laagopbouw

Laagopbouw refers to a construction technique primarily used in the Netherlands for building foundations of houses and other structures. It involves creating a foundation by laying down multiple layers of sand and gravel. This method is particularly suitable for areas with soft, compressible subsoil, such as those found in the Netherlands due to its low-lying geography. The process typically begins with the excavation of the topsoil. Then, coarse sand is spread and compacted, followed by finer sand layers, and often gravel. Each layer is carefully compacted to ensure stability and load-bearing capacity. This layered approach distributes the weight of the building over a larger area, preventing excessive settlement and structural damage in the unstable ground. Laagopbouw is a cost-effective and efficient method for creating a solid base in challenging soil conditions. It is a well-established practice in Dutch civil engineering and has been employed for decades. The specific composition and thickness of the layers can vary depending on the soil conditions and the anticipated load of the structure.