducing chance of errors.

> “The user-friendliness in the design process through which the designer or geotechnical engineer is guided makes it a lot easier for them to do their job.” – Mark van Esseveld, Project Manager at Arcadis

## Tools for non-experts

With a broad range of features, the construction pit tool is widely used within Arcadis. For example, by both the Construction and Geotechnics divisions, who use the tool to specify project details. And when it comes to pricing, the Costs division gets involved too. Thanks to the user-friendly and intuitive interface, using the tool is no problem for non-experts.

> “The VIKTOR platform is very user-friendly for colleagues who are less committed to programming, scripting, coding, all that stuff. They simply use the tools and are assisted in an intuitive manner. This characterizes itself through a good process flow that guides users through the design steps. Another big benefit is the calculation output being depicted and visualized very clear and efficiently. The calculations speed also rises significantly, the quality increases, and generation of calculation reports becomes easier.” – Mark van Esseveld, Project Manager at Arcadis

## Organization-wide development

Besides the divisions that already worked with the tool, other parts of the organization are affected by it as well. For example, a lot of code is currently available from all the projects colleagues at Arcadis have been working on, which can be reutilized to build new applications in the future. 

> “We are composing a beautiful code library that makes it more profitable to create apps for specific projects later on.” – Peter Konijnenbelt, Senior Designer at Arcadis

An example of such a spin-off application is the construction pit tool used in the Buildings   and Water division, inspired by the construction pit tool from this article. Where the original tool was created for tunnels and underpasses, this one is used for buildings. All by simply altering some parts of the code!



Engineering & Design

Infrastructure & Construction

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Arcadis builds user-friendly web apps with VIKTOR to automate and optimize engineering processes.

Arcadis accelerates digital transformation with VIKTOR

## Get the white paper

**INDEX**

1. Construction companies and digital transformation
2. Technology trends for a different approach
3. Technology trends in the construction industry
4. A new technology trend for the construction industry
5. Low code for the construction industry
6. The VIKTOR platform
7. What does it cost?
8. How to start
9. What's next?

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What are the current trends in digital transformation and how do they affect the engineering and construction industry? 

This white paper is for every engineer, manager, director, or anyone else that wants to learn more about (new) technology trends that help boost digital transformation in engineering and construction, such as BIM, parametric or generative design, and low-code and no-code. 

Discover how web applications can help you find the best solution fast, get the best insights, capture knowledge into assets, and make work more joyful! 






Learn about trends in digital transformation and how they affect the engineering and construction industry.

Download the White Paper and get INSPIRED

This white paper is for every engineer, manager, director, or anyone else that wants to learn more about (new) technology trends that help boost digital transformation in engineering and construction, such as BIM, parametric or generative design, and low-code and no-code. 

Digital Transformation: Engineering and Construction Industry

## Automating the design process

The [parametric design](https://www.viktor.ai/blog/46/parametric-design-cloud-engineering-construction) tool allows J.P. van Eesteren to generate the optimal designs of residential towers: As high as possible while using as little surface as possible. Visualizations of the parametric models are shown on a standard map in which all kinds of elements, such as apartments, elevators, and staircases can be seen as well. It is easy to adjust aspects such as dimensions or to add elements like additional walls by simply changing the input for the parameters. The impact of the design changes is immediately shown on the map. 

See here how engineers at J.P. van Eesteren use the application to create the optimal design for residential towers:

<div style="padding:56.25% 0 0 0;position:relative;"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/670120716?autoplay=1&loop=1&autopause=0"h=7298f72eb4&amp;badge=0&amp;autopause=0&amp;player_id=0&amp;app_id=58479" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" title="J.P. van Eesteren - LinkedIn demo (1 min 25 sec)"></iframe></div><script src="https://player.vimeo.com/api/player.js"></script>

> “It is a design tool that can be used to draw and calculate simultaneously. Regularly, we come up with an idea from which the architect creates a design. Naturally, this is not immediately sufficient. So we start calculating again, and again, and go on. With our application, we can combine drawings and calculations, which means we can iterate much faster and cheaper!” – Max de Vries, Project Developer at J.P. van Eesteren

## Securing rules in Python

How did they establish the parametrization of residential towers? The answer is: By securing rules. According to Max, digitizing is all about rules: “These days, there are many requirements and rules that need to be tended to. What we need is a system to secure them. When we developed our tool, we started looking for ways to incorporate all of these rules, both written and unwritten. If we were not able to program them, we were not being sharp enough.”

For each project, a residential tower is put together in the same way. Nevertheless, there is an entire design process that precedes the construction every time, and every time it ends with the same result. That is why engineers at J.P. van Eesteren figured that securing rules for the automation of this process was the most logical thing to do. Now, their work starts with a result: The design of a residential tower. What follows is the optimization of these designs.

## Unique designs

A lot of people think that standardization leads to the mass production of a lot of identical-looking residential towers. However, J.P. van Eesteren has a whole other opinion about it: 

> “Every person is unique. There is a certain structure in every body that contains a skeleton, heart, liver, and go on. These are all kept in logical places for a good reason. If we start shuffling them around, something will go wrong. The same goes for residential towers. There are certain parts of a them that are unique, the same as with a person: The length of the arms and legs, hair and eye color, these all grow differently and can be changed if needed". - Max de Vries, Project developer at J.P. van Eesteren

With their application, J.P. van Eesteren has found a way to secure certain parts (the skeleton, organs) while also having the freedom to change other aspects (height, hair and eye colour).
 
