PROJECT: "GEOTECHNICAL EXPLORATION FOR REMOTE RAMP, REHABILITATION AND RECONSTRUCTION, JUAN SANTAMARIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT"

Client:GCI Ingeniería – AERIS
Description of Consultancy Services:

MYV was engaged in this project with the aim of carrying out SPT Boreholes (Standard Penetration Test), as well as DMT Soundings (Marchetti Dilatometer Tests). The purpose of this geotechnical exploration was to provide geotechnical parameters for design of the remote ramp (rehabilitation and Reconstruction), Juan Santamaria International Airport. In addition, pavement cores were retrieved on the existing ramp at several locations in order to determine the existing pavement structure (layers thickness mainly). CBR Tests were carried out on bulk samples retrieved from surface trenches. A rigorous coordination among all the parties involved (namely AERIS, GCI, and MYV) was required in order to perform the several soundings while the Airport was operating normally. SPT soundings aided in defining the soil profile, while the DMT soundings allowed to obtained important design parameters such like the Modulus of Subgrade Reaction (Kr), as well as the spatial distribution of OCR (Overconsolidation Ratio). Lastly, some undisturbed samples were retrieved by means of the Campeonatore sampler in order to carry out Consolidation Tests. These tests were run by means of MYV’s pneumatic oedometer, in one week periods.

PROJECT: "GEOTECHNICAL EXPLORATION FOR REHABILITATION OF MACDONNALDs' HEADQUARTERS, ADDITION OF 5 MORE STORIES TO THE BUILDING"

Client:MacDonnalds / Daniel Lacayo y Arquitectos.
Description of Consultancy Services:

The rehabilitation project of MacDonnald's headquarters (at Plaza de la Cultura) consists in turning the existing building into a 8-story building. The DMT technology was selected as the preferred alternative to perform the geotechnical exploration, as well as the Pagani Geotractor, given the difficult access conditions inside the building. The execution of the soundings took 2 days, working from 10 P.M. to 5 A.M. in order not to disturb the normal operation of the restaurant. At each sounding location (totaling 2 soundings), the floor structure was drilled to retrieved 3 cores of 6 inches diameter each. These holes were required in order to make room for the ground anchors (required to fix the geotractor into position) and for the DMT blade, along with the strings of rods to push the DMT blade into the ground. Both soundings were advanced to 12 meters below floor elevation approximately.
The geotechnical data from the DMT allowed finding that the existing ground poses enough bearing capacity and low compressibility so that to withstand the loads from the additional stories on isolated conventional footings, which is a cost-effective foundation alternative for this case.

PROJECT: "SANDS POINT – Optimization of the foundation system for the building"

Client: DYPSA / SANDS POINT COSTA RICA
Description of Consultancy Services:

MYV carried out a thorough geotechnical exploration of this project by using enhanced in situ testing: DMT (Marchetti Dilatometer Testing), SDMT (Seismic Dilatometer), and Mechanical CPT (Mechanical Begemann Cone Testing). Also included, in a second stage, was the foundation analysis and design of this 10-story building, which is irregular in plan view. The selected foundation alternative was ground improvement by means of STIFF INCLUSSIONS, instead of the previously designed foundation system based on deep driven reinforced concrete piles. This foundation system consists of disconnected (free head) inclusions made of low strength unreinforced concrete, an intermediate cushion fill and, the strip footings resting directly on the cushion. The computer non-lynear 3D FEM analysis was carried out by means of MIDAS-GTS.

PROJECT: "MARINA PEZ VELA – Boatyard and Cofferdams".

Client: Marina Pez Vela.
Description of Consultancy Services:
MYV was engaged in MPV Project with the aim of carrying out boreholes by mud rotary drilling, as well as enhanced in situ testing by means of the DMT (Marchetti Dilatometer), SDMT (Seismic Dilatomer), and CPT (Mechanical Cone Penetration Testing). In this project, MYV carried out the deepest SDMT sounding to date in Costa Rica (23 meters deep). SDMT soundings allows to collect geotechnical information like soil strength and deformation parameters, as well as shear wave velocity (Vs) profiles. At least, five independent parameters can be obtained in a single sounding (A,B,C,qd and Vs). With these techniques, several cofferdams have been explored by MYV, as well as future commercial areas within the project site (Boat Yard Area and Shopping Area).

PROJECT: "RAMADA JACÓ BAY – Follow-up for the construction of the foundations".

