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Soil Science Supervision of Construction Works (BBB)

Soil science supervision during construction in accordance with DIN 19639

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Bauarbeiter liest Projektordner neben Graben und Baggerschaufel

Soil science-based construction supervision (BBB) ensures that construction projects are planned and carried out whilst taking soil functions into account. The aim is to prevent harmful changes to the soil, minimise soil compaction and ensure the prudent use of soil as a resource.

DMT supports clients throughout all project phases with a holistic soil protection management approach. This is based on the requirements of DIN 19639 ‘Soil protection in the planning and execution of construction projects’ and DIN 18915 ‘Vegetation technology in landscaping – soil works’.

Why is soil science supervision during construction important?

Soils fulfil key functions in relation to the water cycle, vegetation, climate and resource conservation. Construction processes can impair these functions, for example through compaction, soil erosion or soil sealing.

Professional soil science supervision during construction enables:

  • Protection of natural soil functions
  • Prevention and minimisation of soil compaction
  • Legally compliant implementation of statutory and regulatory requirements
  • Sustainable land and soil management
  • Efficient management of construction site operations
  • Transparent documentation of all soil protection measures

An overview of our services

Development of a soil protection plan

We develop a project-specific soil protection plan as early as the planning phase. This sets out all the necessary measures to prevent and minimise damage to the soil.

The main areas of focus are:

  • Assessment of soil conditions and soil sensitivity
  • Limiting land take and soil sealing
  • Establishment of limits for vehicle access and workability
  • Planning of suitable construction site and logistics areas
  • Development of a soil and materials management plan
  • Definition of prevention and mitigation measures
Porträtfoto von Uwe Vogt aus dem Bereich Environmental Engineering bei DMT

“Every construction project has an impact on the ground. Our task is to understand these impacts at an early stage, assess them transparently and develop sustainable solutions.”

Uwe Vogt
Environmental Engineering
+49 15116830939

Let’s discuss the right approach to your project. I look forward to hearing from you.

Soil Protection Plan as the basis for construction works

The soil protection concept is supplemented by a soil protection plan. This plan sets out all measures relevant to soil protection on a map and ensures transparency for all those involved in the project.

The soil protection plan includes, amongst other things:

  • Location and scope of the construction works
  • Construction and storage areas
  • Temporary access roads
  • Machinery and logistics concepts
  • Floor storage and material flows
  • Allocation of protective measures to specific areas

Implementation and supervision during construction

During the construction phase, our experts monitor the implementation of the agreed measures and assist all parties involved with any soil protection-related issues.

Our services include:

  • Regular site inspections
  • Monitoring compliance with the soil protection plan
  • Provision of technical advice to project stakeholders
  • Adjusting measures in response to changes in the construction schedule
  • Documentation of all relevant processes and decisions

Final documentation

Once the construction work has been completed, we document all the soil protection measures that have been implemented, as well as their effectiveness. This documentation serves as evidence for the authorities, clients and other stakeholders.

Where necessary, we also oversee land restoration measures to restore impaired soil functions.

Project phases of soil science-based construction supervision

1

Preliminary studies and planning

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2

Planning for authorisation

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3

Award

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4

Construction and documentation

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Phase 1: Preliminary study and planning

  • Alignment of project objectives and constraints
  • Definition of soil protection requirements
  • Coordination with all project stakeholders

To determine the initial soil conditions, we investigate the site-specific soil conditions in accordance with the requirements of DIN 19639.

In doing so, we record, amongst other things:

  • Soil structure and stratification
  • Soil type
  • Soil texture
  • Lime content
  • Soil moisture
  • Influence of groundwater
  • Organic matter content

In addition, soil samples are taken for laboratory analysis.

Depending on site conditions, we carry out further investigations, such as:

  • Screening and slurry analyses
  • Consistency limits (flow and spread limits)
  • TOC (Total Organic Carbon) determination
  • Loss on ignition
  • Water content

The results form the basis for assessing susceptibility to compaction and planning appropriate protective measures.

Phase 2: Planning for approval

Based on the results of the investigation, we draw up the soil protection strategy, including the soil protection plan.

In doing so, we assess:

  • Soil properties and soil functions
  • Sensitivity to construction works
  • Potential impacts on the soil
  • Required protection and mitigation measures
  • Reclamation measures, where necessary

Phase 3: Award of contract

To ensure that soil protection requirements form an integral part of the construction process, we incorporate the specified measures into:

  • Tender documents
  • Specifications
  • Specifications

Where required, we also provide clients with technical support and advice during the tendering phase.

Phase 4: Construction and Documentation

Throughout the implementation phase, we provide ongoing support for the construction project and check that all agreed measures are being followed.

These include:

  • Construction site inspections
  • Technical coordination
  • Adjustments in response to changing circumstances
  • Documentation of implementation
  • Final report with evidence of the measures carried out
The benefits you gain with DMT

Drawing on our many years of experience in soil protection, environmental planning and engineering, we support clients in implementing construction projects in a legally compliant, sustainable and efficient manner.

By combining soil science expertise, planning in accordance with standards and project support based on partnership, we lay the foundations for the responsible management of soil as a resource and for sustainable value creation throughout the entire project lifecycle.

Please get in touch with our environmental engineering experts.

What you should know

Frequently Asked Questions on Soil Science Construction Supervision (BBB)

Soil science support during construction assists with the planning and implementation of construction projects with the aim of protecting soil functions, preventing soil compaction and complying with the requirements of DIN 19639.

A soil protection plan is particularly necessary for construction projects where the soil may be adversely affected by vehicle traffic, excavation, soil storage or soil sealing.

The concept includes an assessment of the affected soils, an analysis of potential impacts, and specific measures for prevention, mitigation and, where necessary, land restoration, including a soil protection plan.

It reduces the risks associated with soil compaction, helps ensure compliance with legal requirements, improves planning certainty and contributes to sustainable resource management.

The relevant standards are DIN 19639 ‘Soil protection in the planning and execution of construction projects’ and DIN 18915 ‘Vegetation technology in landscaping – groundworks’.