## Features of version 1.0

Voorbij created a web-based [parametric design application](https://www.viktor.ai/blog/46/parametric-design-cloud-engineering-construction) on the VIKTOR platform to optimize the (re)design process of pile foundations, which helped their clients save a lot of time and money. 

![figure 1.png](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/figure_1_49c8585c84.png)

*Map view of soil investigation*

Before, Voorbij optimized pile foundations based on their experience, by grouping CPTs, and including soil variances in a smarter way. 

![figure 2.png](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/figure_2_0de8bde2ac.png)

*Soil interpretation of CPTs*

Now, they use their application on the VIKTOR platform to speed up this time-consuming manual process. Their application allows for the automated grouping of CPTs based on a given set of rules and generates optimized pile plans according to aspects such as cost, soil structure, grouping, pile tip levels, and pile types. The app also provides Voorbij with rich visualizations of results for quick interpretations. 

![figure 3.png](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/figure_3_1908f64262.png)

*Visualization of calculation results*

Using their own calculation core, Voorbij is able to indicate upper and lower limits of pile tip levels, easily generate designs, see interactive load-bearing charts, and visualize piles in combinations with the CPTs based off one that information in their application.


## From 1.0 to 3.0 real fast

Now, Voorbij has added some new features to their application. 

### Load carrying capacity

In the first version, Voorbij was only able to calculate on pressure loaded piles. With the new version, they are also able to calculate on pull loaded piles. These are very common in large projects and construction pit projects, which means Voorbij can take on these projects from now on as well. 

> “With the application, we can now consider the whole construction pit integrally.”  - Mark Remijnse, Head Sales at Voorbij Funderingstechniek

### Cost calculation

Initially, optimization was done by reducing material. As of more recent, the application also allows for calculations and linking of actuals costs to provide engineers with a clearer picture of expenses and early on the project already guide the design in the right direction based on budget. 

### Work execution

Also, a somewhat more logistical feature has been added, which is the improvement of work execution. The optimization of a project was previously done separately from the actual construction. Now, the execution and construction parts of the project have been added to the application as well. For the work execution part especially are some preparations required that have been added to the application now:

- **Smart grouping of elements:** Which allows for the optimal design of foundations. Since the soil that a construction project is build on often has a lot of differences in structure, piles vary a lot in size, such as length, diameter, and/or reinforcement. By clever grouping of these piles (putting the right pile in the right place), you can logistically save a lot of time and reduce chance of errors.

- **Bulk orders:** If you want to order material, it is most beneficial to order in large numbers with low variety, based on the [smart](https://www.viktor.ai/blog/40/artificial-intelligence-machine-learning-engineering-construction) grouping you did before to avoid and reduce unnecessary costs.


![figure 4.png](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/figure_4_ed64713811.png)

*Visualization of combined pile rebar cages*

Read more about version 1.0 [here](https://www.viktor.ai/customer-cases/7/digital-transformation-python-pile-foundations)

### Increased calculation capacity

In the early version of the application, Voorbij was already able to use their application to do batch calculations of CPTs. Back in version 1, they could run an analysis of about 150 CPTs at the same time. With the latest version however, they are able to calculate up to 1000 CPTS simultaneously, increasing the calculation capacity.

## An environmentally friendly application

The addition of new features was not only beneficial for Voorbij and their clients, it also brought some environmental advantages along. 

### Less crane days

With the release of the latest version of their application, Voorbij was able to reduce days of crane usage by 40 in one case. This meant 40 days of proximality 250 litres of fuel less, which is good for 10.000 litres reduction of (CO2) emissions.

### Less concrete

Additionally, the new features allowed for the creation of a design that required about 6.000 to 6.500 m3 less concrete, resulting in Voorbij using 26.500 m3 concrete for their design were another company calculated about 33.000 m3 concrete for their design. Every m3 of concrete consists of 350kg cement, meaning every 3 m3 of concrete is about 1.000 kg cement, which makes up for about 2.275 tons kg less cement. This also equals 2.275 tons less CO2 emissions. For this design, that would be over about 2.000 tons CO2 emissions less! On top of that, it also reduces transport of approximately 500 truck movements of ready-made mixed concrete.

## From developer to advisor

Before working with automation applications, when taking on a project Voorbij would receive a definitive design that they had to make into an execution design, meaning they could only adjust some details. Since they started using their applications, they are pulled into the process from an early stage on, mostly somewhere between preliminary design and definitive design. In this stage, there is still a lot of room for advisement, improvement, and optimization.
 
According to Voorbij, their engineers are the ones who are now talking to the constructors, which works very well, as they understand each other best. 