Client: ESCOSA / GRUPO ZETA.
Description of Consultancy Services:
Given that the foundation alternative used in RAMADA PROJECT was a rather novel concept (Stiff Inclussions), a rigorous inspection and quality control program during construction was requested by the Owner with the aim of achieving the expected performance of the foundation systems. Regarding Inspection, a frequent topographic survey of settlements was carried out in three out of the six building rafts as the buildings were erected. Twenty (20) control pins were set up across each raft to allow comparable repetitive measurements over time. In addition, one out of the six foundations systems was instrumented with VW technology (Vibrating Wire): strain gages were installed in the four most loaded piles, and earth pressure cells were set up below the raft in those areas where the highest pressures due to interaction between the raft and the ground were expected. For the installation and start-up measurements of the VW instruments, MYV was assisted by Eng. Ed Brylawski, CEO of GEONOR (Geotechnical Norway), being GEONOR the commercial branch of the NGI (Norwegian Geotechnical Institute)
On the other hand, as part of the Quality Control activities, the following were included: quality control of the concrete for the drilled shafts, quality control of the concrete for the short piles, and fill (cushion) compaction control. In the case of the cushion, an A PRIORI methodology was implemented for fast track quality control of the fill compaction with the aim of achieving a proper end product after few passes of the roller. The equipment used in the implementation of this methodology consisted of a Clegg Hammer (for rapid determinations of Stiffness) and TDR – ECHO technology (for rapid determinations of moisture content).

PROJECT: "SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND GSM CELL PHONE LINES".

Client: FSA Ingeniería y Arquitectura / ERICSSON DE COSTA RICA.
Description of Consultancy Services:
More than fifty (50) geotechnical reports for the construction of the same number of GSM Cell phone towers across Costa Rica, in the following country areas: Puntarenas, Guanacaste, Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, Limón and San José. This project is currently in progress. Also included are construction services such like: bearing capacity checks at footing bottom by means of Geonor Vane, and quality control of the concrete poured in the footing and pedestal of each tower. The number of towers with quality control is the same number with geotechnical explorations (currently more than fifty towers with quality control, but still in progress).

PROJECT: "GROUND IMPROVEMENT BY DYNAMIC COMPACTION –LAICA NEW WAREHOUSE at Barranca, Puntarenas".

Client: FSA Ingeniería y Arquitectura.
Constructora: SARET.
Description of Consultancy Services:
Design and Inspection of a ground improvement project by means of Dynamic Compaction. The improved ground was used for the foundation of the new warehouses owned by LAICA (Liga Agrícola Industrial de la Caña, Sugarcane Industry Association). The key for this successful project was the strong and effective interaction among the parties involved: Saret (as Contractor), FSA (as General Designer and Inspector), and MYV (as Geotechnical Consultant).

PROJECT: "RAMADA JACÓ BAY – Foundation Analysis and Design".

Client: ESCOSA / GRUPO ZETA.
Description of Consultancy Services:
Geostatistical analysis, geostatistical models for foundation design, foundation analysis and design of the foundation systems for the whole RAMADA Project consisting in Six (6) ten-story buildings for condominiums, as well as a five-story building for the Ramada Hotel. In this project, a relatively innovative concept was considered and this is known as STIFF INCLUSSIONS (Composite piled raft foundation). MYV understands that RAMADA is the first project in Central America in which STIFF INCLUSSIONS are used as a Foundation Alternative. Some case examples of its use can be found in Mexico, Egypt, China, France (very well known) and Greece (being Rion-Antyrion Bridge an outstanding example). In the foundation system as designed for RAMADA, short piles made of flexible materials were used to strengthen the shallow soft soil, while long piles made of relatively rigid materials were used to reduce the settlements. A cushion made of compacted fill, beneath a mat foundation, was used to redistribute and adjust the stress ratio of piles to subsoil.

PROJECT: "ROAD LANDSLIDE REPAIR, MONTERREY AT SAN CARLOS, ALAJUELA"

Client: CONAVI.
Description of Consultancy Services:
Analysis, Design and Construction Services for the repair alternative of a road lanslide at Monterrey, San Carlos, Alajuela. In this case, the repair consisted of a Reinforced Fill (RSS – Reinforced Soil Slope) with 20 meters in height. This RSS was founded over a shear trench (shear key) whose purpose is two-folded: drainage and ground reinforcement. The construction services consisted of Inspection visits carried out by an Engineers, as well as quality control of the fill compaction. The repair has performed satisfactorily, even withstanding heavy rainfall events such like "ALMA" storm that occurred in June 2008.

PROJECT: "SAN JOSÉ – CALDERA HIGHWAY".

Client: ASTALDI S.p.a. (Italia).
Dr. Eng. Mario Pieragostini, Gerente General
Description of Consultancy Services:
Execution of twenty-eight (28) exploratory borings, SPT type, 8.0 meters deep, located at main crosses along the three sections of the corridor (San José – Ciudad Colón, Ciudad Colón – Orotina and Orotina – Caldera.
Execution of Ninety-Six (96) shallow soundings, 2 meters deep, to explore the Highway subgrade along Section III (Orotina – Caldera). Geotechnical characterization of the subgrade and subdivision of the section into subsections of similar geomechanical behavior.
Special Engineering Geology Studies along Critical Highway Sections: Dantas section and Poncho Mora section.
Quality Analysis of sources of aggregates for base, sub-base, selected fill, and structural concrete.

