From spoil to soil: Reuse of soil from TBM's in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands several projects are underway, in which large boretunnels are planned. The excavation of them results in large quantities spoil. In most projects slurryshield TBM’s are to be used. The spoil will be treated in order to be able to re-use the Bentonite slurry. The Dutch policy regarding the use of raw constructing materials is to propagate secondary materials in favor of primary materials. The digging of spoil for a bore tunnel can be regarded as secondary production. This should be resulting in such a quality that it can be used in construction works. An overview is given of the (planned) Dutch Bore tunnel projects and the quantities of soil involved. Results will be presented of relevant (research)projects concerning the reuse of spoil. The Center for Underground Space Technology (COB) carries out a research project ‘Re-use of soil from boretunnels’. In this study also results of the monitoring of ongoing projects is incorporated.