> “Before, we were mostly doing calculations. Now we are able to put a lot of effort on advising. You can use your cleverness and really add value to a project this way.” – Wiebren Koers, Geotechnical Advisor at Voorbij Funderingstechniek

> “Thanks to our applications, our engineers are now only doing 4 up to 8 hours per design calculation instead of 20 to 40 hours per design. This, I think, is still too much however, since they can add the most value by sharing their knowledge!” – Mark Remijnse, Head Sales at Voorbij Funderingstechniek

## The BASE FT tool

Voorbij has been working hard on collecting all their project data and creating a database for the purposes of comparing their data and applying Machine Learning techniques to improve and predict future on future projects. 

The BASE FT tool consists of three pointers, which are the applications, their machines, and a database. Currently, there are three applications, but Voorbij is aiming to expand BASE FT’s network and incorporate more external applications from other companies as well.

> “It is important that BASE FT can be used to link other applications and disciplines to your processes” – Mark Remijnse, Head Sales at Voorbij Funderingstechniek

Furthermore, the machines that are part of BASE FT constantly track data when used on a project, this data is gathered and saved in the BASE FT database, where they use data engineering to optimize and better generate future designs.

## More to come

Besides expanding BASE FT’s network, Voorbij wants to work on improving their current applications as well. For example, by adding a nitrogen module to the pile application. They also want to start using the data from BASE FT’s database to predict the course of a building project, analyse execution data, and improve their designs. 

Read more about how they do this [here](https://www.viktor.ai/blog/40/python-artificial-intelligence-machine-learning-automation-application-development).

And see how you can [build your own parametric design applications here](https://www.viktor.ai/parametric-design-software).


Engineering & Design

Infrastructure & Construction

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Discover how engineers at Voorbij FT build a web app to automate and optimize design of pile foundations on VIKTOR.ai

Web app for optimal pile foundation design | VIKTOR.ai

Optimal pile foundation design saves tons of CO2

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 

## Project 1: A web-based application for automation and optimization of sheet pile design  

### The project 

Designing and optimizing sheet piles is a complex and time-consuming process with many iterations. In collaboration with VIKTOR, Voorbij Funderingstechniek has developed an application that centralizes all data to automatically calculate constructions, which reduces time, money, errors, CO2 emissions, and leaves more time for engineers to create the awesome! 

### Digital transformation 

Compared to other industries, the Engineering and Construction industry is lagging regarding the adoption of new technologies. This is not strange, since projects within this sector are often restricted with very strong deadlines, both budget- and timewise. There are however a lot of opportunities within the E&C industry when it comes to applying tech in the work field.  

Voorbij Funderingstechniek has used the VIKTOR platform to take on the transformation to explore the possibilities of digitization by automating and optimizing parts of their workflow in the design of sheet piles.  

### Process analyses 

Before the digital transformation could start, process analyses had to be conducted to determine what parts of the workflow would benefit most from being automated. For Voorbij, this seemed to be the design and calculation of sheet piles: A workflow that consists of many intense, repetitive, and time-consuming processes that always had to be conducted manually.  

To come up with the first design of a sheet pile, a lot of data needs to be gathered and put together. For example, the soil layout, measurements, and environmental factors. Unfortunately, it happens more often than not that one of the dimensions on which your design depends suddenly changes. When this happens, your entire design needs to be redone since all design elements rely on each other, which is a very time-consuming task. If automated, not only a lot of time, but also a lot of additional efforts could be spared.  

### Parametric design for automation and optimization 

This is where [parametric design methods](https://www.viktor.ai/blog/46/parametric-design-cloud-engineering-construction) come in. By digitalizing traditional design methods, repetitive tasks that previously had to be done manually can be automated. If you change a parameter (length, material, thickness) in a parametric design model, an online application will automatically calculate a new design for you with just the push of a button, meaning no more manual calculations are involved. 

Before the implication of parametric models, projects most of the time used a ‘normative’ design to start building from. This makes for fast design of the actual project, but made it almost impossible to create the optimal design. With [parametric models](https://www.viktor.ai/blog/46/parametric-design-cloud-engineering-construction) you can easily calculate all possible designs witin moments of time and the optimal design will always be found. 

Not only is the chance of errors zero, but engineers will have much more time left to apply their specialist knowledge to create awesome things! 

### A web-based application 

 Voorbij has created an easily accessible web-based application on the VIKTOR platform that uses these [parametric design methods](https://www.viktor.ai/blog/46/parametric-design-cloud-engineering-construction) to automate the calculation processes of sheet pile design. Once automation was implemented, optimization followed.  

