Presentation

Presentation
The founder of the company Dr. Ing. h.c. Giovanni Rodio, together with Prof. Karl Terzaghi, was among the first representatives
to recognise the importance of geotechnical solutions for the benefit of civil engineering projects. The various companies
founded in a majority of European countries and, after the Second World War, also in South America and the Far East,
specialised in particular in solving geotechnical problems and made a significant contribution in the execution of
hydroelectric power plants and later in all areas of civil engineering. The first and leading company of the Rodio Group, Ing.
Giovanni Rodio & C. S.p.A., Casalmaiocco / Milano started its activity already in 1921 and thus recently celebrated its
100th anniversary.

Rodio Group has always emphasized the following in its company policy:

- Development and training of the specialized workforce and continuous training of the senior engineering team.
- development and adaptation of the equipment fleet based on site experience
- Investing in innovative new products while maintaining traditional values and expertise.

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 RODIO

Forth Crossing Bridge, Edinburgh (Scotland)

Jet Grouting

Rodio Activities
Ground Freezing Tunneling Works Compensation Grouting

Jet Grouting Rock Grouting Soil Grouting

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Grand Paris Express Line 16 (France)

Diaphragm Walls, Grouting, Jet grouting and Bored Piles

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Tunnel U3 Olimpiapark Munich (Germany)

Tunneling Works

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Schwanden, Glarus Kanton (Switzerland)

Forepoling

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City Metro Tunnel Karlsruhe Manchette Pipe Grouting (Germany)

Grouting

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Tunnel Schumann Josaphat (Belgium)

Compensation Grouting

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 2ND Water Power Plant of Honggrin Léman
Rock Grouting

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Hubertus Tunnel. La Haya-Amsterdam Motorway, La Haya (Holland)

Ground Freezing

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 Project Overview Europe

Project Overview Europe

• Metro Warsaw Soil Freezing

• Slovacki Tunnel Danzig Soil Freezing
• City Tunnel Leipzig Soil Freezing
• Forth Crossing Bridge Scotland Jet Grouting
• Hubertus Tunnel Den Haag Soil Freezing
• Tunnel Liefkenshoek Belgium Soil Freezing
• U3 Munich Injection Works
• Tunnel Värtan Stockholm Jet Grouting
• Tunnel Schumann, Brussel Injektion
• Sochi Russia Soil Nailing
• U2/2 Vienna Injection works
• Tsankov Dam Bulgaria Injection

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 RODIO

Raron (Switzerland)
Jet Grouting

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 Te r r a t e s t N e t w o r k

Te r r a t e s t G r o u p N e t w o r k
Terratest has a strong international presence and is involved in many major projects carried out in the world. Our international
team is ready to face future challenges and demonstrate the adaptability of our company to both developed and emerging
markets.

Between 2004 and 2007, the RODIO parent company, makes the decision to sell off its assets. This is where TERRATEST
GROUP comes in. The special foundations company with Spanish origins, and its own rich history and international
presence, purchases RODIO Geotechnik AG and RODIO GmbH Spezialtiefbau in 2007, and incorporates their
experience and know-how into the group - now one of the global leaders in the foundations sector.

TERRATEST NETWORK
CONTRIES WITH TERRATEST PRESENCE

AMERICA
EE.UU.
GEOSTRUCTURES, INC.
ASAP GROUP
MEXICO
IFC CIMENTACIONES ESPECIALES
GUATEMALA
TERRATEST GUATEMALA
EL SALVADOR
TERRATEST EL SALVADOR EUROPE
HONDURAS AFRICA SPAIN
TERRATEST HONDURAS MOROCCO GRUPO TERRATEST
COSTA RICA TERRATEST MAROC POLAND
TERRATEST COSTA RICA SENEGAL TERRATEST GEOTEHNIC
PANAMA TERRATEST SENEGAL GIBRALTAR
TERRATEST PANAMA IVORY COAST TERRATEST GIBRALTAR
COLOMBIA TERRATEST COTE D’IVOIRE PORTUGAL
TERRATEST COLOMBIA GHANA TERRATEST PORTUGAL
EQUIPOS Y TERRATEST TERRATEST GHANA FRANCE
ECUADOR BENIN TERRATEST FRANCE
IFCE CIMENTACIONES ECUADOR TERRATEST BENIN ROMANIA
PERU NIGERIA TERRATEST GEOTEHNIC
CIMENTACIONES PREFABRI. TERRATEST PERU TERRATEST FOUNDATIONS NIGERIA SWITZERLAND
BOLIVIA CAMEROON RODIO GEOTECHNIK AG
IFC BOLIVIA SRL TERRATEST CAMEROUN GERMANY
BRAZIL RÉPUBLIQUE DU CONGO RODIO GMBH SPEZIALTIEFBAU
TERRATEST BRASIL TERRATEST CENTRAL AFRICA MIDDLE EAST
ARGENTINA ANGOLA QATAR
TERRATEST ARGENTINA TERRATEST ANGOLA TERRATEST QATAR
CHILE EGYP BAHRAIN
GRUPO TERRATEST TTFT, LLC TERRATEST BAHRAIN
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Areas of Activity

RESIDENTIAL SOIL
INFRASTRUCTURES TUNNELING OFFSHORE
AND INDUSTRIAL IMPROVEMENT

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Paris Expo Porte de Versailles Convention Centre (France)

Bored Piles

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 Activities

Te r r a t e s t G r o u p A c t i v i t i e s
Piles Excavation Support Ground Improvement
Bored piles Diaphragm Walls Stone Columns