## Transparancy

For the engineers at J.P. van Eesteren who use the application, it's important that their tool is transparent. Instead of using a black box that simply tells them whether a design is feasible or not after inserting certain parameters, they want to be able to know the ‘why’ behind it all. 

> “We have specifically chosen that the person who is using the application is also the one that is really behind the steering wheel.” – Max de Vries, Project Developer at J.P. van Eesteren

Because their application is so transparent, engineers can guide the project in the right directions where and whenever needed and decide for themselves what the best alternative would be in certain situations. This way, they can first tell the architect about their rational approach, only after that he starts making it into a fancy residential tower. 

Max: “Once we combine our rational approach and their design approach, we can review whether the tower can be made into a feasible design. Because the architect doesn’t have to think about the rational approach anymore, we gain a lot of time. The building is like a body: We make sure that the organs are there and in the right place and the architect decides on the length, eye- and hair color.”

## Realistic environments

A nice addition to the application, is that J.P. van Eesteren is not only able to quickly visualize the design of their own projects but of the surrounding environment as well. First, they place a building on the map by selecting a location and defining the area. Then, they can select the surrounding buildings and visualize these as well by using data from the open-source data model [3D BAG](https://www.viktor.ai/blog/48/open-source-data-building-visualization), by the TU Delft. This way, they are able to [create realistic environments](https://www.viktor.ai/blog/48/open-source-data-building-visualization) to match their realistic-looking residential towers within the app.  

![parametric design residential tower realistic environment](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/CC_JP_van_Eesteren_3_D_Bag_fef59394d3.png)


> “Building our own parametric design tool enabled us to generate the most efficient design for the available space, and save a considerable amount of time while doing so.​" - Martijn de Rog, BIM director at J.P. van Eesteren

For example, we were able to re-calculate the design for a  residential tower that could host the same fascilities, only with two floors less!”​ - Martijn Rog, BIM Director, J.P. van Eesteren​


Find out more about [Cloud-based parametric design](https://www.viktor.ai/parametric-design-software) on the VIKTOR platform. 

[![CTA_try_for_free](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/CTA_try_for_free_6af1b46cf2.svg)](https://m.viktor.ai/free_version)

Buildings & Real Estate

Cloud-based parametric design tool optimizes residential towers

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Discover how real estate firm J.P. van Eesteren build their own parametric design building generator tool on VIKTOR.ai

Parametric design app for optimized building | VIKTOR.ai

Parametric design tool generates the optimal residential tower 

1. What is parametric design, and how is it evolving
2. Collaborative parametric design: working together for better results
3. How to make tools available to others
4. Active collaboration on parametric design tools
5. Parametric design in a billion-euro project
6. What collaborative parametric design means for you



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Parametric design is a design approach that uses flexible models that can be adjusted and solved quickly. The goal is to see the effect of specific choices on your design by just changing the input variables. 

The benefits are:

- **Flexibility:** Parametric design allows you to react quickly to changes at a low cost. Always generate the best solution for your project no matter the time pressure.

- **Better decisions:** Automatically calculate thousands of different solutions, get deep insight, and mitigate risks. Make better decisions and provide more added value to clients.

- **Digital Assets:** Create models and data that are reusable in new projects. Improve them over time, building up digital capital

This white paper is for engineers, architects, project leaders, and innovation and business managers. You will learn how collaborative parametric design in the cloud helps organizations get better results with real study cases such as a billion-euro infrastructure project.
 
Additionally, we talk about how you can transform Python, Dynamo and Grasshopper scripts into user-friendly web apps and significantly impact your organization performance. 

Learn how collaborative parametric design models allow you to work together for better solutions.

Download the white paper and get INSPIRED

This white paper is for engineers, project leaders, and innovation and business managers that want to learn more about what collaborative parametric design can mean for them. Discover more about this new way of working in which stakeholders collaborate to find the best solution for a project.

The Future of Parametric Design is COLLABORATION

The [tunnel](https://www.cowi.com/solutions/infrastructure/northern-europe-largest-construction-project) is 18 kilometres long and will consist of a four-lane motorway and two electrified railway lines. This new tunnel will reduce travel time for from more than an hour by ferry to 10 minutes by car and 7 minutes by train. Besides reducing travel time, the tunnel will also lead to a [reduction in traffic emissions](https://femern.com/sustainability/the-fehmarnbelt-tunnel-will-be-built-sustainably/). This is due to the transfer of freight from road to rail and the fact that some lorries will take a shorter route as they will no longer have to cross Storebælt, Denmark, which will result in an overall decrease in CO2 emissions. 

In cooperation with COWI a [parametric design application](https://www.viktor.ai/blog/46/parametric-design-cloud-engineering-construction) will be developed to optimise the design of the tunnel. The tunnel consists of 79 tunnel elements, each 217 metres long. Each element has slightly different loads and soil conditions, so the optimal required steel reinforcement in the concrete is different. The total amount of steel used in the tunnel is equivalent to about 50 Eiffel Towers and each tunnel element weighs 73,000 tonnes. 

