Techical support for thermal activation of the structural works of the new HUB services in Trento
Geosolving has been commissioned by Dolomiti Energia as technical support to the design for the activation of the structural works of the new HUB of services under construction in the Ex-Zuffo area of Trento. This building is part of the project ARV - Climate Positive Circular Communities and promoted in Italy by Polo di Innovazione Italiano. In particular, the thermal activation of the foundation has been designed, through the introduction inside of the tubes for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid, and the application of the GeothermSkin system to the walls against the ground. In this way, by connecting the circuits installed to the heat pump, the building’s summer and winter air conditioning will be possible.
Client: Dolomiti Energia SpA
Preliminary study of the thermal activation of lines 15 West and 15 East in Paris
NGE has entrusted Geosolving with the pre-feasibility study of the geothermal activation of the lines 15 West and 15 East, part of the Grand Paris Express project. Were proposed the activation of the TBM sections through the Enertun methodology and the activation of the buildings along the line (stations and shafts) through energy diaphragms. The thermal power that can be exchanged with the ground during winter and summer through the geothermal activation of the tunnel lining was calculated by using the simplified method developed by Di Donna and Barla (2016) and Insana and Barla (2020). The results obtained demonstrated the possibility of geothermal exploitation for the heating and cooling of buildings.
Client: NGE (Nouvelles Générations d'Entrepreneurs)
Monitoring and early warning system for avalanches in Lama dei Peligni (CH)
Geosolving was in charge to design, implement, and manage a monitoring and early warning system (EWS) for the control of avalanche phenomena that generate and propagate along a valley above the village of Lama dei Peligni, in the Abruzzo region. The monitoring and early warning system has the objective to mitigate the risk along the 'Via del Convento' municipal road, located upstream of the built-up area. It consists in a detection station equipped with clinometric sensors, installed approximately at 300 meters upstream of the road. The system is completed by two traffic lights in the road and by two high-resolution control webcams. In case of event, the sensors detect the passage of the avalanche along the valley, so immediately they interrupt the traffic along the road by switching on the traffic lights. At the same time the personnel in charge become alert by SMS and email.
The entire monitoring system uses a wireless architecture in which all sensors are connected and communicate in real time via radio. The data acquired by the network is sent in real-time to the Geoandes website where it can be interrogated and downloaded by authorised users.
Client: Edilcom Construction
Analysis of landslide movement near the Scampitella tunnel
Geosolving provided technical assistance in the design of a monitoring system and the execution and interpretation of geological and geotechnical investigations of a landside.
The aim was to increase knowledge of the landslide movement that was triggered in March 2021 in the sommital portion of the slope, on the east portal of the Scampitella tunnel, along the A16 Highway.
Therefore, geognostic boreholes were carried out and inclinometers and piezometers were placed in the landslide body.
In this way, it’s been possible the identification of the sliding surface and groundwater fluctuations.
Optical sights were placed both inside and outside the landslide body to monitor displacements, to obtain an accurate estimate of the displacements in situ.
Client: ASPI SpA
Analysis of the gravitational phenomenon of the eastern slope of Mt. Saresano
Geosolving was in charge for the analysis of the gravitational phenomenon of the eastern slope of Mount Saresano.
The aim was to update the DVR (Risk Assessment Valuation) of the factory located at the foot of the slope affected by the stability problems.
The instability initiation phase was studied through the use of advanced numerical models with hydraulic, seismic, gravity, and rheological forcing for studying the different instability scenarios.
They were used to identify velocities that can anticipate the development of instability phenomena.
From the results of the numerical modeling and the interpretation of the monitoring data, pre-alert, alert, and alarm thresholds were then defined aiming at the safe management of the factory’s activities.
Client: Italsacci SpA
Project of the geothermal system of the Turin Metro Line 2
Geosolving has been involved in the outlined design of the thermal activation of the new Line 2 of the Turin Metro. In details the activation included:
Precast tunnel segmets used in the TBM tunnel section between the shaft planned downstream of the Politecnico station and the Novara shaft;
Diaphragm walls constituting the Cut&Cover sections between the Novara shaft and the natural tunnel planned before the Rebaudengo station;
Diaphragm walls constituting 12 line stations and the Rebaudengo depot.
The working methodology consisted in the identification of homogeneous zones. A classification was made taking into account the type of structure (prefabricated segments or diaphragm walls), the geological and geothermal characteristics of the traversed soils, and the presence, direction and velocity of groundwater flow. Numerical finite element models were created that could reproduce the geometrical, geological and geothermal characteristics of the system for each homogeneous zone. The efficiency of the geothermal system was studied using coupled thermohydraulic numerical modelling. In this way, a quantitative estimate of the thermal energy that can be obtained for each homogeneous zone. This energy is mainly used to operate the heating systems during the winter months and the cooling systems during the summer months in the stations of the metro line.
