What do you do when the market cannot always deliver what you need in terms of design and innovation? Then you take matters into your own hands. That is the story of our Design & Innovation (D&I) department. In two years, this internal 'think tank' has grown into a driving force behind digitalization, smart construction methods, and practical design solutions. With more efficient work processes and innovative solutions, D&I contributes to a smooth and future-proof execution of rail projects. Mathijs Grutters, manager of D&I, explains how they approach this.
More control
“In the current contract forms of ProRail, we as contractors have a design obligation,” Mathijs begins. “Staff shortages at engineering firms sometimes mean we cannot switch as quickly as we want or need to. By doing the design in-house, we have more control over that process. And that provides a degree of flexibility. Not all challenges are solved by other engineering firms, so we take a look ourselves. After all, we have the most knowledge about construction. We still purchase external engineering capacity, but with D&I we have a healthy internal base.”
“This way we create a more efficient and faster construction method”
Efficiency gains through smart apps and processes
The department is busy optimizing processes and digitizing workflows. “Last year we started with our own Relatics environment. Here we can verify and validate all requirements, both internally and from external parties, more efficiently.” Additionally, the team is developing apps specifically aimed at the processes within Swietelsky. “A great example is the TB Pro app. With it, we manage and realize the work preparation and inspection process for train safety. This results in significant efficiency gains and cost savings.” The department is also working on a new inspection application for the Maaslijn, which Swietelsky will upgrade in the coming years. “And we are looking at how we can improve the delivery process. For example, by documenting defects in an app, with photos and location data. This makes information easier to find.”
Swietelsky tube pile: inspired by English system
The other part of the department, the innovation branch, has emerged from the many good ideas within Swietelsky. “In the hustle and bustle of the day, these often did not receive the attention they deserved. Now we have the capacity to develop and implement them.” One of those projects is a new type of foundation for overhead line poles. “On the Maaslijn, we are building 110 kilometers of overhead line, for which a foundation with an overhead line pole and arm must be placed every sixty meters. For that foundation, we developed the Swietelsky tube pile. It is based on an English system and further developed and optimized by D&I,” Mathijs explains. “In the design process, we investigated what this Swietelsky tube pile does based on soil quality, and the results were very positive.”
“We are quick to look at the Dutch market with blinders on”
Entrepreneurial spirit
He calls it a textbook example of 'value engineering'. “We may spend a bit more money on the design, but that creates a more efficient and faster construction method. And with 1,800 tube piles on the Maaslijn, that adds up quickly.” According to him, Swietelsky’s international network and entrepreneurial spirit have certainly helped: “We are quick to look at the Dutch market with blinders on. Meanwhile, trains run just as well abroad, and there is a lot of knowledge there too! Moreover, we are not tied to our own or fixed suppliers, such as for concrete. So we look for opportunities that can be distinctive.”
Less ecological impact
This new method of foundation has an additional positive effect on the immediate construction environment. A conventional concrete element measures 2.5 by 2.25 meters. Within that area, the ground must be completely free of cables & pipes, and a hole must be dug. “It is, of course, a substantial hole, so that can have ecological consequences. A tube pile has a narrower diameter, you don’t need to dig a hole, and you have less edge work.” Finally, placing the tube piles is also much faster, which ultimately means you need fewer machines.
“The rail is a beautiful world full of challenges, especially in terms of digitalization and optimizations”
Biggest playground
The D&I team is intentionally located in its own office on Parklaan in Oisterwijk. “Of course, we are 100% Swietelsky. However, we position ourselves differently in the market: as an engineering firm. This is necessary to attract the right people and potential collaborations. We are just at the beginning with D&I. We now have many specialized disciplines. However, the amount of work offers opportunities to further expand the number of experts.” He sees the rail sector as one with many opportunities for the labor market. “It is a beautiful world full of challenges, especially in terms of digitalization and optimizations. As Swietelsky, we are also in the biggest playground in the rail industry, with our innovative machines. Combined with very nice, challenging projects and the euphoria when you meet the deadline together under time pressure.”
Do you want to be part of this dynamic world and take the next step in digitalization and innovation with us? Then check out our vacancies.
