Types of Infrastructure
Linear projects
In linear projects that include roads, electric transmission lines, and conduits or pipelines, the main challenges consist of optimizing the layout while taking into early and practical consideration the geological conditions, designing functional and stable slopes, embankments, bridges, and tunnels, and ensuring safe operation.
We have extensive experience in diagnosing and designing solutions for critical sites in complex geological, hydrological, and seismic conditions, zoning the corridors to optimize location, and designing all necessary works.
We supplement site inspections with the optimal use of technologies at different scales (satellite, drone, geophysics, exploration, testing, instrumentation) to identify potentially critical sites and concentrate deeper explorations where they are really needed. In these projects, we also apply our extensive experience in the installation and monitoring of geotechnical, hydrological, and structural instrumentation to read the real behavior of projects and propose timely interventions.
Project
Alto Magdalena Concession. The project contemplates the rehabilitation and construction of a fourth-generation road between the departments of Tolima, Caldas, and Cundinamarca. We participated in Phase III designs of Geology and Geotechnics of Functional Units 1, 2, and 3, specifically in bridges and foundations, drainage works, slope stability and stabilization, pavement design, material sources, and ZODMEs.
Energy
La consideración oportuna de los factores ambientales, geológicos e hidrológicos en los proyectos de energía permite optimizar su ubicación y el aprovechamiento sostenible de los recursos naturales.
Además de las presas de las centrales hidroeléctricas que tienen su propio capítulo (ver “obras especiales”), hemos trabajado en metodologías para optimizar la ubicación de pequeñas centrales hidroeléctricas, en las distintas etapas de diseño de las mismas y en evaluación de centrales existentes para su ampliación de capacidad o vida útil. Así mismo, hemos hecho estudios de inundabilidad para subestaciones y análisis de cimentaciones y geotecnia para proyectos solares y eólicos y para líneas de transmisión.
Project
Guajira 1 Wind Farm (ISAGEN). It has 10 turbines of 2 MW each (20 MW), equivalent to the consumption of 33,000 households. We participated in the geological and geotechnical characterization, seismic hazard evaluation, foundation design of the turbines, and design and recommendations for service roads.
Sanitation
Además de los rellenos sanitarios que tienen su propio capítulo (ver “obras especiales”), contamos con experiencia en el diseño de sistemas de alcantarillado de aguas residuales, así como en la elaboración de estudios de vertimientos.
Project
Gramalote. Este proyecto consistió en el diseño de cerca de 20 km de redes de servicios públicos de acueducto y alcantarillado para el nuevo casco urbano del municipio de Gramalote, a nivel de detalle o Fase III para construcción. El proyecto incluyó el diseño de 5600 m de red de acueducto, el diseño de 5800 m de red de alcantarillado residual, y el diseño de 8080 m de red de alcantarillado pluvial.
Urban
In cities, there are significant engineering challenges and projects from all disciplines, with the complexity of limited spaces due to the proximity of roads, buildings, networks, etc., and the need to maintain the necessary systems for the population to function.
We have worked on various projects such as the diagnosis and design of slope stabilization, bridge design, tanks, underground passages, complex excavations and pathologies, pre-feasibility and feasibility of cable car systems for passenger transportation (Metrocables), among others. Additionally, we have extensive experience in seismic microzonation and soil and structural instrumentation.
Project
Second Stage of Parques del Río. We provided advisory services during construction and designed the upper slab and lightweight engineering for stage 2 of the Parques del Río project, located on the eastern side of Medellín. This study was carried out for the SSV-32 consortium.
Sanitary landfills
Sanitary landfills represent significant engineering and environmental challenges. Despite efforts towards a circular economy, in many countries a significant fraction of waste is still sent to landfills, making it crucial for the environment and populations that landfills are stable, under control, and their capacity is maximized.
We have extensive experience in the various stages of large and small sanitary landfills. We have developed methodologies to optimize the location of new landfills with different criteria, we install and monitor instrumentation, perform geophysical exploration, including geoelectric testing, and have developed the performance concept that models the behavior of landfills in the long term and optimizes their capacity. We have also designed all the necessary works for their installation and operation. In addition, we have diagnosed existing landfills and designed practical measures for their control and expansion.
For years, we have been the technical advisors for waste management service companies. The design of disposal programs is an integral part of the technical support we provide, so we adapt solid waste disposal tasks to demand and optimized investment plans. We are capable of conducting environmental impact studies, considering both the civil and environmental components.