Energy surpluses were appropriately redistributed to nearby structures. This choice can contribute to reduce the amount of energy used by existing surface structures.
The support service was also provided for the preparation of detailed graphic drawings, the preparation of price analysis for the energy geostructures.
Client: Infratrasporti.TO Srl
Application of the new Guidelines to the Valle D’Aosta highway Tunnels
Following the experience gained with SMART method, Geosolving applied the method prescribed by the " Linee guida per la classificazione e gestione del rischio, la valutazione della sicurezza ed il monitoraggio delle gallerie esistenti " (LGG) issued by the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport was applied in order to determine the Attention Class of 23 tunnels belonging to the Valle D’Aosta Highway Network (RAV).
The methodology is based on the definition of Hazard, Vulnerability and Exposition through the assignment of a level of severity of the condition of the segments, defined through four classes: Low, Medium-Low, Medium-High and High. This is done by combining the prescribed parameters according to logical operator flows defined by the LGG, carried out for each ashlar that composes the tunnel.
By combining the output it was possible to obtain the overall Attention Class of the tunnel.
Client: Raccordo Autostradale Valle d'Aosta SpA
Numerical modelling of the deposition of big bags at the Arzignano landfill
Discrete element numerical modelling (DEM) under two-dimensional conditions are adopted to assess how waste FIBC are deposited. An innovative and useful methodology to support the planning and management process of a landfill.
The activity included the following stages.
Determination of the properties to be assigned to the numerical model by simulation of the mechanical behaviour of the bag’s filling material by simulating real in situ loading tests.
Numerical simulation of the behaviour of individual bags and of groups of bags laid on a horizontal plane according to a procedure that reproduces the methods adopted in landfills.
Numerical simulation of design configurations to reproduce the stacking of bags according to the geometries adopted in situ and stability evaluation.
The modelling has provided operative inputs for the optimization of the disposition modalities for the big bags in the landfill.
Client: Geotechnical Engineering srl
Preliminary study of the thermal activation of line 15 West tunnels (Grand Paris Express project)
Engie Solutions has entrusted Geosolving with the pre-feasibility study of the geothermal activation of the Line 15 West, part of the Grand Paris Express project.
The thermal power that can be exchanged with the ground during winter and summer through the geothermal activation of the tunnel lining was calculated by using the simplified method developed by Di Donna and Barla (2016) and Insana and Barla (2020).
The results obtained have demonstrated the possibility of using LN15O tunnels for heating and cooling purposes.
Client: Engie Solutions, Agence TUNNELS: AXIMA Concept
Compatibility studies, investigations and testing, geological and geotechnical characterization
The Department of the Penitentiary Administration has planned the construction of a detention hall with a capacity of n. 120 places at the Asti detention center, in the Quarto Inferiore area.
In 2020 Geosolving srl, in partnership with Sondeco srl, oversaw the drafting of the geological report and the investigations conducted, the hydraulic compatibility report and the verification of the purification capacity of the existing treatment waterplant, in addition to the data interpretation report for the geotechnical characterization of the site. The reports were drawn up on the basis of the results of the ground investigations, of the geotechnical in situ and laboratory tests, and of the geophysical investigations performed.
Client: Ministry of Justice, Department of Penitentiary Administration
Study of the rock swelling behaviour along a railway tunnel
Starting from the re-analysis of laboratory tests including Huder & Amberg oedometric tests, traditional triaxial, swelling and creep tests, Geosolving has studied in detail the swelling behavior of a rock mass interested by the construction of an important railway tunnel in the southern Apennines. The data reanalysis was the starting point to define the swelling numerical parameters that were subsequently used in a set of finite differences numerical models. The result of the numerical analyses were used both for the design of the first phase support and for the final design of the tunnel lining.
Client: Ak Ingegneria Geotecnica Srl
Design of sewage and water distribution networks in the municipality of Poirino (To)
Geosolving provided support to LS Ingegneria in the design of new sewage and water distribution networks aimed at rationalizing the water drainage in the Poirino Municipality (Torino).
In particular, the project will include the construction of a new discharge conduit and a new lamination basin. Both these works will make it possible to avoid the saturation of the sewage system during intense rainfalls and the consequent flooding of some urbanized areas.
At the same time, the replacement of some sections of the aqueduct was planned in order to increase the current quality standards while rationalizing the drinking water distribution network
Client: Turin Metropolitan Water Authority
Geothermal activation of the Turin Metro line 2 feasibility study
Geosolving has studied the geothermal potential deriving from the activation of the structural elements of the new Torino Metro Line 2. Line 2, including extensions to Orbassano towards SO and San Mauro Torinese towards NE for a total of 28 km of new tunnels, will be constructed by means of TBM and Cut & Cover technique.
