Helical piles – Rubiales electrification master plan

Goals
Ecopetrol S.A. proposes the construction of circuits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, and 17, as well as the connection lines to the control centers A, B, C, D, and E, which are part of the Rubiales Electrification Master Plan (PMER).

AXIATECH was requested by DISCON, the contractor for the C6L, C6FD, C5EEB, and C5EBA branches, which are located in the oil extraction area known as “Campo Rubiales,” to design, supply, and install the foundation system for 27 towers associated with different branches. The location presents a series of environmental constraints and significant geotechnical complexity.

Helical piles were chosen, as they proved to be the most efficient solution from both a technical and economic perspective, compared to any other available alternatives. Additionally, they passed all performance tests, receiving clear and decisive acceptance in the project.

Project Overview
• Localización: Puerto Gaitán, Meta – Colombia
• Aplicación: Cimentación torrecillas de 20 a 40 m de altura
• Pilote: 1654 metros lineales – RS3500.270
• Scope: Design, Supply, and Installation
• Suelo: Depósitos sedimentarios de consistencia variable
• Instalación: 31 Días laborales

Helical piles in the foundation of towers with variable height (20 to 40 m).

CONVENTIONAL SOLUTION
Due to the high load magnitudes and the geotechnical deficiencies of the soil, surface foundation systems would involve large volumes of excavation. On the other hand, the alternative of deep foundations using pre-excavated piles of 2.0 m in diameter and a minimum depth of 4.0 m was considered; a condition that would involve earth movements that affect the stability of the project.

However, the construction timelines, site access conditions, among other factors, made it unfeasible to proceed with the construction following the initial guidelines.

SOLUTION WITH HELICOIDAL PILES
Helicoidal piles were an excellent alternative. However, it was only through outstanding engineering work that the appropriate configuration was achieved to support vertical loads of up to 322 kN and moments of 878 kN·m at the foundation base.

The integration of the excellent properties and characteristics of the piles into a properly designed foundation model successfully met the various load requirements acting on the foundation system, in geotechnical environments of high complexity.

INSTALLATION
Arrangements between 8 and 12 piles per tower, connected by rigid concrete caps, were determined for the foundation construction of the 27 towers built with the system.

The construction was completed in 31 working days, achieving a performance of 120 linear meters of piles per day.

Helical Piles are the ideal solution for foundations in transmission lines...

AC-PILES
It is the leading Latin American manufacturer of helical piles, providing custom design and manufacturing with a high level of optimization. Additionally, it is the only manufacturer offering versatility and excellent response time tailored to your projects.