The VIKTOR platform will be used to development the [parametric design application](https://www.viktor.ai/parametric-design-software) which will be used to design the tunnel, which will help COWI find the optimal design in an automated way, so they can engineer the awesome! 

 
![Blog_Fehmarnbelt_infographic](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/Blog_Fehmarnbelt_infographic_622daea8ce.png)


 

 

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Discover how parametric design is used in an application to automate and optimize the design of the world's longest immersed tunnel on VIKTOR.ai

Automated design of world's longest tunnel | VIKTOR.ai

Automating the design of the longest immersed tunnel in the world 

## The Digital Engineering Community is exanding

After successful initial developments, the community is now expanding with Boskalis, Dura Vermeer, Mobilis, Van Oord and Volker Wessels. “In the past period, we have learned how to work together more effectively without losing our distinctiveness: increasingly focusing on digital building blocks. In these building blocks, standard actions are automated based on which each participant can build their own strategic application. We are therefore calling on more market parties to participate!”.

## The starting point
Heijmans is one of the first companies to use the VIKTOR Platform on a larger scale. Great digital successes have been achieved on a number of projects such as Wintrack, Wilhelmina Canal and Dike Reinforcement Project Gorinchem – Waardenburg. Combining the technical challenges of these projects with automation of the design and construction process proved very valuable, allowing knowledge and know-how to be scalable, and increasing the number of generated solutions. For example, for the Wilhelmina Canal project, all kinds of damage scenarios could easily be calculated, making it possible to discuss all options with the client. With the Wintrack II project, it was possible to design the most optimal foundation based on construction-related criteria at the touch of a button, and with the Dike Reinforcement Gorinchem – Waardenburg project, the design stability calculations can be finished in a fraction of the time compared to before.

## First collaboration

You would expect a construction company to keep these kinds of innovations under wraps to distinguish themselves from their competitors. “This was also the first thought”, laughs Marcel. “That is still very much in our genes.” Nevertheless, Heijmans chose to seek collaboration. This has to do with the fact that Heijmans made two important observations during its own developments. “On the one hand, we saw that fellow construction companies were doing more or less the same thing. And just as importantly, if everyone does this side by side, it is unnecessarily expensive and slow.” These reasons prompted Heijmans to approach several infrastructures companies through the VIB to develop a joint application. “This was in 2018 with a number of sessions on two exciting topics: digitization and collaboration. Halfway through 2019, we agreed with Ballast Nedam, BAM and Heijmans that we had to try this.”

## First development: soil layout application

This led to the start of the development of an application for soil layouts. To start development, a Product Owner (senior geotechnical advisers) was appointed from each of the companies to jointly consider what functionality was needed to make the application successful. It turned out that the wishes of the companies were not that different, so that selection for “must haves” and “nice to haves” were quickly made. An interesting moment in the development of the application was when the user of the application changed from the geotechnical consultant to another end user, the cost expert and the planner. The application makes it possible for both of them to look for the best design solution for the project, without the direct intervention of the geotechnical consultant (who simply approved the model in advance).

![Soil layout modelling application in VIKTOR platform](/uploads/Soil_layout_modelling_application_16580bb351.jpg)
*Soil layout modeling application*

The application is a success, which was not certain in advance since a joint development like this had not been done before. Collaboration between the companies was also very positive and the feeling arose that collaboration might be essential. From this, the DEC idea was born.

## Founding of DEC

### Joint development

In February 2020, the resulting application was presented to the companies first involved in the discussions in 2018. Since then, most companies had experimented internally with coding and application development, and they have undoubtedly concluded that professional development costs more time and money than initially thought. The time was right to investigate whether joint development is possible, and the DEC was established. After a number of meetings, the most important follow-up steps were taken, in which the parties defined the following developments that will be tackled jointly. A GWW application is being developed that makes a universal link to and from Civil3D, MxRoad and AHN. As a second development, an application will be made for the design of pile foundations, linking Scia Engineer and D-foundation.

### Fascilitating role

Eight construction companies participate in both developments. VIKTOR itself is not a participant, but facilitates on the basis of experience and expertise. The fact that the applications are developed on the VIKTOR Platform was a logical choice. “The platform has been specially developed for technical companies, it has a rich amount of digital building blocks for our rapidly growing sector and facilitates collaboration and application distribution,” explains Marcel. “It also has a more practical reason. All participants use the platform separately. As a result, we develop in the same way, making collaboration possible and efficient. The output is also readable (Python) code with which companies can continue to develop independently of the platform. In addition, we make use of their knowledge and experience. That is VIKTOR’s core business and by engaging them we put some of the responsibility outside the door. Our own developers learn from this collaboration, but at the same time there is a high degree of certainty that developments will be delivered within time and budget. The Product Owners of the companies remain responsible for the functionality of the application. The development of the dyke application has shown that this separation of responsibilities works well and strengthens cooperation.”

## Cooperative construction companies
Until now, the collaboration has been very easy, and requires almost no effort. Construction companies are used to working together on projects and this new theme shows that we can easily find each other in different subjects and builds mutual trust. Of course, matters such as IP are contractually recorded, but this is in broad lines only, and not in every in detail, therefore trust is central. We assume that everyone participates with a positive attitude and has a name to lose. Everyone is also free to choose to participate or not in a development, possibly by joining later. Different ways to participate are by supplying usable existing code, by making an experienced programmer available or simply in euros. In the future, expansion with other companies is the obvious next step.

