Geotechnical engineering

Applus+ has overseas experience acquired through the years and enhanced with several company acquisitions such as LEM (Chile) and SAFCO (KSA and Egypt). Our portfolio includes:

Geotechnical Studies:

• Geotechnical characterization of sites.
• Structural foundation studies
• Slope stability studies
• Esplanade bearing capacity studies
• Substrate removal capacity studies
• Embankment studies
• Tunnel studies (geology, geotechnics, supports, etc.)
• Port studies (dock stability, dredging, etc.)

Geological and Hydrogeological studies:

• Geological cartography and geological and geotechnical characterization
• Hydrogeological studies
• Pumping tests, piezometry, etc

Pathology studies of the terrain and auscultation:

This service includes everything from the early diagnosis of pathology to the recommendations for its definitive stabilization, as well as its monitoring and control through instrumentation and geotechnical auscultation.

• Slope and slope instabilities
• Pathologies of earth structures
• Structure movements
• Pathologies of pavements and esplanades
• Foundation pathologies
• Calculations for the design of corrective measures
• Expert studies

Geological risk studies and territorial planning:

• Preparation of studies and maps of geological risks, definition of risk, and quantification in orders of probability
• Execution of all field and laboratory work
• Analysis and data processing
• Early detection of pathologies
• Thematic, global risk maps and risk areas
• Mining subsidences and collapses

Pollution studies:

• Detailed investigation for the characterization and determination of the extent of soil and groundwater contamination
• Diagnosis of soil and water quality

Site Investigations

• Geotechnical site investigation campaigns through surveys and “in situ” and laboratory tests
• Boreholes to recognize structural elements (walls, screens, piles, etc.)
• Recognition of boreholes in jet grouting
• Instrumentation boreholes

On-site Testing 

• Permeability tests in boreholes (Lugeon and Lefranc) and infiltrometry
• Plate Bearing Test
• Pressuremetric tests
• PANDA dynamic penetration tests
• Dynamic penetration tests
• Seismic refraction studies
• Electrical and seismic tomography studies
• Crosshole

Structural surveys, inspections, and inventories:

• Bridge structural surveys
• Slope surveys
• Tunnel reconnaissance

We count on different accreditations and recognitions, as well as proven experience in geological engineering through significant projects implemented in various types of infrastructures and facilities:

• Geological, geotechnical, and hydrogeological study of storage platforms 
• Geological-geotechnical investigations for the feasibility study of reversible hydroelectric power stations 
• Geotechnical study and geotechnical site investigation with DPSH for the construction of eolic parks
• Geotechnical ground investigation for the works of the extension of ports 
• Geotechnical ground investigation for new public buildings 
• Geotechnical ground investigation and geotechnical engineering report for roads and highway design  
• Geotechnical ground investigation and geotechnical engineering report for the design of the new railway access 
• Geotechnical engineering, site Investigation and instrumentation and monitoring works   in  high-speed rail 
• Geotechnical studies for theme parks.