Monitoring
Geotechnical Instrumentation
We recognise, observe and foresee problems by analysing the land deep-down, including physical perturbations, monitoring and observing values and indicators that can help prevent them.
In order to do so we have converged different fields of competence, from geology to engineering, geophysics and geotechnics, integrating an approach that respects nature, ecosystems and infrastructures, thanks to non-invasive technologies. This has culminated in profound knowledge, combined with the ability to anticipate and monitor criticalities of sites, areas and human works.
Static Load Test
The purpose of load testing is to verify the stability and resistance of the structure under investigation. Specifically, tests subject the structure to maximum tolerable static stress, at least as declared in the project, once more within the scope of service actions. Such testing can be carried out with a concentrated load (pull or push), or with a load distributed over works requiring reconstruction or rebuilding from scratch.
Pull-Out Test
Pull-Out testing is a non-destructive method for evaluating the mechanical qualities of reinforced concrete. he force required to extract a plug is measured, which may already have been incorporated within the concrete cast, or fitted once the concrete was already hardened. In this way information is obtained on the cortical layer of the structural element under investigation. Reference standard: UNI EN 12504-3.
Pull-Off Test
The purpose of the Pull-off test is to verify that adhesion has occurred between the support and outer layers of concrete coating, like malts, plasters, waterproofing material, etc. The method involves the application of an increasingly heavy load onto the surface under investigation, until the element detaches or breaks. Resistance to traction and tearing of the masonry or cement conglomerate wall coverings is measured in this way. Reference standard: UNI EN 1015-12/2002, ASTM – C1538/04, UNI EN 1542/2000, UNI 12636/2001. Reference recommendations for applications with composite materials: CNR-DT 200 R1/2013, C.S.LL.PP. 24th July 2009.
Test with Flat Single Jacks
The purpose of such testing is to estimate the compressive stress state on a portion of masonry, during testing. This method of investigation involves making a flat cut, normally in the main direction of tensional stress in masonry, into which a flat jack is inserted, before being connected to the circuit of a hydraulic pump. The internal surfaces of the cut are stressed with a known pressure that is gradually increased, enabling a return to the initial condition, namely the annulment of deformation measured after the cut was made. This is measured using relative distance measurements between couples of analogous points arranged symmetrically to the cut. Reference standard: ASTM C 1196 – 09 and ASTM C 1197 – 04.
Test with Flat Double Jacks
The purpose of testing is to estimate the deformability (and/or breaking) value of a portion of masonry between two flat jacks. The test consists of making two flat and parallel cuts at a known distance, into which two flat jacks, connected to the circuit of a hydraulic pump, are inserted. The portion of masonry under investigation is stressed with loading and unloading cycles and deformation is measured using at least three displacement transducers in a vertical and symmetrical position, mid-way between both jacks. In this way, the elastic module, the load/deformation curve and the tensile strength of the structure subjected to investigation, are all obtained. Reference standard: ASTM C 1196 – 09 and ASTM C 1197 – 04.
Direct Cut Shove Test
The direct cut test is used to estimate the average shear strength of brick structures. The test involves the lateral (horizontal) sliding of a portion of masonry (generally brick), suitably and laterally isolated from the rest of the structure, using the thrust generated by a hydraulic jack. Reference standard: RILEM MS-D.6; ASTM C1531 – 16.
Mansory Boring
Continuous core boring is a type of mechanical investigation involving the drawing of material from the structural element under investigation. This type of investigation enables direct sample observation, so that the stratigraphy of masonry can be obtained, along with the identification of any anomalies and discontinuities within it. Coring can be carried out with the purpose of analysing internal masonry composition and to evaluate the depth of the foundation laying surface of the structure under investigation. Reference standard: UNI EN 12504-
Structural Diagnostic
Pile Integrity
Pile integrity testing is carried out using the Pile Integrity Tester (PIT). This kind of testing is used to verify the presence of significant defects inside foundations, including breakages, significant size variations and cavities, before proceeding with construction above. It can also be used to test piles already integrated within the structure, like support foundations on bridges or towers, and to evaluate their length.
Ultrasound Tomography
Ultrasound tomography is a non-invasive technique for the investigation of high-thickness concrete elements, like tunnel cladding and post-compression sheaths, as well as the condition of reinforcement and stone structures. Tomography involves the reflection of short elastic impulses of waves (P or S), off cracks, cavities, reinforcements and other discontinuities and anomalies present in material. The advantage of this type of equipment is that 2D tomographies can be obtained along an orthogonal section of the surface of the product, even with structures accessible from one side only. By repeating the evaluation on a regular grill of points, a 3D model of the internal structure of the product under investigation can be obtained
Georadar Syrvey
Georadar, or GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) is a non-invasive system for surveying the subsoil, suitable for modest depths and based on the reflection of electromagnetic waves. This technique is mostly used in underground utility investigations, including manholes and pipes, for the identification and mapping of existing installations, the identification of the geometric structure of foundations, and the identification of masonry structures and cavities. Short electromagnetic impulses of varying frequencies are emitted, which upon meeting surfaces with different physical characteristics (different dielectric constant or electrical conductivity), are partly reflected (so they return to the receiving antenna) and partly transmitted in the subsoil. Maximum depth and the consequent degree of obtainable detail varies according to the frequency used. A low frequency enables information to be collected at grater depths, whereas high frequencies are desirable when aiming for better resolution for surface targets. The antenna is made to slide along a previously defined straight line (usually a rectangular grill is created), to obtain a real-time radargram in digital format on a PC monitor, which is successively elaborated and interpreted using specific software.
Ultrasound Test
The purpose of ultrasound testing is to determine the velocity of propagation of ultrasound through concrete, which is directly correlated with its resistance to compression. In ultrasound testing, the propagation time of elastic longitudinal waves between one or more couples of sampling points is measured to obtain information on the homogeneity of concrete. Equipment includes a generator/receiver of electric impulses, a transducer and a calibration bar with a known propagation time. Impulse speed can be measured directly (by positioning the transducer and receiver on opposite façades), semi-directly (positioning the transducer on a surface and the receiver on an adjacent side), or indirectly (positioning the transducer and receiver on the same surface). Reference standard: UNI EN 583-1/2004, UNI EN 12504-4/2005.
Piezometric Hydrogeological and weather monitoring
Installation of different types of piezometers, open pipe, Casagrande, vibrating wire.
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We provide comprehensive assessments, for geological hazard assessments, geotechnical, material properties, stability of landslides and slopes, erosion, flooding, dewatering, and seismic investigations.