Geosolving developed a specific class parametrization methodology (5 parameters that describe the thermo-hydro-geological conditions of the Torino subsoil) implemented and developed on a GIS platform, which allowed the entire line to be divided into 66 homogeneous sections. For each section a specific thermo-hydraulic finite elements numerical model has been realized. The results of each model allowed to evaluate the temperature differences obtainable both in summer (for cooling) and in winter (for heating) by means of the geothermal activation of the tunnel concrete lining or the diaphragms walls.
Finally, the potential users of the heat exchanged with the ground, i.e. public and private buildings, were identified and classified in the vicinity of the stations and the ventilation shafts .
Client: ATI Systra-Sotecni-Neosia-Italferr-AI Studio-AR Thème Associes-Studium
Geological, geotechnical and environmental investigations in the urban area of Turin
Geosolving and Sondeco assisted the Politecnico di Torino in planning and carrying out the geological, geotechnical and environmental in situ investigations for the tender design of new didactic and research structures in the Torino urban area.
In detail, the activities were carried out on three different sites:
- New Learning Center located inside the Politecnico university campus;
- Pavilion V "Morandi" in the Torino Esposizioni complex close to the Parco del Valentino;
- Digital Revolution House (DRH) located close to the Politecnico university campus.
The investigations started in December 2018 and ended in May 2019. The aim of the investigations was to provide a complete picture of the geological, hydrogeological, geotechnical and environmental soil and groundwater conditions of the three different sites. To this end, the activities consisted of:
- Geognostic surveys;
- Standard Penetrometric Tests (SPT);
- Lefranc permeability tests;
- Installation of piezometric tubes;
- Environmental surveys and soil chemical analyses;
- Georadar investigations;
- Seismic surveys;
- Final report with description of the operations performed and preliminary considerations on the stratigraphy, geotechnical characteristics and the state of the subsoil contamination pursuant to D.Lgs. 152/2006 s.m.i.
Client: Politecnico di Torino
Dimensional control of a TRAXX DC3 train engine
Geosolving, in collaboration with La Mole 3D carried out laser scanner and laser tracker surveys aimed at the dimensional control of a TRAXX DC3 train engine.
The measurements carried out in the Vado Ligure (SV) Bombardier plant in March 2019 have ensured high accuracy and precision according to the client requirements. The dimensional control was carried out by comparing the point cloud obtained from the laser scanner survey to the dimensional project features of the machine.
The results of the activities excluded the presence of systematic defects of the train engine (rigid rotations or misalignments of the locomotive body), as well as potential systematic errors in the measure.
Client: Bombardier Transportation Italy spa
Ground-based radar monitoring of a tunnel excavation face
The advancement stages of a large diameter motorway tunnel were monitored for over a week by a new generation ground-based SAR system (GBInSAR). The instrumentation, based on ArcSAR technology, realizes the synthetic aperture by rotating around a vertical axis and allows to acquire images of the monitored scenario every 30 s with a centimetric spatial resolution and a high accuracy in the displacements measurements (<0.1 mm).
Despite the almost continuous presence of machinery near the excavation front, the technique was capable to obtain hundreds of displacement measurement points on tunnel face and to identify different sectors affected by deformations. With the excavation advancement, each measurement point is hence similar to extrusion pointwise data. Compared to the latter, the main advantage of the radar monitoring is the possibility to collect deformation measures without the need to install any geotechnical instrumentation on the tunnel face.
Finally the radar technique was able to ensure higher safety conditions for workers and vehicles operating close to the excavation face.
2D and 3D numerical modelling of Milano-Verona high speed railway tunnel
Geosolving carried out the numerical modeling activities to support the executive design of the "Lonato" tunnel along Milano-Verona high-speed railway line. The "Lonato" tunnel is the longest of the line (over 7 km) and consists of a single-track double-tube to be built using TMB-EPB for a lenght of 4.8 km. The activities consisted in the construction of 2D numerical finite elements models using the RS2 software as well as coupled thermo-mechanical finite differences models with FLAC software. The aim of the modelling was ULS, SLEs verifications, the seismic analysis of the tunnels and the verification against fires of prefabricated concrete tunnel lining segments.
Furthermore, a three-dimensional finite differences model using FLAC3D software was created for the evaluation of the subsidence basin on the ground surface where lots of buildings and the A4 motorway are located.
