The Oergeul
In urban developments in and around the IJ, it is important to consider the location of the Oergeul, also known as the Oer-IJ. This ancient tidal channel was the precursor of the current IJmeer. The first and second sand layers have been partially or completely eroded and filled with soft clay and silt layers to a depth of up to -30 m NAP.
Therefore, almost all civil engineering structures within the channel area must be based on the third sand layer, with foundation piles to a depth of up to -60 m NAP. This makes the cost of foundation significantly higher. Often, the urban design is then adapted accordingly, for example by placing high-rise buildings in the area of the Oer-IJ (Zeeburgereiland), not building (Strandeiland) or foundating on steel.
The map of the Oergeul was renewed based on the borings known to the Engineering Office in the autumn of 2017. You can find more information via the "i" on the top right of the map.
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