G. Smeyers enhances construction site drainage using Ewon Netbiter real-time monitoring

 

 

The Royers Lock (Royerssluis) in the port of Antwerp is crucial shipping link between the Scheldt and the Albert Canal. Initially serving as a sea lock, it later catered to inland shipping. The lock is currently undergoing expansion to transform it into a high-performance inland navigation lock, designed to efficiently handle modern vessels. The lock will be extended from 180 to 235 meters in length and from 22 to 36 meters in width, accommodating larger vessels with ease.

 

G. Smeyers (Smeyers) was selected as the preferred groundwater expert for controlling groundwater levels at Royerssluis. The company is also responsible for supplying geothermal energy for future on-site buildings. Ewon Netbiter helps it achieve excellence.

Advanced monitoring system with Ewon Netbiter

 

Before the earthworks could begin, groundwater needed to be lowered to a sufficient level within the constructed cofferdams. Smeyers implemented their proprietary “dig bag method”, saving valuable time. The drainage of the lock was accelerated using approximately 80 combination wells within a water-retaining wall that extends into the clay. Once the groundwater reached the desired level, earthworks commenced, with final delivery of the renovated Royers Lock scheduled for the end of 2026.

 

The company utilizes a sophisticated monitoring system featuring a network of sensors that track various parameters on the construction site. This includes monitoring water levels, flow, and pressure at specific points. In some cases, salinity and pH levels are also monitored to ensure the water can be safely returned to the ground. 

 

Ewon Netbiter provides real-time, five-minute interval data from construction sites, allowing us to monitor and respond to alarms remotely from our offices.

Lorenz Adriaensen, Field and Solutions Engineer IoT at G Smeyers

Efficient water management through smart monitoring

 

With advanced monitoring technology, Smeyers ensures they pump only the necessary amount of water to lower levels. Once the desired level is achieved, pumping stops—unlike competitors who must pump continuously due to lack of monitoring.

 

“If we encounter a problem in a specific region, such as the level not dropping as expected, we can benchmark against historical data from similar projects,” says Lorenz Adriaensens, Field and Solutions Engineer IoT at Smeyers. “Our competitors lack this information because they don’t store, keep, or analyze it.” That’s where Ewon Netbiter comes into play.

 

 

Real-time data visualization via Argos cloud

 

All collected data is transmitted to the Argos cloud, enabling Smeyers and its clients to visualize it. Data is sent via Ewon Netbiters from HMS Networks to a custom-developed application based on the Argos cloud. This virtual display is a significant asset that Smeyers employs across multiple sites.

 

 

Rapid response to alarms minimizes downtime

 

“If a pump or another component fails, it’s very important to fix it quickly to avoid downtime on the construction site,” explains Lorenz Adriaensen. Thanks to remote monitoring, Smeyers can respond swiftly to any issues. An alarm triggers if water levels are not as expected, prompting immediate action, even during off-hours. This proactive approach ensures that technicians arrive with the right materials and spare parts, knowing the problem in advance—a competitive edge Smeyers’ rivals lack.

 

Extensive use of Ewon Netbiter across construction sites

 

“At the moment, we have 185 Netbiter gateways running across 25 construction sites, with more than 100 additional units on order,” Lorenz continues. “Each system on a site, along with its water purification and disposal circuits, has its own Netbiter circuit.”

 

Strong partnership with HMS Networks and Bintz

“We have an excellent relationship with HMS Networks, and also with Bintz, the distributor in Belgium,” adds Lorenz Adriaensens. “We hold monthly project meetings, and I believe we are the largest client of Netbiter in Belgium. Our experience with Netbiter is that it is very stable and reliable, even in harsh outdoor conditions like rain and cold.”

 

More about G. Smeyers

 

G. Smeyers (Smeyers) specializes in water maintenance and drainage for large construction sites, mainly in its native country of Belgium. The company ensures that its clients can work on a dry construction site, laying the foundation for successful projects by employing cutting-edge techniques at every level.

 

Our experience with Ewon Netbiter is that it is very stable and reliable, even in harsh outdoor conditions like rain and cold.

Lorenz Adriaensen, Field and Solutions Engineer IoT at G Smeyers.

 

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