Client: Pini Swiss Engineers
Buildings settlements monitoring during the construction of the Torino subway line 1 south extension
During the excavation of the metro line 1 southward extension (Lingotto-Bengasi), a new-concept of ground based radar instrument was used to monitor the deformation of buildings adjacent to the tunnel axis. The new monitoring tool consists of a radar head equipped with two antennas (transmitter and receiver) mounted on one meter long arm that is moving along an arc, thus creating a circular synthetic aperture. The radar head and the positioner are in turn fixed on a portable tripod for a rapid positioning of the instrumentation. The instrument is also equipped with a high resolution infrared optical camera and a laser scanner capable respectively of acquiring optical images and to obtain a digital elevation models (DEM) of the scenario to be used for the three-dimensional projection of the displacement maps. The synthetic circular aperture allows to obtain a very high angular resolution (less than 1 mrad), an accuracy of less than 0.1 mm for displacement monitoring, along with an image acquisition frequency up to 30 seconds.
Cracks monitoring on a public building in Torino
A wireless monitoring network (WSN) consisting of 4 biaxial wall inclinometers and 4 inductive displacement transducers positioned across the main cracks was installed to keep under control the damage state of a public building. All the instruments are coupled with thermometric sensors to accurately detect temperature variations and to evaluate their influence on the monitored data. The data are collected at regular intervals and stored by a control unit equipped with a GSM module for transferring to a remote server accessible from the web. The choice of a WSN made it possible to simplify the installation and to guarantee at the same time a great flexibility in sensors positioning. During the installation as well as in the commissioning and start up of the WSN, the accessibility of the building spaces was completely preserved, thanks to the absence of connection cables among the different sensors and the acquisition unit.
Client: Università degli Studi di Torino
Environmental monitoring activities at the Campus Luigi Einaudi in Torino
The University of Turin Campus Luigi Einaudi (CLE) was built on a portion of the former Italgas - Regina Margherita site where coal gas for domestic and industrial use was manufactured for decades. In the last few years the area has been subjected to soil and subsoil reclamation interventions. To date, the University of Turin is in charge of groundawater monitoring and soil vapour monitoring in the basement of the main building and the outdoor air along the building perimeter.
Geosolving has provided a consulting service for the interpretation, the analysis and the critical evaluation of the analytical results achieved with the monitoring activities as well as the evaluation of the results of the soil vapour sampling and the comparison with the outdoor air. The results were the mapping and the reconstruction of the temporal trends of the plumes of groundwater and vapour contaminants. Finally a risk analysis for approval by the competent authorities was carried out by using data acquired from existing documents and from the supplementary investigations proposed.
Client: Università degli Studi di Torino
New monitoring and early warning system for avalanches and debris flows in Cogne (AO)
To protect a high-risk road located in the Cogne municipality (Aosta) from avalanches and debris flows, a new wireless monitoring and early waring system (EWS) was designed, assembled, installed and managed by Geosolving from 2017 to 2019.
The system consists of a trigger line equipped with inclinometer sensors installed in the gully about 120 m upstream of the road, two traffic lights located respectively upstream and downstream of the intersection of road and gully, two high-resolution cameras and a weather station.
Whenever an avalanche or a debris flow occur, the sensors detect their passage along the gully and immediately the red traffic lights are turned on, thus interrupting traffic along the road. At the same time alarm emails and SMS are sent to the personnel in charge of road management to promptly notify the avalanche/debris flow occurrence.
The monitoring network was designed using a wireless architecture where all the sensors are connected and communicate in real time via radio signals. This features comply also with the minimization of the potential impacts of the monitoring system which is installed in the protected area of the Gran Paradiso National Park.
Finally, the monitoring and EWS is entirely managed remotely. All the acquired data are sent in real time on the web and can be visualized, interrogated and downloaded by authorized users.
All the acquired data and the expertise gained in EWS design and management were adopted for the development of the GeoAndes system.
Client: Regione Autonoma della Valle d'Aosta
Feasibility study on the geothermal activation of a new building slab foundation
The activity was finalized to quantify in a preliminary way the thermal power obtainable through the geothermal activation of a slab foundation of a new building currently ongoing project. An advanced thermo-hydraulic finite elements model was adopted to reproduce the concrete foundation slab and the surrounding soil. The numerical results showed the feasibilty of the structures activation and a good amount of thermal power which can be extracted from the soil.
Client: Università degli Studi di Torino
Stability analysis of a mixed stone-masonry wall
The mixed stone-masonry wall of the Darwin - Romero school park in Rivoli (Torino) is adjacent to Strada del Pozzetto. The wall, made up of stone boulders, bricks and mortar, is characterized by bulging features in some zones, even if the structure as a whole maintains its stability.