If you want to be able to optimize your design, you first need to know what goal you want to reach. Less CO2 emissions? Cost reduction? Saving time? Easy execution? With the application it is possible to set conditions for all of these goals. Based on those conditions you can variate input to find the optimal design outcome. 

For example, if the goal of the design is to save more money, you can easily adjust that setting. Then, the application calculates ways to create a cheaper design, for example by replacing the sheet pile for a lighter and therefore cheaper material. 

## Project 2: Design and improvement of canal banks 

### The project 

Ballast Nedam won a tender to improve over 50 km of canal banks in Twente, which included the placement of new sheet piles. To know what type of sheet piles needed to be placed, calculations had to be done every so many meters.  

Calculations are done based on soil layout information that from geotechnicians. For every kilometre, about 100 soil samples are taken. Based on those samples you are able to determine where the weakest point is and what kind of sheet pile needs to be placed there to maintain a good canal bank. 

If you only have little time, which is often the case in construction projects, you do these calculations around every 1000 meters. However, if you determine the weakest point for every kilometre, your calculations are very global. It is possible that 200 meters ahead from the weakest point, the soil is very different and because of that the calculations are off for that area. Therefore, it is beneficial for not only your budget but also the future-proofness of the project if you are somehow able to do more calculations so you can base what type of sheet piles need to be placed more accurately. 

### A web-based application 

Luckily, there is a solution to this problem. With a web-based application, you can easily perform all these calculations in an instant. This not only saves budget and provides for a more future-proof canal bank, but also speeds up the project significantly, since you won’t have to spend so much time on manual calculations anymore. 

The VIKTOR platform can be used to create an application like this. If you have a soil sample for every 50 meters, you can simply tell the computer to calculate what type of sheet pile is needed every 50 meters as well. The only thing you have to do, is feed the system information about the soil, the CPT (a gef-file), the type of sheet pile you want to place (thickness, flexibility, material), and cross sections of the canal bed in that area (depth, width, etc.).  

![20210603_sondering.png](/uploads/20210603_sondering_7c9066e0dd.png)

*Visualization of soil samples in the VIKTOR application* 

Furthermore, there are a lot of additional details that can be taken into account and therefore you have to provide the application with a basic formula (D-sheet) which is used to determine what details are relevant and should be included in the final calculations. Then, the VIKTOR application verifies if your selected sheet pile qualifies all criteria or not, which can be seen in clear visualizations.  

![20210603_rekenresultaat_kaart.png](/uploads/20210603_rekenresultaat_kaart_08a378de69.png)

*Visualization of sheet pile qualifications (green qualifies, red does not qualify) in the VIKTOR application* 

Additionally, you can group parts of the canal into sections, so the calculating process runs smoothly. Geotechnical data cannot be gathered all at once but you don’t want to wait until all data is gathered before you can start your project. By dividing the canal into sections, you can easily start calculating for the parts that you already received geotechnical data about, so the project can already start before all data is gathered.  

Data and results can easily be viewed within the application itself. However, you can also download reports into Excel sheets if you like to. Results are presented in tables, graphs, and maps. Tables present the actual calculation for each section combined with the D-sheet (basic formula), gef-file for the indicated area, and cross sections of the canal in each part of that area. Graphs and map views provide an easy and quick visual overview of every sheet pile and show for each one whether they meet the requirements or not. 

![20210603_rekenresultaat_excel_download.png](/uploads/20210603_rekenresultaat_excel_download_c3fd915e25.png)

*Exported calculation results in an Excel sheet* 

 ![20210603_rekenresultaat_selecteer_visualisatie.png](/uploads/20210603_rekenresultaat_selecteer_visualisatie_245d642639.png)

*Visualization of calculation results in a graph in the VIKTOR application*

## Project 3: Design of the A16 tunnel 

### The project 

Together with joint venture de Groene Boog, BESIX designed the 2.2 kilometre long A16 tunnel through Rotterdam. This tunnel consists of many similar tunnel sections, thousands of foundations and sheet piles, a detailed 3D BIM model, and numerous technical drawings.  

The project focusses on the automation of repetitive work for the structural design of the tunnel to improve the process.  To do this, several small tools are developed in-house to facilitate geotechnical analysis of the foundation and sheet piles. For the design of the reinforced concrete tunnel structure a tool has been developed together with an external partner on a cloud-based platform. 

## Sheet pile design automation 

Over 4000 sheet piles were to be designed for the tunnel. First, hundreds of CPT measurements needed to be interpreted and matched to the piles for calculation. For this, a spreadsheet had been set up for a custom interpretation of the CPT measurements and a VBA routine to run this process in batch. 

