Engineer of the Year 2020

Flexible groynes

One of the high-profile projects Bas Reedijk has been involved in involves the construction of flexible groynes: stone dams that channel the water. Thanks to the dams, a river keeps a deep channel and no unwanted sandbanks form. The groynes he designed at BAM Infraconsult are made up of cross-shaped blocks of concrete, which hook together well. They allow water to partially pass through, which is good for water flora and to prevent certain forms of erosion. Less concrete is also needed. Moreover, these new groynes can be moved relatively easily, something that is difficult with conventional groynes. "Our groynes make it easier to adapt them to the demands of climate change," Reedijk explains. "A variant of this type of concrete blocks is now also being used to reinforce the Afsluitdijk, also as a precaution against climate change."

Winner Audience Award

Reedijk received the award from then KIVI president Joanne Meyboom. She said that the jury had chosen him because of the way he connects his acquired knowledge to the solution. "His ideas for a new block for dyke reinforcement he worked out at home and tested in his own shed. The cross-shaped concrete block, the Xbloc, proved to be a huge success. Over half a million Xblocs have been installed worldwide over the years. A seemingly simple solution, which made the jury wonder why it wasn't invented sooner."

Bas Reedijk also proved to be the public's favourite, also winning the Audience Award.