A monitoring system was set up in 2014 for safety reasons. The reduced width of the road and the curvature of the wall did not make it possible to monitor the wall displacement from the street side. Similarly the use of displacement transducers on the visible cracks was discarded due to the potential damages caused by the transit of people and vehicles on the adjacent road. For these reasons wire strain gauges installed on the internal wal face has been adopted. The instruments were fixed to the wall by means of special metal sections and anchored upstream by means of rods in the ground. The monitoring system made it possible to keep under control 4 sections of the wall. Morever the wireless radio transmission system allowed the data transfer to a remote server continuously and in real time. At the same time a set of displacement thresholds were established to mitigate the potential risk along the road.
To supplement the monitoring activity which continued up to 2016, a numerical wall stability assessment was carried out. A 2D numerical model was created using the FLAC finite difference software. The results in terms of displacement were compared to the monitoring data. Through a parametric analysis the overall safety factor of the soil-wall system was determined while an additional coupled thermo-mechanical analysis was used to gain insight into the thermal effects given by the seasonal air temperature variation. The study therefore allowed to identify the causes of the wall defomations as well as to suggest the necessary corrective actions to be adopted.
Client: Città Metropolitana di Torino
Buildings monitoring during pipe-jacking construction of new sewage system in Foglizzo (Torino)
To allow the safe construction of a new sewage system with the pipe-jacking technique in the vicinity of buildings in Foglizzo village (Torino), Geosolving has design, installed and managed a simple and inexpensive monitoring system. Four wall clinometers were installed on the external walls of the buildings closest to the excavation areas. By means of a wireless data transmission, it was possible to continuously monitor the potential effect of the excavations on the elements exposed to risk thus guaranteeing safety conditions for the workers and the resident.
Client: Sinergie srl
Comba Citrin landslide monitoring by ground-based radar interferometry
The Ground-Based Radar Interferometry technique (GBInSAR) was adopted to monitor the displacement of the Comba Citrin landslide located in the Aosta Valley, close to the Italian-Switzerland border. The landslides was reactivated during the 2000 flood event which strongly damaged the whole Valle d'Aosta Region.
The monitoring activities were carried out for the first time during summer 2015 and were resumed in 2017. In 2015 two discontinuous weekly measurement campaigns were repeated over a time span of about 2 months.
Using this particular discontinuous setup, it was possible to follow the very slow seasonal displacements (some mm) of the main landslide body which were extremely difficult to measure with other in situ instrumentations. At the same time the discontinuous monitoring approach has demonstrated to be less expensive compared an equivalent continuous GBInSAR monitoring.
In 2017, 5 daily and 2 weekly measurement campaigns respectively were carried out from May to November. The cumulated displacement maps obtained using a new advanced data processing technique showed the presence of further slope sectors affected by deformations outside the landslide main body
Client: Regione Autonoma Valle d'Aosta
Techical support for thermal activation of the structural works of the new HUB services in Trento
Geosolving has been commissioned by Dolomiti Energia as technical support to the design for the activation of the structural works of the new HUB of services under construction in the Ex-Zuffo area of Trento. This building is part of the project ARV - Climate Positive Circular Communities and promoted in Italy by Polo di Innovazione Italiano. In particular, the thermal activation of the foundation has been designed, through the introduction inside of the tubes for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid, and the application of the GeothermSkin system to the walls against the ground. In this way, by connecting the circuits installed to the heat pump, the building’s summer and winter air conditioning will be possible.
Client: Dolomiti Energia SpA
Preliminary study of the thermal activation of lines 15 West and 15 East in Paris
NGE has entrusted Geosolving with the pre-feasibility study of the geothermal activation of the lines 15 West and 15 East, part of the Grand Paris Express project. Were proposed the activation of the TBM sections through the Enertun methodology and the activation of the buildings along the line (stations and shafts) through energy diaphragms. The thermal power that can be exchanged with the ground during winter and summer through the geothermal activation of the tunnel lining was calculated by using the simplified method developed by Di Donna and Barla (2016) and Insana and Barla (2020). The results obtained demonstrated the possibility of geothermal exploitation for the heating and cooling of buildings.
Client: NGE (Nouvelles Générations d'Entrepreneurs)
Monitoring and early warning system for avalanches in Lama dei Peligni (CH)
Geosolving was in charge to design, implement, and manage a monitoring and early warning system (EWS) for the control of avalanche phenomena that generate and propagate along a valley above the village of Lama dei Peligni, in the Abruzzo region. The monitoring and early warning system has the objective to mitigate the risk along the 'Via del Convento' municipal road, located upstream of the built-up area. It consists in a detection station equipped with clinometric sensors, installed approximately at 300 meters upstream of the road. The system is completed by two traffic lights in the road and by two high-resolution control webcams. In case of event, the sensors detect the passage of the avalanche along the valley, so immediately they interrupt the traffic along the road by switching on the traffic lights. At the same time the personnel in charge become alert by SMS and email.