Projects
We have had the opportunity to participate in studies and designs of sanitary landfills of different scales, ranging from those that serve the needs of small municipalities such as Yarumal and La Ceja, sin the North and East subregions of the department of Antioquia, respectively. For medium-scale projects, we can mention the Blue Lizard Sanitary Landfill, which serves the islands of Providencia and Santa Catalina, in the north of Colombia. For large-scale projects, there is the La Pradera Sanitary Landfill, located in the North subregion of the department of Antioquia, which currently serves about 43 municipalities in total, including the city of Medellín and the Metropolitan Area of the Aburrá Valley.
Dams
Dams represent a major challenge due to their complexity and their impact on project risk and downstream communities.
We have extensive experience in the development of different phases of such projects, from their conception to monitoring during operation. We conduct feasibility studies and dam design, specific seismic hazard studies for dams, monitoring and analysis of instrumentation and behavior, dam safety studies, dam updating and repowering studies, support in repowering of old dams, design and construction of updating and repowering of monitoring systems. We have carried out these types of works for Colombia's main hydroelectric power generators.
Projects
- Security Studies of the Bayano Dam (Panama). We conducted a safety analysis of a concrete dam, based on field work and the evaluation of existing information, with the verification and updating of geomechanical and seismic conditions. We used basic analytical models and detailed finite element models to evaluate the stability of the dam under both static and dynamic conditions.
- Security Studies of Celsia Dams. We conducted a comprehensive review of the safety of four dams belonging to Celsia (Anchicayá, Salvajina, Prado, and Calima), where we took charge of field work, review and definition of geological and geomechanical conditions, as well as seismic threat analysis and analysis of maximum floods.
- Consultancy during the construction of the repowering of the Piedras Blancas Dam. We provided consultancy services to Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM) during the construction of a screen using the method of systematic injections in the Piedras Blancas Reservoir dam.
- Analysis of instrumentation of EPM dams. We were responsible for analyzing the instrumentation of the dams: Porce II (roller-compacted concrete), Porce III (rock-filled with concrete face), Santa Rita (earth dam), and we also designed complementary instrumentation for the Ríogrande (earth dam) and Playas (earth dam) dams. With the analysis, we sought to understand the behavior of each dam from a comprehensive perspective, considering the records of all installed equipment and their response to external loads, mainly variations in the reservoir level.
- Optimization studies for the Guadalupe-Troneras chain. We conduct evaluation and updating studies for the dams that make up the Guadalupe-Troneras generation chain. We evaluate the dams under initial conditions, without updating works, carry out basic geology and geotechnical studies, flow analysis, static and dynamic stability, visual inspection of civil works and electromechanical equipment, failure modes and alert thresholds. We also evaluate dam safety, operational measures, and rehabilitation works, from which we determine optimization designs with a feasibility level.
- Evaluation of the Safety of the Intake Associated with the Prudencia Hydroelectric Power Plant - CELSIA (Panama). We analyzed the safety of the intake of the Prudencia Hydroelectric Power Plant, based on stability analysis under current conditions, taking into account the tensions of the existing active anchors, which are part of the intake stability works. Based on stability analysis and instrumentation using load cells, we identified the required service tensions for the anchors, in such a way as to guarantee the minimum stability safety factors established by the regulations. Through the proposed solution, we recommend the loads for re-tensioning the existing anchors and guaranteeing their permanent stability, as well as the additional instrumentation system required in the dam for long-term monitoring of anchor behavior.
- Updating of the instrumentation, based on the raising of the Presa Miraflores. Miraflores Dam. In the process of raising the Miraflores Dam, we updated the existing instrumentation in parallel, which mainly consists of vibrating wire piezometers installed in the dam body. We installed new multi-level vibrating wire sensors, new gauges for hydraulic piezometers, Casagrande-type piezometers, inclinometers, radar-type level meters, and topographic control points to complement the instrumentation. The automation of vibrating wire sensors and radar-type level meters included 5 cabinets with wireless transmission for reading more than 100 sensors and managing data transmitted to the Dam's SCADA system.
Bridges
Bridges are one of the main challenges in structural engineering.
