On September 27th, Axiatech hosted the International Seminar on Deep Foundations in Energy Projects, an event that brought together national and international experts to address the challenges and advancements in the deep foundations sector. This event, supported by the Colombian Geotechnical Society and the prestigious Deep Foundations Institute (DFI), stood out not only for its technical relevance but also for its ability to foster constructive dialogue among key players in the energy sector.
The seminar opened with presentations by renowned specialists, who addressed key topics related to the evolution of foundations in energy transmission projects. Dr. Guillermo Pabón, with nearly 30 years of experience in Latin America, offered a historical overview of the development of deep foundations in energy infrastructure projects, sharing his extensive experience gained from some of the region’s most important projects. His presentation contextualized the evolution of the techniques and technologies used, highlighting the most significant milestones in the field.
Next, Dr. Sebastián Lobo-Guerrero, an international authority in the field of geotechnical engineering, presented the state of the art in micropiles, delving into design, construction, and load testing experiences, and highlighting the importance of micropiles as an effective solution in complex soils. His presentation underscored how this technology has gained traction in projects worldwide, raising Colombia’s profile thanks to its contributions to the industry.
Axiatech’s participation was immediate, with presentations from engineers José Fernando Martínez and Romis Vides, who shared the successful experience of the Puerto Antioquia project. This project employed helical piles and metal pile caps, a pioneering solution that allowed them to overcome the most extreme load and soil conditions in the region. The innovation and creativity of this project demonstrated how the right technical solutions can transform the most complex challenges into opportunities for success.
One of the highlights of the seminar was the presentation by Matthew Glisson, who explained in detail the role and efforts of the DFI globally. His presentation offered an in-depth look at the research and development areas in which the DFI is focused, and how its presence in Latin America can be fundamental to driving the growth of the deep foundation market in the region. Glisson emphasized the importance of strengthening connections between the local industry and the DFI, which would facilitate access to advanced technologies and international best practices.
The closing remarks were delivered by engineer Karen Dawson, also from DFI, who presented the state of the art and best practices in the use of helical piles in the United States and Canada. Her knowledge and experience implementing this technology provided valuable insight into its applicability to local projects. Dawson emphasized that the success of helical piles under diverse geotechnical conditions in North America validates their use as a viable and efficient solution for infrastructure projects in Colombia and Latin America.
To conclude the event, a panel discussion was held with representatives from the region’s leading energy transmission companies, including ISA, Intercolombia, Celsia, EPM, and Enlaza. In this forum, the panelists discussed the main needs, trends, and challenges facing the energy sector regarding foundations and how innovative solutions can play a key role in the future of infrastructure projects. The contributions of the business representatives provided a practical and strategic perspective on the sector’s development, paving the way for greater adoption of new technologies and approaches in energy projects.
The seminar was undoubtedly a resounding success, an unprecedented event in the region that brought together the most relevant players in the energy and deep foundation sectors to discuss, share knowledge, and establish new opportunities for collaboration. Axiatech is proud to have created this space for technical exchange and to have brought together experts and companies at the forefront of innovation. This event reaffirms our commitment to excellence and our mission to simplify complexity, contributing to the development of solutions that transform the future of energy infrastructure.