CFA Trench Cutter Jet Grouting

Compensation and
Precast Piles Soil Nailing Compaction Grouting

Micropiles Ground Anchors Wick Drains

Offshore Piles Sheetpiles / Metal Bracing Underpinning

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Ground Improvement Environmental Works Ground Freezing

GEOPIER® Systems Soil Decontamination

Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC) Water reservoirs (Dams)

Engineering design

TERRATEST has a technical

department consisting of a
multidisciplinary team of senior
engineers, highly qualified with
extensive experience in many fields,
including geotechnical, structural
calculations (metal and concrete) and
Urban and Industrial Landfills of course special foundations.
Tunneling
The technical department of GRUPO
Microtunneling
TERRATEST uses specialist, last
generation software, both in-house
developed and acquired, which allows
the best of both worlds for each
project. Some of these programmes
are: Plaxis, Rido, Cype, Ansys, etc.
GRUPO TERRATEST’s specialists are
Geotechnical and environmental experts in the use of this software and
hydrogeology
they have years of experience in the
field of geotechnics applied to special
Consolidation foundations.

Consolidación Impoundments Waste

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 Activities

Metro Warsaw Ground Freezing, Warsaw, Poland

Ground Freezing

Activities
GROUND FREEZING the groundwater surrounding the tube itself. Using liquid
nitrogen it is possible to freeze the pore water present in a
Ground consolidation by means of freezing cylinder of soil of about 1 meter diameter within 3-4 days.
The liquid nitrogen is distilled from the air and is transported
Freezing as a method of soil immersed into water is a and stored on site in special refrigerated tankers. Once
technique known for several decades in the field of used, the nitrogen is dispersed into the air again as gas.
geotechnical engineering. Ground freezing can be
achieved by the direct (liquid nitrogen) or indirect method In the so-called indirect method, brine (a solution of calcium
(brine). For both systems thermometric data points, placed chloride in water) is cooled by means of an electric
inside thermometers distributed within the volume to be refrigeration (chilling) unit at temperatures of -35 ° -40 ° C
frozen, allow an indirect control on the formation of the and is circulated in metal tubes placed in the soil (freezing
frozen structure. pipes) returning after to the chilling unit to be cooled. In this
case it will take about 3-4 weeks to freeze the water present
In the direct method, nitrogen (close to the atmospheric in a cylinder of soil of about 1 meter in diameter. Also in this
pressure is liquid at a temperature of about -196 ° C) case the circulating system must be closed, it is essential
circulates in closed metal pipes causing a thermal shock in to avoid any leakage of brine into the ground.

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Tunnel Roveredo, Switzerland

Pipe Umbrella

PIPE UMBRELLA tube itself. Lengths are possible drilling of up to 30 meters,

but the optimum value lies between 14 and 18 meters, in
Support of the gallery by means of forepoling this case one piece tubes without junctions can be utilized.
The distance between the tubes depends on static factors
The method consists of inserting steel tubes inside sub- and the geology and is generally between 30 and 60 cm.
horizontal holes made ahead of tunnel’s face. Structures in The tube diameter is usually between 100 and 180 mm. The
the form of pre-shaped arc are obtained in this way as tubes are usually fitted with valves and are cemented by the
support for the excavation. This system finds its ideal introduction of mechanical single or double packer. Possible
application in heterogeneous loose soils containing deviations of drilling are strongly dependent on soil type.
boulders and large blocks of rock (debris of avalanche).
The installation of these tubes is done by means of special
rigs who are very stable and are equipped with long mast.
The machine is placed in the center of the arch and only the
mast is moved in any position of perforation, without moving
the machine itself. The drilling can be done directly with the
steel pipe or dragging the same within an outer protective
pipe or using a down-the-hole hammer placed inside of the

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PILES

BORED PILES

Concept and characteristics

Extraction piles, bore-cast and concreted «in situ», constitute one of the classic foundation systems for problems arising
from the land’s support capacity or from the need to carry heavy loads transmitted by the structure to which the foundations
are destined.

The pile diameters that can be achieved have no limitation, but generally vary progressively between 400 and 2500 mm.
The depths that can be reached exceed 60 m.

Procedure
There are basically three phases in the procedure for a pile bored and concreted «in situ»:
a) The bore
b) Installation of reinforcement
c) Concreting

The characteristics of the land (stratigraphy,

water level, etc.) condition the bore type and
system: dry rotation, rotation with recoverable
casing,rotation with muds or polymersic mixtures
and, finally, with and recoverable casing
chissel&grab.

Applications
Bored piling is popular to be used in construction
as a foundation, especially for bridge work and
tall buildings as well. Usually bored pile is used
for those tall buildings or massive industrial
complexes, which require foundations that can
bear the load of thousands of tons, most
probably in unstable or difficult soil conditions.

Piles are also used to protect digging in the

supporting of soil. Depending on the
characteristics of the soil to be retained, they are
set apart at a tangent and even secant piles.