We have extensive experience in the design and construction consulting of urban and highway bridges. We have participated in integral design or construction consulting, covering all necessary design disciplines such as geometric design, topographic survey, geology, geotechnics, hydrology and hydraulics, structures, environmental area, quantities, and budget. We also offer the service of elaboration and control of load protocols, as well as real-time instrumentation and monitoring.
Projects
- El Esmeraldal Bridge
We designed a complex two-way, multi-span box section bridge with a total length of 184m, located in the Esmeraldal sector of the Envigado municipality for the Desur entity.
- 104+400 Dabeiba-Santafe de Antioquia Bridge
We performed the Phase III studies and designs of roads, topography, geology, geotechnics, hydrology and hydraulics, structures, and budgets for a 140m box section bridge constructed through the successive cantilever method as a solutionfor a critical site located on the Dabeiba-Santafé de Antioquia highway, for the Fondo Adaptación.
Tunnels
Tunnels pose great geological uncertainties and challenges in their design, construction monitoring, and operation.
INTEINSA has experiencein tunnel design forcoverings, false tunnels, portal design, instrumentation, and pathology.
Projects
- ElAhorcado Covering Tunnel
The AIA-Estyma Consortium hired us to design a 90m tunnel in an anthropic deposit to rehabilitate the covering of El Ahorcado creek in Medellin. The tunnel is in the form of an arch and has a height of 5.3m (2.15m circular section) and a width of 4.3m. la Cr 48 a lo largo de la Cl 67. El túnel es en forma de bóveda y tiene 5,3 m de altura (2,15 m de sección circular) y 4,3 m de ancho.
- False Tunnels on the Santa Fe de Antioquia - Dabeiba Road
The Adaptation Fund commissioned us for Phase III design of thebilization of 21 critical sites along the Dabeiba - Santa Fe de Antioquia corridor, which includes three false tunnels.
Sanitary landfills
Sanitary landfills represent significant engineering and environmental challenges. Despite efforts towards a circular economy, in many countries a significant fraction of waste is still sent to landfills, making it crucial for the environment and populations that landfills are stable, under control, and their capacity is maximized.
We have extensive experience in the various stages of large and small sanitary landfills. We have developed methodologies to optimize the location of new landfills with different criteria, we install and monitor instrumentation, perform geophysical exploration, including geoelectric testing, and have developed the performance concept that models the behavior of landfills in the long term and optimizes their capacity. We have also designed all the necessary works for their installation and operation. In addition, we have diagnosed existing landfills and designed practical measures for their control and expansion.
For years, we have been the technical advisors for waste management service companies. The design of disposal programs is an integral part of the technical support we provide, so we adapt solid waste disposal tasks to demand and optimized investment plans. We are capable of conducting environmental impact studies, considering both the civil and environmental components.
Projects
We have had the opportunity to participate in studies and designs of sanitary landfills of different scales, ranging from those that serve the needs of small municipalities such as Yarumal and La Ceja, sin the North and East subregions of the department of Antioquia, respectively. For medium-scale projects, we can mention the Blue Lizard Sanitary Landfill, which serves the islands of Providencia and Santa Catalina, in the north of Colombia. For large-scale projects, there is the La Pradera Sanitary Landfill, located in the North subregion of the department of Antioquia, which currently serves about 43 municipalities in total, including the city of Medellín and the Metropolitan Area of the Aburrá Valley.
Dams
Dams represent a major challenge due to their complexity and their impact on project risk and downstream communities.
We have extensive experience in the development of different phases of such projects, from their conception to monitoring during operation. We conduct feasibility studies and dam design, specific seismic hazard studies for dams, monitoring and analysis of instrumentation and behavior, dam safety studies, dam updating and repowering studies, support in repowering of old dams, design and construction of updating and repowering of monitoring systems. We have carried out these types of works for Colombia's main hydroelectric power generators.
Projects
- Security Studies of the Bayano Dam (Panama). We conducted a safety analysis of a concrete dam, based on field work and the evaluation of existing information, with the verification and updating of geomechanical and seismic conditions. We used basic analytical models and detailed finite element models to evaluate the stability of the dam under both static and dynamic conditions.
- Security Studies of Celsia Dams. We conducted a comprehensive review of the safety of four dams belonging to Celsia (Anchicayá, Salvajina, Prado, and Calima), where we took charge of field work, review and definition of geological and geomechanical conditions, as well as seismic threat analysis and analysis of maximum floods.
