Applus+ provides geotechnical services for a photovoltaic park in Valledupar, Colombia

To ensure the highest quality in geotechnical assessment, Applus+ developed a comprehensive campaign that included:

• Geotechnical investigation: Direct and indirect exploration, field and laboratory tests.
• Soil characterization: Obtaining detailed information on soil composition, including grain size distribution, density, compressibility, and other relevant geotechnical properties.
• Load capacity studies: Evaluation of the soil's load-bearing capacity to determine the suitability of the foundations for the solar panels and other related structures.
• Stability analysis: Analyzing the stability of the terrain to foresee issues such as erosion, soil movement, or landslides.
• Drainage studies: Assessment of soil permeability and design of appropriate drainage systems.
• Pull-out tests: Field testing involving stress/deformation testing on piles to establish the interaction between the soil and the structure in situ under future load conditions.
• Environmental impact: Considering the environmental impact of geotechnical activities, ensuring sustainable practices, and complying with environmental regulations.

Detailed planning and continuous support ensured that the studies were conducted properly and interpreted correctly.

The geotechnical studies conducted by Applus+ were fundamental to ensuring the viability, safety, and efficiency of the project, resulting in:

• Appropriate foundation design: Accurate identification of the soil's load-bearing capacity and subsurface characteristics, facilitating the proper design of foundations for solar panels, support structures, and other equipment.
• Cost and resource optimization: Precise information on soil properties, avoiding unnecessarily conservative designs, and enabling optimization of design and material selection, maximizing the economic efficiency of the project.
• Minimization of geotechnical risks: Identifying and mitigating potential risks, ensuring the long-term stability of the solar park.
• Regulatory compliance: Ensuring compliance with local and international standards and regulations, crucial for obtaining necessary environmental permits and authorizations.
• Structural safety: Significant improvement in the structural safety of the solar park, reducing the risk of structural failures during extreme events.
• Sustainability and long-term performance: Contributing to the sustainability of the solar park through stable and durable infrastructure, promoting consistent performance throughout the project's lifespan and minimizing maintenance costs.

Applus+ is proud to be part of this strategic project, demonstrating its expertise and commitment to excellence in providing geotechnical services for the renewable energy industry.