The entire monitoring system uses a wireless architecture in which all sensors are connected and communicate in real time via radio. The data acquired by the network is sent in real-time to the Geoandes website where it can be interrogated and downloaded by authorised users.
Client: Edilcom Construction
Analysis of landslide movement near the Scampitella tunnel
Geosolving provided technical assistance in the design of a monitoring system and the execution and interpretation of geological and geotechnical investigations of a landside.
The aim was to increase knowledge of the landslide movement that was triggered in March 2021 in the sommital portion of the slope, on the east portal of the Scampitella tunnel, along the A16 Highway.
Therefore, geognostic boreholes were carried out and inclinometers and piezometers were placed in the landslide body.
In this way, it’s been possible the identification of the sliding surface and groundwater fluctuations.
Optical sights were placed both inside and outside the landslide body to monitor displacements, to obtain an accurate estimate of the displacements in situ.
Client: ASPI SpA
Analysis of the gravitational phenomenon of the eastern slope of Mt. Saresano
Geosolving was in charge for the analysis of the gravitational phenomenon of the eastern slope of Mount Saresano.
The aim was to update the DVR (Risk Assessment Valuation) of the factory located at the foot of the slope affected by the stability problems.
The instability initiation phase was studied through the use of advanced numerical models with hydraulic, seismic, gravity, and rheological forcing for studying the different instability scenarios.
They were used to identify velocities that can anticipate the development of instability phenomena.
From the results of the numerical modeling and the interpretation of the monitoring data, pre-alert, alert, and alarm thresholds were then defined aiming at the safe management of the factory’s activities.
Client: Italsacci SpA
Project of the geothermal system of the Turin Metro Line 2
Geosolving has been involved in the outlined design of the thermal activation of the new Line 2 of the Turin Metro. In details the activation included:
Energy surpluses were appropriately redistributed to nearby structures. This choice can contribute to reduce the amount of energy used by existing surface structures.
The support service was also provided for the preparation of detailed graphic drawings, the preparation of price analysis for the energy geostructures.
Client: Infratrasporti.TO Srl
Application of the new Guidelines to the Valle D’Aosta highway Tunnels
Following the experience gained with SMART method, Geosolving applied the method prescribed by the " Linee guida per la classificazione e gestione del rischio, la valutazione della sicurezza ed il monitoraggio delle gallerie esistenti " (LGG) issued by the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport was applied in order to determine the Attention Class of 23 tunnels belonging to the Valle D’Aosta Highway Network (RAV).
The methodology is based on the definition of Hazard, Vulnerability and Exposition through the assignment of a level of severity of the condition of the segments, defined through four classes: Low, Medium-Low, Medium-High and High. This is done by combining the prescribed parameters according to logical operator flows defined by the LGG, carried out for each ashlar that composes the tunnel. By combining the output it was possible to obtain the overall Attention Class of the tunnel.Client: Raccordo Autostradale Valle d'Aosta SpA
Numerical modelling of the deposition of big bags at the Arzignano landfill
Discrete element numerical modelling (DEM) under two-dimensional conditions are adopted to assess how waste FIBC are deposited. An innovative and useful methodology to support the planning and management process of a landfill. The activity included the following stages.
The modelling has provided operative inputs for the optimization of the disposition modalities for the big bags in the landfill.
Client: Geotechnical Engineering srl
Preliminary study of the thermal activation of line 15 West tunnels (Grand Paris Express project)
Engie Solutions has entrusted Geosolving with the pre-feasibility study of the geothermal activation of the Line 15 West, part of the Grand Paris Express project.
The thermal power that can be exchanged with the ground during winter and summer through the geothermal activation of the tunnel lining was calculated by using the simplified method developed by Di Donna and Barla (2016) and Insana and Barla (2020).
The results obtained have demonstrated the possibility of using LN15O tunnels for heating and cooling purposes.
Client: Engie Solutions, Agence TUNNELS: AXIMA Concept
Compatibility studies, investigations and testing, geological and geotechnical characterization
The Department of the Penitentiary Administration has planned the construction of a detention hall with a capacity of n. 120 places at the Asti detention center, in the Quarto Inferiore area.
In 2020 Geosolving srl, in partnership with Sondeco srl, oversaw the drafting of the geological report and the investigations conducted, the hydraulic compatibility report and the verification of the purification capacity of the existing treatment waterplant, in addition to the data interpretation report for the geotechnical characterization of the site. The reports were drawn up on the basis of the results of the ground investigations, of the geotechnical in situ and laboratory tests, and of the geophysical investigations performed.