## The future of the community
To give the community more visibility and recognition, the digitalengineeringcommunity.nl website was established.  “The purpose of the website is mainly to show who is participating and what we are all developing. Hopefully it will be more widely recognised in the market that, being on your own is alone and that the future lies in developing together. We therefore urge all parties in the sector to contact us!”

### About DEC
The Digital Engineering Community (DEC) is being set up (formal start at the end of February) and consists of a non-exclusive collaboration between the companies Ballast Nedam, BAM, Boskalis, Dura Vermeer, Heijmans, Mobilis, Volker Wessels and Van Oord. The affiliated companies can submit topics for development and discuss periodically who wants to participate in which development. There is no obligation to join all developments and it is possible to join later in the process. Within the DEC, digital building blocks are being developed in a modular way. These digital building blocks can be anything from general functions such as calculating headpile reinforcement to an integral link with Civil3D. Companies are then free to jointly develop these further together into integrated solutions such as the soil layout or to integrate them within an internal process of the company itself.

### About VIKTOR
VIKTOR is a web-based development platform for building online applications for technical processes. By means of an SDK and the programming language Python, employees of companies can automate processes more easily, integrate with other software and distribute to colleagues, either on their own or together with the developers at VIKTOR. A large number of standard building blocks are already included in the VIKTOR Platform, both general and industry specific. For example, for the civil engineering sector, there are useful ways to process soil information, mapping functionalities and integrations with the most commonly used software packages.

The VIKTOR Platform makes version and user management of the use of applications easy. Because data is stored centrally, a “Single Source of Truth” becomes standard for all users. Changes in assumptions or requirements are therefore immediately visible in all disciplines, making interfaces more manageable and controllable. This speeds up and improves technical processes such as the design process.

Source: Magazine Land+Water nr 1/2 – February 2021

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The Digital Engineering Community is Accelerating 

“It can save a lot of engineering time and money for the entire industry and helps to distribute knowledge more efficiently to our customers,” explains Jelle van de Ridder, R&D engineer at C-Job. "In the offshore sector a lot of repetitive tasks are done that need to be automated so that our engineers have time to focus on the creative processes".

<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/545019231?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

## Cargo distribution tool

At C-Job they build a 3D model of a ship in NAPA. There they can perform stability and strength calculations on this ship with different amounts of oil and water ballast in the tanks. “The combination of the cargo in the tanks affects where the center of gravity is, and it affects how your ship bends.” Van de Ridder explains. Together with VIKTOR, they are building an application that tests many different load combinations and determines the strength, stability and damage stability of each combination. “In the past, an experienced lead engineer made a rough estimate and tried out 10 combinations by hand. The application can do 300 iterations within an hour. ”, Van de Ridder. With the help of the application, they can find the optimal load distribution, in which they can fill up as much crude oil as possible. “The amount of oil is ultimately the most important factor.”

## Knowledge distribution

Van de Ridder: “The biggest challenge was sharing our knowledge without losing our business proposition.” In the developed tool they were able to digitize the specific knowledge of C-Job in an application, where the client could only see the results. In practice, this means that the customers of C-Job can generate an optimal load distribution via the web-based application in an easy and cheaper way. “This is also beneficial for our engineers as they no longer have to perform this calculation manually and can concentrate on the creative part of their work.”

The results of an application are immediately visible. Jelle van de Ridder, R&D Engineer at C-Job: “Every time they changed the layout of a ship, all calculations of the load distribution had to be done again. This was done manually and can take weeks for an engineer. “now they can reduce this computation time to just a few hours.



#### Future of web-based applications

C-Job sees opportunities in more web-based applications. Van de Ridder: “Our tool now determines the optimal distribution of liquid cargo on a ship. “We also like to develop further, for example by combining the load optimizer with the crane polar plot tool. With this tool we answer the question from a ship operator: “Can I lift this load at this position, or what do I have to change to lift this load?” It can be useful to optimise a load for a particular crane operation.

The time and money it takes to develop an application is quickly recouped by the engineering time and money saved by performing manual calculations by engineers. If there is a well-defined problem statement in which a repetitive element is present, it is worth looking for automation options.

![Web application calculations of the optimal distribution of liquid cargo on a ship](/uploads/the_optimal_distribution_of_liquid_cargo_on_a_ship_6147ec713e.png)
*Visualization of the calculations of the optimal distribution of liquid cargo on the ship in the web-based application*


Maritime & Offshore

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Quickly generate many optimal cargo distribution combinations

## Dike design tool Wilma: a new, digital way of designing

The Wilma dike design tool, created on the VIKTOR platform, is a renewed design environment for the geotechnical consultant. The tool was developed by the Graaf Reinaldalliantie to be used on the Gorinchem-Waardenburg (GoWa) dike reinforcement project.

The innovation consists of the combination of cleverness and insights of the designer and the infinite computing power of the computer on the VIKTOR platform. For the Wilma tool, design software for the various design mechanisms (D-series and PLAXIS) is integrally linked and data is centrally managed in accordance with the BIM philosophy. Because of this, changes in starting points or other information can be made transparant very quickly, allowing the design to adapt quickly as well. This provides a certain flexibility in the design process that has proven itself to be very beneficial within this project. 

