Last September 2015, GEOINTEC has conducted a geothecnical and soil mechanics study for a photovoltaic solar plant in Pozo Almonte, Province of Tamarugal, Region of Tarapaca, Chile. The proposed geotechnical study aims to determine the nature and properties of soil aspects necessary to design the structure, surface improvements and the type of foundation, considering the following objectives:
- Identify constraints and geotechnical problems of the site under study.
- Study of natural hazards. Identify and define the geological risks and assets geomorphological processes that may affect the new project.
- Provide knowledge of geotechnical characteristics of the land, according to the project structure.
- Existing zoning different lithologies in order to define the most appropriate foundations in each project area.
- Determine the geotechnical parameters of each lithology detected for project design, where different solutions according to the foundation load stresses are discussed.
- Recommendations for foundations of structures. Findings in relation to the overall stability of the foundation bearing capacity against the sinking, boot, horizontal ground failure, and structural failure.
- Determine levels of corrosion and aggressiveness of the land to the maximum depth of execution of foundations.
- Determine de levels of electrical resistivity of the terrain for the dimensioning and installation of the electrical facilities.