Geotechnical Engineering

Mictlan Engineering’s geotechnical team provides comprehensive subsurface investigations to support the development of energy, infrastructure, and industrial projects. Our approach combines advanced field testing, laboratory analysis, and engineering expertise to deliver reliable insights into subsurface conditions, helping to mitigate risk and optimize project planning.

Preliminary Site Investigations

We offer a wide range of preliminary geotechnical services tailored to the unique requirements of solar, wind, O&G, and geothermal projects. These investigations help determine the suitability of a site by assessing soil composition, groundwater conditions, and potential geohazards.

  • Cone Penetration Testing (CPT): CPT is one of the key techniques we use to assess soil strength, stratigraphy, and other geotechnical properties. It provides valuable real-time data, making it ideal for rapid site assessment.
  • Borehole Drilling and Sampling: Borehole drilling allows us to collect undisturbed soil and rock samples, enabling detailed laboratory analysis of the material’s properties such as shear strength, compressibility, and permeability. This is critical for understanding subsurface conditions for large-scale energy projects.
  • Geophysical Surveys: We perform a variety of geophysical tests, including seismic refraction, electrical resistivity, and ground-penetrating radar (GPR), to map subsurface layers and identify hidden hazards such as voids, fractures, or groundwater.
Sector-Specific Investigations
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Each type of energy project presents unique geotechnical challenges. Mictlan tailors its investigations to meet the specific needs of solar, wind, O&G, and geothermal projects:

  • Solar Energy Projects: For solar installations, our geotechnical investigations focus on assessing the bearing capacity and settlement potential of the soil, as well as identifying expansive soils or corrosive conditions that could impact the longevity of racking systems and solar panels. Soil corrosivity assessments are also essential to determine the impact of the subsurface environment on metal components.
  • Wind Energy Projects: Wind turbines require a thorough understanding of soil stiffness, shear strength, and the presence of rock formations to ensure the stability of turbine foundations. We conduct specialized wind turbine-specific analyses to assess the impact of dynamic loads caused by wind forces and turbine operation on subsurface conditions.
  • Oil & Gas (O&G) Projects: For O&G infrastructure, such as pipelines, refineries, and storage facilities, we perform seismic hazard assessments, liquefaction analysis, and ground subsidence studies. These evaluations help ensure that critical infrastructure is designed to withstand seismic events and long-term operational stresses, particularly in high-risk areas.
  • Geothermal Projects: Geothermal projects demand deep investigations into thermal conductivity and hydraulic conductivity of subsurface materials. Our geotechnical assessments for geothermal sites include evaluating soil permeability and heat transfer properties, which are crucial for the efficiency of geothermal wells and heat exchange systems.
Detailed Geotechnical Engineering

Our detailed geotechnical services focus on in-depth analysis and recommendations that inform design decisions across all phases of development for energy projects. This includes:

    • Seismic and Liquefaction Risk Assessments: We conduct thorough seismic assessments, identifying areas at risk of liquefaction during earthquakes. This is particularly relevant for large-scale energy infrastructure located in seismically active regions.
    • Soil-Structure Interaction Analysis: For complex terrains or areas with variable soil conditions, we perform simulations to model the interaction between subsurface materials and planned infrastructure, ensuring stability and safety over the project’s lifecycle.
    • Groundwater and Hydrology Studies: Understanding groundwater conditions is essential for managing subsurface drainage, especially in areas prone to flooding or high-water tables. We evaluate groundwater flow and aquifer conditions to provide recommendations for dewatering or water management systems.
Monitoring & Instrumentation

To ensure long-term performance and safety, Mictlan Engineering implements comprehensive monitoring and instrumentation systems for all types of energy projects. This includes:

    • Geotechnical Instrumentation: Installing instruments such as inclinometers, piezometers, and strain gauges to monitor ground movement, pore water pressure, and other critical parameters during construction and operation.
    • Real-Time Monitoring Systems: We offer real-time data acquisition and analysis through modern instrumentation systems, allowing for proactive monitoring of subsurface conditions and immediate response to potential issues.
    • Post-Construction Performance Evaluations: We provide ongoing evaluation and monitoring services after construction is complete to ensure that subsurface conditions remain stable, and that infrastructure performs as expected.

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