## A challenging reinforcement

The Graaf Reinaldalliantie was established to strengthen the river dike between Gorinchem and Waardenburg. The alliance consists of the Water Board Rivierland and the contractor consortium ‘Waalensemble’ consisting of Heijmans, GMB and de Vries & van de Wiel. Royal HaskoningDHV is associated with the alliance as an advisory party as well. 

This dike improvement project is approximately 23 kilometers long and is particularly complex in terms of tasks related to reinforcement. Not least because of the highly heterogeneous soil structure, which was created in the past on the north side of the Waal by the many old river channels and fillings, the diversity of soil layers and the filling in at the site of old dike breaches. The dike body itself also varies in structure due to the construction of the dike over the centuries and the reinforcements and relocations of the past decades. In order for this dike section to meet current safety standards, several improvement measures are needed that, together with the built environment, the soil conditions, and the transition to undrained modeling, make it a very challenging project.

## Taking initiative

In the tendering phase of the Gorinchem-Waardenburg dike reinforcement project, Waalensemble took the initiative to perform the design calculations in a smarter, more efficient way, based on the positive experiences from previous Heijmans projects (Wilhelminakanaal, Wintrack) where repetitive design issues in particular were efficiently automated. In these examples, design software (D-Series, SCIA, Excel) is linked by means of assumptions and existing equations, resulting in an automated process. This principle has been adopted by the Gorinchem-Waardenburg dike improvement project, further elaborated and further professionalised through the availability of the VIKTOR platform, among other things. The Viktor platform makes it possible to link design software in a much easier way and with extra functionality than was previously possible in the aforementioned Heijmans projects. During the project, the functionality of the dike design tool was expanded in various versions with settlement and failure mechanisms such as macro stability, piping and overtopping, which can be calculated simultaneously per cross section, for both embankments and dike relocations. An example of a schematic of a profile is shown in the picture below.

![An example of a cross section schematized by Wilma with a crown displacement and inward embankment in a D-GeoStability calculation.](/uploads/Cross_section_schematized_by_Wilma_8ed53a86da.png)

*An example of a cross section schematized by Wilma with a crown displacement and inward embankment in a D-GeoStability calculation.*

### The first development

The first development motif arises from the request to support the designer in achieving a higher quality of the stability calculations. The application of the undrained CSSM model requires a schematisation with boundary tensions and a course of the effective tension due to changed water levels and previous loads. Within the functionality of the then available D-GeoStability version 18, this required a far-reaching division of the soil layers with additional stress calculations by the designer. The first version of Wilma has been developed to achieve an accurate calculation of the stresses and to develop an efficient method to include these results in the D-GeoStability model.

### The second development

After a successful application of the first version, the second development started almost immediately. The functionality has been extended to centrally manage the input and output of the various design software. This is in line with the BIM method for quality assurance and version management. In a design analysis, the geotechnical properties per soil layer and the derived parameters that are determined by means of a calculation method, always originate from Wilma and are independent of other design calculations. The old and the new process diagram, where the [parametric design tool](https://www.viktor.ai/blog/46/parametric-design-cloud-engineering-construction) is central, is shown here:

![Traditional vs Parametric vs Generative designwilma design process (1).svg](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/Traditional_vs_Parametric_vs_Generative_designwilma_design_process_1_dcdd3d64a0.svg)

*Traditional design process versus new design process with Wilma.*

From this central position, Wilma compiles the input files and sends them to the existing design software, such as the D-series or Plaxis. The results from the design software are then collected and presented via the [parametric design tool](https://www.viktor.ai/blog/46/parametric-design-cloud-engineering-construction). By automating the data flow in the design process, the effort for the designer has shifted from drawing up calculation files to supervising the quality assurance of the calculations and assessing the results.

[![CTA_start_using_PD](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/solutions_page_banner_4_f474c9c318.svg)](https://www.viktor.ai/blog/46/parametric-design-cloud-engineering-construction)


## A new design methodology
The greatest gains, however, come from a different design method. The traditional design method is based on the manual input of cross sections by a consultant, which forces planning to make choices about how many cross sections can be calculated. In a complex project such as this dike improvement, this quickly means that major simplifications are needed to realise a design within time and money. One calculation that is normative for hundreds of meters of dike is common. As a result, the design is over-dimensioned, which in principle is not wrong from a safety point of view, but does lead to strict and heavy measures that affect the environment and are therefore not always desirable from stakeholders.

### An automated way
A new automated way of calculating means that it will be possible to calculate a very large number of cross sections, instead of one standard profile. In theory, a transverse profile can be calculated with possible variants for each dike stretch where a different situation arises. This is shown schematically in figure 3, where each block represents a new situation.

![The schematic choice for a standard profile (red) or several representative profiles (yellow)](/uploads/the_schematic_choice_for_a_standard_profile_red_or_several_representative_profiles_yellow_1acc3b2033.png)

*The schematic choice for a standard profile (red) or several representative profiles (yellow)*

The ability to design a large number of profiles provides the following benefits:

1. The consultant needs considerably less time to calculate cross sections, which means more time for interpreting and analysing results and translating them into the design. This leads to great efficiency.
2. There is the possibility to perform sensitivity analyses in a simple manner with all kinds of starting points, so that a better insight is obtained which parameter influences the calculation result. This makes it possible to conduct targeted additional research quickly.
3. The calculations were adapted and carried out very quickly. While changes in the traditional design process can have major consequences for the interfaces of the design, this is no longer a problem due to all the connections built up in Wilma. Adjustments to the design or starting points can now be directly calculated for the entire route.