Hydroelectric Power Plant El Tornillito, Honduras

Bored Piles

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Nova Arquibancada da Marquês de Sapucaí . Rio de Janeiro/RJ. Brasil

CFA and Precast Piles

CFA It is possible to monitor the entire installation process of the

piles. A flow meter provides accurate data that is then
Concept and characteristics recorded and can be analyzed. Information that is collected
The continuous auger bored piles belong to the category of includes penetration/uplift per revolution, auger depth and
bored piles with partial soil removal. Drilling is performed injection of pressure at the head of the auger.
by means of a hollow, continuous auger.
Applications
This technique allows the production of piles with diameters One of the benefits of CFA piles is that there is no casing
varying from 300 to 1000 mm, for a maximum depth of 30 involved and so there is minimal disruption associated with
meters. using them. They also help to keep vibrations to a minimum
and can be used on large projects, making them a good
Procedure piling solution for a range of situations.
A hollow auger is inserted into the ground once the
necessary depth has been worked out, and then concrete CFA piles are a type of piling that is especially good for use
is pumped down the hollow stem. At the same time, the on building sites where there is a need to keep noise to a
hollow auger is withdrawn and, in order to reinforce the minimum.
piling, a reinforced cage is used.

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 Activities

Clinker mil in Toledo, Spain Structure LAV Levante, Section Villena Sax, Alicante, Spain
Precast Piles Precast Piles

PRECAST PILES Applications

Procedure Precast piles Applicattions

The piles are driven with modern, free-fall equipment, using Precast piles are especially utilised for their low cost
a hammer of between 5 and 9 tons raised either by a simple advantages, for sites in remote areas and for foundations
cable system, or the most advanced hydraulic drive with contained vertical loads applied.
methods with high performance and controls. This
equipment is completely autonomous (requiring no Precast prestressed piles Applicattions
auxiliary components) and mounted on crawler-cranes for Because of the initial prestress force, TERRA’s precast
easy movement. prestressed piles are particularly indicated for the
absorption of traction and bending strains, and horizontal
Precast square elements are joint together with special thrust, giving foundations which are more economical
keys (ABB seal) designed by Terratest technical department. than other designs.
The ABB seal is the element allowing the union of different
pile sections, to reach the necessary depth. These seals The following may be highlighted, among other
are made with high-quality materials, and calculated to applications:
bear greater stresses even that the pile’s standard section, - Structures (bridges and viaducts).
as demonstrated in bending, compression and traction - Tall buildings or those situated in earthquake
zones.
trials.
- Structures and buildings where the ground floor
or basement levels are below the water table.
- Contention of walls, basements, etc.
- Industrial buildings with significant horizontal or
Pre-cast Reinforced Concrete Piles bending stresses.
Technical Specifications

Pile Type T-200 T-235 T-270 T-300 T-350 T-400 T-450

Pile lenght or
Pile sections Variable
Variable
between
entre 33 yand
15 metros
15 meters
Nominal section
(cm2) 400 552 729 900 1225 1600 2025
GEOMETRICAL
Squared section
DATA AND
Pile side (mm) 200 235 270 300 350 400 400 400 450
DETAILS 4x2Ø16 4x2Ø20 4x2Ø25
Longitudinal
reinforcement 4Ø12 4Ø16 4Ø16 4Ø20 4Ø20 8Ø25
2Ø16 2Ø20 2Ø25
Transversal Ø6 Ø6 Ø6 Ø6 Ø6 Ø6 Ø6 Ø8 Ø8
reinforcement 19,6 cm 17,2 cm 15,2 cm 13,7 cm 11,8 cm 10,0 cm 10,0 cm 10,0 cm 8,50 cm
Structural capacity 61, 7 Tn 84,8 Tn 112 Tn 137,9 Tn 187,7 Tn 244,8 Tn 244,8 Tn 244,8 Tn 303,7 Tn

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MICROPILES 2. GROUTING Applications

Grouting is done using the reverse The applications are many, most
Concept and characteristics circulation pumping technique for the particularly in all types of work
Micropiles are small diameter cement or mortar. involving reduced space or where
cylindrical holes (between 114 and large machines are not possible
400mm), into which a tubular metal For tubular reinforcement, pumping is because of their excessive weight:
frame is introduced, normally with a done through the tube, to the bottom - Rehabilitation of all types of
high elasticity limit (also bar of the bore, then up through the buildings.
reinforcement is used). It is joined to annular space formed between it and - Underpinning.
the ground by the means of a pressure the land, shifting the bore detritus with - Foundation reinforcement in
injection of cement grout or mortar. it. If the tubing is itself the building extensions.
reinforcement, grouting is done - Deep foundations on small
Procedure following bore cleaning. If a bar, it is plots.
1. BORING grouted following washing, and the - Support for existing foundations
The technique used to bore for a bar is introduced immediately for basement excavation.
micropile depends basically on the afterward. - Slurry walls in reduced spaces.
type of land involved. While there are - Slope stabilisation on roads.
several boring procedures, the - Fore-poling for tunnel openings.
following are the most used: - Deep foundations on land not
- OD. suitable for conventional piling.
- ODEX.
- Rotation.
- Hammer rotopercussion at the
head.
Although it is not necessary in some
cases to protect the bore against
internal land collapse, it is usual to
use recoverable casing, and sweeps
with water and compressed air. If the
land is not stable for boring, it may be
necessary to use waste tubing, which
can substitute for or complement the
reinforcing required. The bore is
washed with water and/or pressurised
air. If the reinforcement is tubular,
which is the most-used, it goes into
the bore once the washing is finished.
Bar reinforcing is introduced once the
bore is grouted.

