Geotechnology

In the geotechnology field, Apave and its subsidiaries provide assistance with research and infrastructure work. 

We verify calculations and perform geotechnical dimensioning for the structure foundations, conduct on-site research, characterize construction materials and perform laboratory tests. Our services focus on:

     Roadbeds 
     Hydraulic and hydroagricultural works
     Building foundations and civil engineering structures

Our technical research assistance on roadbeds focuses on soil and rocks as supports and materials for earthwork, road surfaces and their related structures. Laboratory tests involve soil identification, compacting trials (PROCTOR) and bearing tests (CBR). Tests also examine concrete aggregate, surface aggregate and binder-aggregate mixtures during treatments to improve hydraulic (cement) or hydrocarbonated (asphalt) binders.

Apave teams use the following mechanical investigation tools for the on-site inspection of structure foundations: auger or core sampling and other classic tests using penetrometers, vane shear testers and pressure meters. 

Technical assistance projects addressing specific geotechnical studies of the foundation soil of engineering structures – particularly river bridges -- involve geological examination of the site, including the structure of the nearby terrain, and the study of scour risks. Core drilling is then used for foundation dimensioning, which produce intact samples that are subjected to simple compression, rectilinear or triaxial shear tests and tests using heavy penetrometers or pressure meters.

 If you are interested in this area of expertise, contact an Apave expert by clicking here.