### Qualitatively better design
All this results in a qualitatively better design, whereby freedom is created in choosing a design solution based on the calculation results. It is therefore no longer necessary to funnel the output data in advance to compose a benchmark profile, because making the assessment is more extensive than designing an additional profile. In addition, the thinking for weighing up the various possible normative aspects is retained in the result of an additional design profile. The figure below shows this as an example through sketches and illustrations, in which the dike sections are the product of a normative cross section and the white line represents a possible design profile that, as is to be expected, more closely follows the soil structure found. Because the design profile of the white line has actually been calculated, it is possible to choose a more average design profile that fits better in the landscape. The robustness of the design is known at that time.

![The division into dike sections with a schematic representation of the design assignment.png](/uploads/The_division_into_dike_sections_with_a_schematic_representation_of_the_design_assignment_7ac20fa4a5.png)

*The division into dike sections with a schematic representation of the design assignment*

### Inclusion of additional soil research
An additional positive effect is that carrying out additional soil research now pays off because it can be processed more easily in the built-up subsurface model. With the traditional design method, additional soil investigation is often intended as a risk mitigation to verify the subsurface model. This advantage remains, however, with the design method with Wilma, the additional research is immediately included in the calculations and the design is adjusted.

## Quality assurance

### Processing results
Quality assurance of the design calculations is not formally included in Wilma. The role of the parametric design tool is to compile and start the calculations and to process the results. These design calculations are always performed with the original (and therefore validated) design software. For example, a stability calculation is performed in D-GeoStability, after which the files are also available, in such a way that it looks like a colleague has supplied the calculations. Each calculation is delivered separately from the tool and manually checked by the designer. This workflow of the calculation files also makes it possible to deliver and view the design without having Wilma.

### Centralized storage
The quality assurance of the design calculations has deliberately been left with the designer. However, the parametric design tool makes it easier for the designer to perform the checks. Firstly, because the process of illustrating through schematics, calculating and checking is almost continuous because the lead time for a design calculation is next to nothing. In addition, Wilma can compile overviews of the required control points. All basic principles and relationships important for the design can be checked because the results are stored centrally and are available to everyone.

An example of a simple check is a graphical representation of the stresses in the soil layers or the assignment of the rise height to soil layers. Such a control screen is shown in figure 5. The calculated values ​​are presented for each black-marked point in the design profile. The applied calculation values ​​can be checked at a glance because the assumptions and equations have been consistently and unambiguously applied by Wilma on the basis of the predefined protocol. There are no quality differences due to the preparation of cross sections by several consultants.

![Customer_case_calculations_with_cloud_computing_5](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/A_control_screen_in_Wilma_for_the_determination_of_the_boundary_voltages_7a07277148.png)


### Background testing
In order to properly verify Wilma’s work processes, various tests have been built into the Viktor platform during the development of the tool. This checks in the background whether the routines carried out by Wilma always run in accordance with the geotechnical specification. These tests roughly consist of three categories:

1. Rules of thumb; the obvious design rules are checked. Because Wilma applies standard rules, contradictions can arise, as a result of which the schematization steps are correct in accordance with the “design rules”, but the schematization as a whole is geotechnically incorrect. An example of such a test is the descending height to the hinterland.
2. Realistic modeling with fully elaborated schematics of calculations and links. When going through these tests, the routines must always give the same results.
3. Edge cases with exceptional cases to test the routines of the schematisation. During these tests, unrealistic situations are presented from a geotechnical and hydraulic engineering point of view. This ensures that the routines and rules of thumb are robust and that new exceptions are noticed.

By continuously testing with both realistic modeling that is expected within the project, and with edge cases, the behavior of the tool becomes predictable, so that the quality control focuses on exceptions. These exceptions in turn complement the design routines. The systematic elaboration of these exceptions in a design rule results in a more substantiated design methodology and the percentage of exceptional cases is further reduced. This continuous development of the parametric design tool with the insertion of exceptional cases has resulted in the design capacity increasing quadratically. This increase is based on the difference between the number of design profiles per consultant in the exploration phase and the plan elaboration phase.

## The next step
The tool is currently being further developed for more geotechnical functionalities and applications throughout the design process. The possible future expansion of the functionality of the tool can be sought in expanding the tool in the field of computing in the cloud, but also in adding IoT data from sensor technology in dikes. Both seem far away for now, but will sooner or later enrich the world of the civil industry.

See how you can [develop your own parametric design tools](https://www.viktor.ai/parametric-design-software).

[![CTA_start_building_PD_apps](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/Group_1_32a326f910.svg)](https://www.viktor.ai/blog/46/parametric-design-cloud-engineering-construction)


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Dike design automation tool leads to better solutions

## No replacement, but renovation!

The developed system makes it possible to place a new pipe in the old pipe without excavating the street. Thanks to the coupling supplied by CODURE, the system can be directly connected to the rest of the network. Each coupling is specifically designed and made for the project. With the help of VIKTOR, an application has been developed that, in addition to the dimensions and structural calculations, also generates the code to control the CNC machines and keeps track of the quality control.