Excavation pit in Almeria, Spain

Micropiles

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 Activities

Shopping mall El Corte Inglés. Albacete, Spain

Diaphragm walls

EXCAVATION SUPPORT Procedure Once the foundation trench is

To install diaphragm walls in the excavated (the name given to the hole
ground, mechanically-driven grab from the depth and maximum aperture
DIAPHRAGM WALLS buckets are used with weight ratings of the hydraulic grab, cable or rotary
of between 5 and 23 Tons and grab to the hole to be filled with thixotropic
Concept and characteristics openings of between 2.60 and 4.20 cement) the steel support indicated in
Continuous reinforced concrete core metres. The grab will start the the framework and cutting plans is
walls are vertical walls made in spans excavation to the projected depth, introduced, then the concrete is
of up to 7 metres in length and normally with the help of bentonite poured through an elephant trunk
thicknesses between 0.40 and 1.50 slurries. These liquids, of variable system, consisting of a bell type
metres, and depths of up to 70 m, density (and whose principle tongue and grove system (tremie
and offer a solution to excavation component is bentonite) allow the pipe). With the help of excavation or
difficulties in urban areas or around excavation to be completed cleanly other auxiliary equipment the
and do not trigger landslides from the framework is introduced and
the water table level.
surrounding walls. The bentonite can concreted whilst the excavation
be introduced into the excavation begins on the next trench. These
cavity by pumps from storage tanks. steps are repeated successively until

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Sant Ponz pit. Gerona, Spain

Trench Cutter

the completion of the diaphragm

walls around the perimeter of the site.

Applications
They are used in a large number of
projects (bearing structures,
provisional or definitive retaining
walls, etc.) and represent a solution to
different problems such as the
excavation of buried structures such
as underground car parks and
basements, subways, etc., to the
creation of subsoil waterproofing in
loose material dams.

TRENCH CUTTER

Terratest is one of the world leaders in

the execution of Diaphragm walls with
Trench Cutter. A Trench Cutter is a
reverse circulation excavation
machine, consisting of a heavy steel
frame and two cutting wheels
attached to its bottom end. The
wheels rotate in opposite directions
around horizontal axes, breaking the
soil beneath the cutter and pumping it
out of the trench to a complex
desanding plant.

The Trench Cutter is utilized:

- For the excavation of hard rock

formation
- For large thickness and depths
- And when high accuracy is
required

New High-speed railway station.

Gerona, Spain
Diaphragm walls, Bored Piles,
Trench Cutter

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 Activities

Car park in Portugalete Square. Valladolid, Spain

Ground Anchors
Car park in Torrelavega Avenue. Asturias, Spain
Metallic Bracing

SUPPORTS • The bulb: transmits traction to the TERRATEST is able to offer its
ground via its shaft that induce customers a metal bracing system
Diaphragm walls can be free standing, tension. designed to measure, and meet their
or together with others, which can • The free extension zone: situated needs from a technical and economic
work as a cantilever. This solution between the anchorage zone and the standpoint, and in addition, provide
needs a recess depth of the large wall head of the anchor, and where no technical advisory services at the
and high quantities of steel. This forces are transmitted to the highest level.
makes it necessary to study solutions surrounding ground allowing the bulb
that provide support to the wall during to be situated in stable ground levels, SHEETPILES
the excavation and reduce forces and outside of areas of slippage.
deformations to the wall. • The anchor head: that connects the
Sheet piling is an earth retention and
structure (mainly Diaphragm walls)
excavation support technique that
The type of bracing most commonly and must fully absorb the tension of
retains soil, using steel sheet sections
used is that completed through the reinforcement.
with interlocking edges. Sheet piles
ground anchors, which facilitate the • Anchor reinforcement: transmits the
are installed in sequence to design
construction of slabs. However, for tension from the head to the bulb,
depth along the planned excavation
economic reasons or influenced by passing through the free extension
perimeter or seawall alignment. The
the construction process, other zone.
interlocked sheet piles form a wall for
varieties of bracing exist, among Some of the applications of ground
permanent or temporary lateral earth
them: anchors are as follows:
support with reduced groundwater
• Bracing of retaining structures.
inflow. Anchors can be included to
• Anchors • Diaphragm walls.
provide additional lateral support if
• Metallic bracing. • Curtain walls of piles.
required.
• Anchors + metallic bracing. • Walls constructed by foundation
trench in descending phases.
Terratest Group supplies and installs
• Micropile walls.
GROUND ANCHORS • Sheath piling.
vibratory-driven sheet piles for both
permanent structures and temporary
• Stabilisation of slopes
Ground anchors (both temporary and retaining walls or construction pits.
permanent) are a technically and The possible applications vary greatly,
economically competitive solution, METAL BRACING depending on whether the work will
because they facilitate the process of take place on land, on the water or
bracing and reduce the execution The scope of use of the TERRATEST along a railroad.
time of the works, providing a high metal bracing system includes any
level of security thanks to the technical type of work (building and public Sheet pile walls have been used to
development experienced in recent works) in which a Diaphragm walls, of support excavations for below grade
decades. Ground anchors are any type (continuous, pile or parking structures, basements, pump
principally designed to absorb tensile micropile) is to be constructed, and in houses, and foundations, construct
forces. To perform this task, the which metal bracing is feasible cofferdams, and to construct seawalls
anchors are divided into four parts: geometrically. and bulkheads. Permanent steel
sheet piles are designed to provide a
long service life.

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Somport Tunnel. Huesca, Spain

Ground Anchors

SOIL NAILING

Soil nailing is a technique used to

bring soil stability in areas where
landslides might be a problem. Soil
nail can prevent landslides by
inserting steel reinforcement bars into
the soil and anchoring them to the
soil strata. It is called Soil Nail,
because it’s like having a nail being
hammered into the soil, where the
nails, are the steel bars.