For the calculation of the piles, the tools typically used in the Dutch market are straightforward to use, though they do not allow to create [parametric calculation models](https://www.viktor.ai/blog/46/parametric-design-cloud-engineering-construction). To avoid the need to manually change the model input for each unique set of soil and loading conditions along the tunnel, we created another spreadsheet to mimic parametric behaviour.  

The desired parameters of each individual calculation model are assembled in a single spreadsheet. As the calculation model can be easily read and edited through a text editor, we then use string manipulation to edit the textual contents of the model and create a unique calculation model for each unique set of parameters. These are in a following step computed in batch and the results automatically gathered – again in a spreadsheet– for post-processing. 

## Automate the boring. Engineer the awesome

VIKTOR is on a mission to unleash the world’s real engineering potential. We are developing a platform where engineers can build their own web-based applications. We work closely together with engineering, construction and manufacturing companies and help them boost their digital transformation. We would love to hear your feedback on our ideas, try out the platform, and help us create the perfect tools that enables you to **automate the boring and engineer the awesome!**

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



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Parametric tools for pile core design automation

## 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 

## 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

“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

## Outdated process of a project plan

In the real estate it is common to make a few versions of the project plan, each with a different perspective on the problem. Top down those plans are analysed and the management team decides which one is the best and should be developed with more detail. There is hardly any room for discussion about a combination of plan A and plan B, because that is difficult to imagine how it is going to work out. But neighter plan A nor B is the optimal solution, it can be somewhere in-between. Or even something completely different. With the help of available data about the housing market and a tool which is able to process this data and apply this to the problem, optimal solutions can be found.

## Data Science will dominate the real estate industry

According to Joost van der Zon of Veneficus, it is not about the question whether the real estate industry will use data, algorithms and [artificial intelligence](https://www.viktor.ai/blog/40/artificial-intelligence-machine-learning-engineering-construction), but rather when will all the decisions be based on these. In other sectors digitization is already adopted or is making its appearance with amazing results. It is time for the real estate sector to follow that trend and if a company does not adopt the usage of data, it will no longer exist anymore in 10 years, van der Zon predicts. “The most successful companies in real estate are led by directors who dare to believe in applying data and analyses.”

## Benefits of the Houzr application

To be the frontleader, Veneficus created the Houzr application. In this tool they support project developers with data, models and algorithms to make better residential project plans. Van der Zon explains: “With the Houzr application you can find the optimal balance between returns, risks and market fit, with the result that you earn more and make better plans, faster.”

### Investing in innovation

At Veneficus they started with working on the tactical decisions process at insurance companies, retailers and the government. And for four years they are also working in real estate. Van der Zon: “We noticed that during the real estate crisis nobody was investing in innovation. Now they got money to do this again, although they have no idea how and therefor jump on all the hypes like BIM, blockchain or drones. But those are not effective, data science is what they really need!”

## Distribution of knowledge to customers

Veneficus already had their own algorithms, calculations and insights to be used for their customers. To make this faster and easier, they were searching for a web-based platform with a good user interface. That’s where they found a match with VIKTOR. “VIKTOR makes it possible for our customers to use our complex models, algorithms and data source without them noticing. They only need to set the correct input parameters and the result is clearly displayed in the practical user interface.” Van der Zon explains: “With the Houzr application they have made their knowledge and service proposition scalable and accessible to all their customers.”



![The Houzr application in action](/uploads/Houzr_application_GIF_be6c8fe315.gif)


Buildings & Real Estate

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Veneficus - Artificial intelligence for the real estate sector

1. An introduction to Artificial Intelligence
2. Artificial Intelligence vs Machine Learning
3. AI and ML in organizations
4. Building a Machine Learning application
5. About VIKTOR

artificial intelligence AI machine learning ML engineering construction

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Have you ever wondered how you can use AI to automate engineering processes? This white paper is for all engineers, managers, or directors that want to know more about applying AI-methods, such as machine learning, in their organization. 

Find out more about the different types of AI and how you can use them to improve and automate (engineering) processes within your organization. You will also see some examples of real AI apps used by organizations in the industry and learn what it takes to build a machine learning application yourself. 

Keep scrolling to download the white paper.

Find how you can use AI automate engineering processes in your organization.

Have you ever wondered how you can use AI to automate engineering processes? This white paper is for all engineers, managers, or directors that want to know more about applying AI-methods, such as machine learning, in their organization. 

Artificial Intelligence: Engineering and Construction

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!



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

Arcadis accelerates digital transformation with VIKTOR

Customer cases