- Consultancy during the construction of the repowering of the Piedras Blancas Dam. We provided consultancy services to Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM) during the construction of a screen using the method of systematic injections in the Piedras Blancas Reservoir dam.
- Analysis of instrumentation of EPM dams. We were responsible for analyzing the instrumentation of the dams: Porce II (roller-compacted concrete), Porce III (rock-filled with concrete face), Santa Rita (earth dam), and we also designed complementary instrumentation for the Ríogrande (earth dam) and Playas (earth dam) dams. With the analysis, we sought to understand the behavior of each dam from a comprehensive perspective, considering the records of all installed equipment and their response to external loads, mainly variations in the reservoir level.
- Optimization studies for the Guadalupe-Troneras chain. We conduct evaluation and updating studies for the dams that make up the Guadalupe-Troneras generation chain. We evaluate the dams under initial conditions, without updating works, carry out basic geology and geotechnical studies, flow analysis, static and dynamic stability, visual inspection of civil works and electromechanical equipment, failure modes and alert thresholds. We also evaluate dam safety, operational measures, and rehabilitation works, from which we determine optimization designs with a feasibility level.
- Evaluación para la seguridad de la bocatoma asociada a la Central Hidroeléctrica Prudencia – CELSIA (Panamá). We analyzed the safety of the intake of the Prudencia Hydroelectric Power Plant, based on stability analysis under current conditions, taking into account the tensions of the existing active anchors, which are part of the intake stability works. Based on stability analysis and instrumentation using load cells, we identified the required service tensions for the anchors, in such a way as to guarantee the minimum stability safety factors established by the regulations. Through the proposed solution, we recommend the loads for re-tensioning the existing anchors and guaranteeing their permanent stability, as well as the additional instrumentation system required in the dam for long-term monitoring of anchor behavior.
- Updating of the instrumentation, based on the raising of the Presa Miraflores. Miraflores Dam. In the process of raising the Miraflores Dam, we updated the existing instrumentation in parallel, which mainly consists of vibrating wire piezometers installed in the dam body. We installed new multi-level vibrating wire sensors, new gauges for hydraulic piezometers, Casagrande-type piezometers, inclinometers, radar-type level meters, and topographic control points to complement the instrumentation. The automation of vibrating wire sensors and radar-type level meters included 5 cabinets with wireless transmission for reading more than 100 sensors and managing data transmitted to the Dam's SCADA system.
Bridges
Bridges are one of the main challenges in structural engineering.
Tenemos una vasta experiencia en el diseño y asesoría durante construcción de puentes urbanos y de carreteras. Hemos participado en el diseño o asesoría durante construcción de manera integral, cubriendo todas las disciplinas necesarias de diseño para construcción, tales como diseño geométrico, levantamiento topográfico, geología, geotecnia, hidrología e hidráulica, estructuras, ambiental, cantidades y presupuesto. También contamos con el servicio de elaboración y control de protocolos de carga, así como instrumentación y monitoreo en tiempo real.
Projects
- Puente El Esmeraldal. We designed a complex puente bidireccional, en sección cajón, de múltiples luces, de longitud total 184 m localizado en el sector de El Esmeraldsector of the Envigado municipality for the Desur entity.
- Puente 104+400 Dabeiba – Santafe de Antioquia. We performed the Phase III studies and designs of roads, topography, geology, geotechnics, hydrology and hydraulics, structures, and budgets for a 140m box section bridge constructed through the successive cantilever method as a solutionfor a critical site located on the Dabeiba-Santafé de Antioquia highway, for the Fondo Adaptación.
Tunnels
Tunnels pose great geological uncertainties and challenges in their design, construction monitoring, and operation.
INTEINSA tiene experiencia en estudios y diseños de túneles para coberturas, túneles falsos, diseño de portales, instrumentación y patología.
Projects
- ElAhorcado Covering Tunnel
Realizamos para el Consorcio AIA-Estyma el diseño de un túnel en un depósito antrópico de 90 m de longitud, con el objetivo de rehabilitar la cobertura de la quebrada El Ahorcado en Medellín.
- False Tunnels on the Santa Fe de Antioquia - Dabeiba Road
Realizamos para el Fondo Adaptación el diseño Fase III de la estabilización de 21 sitios críticos del corredor Dabeiba – Santa Fe de Antioquia en el año 2018, dentro de los cuales se encuentran tres sitios donde se diseñaron túneles falsos.
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