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Conservatoriumhotel Amsterdam, geotechnical design and monitoring
Conservatoriumhotel Amsterdam, conception géotechnique et instrumentation
Stoel van der A.E.C.
CRUX Engineering BV Amsterdam & Universiteit Twente
Vink D., Bouma J.
CRUX Engineering BV Delft
ABSTRACT: This article deals with the geotechnical design of the building pit and the foundation restoration of the
Conservatoriumhotel Amsterdam. It involves a selection of results of analytical and Plaxis calculations and damage predictions
regarding vibrations and settlements. The second part of the paper deals with the execution of the works and the important role of a
pro-active monitoring-system and careful communication with all stakeholders. It briefly outlines the monitoring plan, type and
results of the monitoring and the risk management during implementation. Some measurement results are compared with predictions
and two calamities that occurred during the construction will be specifically addressed. This will clearly show the added value of
monitoring and active risk management, that eventually has led to the successful completion of this project in 2011.
RÉSUMÉ : Cet article traite de la conception géotechnique de la tranchée couverte du bâtiment et reprise en sous œuvre des
fondations du ConservatoriumhotelAmsterdam. Il s'agit d'une sélection de résultats de calculs analytiques et Plaxis et des prévisions
concernant les dommages dus aux vibrations et les tassements induits. La deuxième partie de l'article traite de l'exécution des travaux
et le rôle important que la surveillance pro-active et de la communication prudent avec toutes les investisseurs. Le plan
d’instrumentation est brièvement décris ainsi que le type et le suivi, des résultats et de la gestion des risques lors de la mise en œuvre.
De plus les résultats des mesures sont comparés aux prévisions. Deux sinistres qui se sont produits lors de la construction seront
abordés. La valeur ajoutée de l’instrumentataion est montrée ainsi que la gestion active des risques qui a finalement conduit à la
réussite de ce projet en 2011.
KEYWORDS: geotechnical design, building pit, Plaxis, monitoring, restoration
1 INTRODUCTION
In Amsterdam, at Van Baerlestraat 27, the stately listed building
of the “Rijkspostspaarbank” (Imperial Bank, see Figure 1) is
situated. It was originally build between 1899 and 1901 by
Imperial architect, D.E.C Knuttel. The building was previously
reassigned to function as Sweelinck Conservatory and was since
2008 radically converted into a luxurious hotel, including over
9000 m² of five star hotel and 85 parking facilities. This
conversion has been one of the most expensive (more than 30
million euro) hotel refurbishments ever.
This renovation required a number of radical structural
changes that led to a complex task with regard to the
geotechnical design. The most important of these tasks was
realising a two level parking / basement including a (-3)
swimming pool in the courtyard of the existing building.
Special attention had to be paid to the many historical details in
the buildings that were incorporated in the new design and had
to be preserved. In addition, the building location is flanked by
two tram lines and the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum
and the Royal Concert Hall, resulting in numerous logistic
restrictions.
2 SOIL CONDITIONS
At the location, the typical Amsterdam soil profile (Figure 2) is
found. The top layer of the first meters below surface level
consists of Anthropogenic sand. Below this top layer the
Holocene deposits are found until a depth of about 10-15 m
below surface level. The Holocene formation can be divided
(from top to bottom) into peat, clay, silty sand, clay and peat.
The Holocene lies on top of the Pleistocene sands which are
divided by an intermediate silty, clayey sand layer. The phreatic
water level is found about 0.4 m below surface level.
Figure 1. Aerial photo of the building Stradivarius
Figure 2. Amsterdam soil conditions