Procedure
Its construction process is faster than
other similar methods. The
construction procedure starts, drilling
into the soil, where the nail, steel bar,
is going to be placed. After the drilling
has been completed, exact depth
must be provided by the geotechnical
engineer, the nail must be inserted
into the drilled hole. Then, it must be
grouted into the soil to create a
structure similar to a gravity wall. After
placing the nail, a shot-Crete layer is
usually placed as a facing material, to
protect the exposed nail, and then
other architectural options are placed
over the shot-Crete, creating an
aesthetic finish to the project.

Soil Nailing is not recommended to

use on clayey soils, and or clean
sands where the cohesion of the soil
is minimum.

Landslide in Bonares. Huelva, Spain

Soil Nailing

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 Activities

GROUND IMPROVEMENT
Procedure
STONE COLUMNS 1. Preparation
The machine is positioned over the
drive point and stabilised on the skids.
Concept and characteristics
A loader supplies the gravel.
As a general rule, stone columns are
executed with a vibrator with lower
discharge and a discharge chamber 2. Filling
and an extension feed tube on the The contents of the hopper are
top. Thanks to the feed tube and the poured into the tube. On closing it,
compressed air, the gravel is pushed the compressed air allows for a
to the end. For this special equipment, continuous flow of gravel to the outlet
Terratest has created a guide frame hole.
that enables driving and lifts the
vibrator, the gravel then falling into the 3. Driving
outlet hole. The vibrator then drops The vibrator descends, moving the
back down into the gravel, compacts soil sideways, to the planned depth
it and expands sideways against the thanks to the compressed air and
soil. The columns produced in this
the static drive of the unit.
way bring together the essential loads
to be withstood.
4. Compactation
When the final depth is reached, the
Geotechnical aspects
vibrator is lifted slightly and the gravel
Unlike vibro-compactation, an
takes up the freed space. The vibrator
improvement in compactness between
is then lowered again to expand the
columns is not initially considered,
gravel sideways against the soil and
although it does arise in some cases.
compact it.
The improvement lies in the extremely
elastic flexible module inclusions,
without cohesion, which have an 5. Finish
improved supporting capacity to The column is produced in this
decrease and control settlements. manner on successive drives up to
the planned level. The foundation
footings are then executed directly
in the traditional manner.

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Zurich Airport, Switzerland

Jet Grouting

JET GROUTING

The Jet Grouting process

The Jet Grouting process or Soilcrete is known as a soil-
cement stabilisation.
The soil around the bore is eroded with the aid of a high-
pressure jet of water or cement suspension with a nozzle
output speed 100 m/sec (possibly airborne).
The eroded soil is rearranged and mixed in the cement
suspension. The soil-cement mix is partly ejected into the
annular space between the Jet Grouting rod and the bore.
Different geometric configurations of Soilcrete elements
are possible. The jet erosion distance varies according to
the soil type and jet fluids used, and can reach diameters
of up to 5 metres.

The Advantages of Jet Grouting

- Applicable to almost all soil types
- Individualised in situ treatment
- Designable strength and permeability
- Specific layer treatment
- Inert components only
- Vibration-free
- Applicable in limited working spaces
- Possibility of different Soilcrete elements
- Maintenance-free
- The safest and most direct underpinning method
- Able to operate around underground installations in
servce
- Faster than alternative methods

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 Activities

COMPENSATION GROUTING In the case of excessive settlements, compensation

grouting is a suitable process for restoring the link between
Concept and characteristics the base of the structure and the supporting soil.
By using this process, fractures are created in the soil that
are subsequently filled with cement grouting. Any formation Elevating Structures
in the soil can be improved by grouting and may controlled. The settlement of structures can be solved using the
compensation grouting. Depending on the condition of
Procedure the building and the soil, the speed of elevation can be
1. Installation of the hose and inserting of the sheath adapted to each case.
The hose is fitted into the bore hole drilled, filling the
annular space between the bore hole wall and the hose Partial and precise elevation within the range of
pipe with a bentonite-cement mixture. millimetres is combined and added to total elevation
within a range of decimetres, without damaging the
2. Soil breakage structure. Structures are normally lifted without
In order to inject the suspension, a double shutter is
impeding their use.
inserted that separates each of the hose pipes during
grouting.
Protecting Structures
To protect structures from foreseeable settlement during
3. Multiple grouting the construction of a tunnel, ranges of horizontal hoses are
The hose pipes can be inserted one or several times,
to be installed from temporary shafts between the tunnel
depending on the technical requirements. The volume of
vault and the foundations of the building. The building to
grouting, the maximum grouting pressure and, in the case
be protected will be fitted with an electronic measuring
of repetitive grouting, the grouting speed are kept in line
system to record vertical movements.
with instructions. The hoses pipes can be reused.

Applications
Restoring foundations
The footing and subsoils form part of the foundations of a
structure. Over time, both can fail for different reasons. This
is often the case in historic buildings.

