VIIA is a joint venture between Royal HaskoningDHV and VolkerWessels company Visser & Smit Bouw and was established to secure public buildings in the earthquake area of Groningen by inspecting, analysing and taking the required reinforcement measures. Until recently, this was carried out manually; a labour-intensive process involving a great deal of expert knowledge, which is repeated for each at-risk building. On behalf of Centrum Veilig Wonen, Freshheads and VIIA developed a digital tool: experts enter measurement data into the programme, which then translates it into a 3D model. Engineers use the model to arrive at a seismic analysis, and identify which parts of the building need reinforcing, and to what extent. Twenty organisations are now working with the new tool.

The problem in Groningen is extremely topical and urgent. In a socially charged context, Freshheads and VIIA developed a method for generating reinforcement indications on a large scale and simplifying and accelerating the process. By designing a practical tool to accelerate the reinforcement review process, this innovative project is both relevant and effective. Freshheads and VIIA do not offer a simple answer but aim to provide a functional tool for a complex problem.