PROJECT: "LANDSLIDE REPAIR – ROUTE 209, QUITIRRISÍ – TABARCIA".

Client: CONAVI.
Description of Consultancy Services:
Analysis and Design of a landslide repair for a problem located along Route 209. In this case, the corresponding repair measure consisted of a Terramesh Retaining Wall (Reinforced Earth), approximately 15 – 20 meters in height.

PROJECT: "FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND GSM CELL PHONE LINES".

Client: ALCATEL.
Eng. Dante Ramírez, Wireless Project Manager.
Description of Consultancy Services:
More than eighty five (85) geotechnical reports for the construction of the same number of GSM Cell phone towers across Costa Rica, in the following country areas: Puntarenas, Guanacaste, Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, Limón and San José.

PROJECT: "TEXTOS EDUCATIVOS BOOKSTORE– San Pedro de Montes de Oca"

Client: Acuña Lett Arquitectos
Description of Consultancy Services:
In this project, the consultancy services consisted of both design and inspection of the first project of micropiles (micropalis), as foundation system, developed in Costa Rica by Swissboring (Soletanche Bachy). The design was based upon the Design Manual written by Armando Mammino (Italian Pioneer in the use of micropiles). The design also included the analysis of the interaction between the micropiles and a mat foundation, taking into account the seismic response of the whole structure. The Construction Services consisted of recommendations for the Contractor to overcome difficult work conditions (especially in grading operations) during rainy season. The performance of the foundation (raft on micropiles) has been satisfactory, even withstanding earthquakes such like Parrita (2004), without any problem.

PROJECT: "NARANJO – FLORENCIA HIGHWAY"

Client: Moh and Associates (Taiwan)
Project Manager: Eng. Ching Chyuang Chen (MAA).
Description of Consultancy Services:
In this case, the scope of services consisted of a geological survey across the corridor of the future San Carlos Highway Project (Naranjo – Florencia Highway Project). The aim of the geological survey was to pinpoint zones with geological problems such as erosion, landslides, etc., as well as to draw a geological map of the entire highway corridor to be used by MAA in the design of the highway.

Design of mass grading (Jacó), Analysis of Slope Stability and design of retaining wall in a residential project (Alajuelita Hills), Foundation design for a hotel (Jacó), foundation design for a packing facility (CostaFlores, Guapiles), Analysis of potencial for mud flows (Escazú), Analysis of the potential for mudflows (Escazú), Contaminant transport analysis for an oxidation pond (Palmares), design+cost-benefit analysis and inspection of a well field (Turrucares and Escazú), analysis of ground subsidence due to karts (Limón City), foundation design of mat foundations (Jacó), Analysis of Slope Stability at the Municipal Stadium (Grecia), Landslide repair analysis and design for the following sites: Ochomogo, Frailes – Tarbaca, Río Conejo, San Miguel Naranjo, Bernardo Soto Highway (the scope of services included analysis and structural design of the repair), Puriscal (analysis and structural design of the repair), Monterrey at San Carlos (analysis, structural design, and inspection). Quality Control for Navarro y Asociados (residential projects developer).

Analysis and repair recommendations for several landslides that occurred across a residential project at Bello Horizonte-Matapalo, Portalón, Puntarenas (prepared for Arq. Linda Sesta).

Collaboration with La Laguna (ULLSA) and Consultores Urbanos (CU) in the following projects: Monterán at Curridabat, Francosta at Heredia, Tierras de Café at Heredia, Costa del Sol at Esterillos, Oro Sol at Santa Ana, Omega 6 at Tres Ríos, La Reserva at Quepos, Foresta at Quepos, Gregal at Curridabat, Cerro Alto at Escazú, ECOSALTO at Desamparados, Rincón de Hermosa at Cóbano, Finca Brasil (FFPI) at Santa Ana, Oasis Tournón – Second Stage (nearby Braulio Carrillo Highway).

Collaboration with Punta Dominical Group in the following projects: Cantos del Mar 1, Cantos del Mar 2, Las Olas, Marisol Project, Dominical Hills, Upper Pacific Edge, Condominiums at Punta Leona and Punta Quepos Project.

Collaboration with Spaniard Investors (DSI – EUTAF) in the following projects across Guanacaste: Paseo del Mar, Pacific Residences, Agua del Mar, Tangará Condominiums (Mr. Félix Cristobal, Corporate Representative in Costa Rica).

Geotechnical explorations, in general, for residential developments, condominiums, houses, buildings, warehouses, and the like.