## Easy coupling with CODURE

Anande Bergman, Chief Technology Officer at CODURE, explains: “CODURE has developed a patented coupling specifically to repair pressure lines using Cured-in-Place-Pipes (CIPP).” CIPP is a method to repair existing underground pipes without having to excavate the whole street: a new pipe within the old pipe. A fiberglass sleeve is placed and cured within the old pipe that has a coupling at each end. The coupling has a special inner surface that ensures adhesion to the sleeve during curing, so the sleeve and coupling form a whole. Thanks to the coupling piece, the CIPP sleeves can easily be connected to the rest of the network.

## Different coupling designs

Unfortunately, existing pipelines are not the same everywhere and the required couplings are often unique. We are talking about old pipes with varying sizes that do not correspond to the current standards. The pressure on the pipe also differs per situation. As a result, every project is slightly different and a new coupling must be designed every time. Bergman: “It is a time-consuming task to design a coupling piece every time in a traditional way. Due to the complexity of the product, we always have to do this, even to just create a simple quotation. ”

## An automated application to the rescue 

That is why an application has been created together with VIKTOR to be able to perform those calculations automatically. “Before using VIKTOR, one of our engineers had to do a strength calculation for each coupling design. We did this with FEM, because thick-walled glass fiber products are complex to calculate. That took a few hours per design”, says Bergman. With the help of the application, a complete design can now be made quickly and easily. This not only saves time, but also money. “Even small orders are now commercially attractive.”


![codure.PNG](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/codure_1cb13314b4.PNG)



## The possibilities of centralized and automated data

“The application can do much more,” says Bergman. Quotes, drawings and data sheets with all relevant information can be generated for each coupling design. This is not done via manual calculations or individual Excel models, but rather all data is collected and generated centrally and automatically in the application. Due to the central storage of the designs, no previous versions are lost. Bergman: “It is important that we can quickly compare multiple options, so that we can always discuss with the customer and offer the best solution. So it’s also great that we can easily view older designs and track why certain changes were made to the project and by whom. ”

> “With the help of the application, a complete design can now be made quickly and easily. This not only saves time, but also money. ” - Anande Bergman CTO of CODURE

## From design to product

CODURE not only makes the designs, but is also responsible for the production of the couplings and their quality control. CODURE has developed special CNC machines for production to be able to make the coupling pieces. The final design is converted in the application into a G-code with which these machines can be controlled. Bergman explains: “Now we no longer have to translate a geometry into the instructions for the machine, now we can produce the desired coupling with the click of a button.” Production is thus greatly simplified and accelerated, and the probability of errors is much smaller.

## Quality control

After the production of a coupling, quality checks must be done. Due to its use in drinking water pipes, CODURE must adhere to strict regulations. Quality control is also supported in this application. Amongst other things, the following information is tracked per coupling piece: which materials have been used, who has worked on it, whether all sizes are correct and whether all quality requirements have been met. “Everything is stored in a well-organised way and it is easy to trace what happened to that specific coupling piece,” says Bergman.

## Advantages of the application

The entire process, from initial design and quotation to actual production and quality control, is thus centralised in one application. This not only saves CODURE a lot of time in designing, calculating, entering and updating everything that is involved in making a coupling piece; but it also ensures that processes are simplified and the risk of errors is reduced. By automating the entire process, CODURE is left with time that they can now use to improve and optimize the product.

Bergman: “It is simple. Anyone can use the application. All the knowledge behind the design, which was previously only in the hands of the specialists, has now been made accessible to the entire organisation. ” So in addition to the centralisation of data and time savings, CODURE can store and always use their knowledge.

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CODURE: Automated design and production of FRP flanges

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> "Working more efficiently to make more time for smart solutions” - Heijmans

## Generic applications

Bart Vosslamber is an engineer at Heijmans and explains, “We have now made two applications. One [parametrically](https://www.viktor.ai/blog/46/parametric-design-cloud-engineering-construction) calculates the pile bearing capacity for different CPTs, and the other calculates the required concrete cross sections (with reinforcing bars) under different loads.” The advantage of the applications is that they can be used in any project, despite the fact that every construction project is unique.

## Recurring elements

No project is the same, but every project contains elements that often recur. Heijmans made applications precisely for those elements, so that these calculations no longer have to be done manually. Vosslamber: “We are convinced that the future lies in parameterization. You need building blocks that can [solve the parametric issues](https://www.viktor.ai/parametric-design-software). ” The applications are two of such building blocks. They make the process more efficient.

> “We opted for an application about pile bearing capacity, because there are foundation piles in every project. And concrete cross sections must also be reinforced in every project. ” - Bart Vosslamber, engineer at Heijmans

## Anticipating changes

The applications make changes more efficient, for example, and reports are easier to adjust. “Suppose something changes in the design, then all calculations have to be done again,” says Vosslamber. “The application allows you to redo those calculations with the push of a button.” This saves a lot of time, which leads to new ideas and the number of useful tools can increase.

## More apps to come

There are now two applications and the goal is to expand that number. This expansion can be done in two ways, says Vosslamber, “We can now calculate a rectangular slab of concrete, which can be expanded to round sections. In addition, there are even more interesting applications for the future, for example for steel cross sections or load combinations. ” These expansions are also already planned at Heijmans.