Installation point

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COMPACTION GROUTING 2. Compactation Grouting Foundation stabilising and

The mortar is prepared in the mixer underpinning
The method of Static Grouting is and injected by pressure into the soil Increasing or restoring the supporting
based on the injecting of a low using a specific pump for this type of capacity of the soil underneath
mobility mortar into the soil so that the work. Meanwhile, the grouting piping existing foundations, e.g. in the event
injected mixture does not flow through is gradually inserted or withdrawn, of an incre se in excess load or to
the soil and remains concentrated creating a column made up of almost repair damage produced by
around the injection point. This mortar round bulbs that join together. settlements. This technical is an
is injected at a pressure of up to 40 alternative to the Jet Grouting
bar and with a settlement on the 3. Compactation by phases procedure and/or can be used as a
Abrams cone of less than 8 cm, To ensure uniform soil compactation, preliminary treatment to apply Jet
allowing for correct densification. The grouting is worked onto a primary and Grouting and Fracturation Grouting.
injected material fills the gaps and then a secondary mesh. In the case of Recovery of or increse in the
compacts or stabilises the soil localised treatment, the grouting is supporting capacity along the shaft or
surrounding the area treated. The worked at the points and with the the point of existing deep foundations.
mortar cement then sets to give it gradients defined by the calculation.
resistance and hardness. The soil Cavity filling
must be displaced during injection Applications of Compactation In very porous, eroded soils or those
without breaking its structure. Grouting. Types with cavities, e.g. in landfill areas that
have not been sufficiently compacted,
1. Installation of the grouting areas affected by karstification, soil
Soil improvement
piping damaged by the breakage ofwater
Improvement of soil with low
The boring is drilled using rotary or pipes, etc.
supporting capacity, increasing its
rotary-percussion equipment relative density. Compacting of non-
depending on the characteristics of cohesive soils, especially those with
the soil. low or medium density with alternating
hard or cemented layers. It can be
used as an alternative or in addition to
pile foundations or soil improvements
using gravel columns.

37
 Activities

Huelva Ring Road, Spain

Wick Drains

WICK DRAINS wrapped in a geotechnical fabric, and allow water to drain

up through the centre of the drain. These come in a variety
The construction of a new embankment or structure of sizes and shapes to meet a variety of soil and site
induces additional stresses on the ground that can create conditions.
unacceptable long term settlements during the life of an
embankment or structure. A preloading programme can Vertical drains can be used to increase the rate of
be designed to induce these settlements in an accelerated consolidation, delivering substantial programme savings
time frame and minimise the long term residual settlements for the build times of earth embankments for many types
to be within acceptable limits. of land raising schemes.

Fine grained soils such as Clays and Silts are usually Prefabricated vertical drains are installed by pushing a
saturated and therefore, settlements can only occur if the hollow steel mandrel, which house the drain material, and
excess water is expelled through the voids in the soil are set out on a grid pattern.
grains and particles. These soils also tend to have a low
permeability, and so the reduction of pore water pressure The mandrel is driven into the ground by the rig, once at
can be a slow process. the required depth the mandrel is removed, leaving the
vertical drain anchored by a steel anchor plate that holds
Vertical drains consist of a flat or cylindrical plastic core the drain securely in place.

38
 RODIO

1. Car Park for “Max Center” Mall in Maliaño, Cantabria, Spain

Wick Drains
2. Crevillente-Torrevieja Ring Road, Spain
Wick Drains

39
 Activities

GEOPIER® SYSTEMS The action of vertical compaction increases the lateral

pressure and improves the capacity and shear resistance
GEOPIER® soil reinforcement and improvement solutions of the surrounding soils, resulting in an over-consolidation
are intermediate foundation techniques that are alternatives of the soil around each Geopier, which together with the
to the traditional solutions of excavation and soil high rigidity of the element allows effective settlement
replacement, structural fillings, foundation shafts and control.
preloads, which take a long time to achieve their
effectiveness. They are the result of continuous For very low stiff and highly compressible soils, where the
development and research to provide foundation and lateral tension is not sufficient to contain the compacted
settlement control solutions on soft and compressible aggregate column, rigid inclusions solutions have been
cohesive soils. developed using very high modulus of stiffness elements
for settlement control, based on the use of cement/
GEOPIER® systems provide significant increases in the concrete mixtures.
permissible soils bearing capacity or limit the settlement of
supported structures in accordance with project In all cases, GEOPIER systems make it possible to reduce
requirements. They are constructed by replacing and/or execution times; they are quick and safe solutions with
displacing the soil in successive compacted layers of high quality control, the results of which are verified with
gravel aggregates using specially patented tools to apply static load tests to check the column rigidity module and
high vertical compaction energy, high frequency and low guarantee the settlement estimated. The success of the
impact amplitude, thus achieving high internal friction system is supported by the thousands of projects carried
angles (>50º) in the compacted aggregate and higher out around the world over more than 30 years.
rigidity modules than those obtained with vibration
techniques.

40
 RODIO

1. Logistic Storage Warehouse. Cabezuela Dock. Puerto Real (Cádiz)

GEOPIER® Systems
2. Mirant Power Plant - Morgantown, MD
GEOPIER® Systems

41
 Activities

Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC)

RAPID IMPACT COMPACTION (RIC) and 800 m2 / day. The maximum depth of treatment is
between 2.5 and 7 m, depending on the type of soil, level
The Rapid Impact Compaction was originally developed in of saturation in water and temporary separation between
the early 1990’s by B.S.P. in conjunction with the British actions at nearby points. In cohesive soils, the addition of
Military as a means of quickly repairing damaged aircraft gravel is necessary for the improvement of the treatment.
runways. Dynamic energy is imparted by a 9 ton weight
dropping from a controlled height onto a patented foot. The surface of the mesh, the sequences of the passes and
Energy is transferred to the ground safely and efficiently as the spacing, must be determined previously at the
the RIC’s foot remains in contact with the ground. No flying beginning of the works, since it depends on the type of
debris is ejected. RIC densifies loose fill soils up to 20 feet soil, the depth of the material to be compacted and the
deep or more. The benefit from the rapid compaction is it location of the water table.
increases the bearing capacity of the soil, minimizes
settlement and provides uniform support for a floor slab or The needs and requirements of the execution rig are the
foundation footing, while controlling vibrations to 2 inches following:
per second within 30 feet of the drop point. RIC is a great
alternative when compared to the time and cost of over- • Work platform minimum headroom 14 m
excavation and re-compaction. • Rig length 9,45 m
• Rig width 4 m
The energy transmitted by the foot is regulated by the • Weight the Rig 65 t
weight of the mace, the number of impacts and the number • Weight of the hammer 9 t
of passes, which can vary between 200 and 300 m · t / m2, • Maximum height of fall of the mace 1,2 m
while in the standard dynamic compaction it is between • Blows per minute 40-60 golpes
100 and 300 m · t / m2. Execution production rates are • Diameter of the tamper 1,5 m
also usually higher with this system, ranging between 500

