Applus+ carries out geotechnical studies, topographic surveys and structural design for an important renewable energy client in Colombia

Geotechnical and geological study services were provided in the photovoltaic parks of Campano, Veraguas and San Felipe, located in the departments of Córdoba, Valle del Cauca and Tolima, respectively.

The studies included direct exploration with six-meter-deep drill holes, shafts, geophysics, refraction lines, and vertical electrical sounding. In addition, resistivity tests, soil characterization laboratory and corrosion tests were performed as well. It is key to highlight that the coverage areas of the projects are between 395 and 409 hectares.

On the other hand, the Applus+ geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring service consists of supervising the structural and geotechnical safety of structures and infrastructures during their construction. Once the infrastructure is in service, the process includes measuring and controlling geotechnical and structural parameters continuously and in real time, in any type of structure.

During this project, Applus+ also provided its services for the review and diagnosis of the soil study in the Bosque Solar Llano park located in the municipality of Puerto Gaitán in the department of Meta. Likewise, soil studies, geotechnical exploration, laboratory tests, settlement calculations were carried out, and foundation recommendations were also included at the Bosques Solares Elevator Substation located in this same park.

The resistivity surveys that Applus+ carries out offer numerous advantages to environmental and engineering projects. These are used to determine if the soil and rock of a site allow an electrical system to be grounded. For its part, resistivity images are used to determine the degree of electrical conductivity at different depths and can be used to locate environmental contamination, water leaks in dams or other changes in resistivity.

It is important to mention that these services provide clients with risk reduction and decision-making tools, both during the construction process and throughout the useful life of the infrastructures in service.