## Development with VIKTOR

The applications are made on the VIKTOR platform. Heijmans developed the applications themselves, where they first had training on how to do that. “We have chosen to do it ourselves, because we have the substantive knowledge about structures. When you work with it you are better able to specify what kind of tool you actually want. If I want this as a result, I have to ask it that way", explains Vosslamber.

Using VIKTOR to develop the applications went well. “At VIKTOR they are committed and they answer your questions quickly,” says Vosslamber.

![Heijmans generic application.png](/uploads/Heijmans_generic_application_f80ca27a6b.png)

At Heijmans, they are happy with what the applications can do for them. Vosslamber, “With every construction we come up with, we have to provide a report to substantiate why the construction we have made is strong enough.” The application helps them to draw up that report easily, so that their clients can clearly see how, for example, a cross-section has been made and which calculations are involved.

## Automation and parametrization

Heijmans would like to smarten up and focus on automation and parametrization. The two applications that have now been created are the beginning and more are already planned. Vosslamber, “With these applications we can work more efficiently in every project and we can invest more energy in smart solutions, which is very beneficial for both us and our customers.”

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Heijmans builds generic parametric design applications to use in many projects

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Manager Energy-Design

Marcel Simons

Quote Voorbij Funderingstechniek Wiebren Koers

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## Optimization of the pile plan saves the client a lot of money

Voorbij often receives only a simple initial design. From their expertise and experience, they see opportunities here to further optimise it, for example by including the variance of the soil in the design process in a [smarter way](https://www.viktor.ai/blog/40/artificial-intelligence-machine-learning-engineering-construction). Optimisation can also often be done by cleverly grouping CPT’s and including these groups in the calculations, or, for example, by changing to an alternative pile system. If this can be done quickly and properly, customers can be provided with optimised pile plans faster; that saves a lot of money for the client.

## Mapping the optimization process together

First, the process was properly mapped out together with Voorbij’s geotechnical engineers, especially when it comes to visualisations. For example, the user wants to quickly view the friction zones of uploaded CPT’s and wants to view several CPT’s simultaneously. In addition, there are other functionalities that help the users, such as changing the interpretation of several CPT’s at once. The main goal is that the application itself is able to generate a pile plan optimised according to cost, and based on the soil structure and with variable parameters such as groupings, pile tip levels and pile types. Voorbij has developed a method to generate groupings from a set of rules, for which VIKTOR developers have written the underlying algorithm.

As a user, Voorbij has set requirements that are specific to their process. A few examples: when optimising, they can indicate the upper and lower limits of pile tip levels, link them to Technosoft, have the design generated in a feasible manner, adjust the limit value, see interactive load-bearing charts and visualise piles in combination with the CPT’s.

![Automatically generated pile plan in the VIKTOR application](/uploads/automatically_generated_pile_plan_in_VIKTOR_83c99b4287.png)

*An area populated with CPT’s, within the Voorbij module in VIKTOR. Based on these CPT’s and the required bearing capacity, the application can automatically generate a pile plan optimised for cost. For this optimisation, it takes soil layout and other parameters such as grouping, pile tip levels and pile types into account.* 

## Customized application quickly realized

Since the VIKTOR platform already has the generic building blocks available to configure such a [parametric design application](https://www.viktor.ai/blog/46/parametric-design-cloud-engineering-construction), it only takes four sprints to build a professional custom application. Even though the time-to-delivery is small, the value that is realized with the application is great for both the clients and Voorbij itself.

## VIKTOR applications are widely used

In order to achieve good optimisations, it is important to fully automate (part of) the process and build a usable application for end users. This is achieved by combining [parametric design](https://www.viktor.ai/parametric-design-software), knowledge-based rules, integrations with external software packages, Excel sheets and other models, and making this all accessible online. The VIKTOR platform is built to do exactly this and provide the building blocks for it. The platform allows an engineer with basic programming knowledge to easily and quickly build professional applications, which can be launched immediately and can be used by all team members involved. It is now widely used in the sector. For example, the platform currently plays an important role in the design phase of the big ‘De Groene Boog’ project.

![Building foundations at a construction site](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/Funderingen_5eb45cf87e.png)



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Optimize pile plans with an online tool to save time and budget

Geotechnical Advisor

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## The VIKTOR platform for a Mobilis-wide application

“We have started developing an application for the interpretation of CPTs and determining soil parameters,” explains Lensen. “We already had an application for this ourselves, but it was not yet possible to use it properly Mobilis-wide.” To solve that problem, they transferred it to the Viktor platform and developed it further. “We use the VIKTOR platform to make the application easy to use for all colleagues,” says Lensen. “We have chosen to let the engineers design and make the application themselves, so that it matches our work as closely as possible and is immediately usable for other engineers.”

## The potential of the VIKTOR platform

Before the Mobilis engineers started working on the VIKTOR platform, they first had training on how to develop applications. During the development of the application, developers of VIKTOR were consulted if they needed support.

Lensen: “Before that, there was some sceptism about creating and using applications on the platform, but now all the developers are enthusiastic about it. They see its potential and added value.” This has given developers confidence to now look at processes and calculations that can be optimized in a subsequent application.

## A step closer to developing more applications

The building of the applications will be carried out by Mobilis’ own developers. “The developers are civil engineers from Mobilis who enjoy doing this in addition to their other work-related activities,” explains Lensen. These engineers now have the technical knowledge to develop more applications according to the needs of their colleagues.

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