Client: Ministry of Justice, Department of Penitentiary Administration
Study of the rock swelling behaviour along a railway tunnel
Starting from the re-analysis of laboratory tests including Huder & Amberg oedometric tests, traditional triaxial, swelling and creep tests, Geosolving has studied in detail the swelling behavior of a rock mass interested by the construction of an important railway tunnel in the southern Apennines. The data reanalysis was the starting point to define the swelling numerical parameters that were subsequently used in a set of finite differences numerical models. The result of the numerical analyses were used both for the design of the first phase support and for the final design of the tunnel lining.
Client: Ak Ingegneria Geotecnica Srl
Design of sewage and water distribution networks in the municipality of Poirino (To)
Geosolving provided support to LS Ingegneria in the design of new sewage and water distribution networks aimed at rationalizing the water drainage in the Poirino Municipality (Torino).
In particular, the project will include the construction of a new discharge conduit and a new lamination basin. Both these works will make it possible to avoid the saturation of the sewage system during intense rainfalls and the consequent flooding of some urbanized areas.
At the same time, the replacement of some sections of the aqueduct was planned in order to increase the current quality standards while rationalizing the drinking water distribution networkClient: Turin Metropolitan Water Authority
Geothermal activation of the Turin Metro line 2 feasibility study
Geosolving has studied the geothermal potential deriving from the activation of the structural elements of the new Torino Metro Line 2. Line 2, including extensions to Orbassano towards SO and San Mauro Torinese towards NE for a total of 28 km of new tunnels, will be constructed by means of TBM and Cut & Cover technique.
Geosolving developed a specific class parametrization methodology (5 parameters that describe the thermo-hydro-geological conditions of the Torino subsoil) implemented and developed on a GIS platform, which allowed the entire line to be divided into 66 homogeneous sections. For each section a specific thermo-hydraulic finite elements numerical model has been realized. The results of each model allowed to evaluate the temperature differences obtainable both in summer (for cooling) and in winter (for heating) by means of the geothermal activation of the tunnel concrete lining or the diaphragms walls.
Finally, the potential users of the heat exchanged with the ground, i.e. public and private buildings, were identified and classified in the vicinity of the stations and the ventilation shafts .
Client: ATI Systra-Sotecni-Neosia-Italferr-AI Studio-AR Thème Associes-Studium
Geological, geotechnical and environmental investigations in the urban area of Turin
Geosolving and Sondeco assisted the Politecnico di Torino in planning and carrying out the geological, geotechnical and environmental in situ investigations for the tender design of new didactic and research structures in the Torino urban area. In detail, the activities were carried out on three different sites:
- New Learning Center located inside the Politecnico university campus;
- Pavilion V "Morandi" in the Torino Esposizioni complex close to the Parco del Valentino;
- Digital Revolution House (DRH) located close to the Politecnico university campus.
The investigations started in December 2018 and ended in May 2019. The aim of the investigations was to provide a complete picture of the geological, hydrogeological, geotechnical and environmental soil and groundwater conditions of the three different sites. To this end, the activities consisted of:
- Geognostic surveys;
- Standard Penetrometric Tests (SPT);
- Lefranc permeability tests;
- Installation of piezometric tubes;
- Environmental surveys and soil chemical analyses;
- Georadar investigations;
- Seismic surveys;
- Final report with description of the operations performed and preliminary considerations on the stratigraphy, geotechnical characteristics and the state of the subsoil contamination pursuant to D.Lgs. 152/2006 s.m.i.
Client: Politecnico di Torino
Dimensional control of a TRAXX DC3 train engine
Geosolving, in collaboration with La Mole 3D carried out laser scanner and laser tracker surveys aimed at the dimensional control of a TRAXX DC3 train engine. The measurements carried out in the Vado Ligure (SV) Bombardier plant in March 2019 have ensured high accuracy and precision according to the client requirements. The dimensional control was carried out by comparing the point cloud obtained from the laser scanner survey to the dimensional project features of the machine. The results of the activities excluded the presence of systematic defects of the train engine (rigid rotations or misalignments of the locomotive body), as well as potential systematic errors in the measure.