42
 RODIO

Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC)

43
 Activities

Turbot fish farm. La Coruña, Spain

Tunneling
Assembling an EPB machine in the launching shaft
Tunneling

TUNNELING Depending on the tunnel support TMB<>Mining

- Segment lining: Can be use in all - Increased security for workers.
type of ground and with all type of (Works inside a shield)
MICROTUNNELING
TBM. - Less risk of surface settlements.
- Metal roof truss: Used only in rock (Excavation Front is supported)
INTRODUCTION ground and with gripper TBM. - Higher outputs. Minor delays.
- Pipe jacking: For tunnels with - Reduced impact on ground water
In the field of microtunneling Terratest diameter smaller than 3 m. level.
is one of the European leaders,
throughout our owned company Depending on the extraction TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
Eurohinca, providing its own Tunnel method
Boring Machines and a wide - EPB Shield: Extraction with endless - Server and water supply networks.
experience in all kind of soil conditions screw conveyor. Collectors.
and applications. - Hidroshield: Extraction with pumps. - Crossings under existing services.
T.B.M. is the abbrevation of Tunnel - Rock TBM, double shield and open (road, streets, railways, rivers, airport
Boring Machine and his definition is shields: Extraction with conveyor belt. runways, golf courses, etc.)
equipment capable of digging tunnels - Sea outfalls. Water release or
to complete section. To restrict a bit intake.
ADVANTAGES OF TRENCHLES
this definition we can be divided TBM - Tunnels with tunnel boring
in several classifications: TECHNOLOGY
machines.
- Full face support TBM: TBM able to - Underground corridors.
control the pressure in the front during Tunnels<>Trench - Gas and oil pipelines. Drainage and
the excavation. This type of machines - Less effect on existeng services. evacuation systems.
can work under cities and cross road, - Lower environmental impact. - Pipe arching for road or railway
railways, etc. - Minimizes spoil and waste crossings.
- Open shields: For stabilize grounds generated. - Steel pressure pipes.
and without any civil construction in - Compact instalation. - Water intake and release for fish
the surface. farm or desalination plants.
- Water waste pipe and intakes in
reservoir dam.

44
 RODIO

EPB control panel

Assembling an EPB machine in the launching shaft
Hydro shield machine in port after an outfall driva
Breakthrough of Hydro shield in reception shaft

CLOSED FACE TUNNEL BORING The excavated material is transported ground, (mainly clay), but with the use
MACHINES to the launching shaft by conveyor of foam and polymers it is possible to
belts or muck wagons. bore other type of soils as sand or
even rock.
EPB SHIELDS
The EPB Shields were initially
designed to bore soft, cohesive
The EPB Shields (Earth Pressure
Balance) are TBM machines that
support the tunnel face with the
pressure applied by the excavated
soil located inside the excavation
chamber; the controlled extraction of
the soil from the excavation chamber
by means of a variable speed auger
allows the adjustment of the pressure
applied to the tunnel face.

HIDROSHIELDS The Hidro shield TBM can be used in it is specially indicated for small
almost all type of ground, and diameters.
The TBM mix shield, or hydro shield, performs well in sand, rock, under
supports the tunnel face by the ground water level (Sea outfalls) and
pressure of the bentonite suspensions
injected in the excavating chamber
and mixed with the excavated
material.

This mixture is crushed in the

excavation chamber and is evacuated
by hydraulic pumps to the launch
shaft where a separation plant
separates the excavated material
from the bentonite suspension.

45
 Activities

Roadheader in open shield

Front face in an excavator open shield
Range of ground per TMB
Rock tunnel face

OPEN FACE TUNNEL BORING MACHINES

OPEN SHIELDS - ROADHEADERS OR EXCAVATION

Open face shields allow a visual contact to tunnel face. The front is excavated by powerful roadheaders or excavators.
The extraction of the excavated material is made by muck wagons pushed by locomotives or winches.

Ii is economic and optimal solution for non urban with cohesive soils and above ground water level.

TBM CHOISE

A detailed and comprehensive geotechnical study (including ground investigation, ground water level, type of soil,
resistance to simple compression, rock abrasivity, etc...) is the basis for the selection of the appropriate TBM equipment
and excavation method.

With complete information it is possible to define the most suitable TBM, cutter head configuration and tools, characteristics
of the lining, the alignment of the tunnel, and also, if necessary, preventive measures to be taken, monitoring systems,
etc...

46
 RODIO

Segments in the Back up of the T.B.M. Last lining ring in the reception shaft
Bentoniteinjection points in pipe jacking tunnel Jacking frane in launching Shaft
Downloading a jacking pipe

TUNNELING LINING

SEGMENTAL LINING

Precast concrete elements that are installed inside the tail

skin shield of the TBM, building a complete ring that
constitutes the final tunnel lining.

