OBJECTIVE:
Ecopetrol S.A. proposes the construction of circuits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, and 17, as well as the connection lines to switching centers A, B, C, D, and E, which are part of the Rubiales Electrification Master Plan (PMER).
AXIATECH was contracted by DISCON, the builder of the C6L, C6FD, C5EEB, and C5EBA pipelines, located in the Rubiales oil field, to design, supply, and install the foundation system for 27 derricks associated with different pipelines. The site presents several environmental limitations and significant geotechnical complexity.
Helical piles were chosen because they proved to be the most efficient solution from a technical and economic standpoint compared to any other available alternative. Furthermore, they passed all performance tests, receiving clear and decisive acceptance for the project.
Project Overview
- Location: Puerto Gaitán, Meta – Colombia
- Application: Foundation for towers 20 to 40 m high
- Pile: 1654 linear meters – RS3500.270
- Scope: Design, Supply, and Installation
- Soil: Sedimentary deposits of varying consistency
- Installation: 31 working days
Helical piles in the foundation of turrets of variable height (20 to 40 mm).
CONVENTIONAL SOLUTION
Due to the high load magnitudes and the geotechnical deficiencies of the soil, shallow foundation systems would have required large volumes of excavation. Alternatively, deep foundations of the pre-excavated pile type, 2.0 m in diameter and at least 4.0 m deep, were considered; however, this option involved earthworks that would affect the project’s stability.
However, construction time, site access, and other factors made construction following the initial guidelines unfeasible.
HELICAL PILE SOLUTION
Helical piles were an excellent alternative. However, only with outstanding engineering work was it possible to achieve the appropriate configuration to withstand loads of up to 322 kN of vertical load and 878 kN-m of moments at the foundation.
The integration of the excellent properties and characteristics of the piles into a suitable foundation model successfully met the diverse load requirements acting on the foundation system in highly complex geotechnical environments.
INSTALLATION
Arrangements of between 8 and 12 piles per tower, joined by rigid concrete caps, were determined for the construction of the foundations of the 27 towers built using this system.
Construction was completed in 31 working days, achieving a production rate of 120 linear meters of pile per day.
Helical piles are the ideal solution for foundations in transmission lines…
AC-PILES
is the leading Latin American manufacturer of helical piles, providing custom design and manufacturing tailored to each project, with a high level of optimization. Additionally, it is the only manufacturer that offers versatility and an excellent response time adapted to your projects.
