Bodemkwaliteitsindex

Bodemkwaliteitsindex, often abbreviated as BKI, is a system used in the Netherlands to assess and classify the quality of soil. It provides a standardized method for evaluating the suitability of soil for various purposes, particularly in the context of construction and land development. The index aims to give a clear and objective picture of the soil's condition, taking into account factors such as its load-bearing capacity, potential for settlement, and the presence of contaminants.

The BKI is calculated based on a series of soil investigations, typically involving boreholes and laboratory analysis. These investigations determine the soil's composition, including the proportions of sand, silt, clay, and organic matter, as well as its physical properties like density and moisture content. The results are then translated into a numerical score, with higher values generally indicating better soil quality. Different BKI categories exist, each corresponding to a specific range of scores and associated implications for construction projects.

The primary application of the bodemkwaliteitsindex is in making informed decisions about building foundations and infrastructure. A lower BKI score might necessitate more extensive and costly foundation designs to ensure structural stability, while a higher score suggests that standard construction methods are likely sufficient. Furthermore, the BKI can play a role in environmental assessments, as certain soil characteristics that influence its quality can also be indicative of potential environmental risks. This indexing system helps to mitigate risks and optimize the use of land by providing a quantitative measure of soil condition.