The thrust of the machine is made on the last ring installed:

this allows to excavate great lengths and curved tunnels
alignment.

PIPE JACKING

Prefabricated pipes (concrete, steel, etc...) that form the

lining of the tunnel and are installed and from the launch
shaft pushing forward the TBM to the ending shaft.

To reduce the friction between the pipe and the ground

during the jacking phase bentonite is injected in the
overcut. Intermediate jacking staions are necessary for
long dstances.

47
 Activities

Gavilanes landfill. Madrid, Spain

Sealing of landfill

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS Geotechnical and environmental hydrogeology

TERRATEST GROUP has a team of experts, combining
TERRATEST GROUP can respond adequately to new classic and new geotechnical disciplines of applied
environmental challenges that are plated, and has hydrogeology and environmental management, to offer a
specialized media, knowledge and technology to carry out wide range of solutions in civil engineering, oil industry,
activities in sectors as diverse as the oil industry, mining, mining, groundwater resources, construction, etc.
waste management, civil infrastructure, tunnels, ports,
power generation and distribution, and water supply, Contaminated soils and aquifers
among others. TERRATEST GROUP has the most effective technologies
for the remediation, removal and/or confinement of
contaminated soils and groundwater, which are combined
according to a strategy aimed at reducing costs and
environmental risks. We also provide professional
engineering services and technical assistant, to carry out
characterization studies and risk analysis.

48
 RODIO

San Juan de Mambliga Dams. Burgos, Spain

Construction and waterproofing of dams for water regulation and storage

Urban and industrial landfills Water reservoirs (Dams)

TERRATEST GROUP offers the best available techniques TERRATEST GROUP has an extensive curriculum of
for performing the work of waterproofing of landfills for construction dams for water regulation and storage. It is
municipal and industrial waste. Also we provide research waterproofed with geomembranes infrastructure to ensure
services as location, environmental impact, design and that no seepage into the ground, that preserve the water
drafting of projects, and control and environmental quality to its further use: drinking water, irrigation, industrial,
monitoring. aquifer recharge, etc.

Sealing and degassing of landfills Impoundments Waste

The closing and sealing of landfills is aimed at reducing the A lot of impoundments for the storage of mine tailing,
environmental impact of final disposal of waste on the industrial and leachates has been constructed by
environment, ensuing isolation conditions in time to prevent TERRATEST GROUP, through the combination of artificial
contamination of soil and ground water, and the emission mineral barriers and geomembranes, complying with safety
of gases and odors to the atmosphere. standards and containment to avoid environmental
In the case of municipal waste landfills, are particular contamination.
relevant, the actions of degassing and energetic use of
biogas generated.

49
 Activities

ENGINEERING DESIGN

TERRATEST has a technical department consisting of a multidisciplinary team of senior engineers, highly qualified with
extensive experience in many fields, including geotechnical, structural calculations (metal and concrete) and special
foundations.

Our aim is to provide practical, cost effective and value engineered solutions. We also offer design and build solutions to
meet each project’s specific requirements.

The technical department of TERRATEST uses special, powerful, last generation software, in the field of geotechnical
engineering (both in-house developed and acquired), which allows the best of both worlds for each project.

Simulation of a failure load of a single

pile by the Finite Element Method

50
 RODIO

The utilization of these software tools is focused on the optimization of our projects, to give the best service to the client.

Driveability analysis to study the driving process of piles, metal profiles, etc

2D Finite element analysis for de evaluation of setlements and soil stresses

2D Finite element analysis for de evaluation of slope stability in embankments with soil improvement

3D Finite element analysis to study the behaviour of two tank foundation

51
 References

Grand Paris Express Line 16

Diaphragm Walls, Grouting, Jet grouting and Bored Piles

References

52
 RODIO

Saint Martin pass. Rhône-Alpes-France

Micropiles
City Tunnel Leipzig
Ground Freezing

53
 Railways and Metro References

54
 RODIO

Bommersteintunnel Sbb Quarten Ch Rhomberg Mikropfähle, Quarten (Switzerland)

GRO

55
 Railways and Metro References

Madrid-Barcelona-France Border High Speed Railway, Spain

Bored Piles

56
 RODIO

Metro M2 Lausanne, Switzerland

Steel Pipe Umbrellas-Jet Grouting
Sodermalm Tunnel. Sweden
Tunneling

57
 Roads References

Forth Crossing Bridge. Edinburg, Scotland

Off Shore Jet Grouting

58
 RODIO

Trans-Gambia Bridge And Cross Border Improvement, Soma, The Gambia

Driven Steel Piles
 Roads References

A9 Turtmann Cut and Cover Tunnel

Anchored an Jet Grouting Slab
Kurortni Sochi Beltway, Rusia
Tunneling

60
 RODIO

Aerovía, Guayaquil, Ecuador

Precast Piles

61
 Hydraulic Works References

San Valentino (Italy)

GRO

62
 RODIO

Rastatt (Germany)
Ground Freezing

63
 Hydraulic Works References

64
 RODIO

Botafoc Pier. Ibiza Port, Spain

Bored Piles

65
 Buildings References

Wilmington Sports Complex - Wilmington, DE

GEOPIER GROUTED IMPACT® SYSTEM
Residential Building Sotogrande, Cádiz, Spain
Diaphragm walls

66
 RODIO

Gas Natural Combined Cycle Power Plant, Spain

Precast Piles
Corte Inglés Mall, Tarragona, Spain
Diaphragm walls

67