Client: Bombardier Transportation Italy spa
Ground-based radar monitoring of a tunnel excavation face
The advancement stages of a large diameter motorway tunnel were monitored for over a week by a new generation ground-based SAR system (GBInSAR). The instrumentation, based on ArcSAR technology, realizes the synthetic aperture by rotating around a vertical axis and allows to acquire images of the monitored scenario every 30 s with a centimetric spatial resolution and a high accuracy in the displacements measurements (<0.1 mm). Despite the almost continuous presence of machinery near the excavation front, the technique was capable to obtain hundreds of displacement measurement points on tunnel face and to identify different sectors affected by deformations. With the excavation advancement, each measurement point is hence similar to extrusion pointwise data. Compared to the latter, the main advantage of the radar monitoring is the possibility to collect deformation measures without the need to install any geotechnical instrumentation on the tunnel face. Finally the radar technique was able to ensure higher safety conditions for workers and vehicles operating close to the excavation face.
2D and 3D numerical modelling of Milano-Verona high speed railway tunnel
Geosolving carried out the numerical modeling activities to support the executive design of the "Lonato" tunnel along Milano-Verona high-speed railway line. The "Lonato" tunnel is the longest of the line (over 7 km) and consists of a single-track double-tube to be built using TMB-EPB for a lenght of 4.8 km. The activities consisted in the construction of 2D numerical finite elements models using the RS2 software as well as coupled thermo-mechanical finite differences models with FLAC software. The aim of the modelling was ULS, SLEs verifications, the seismic analysis of the tunnels and the verification against fires of prefabricated concrete tunnel lining segments. Furthermore, a three-dimensional finite differences model using FLAC3D software was created for the evaluation of the subsidence basin on the ground surface where lots of buildings and the A4 motorway are located.
Client: Pini Swiss Engineers
Buildings settlements monitoring during the construction of the Torino subway line 1 south extension
During the excavation of the metro line 1 southward extension (Lingotto-Bengasi), a new-concept of ground based radar instrument was used to monitor the deformation of buildings adjacent to the tunnel axis. The new monitoring tool consists of a radar head equipped with two antennas (transmitter and receiver) mounted on one meter long arm that is moving along an arc, thus creating a circular synthetic aperture. The radar head and the positioner are in turn fixed on a portable tripod for a rapid positioning of the instrumentation. The instrument is also equipped with a high resolution infrared optical camera and a laser scanner capable respectively of acquiring optical images and to obtain a digital elevation models (DEM) of the scenario to be used for the three-dimensional projection of the displacement maps. The synthetic circular aperture allows to obtain a very high angular resolution (less than 1 mrad), an accuracy of less than 0.1 mm for displacement monitoring, along with an image acquisition frequency up to 30 seconds.
Cracks monitoring on a public building in Torino
A wireless monitoring network (WSN) consisting of 4 biaxial wall inclinometers and 4 inductive displacement transducers positioned across the main cracks was installed to keep under control the damage state of a public building. All the instruments are coupled with thermometric sensors to accurately detect temperature variations and to evaluate their influence on the monitored data. The data are collected at regular intervals and stored by a control unit equipped with a GSM module for transferring to a remote server accessible from the web. The choice of a WSN made it possible to simplify the installation and to guarantee at the same time a great flexibility in sensors positioning. During the installation as well as in the commissioning and start up of the WSN, the accessibility of the building spaces was completely preserved, thanks to the absence of connection cables among the different sensors and the acquisition unit.
Client: Università degli Studi di Torino
Environmental monitoring activities at the Campus Luigi Einaudi in Torino
The University of Turin Campus Luigi Einaudi (CLE) was built on a portion of the former Italgas - Regina Margherita site where coal gas for domestic and industrial use was manufactured for decades. In the last few years the area has been subjected to soil and subsoil reclamation interventions. To date, the University of Turin is in charge of groundawater monitoring and soil vapour monitoring in the basement of the main building and the outdoor air along the building perimeter. Geosolving has provided a consulting service for the interpretation, the analysis and the critical evaluation of the analytical results achieved with the monitoring activities as well as the evaluation of the results of the soil vapour sampling and the comparison with the outdoor air. The results were the mapping and the reconstruction of the temporal trends of the plumes of groundwater and vapour contaminants. Finally a risk analysis for approval by the competent authorities was carried out by using data acquired from existing documents and from the supplementary investigations proposed.
Client: Università degli Studi di Torino
New monitoring and early warning system for avalanches and debris flows in Cogne (AO)
To protect a high-risk road located in the Cogne municipality (Aosta) from avalanches and debris flows, a new wireless monitoring and early waring system (EWS) was designed, assembled, installed and managed by Geosolving from 2017 to 2019. The system consists of a trigger line equipped with inclinometer sensors installed in the gully about 120 m upstream of the road, two traffic lights located respectively upstream and downstream of the intersection of road and gully, two high-resolution cameras and a weather station. Whenever an avalanche or a debris flow occur, the sensors detect their passage along the gully and immediately the red traffic lights are turned on, thus interrupting traffic along the road. At the same time alarm emails and SMS are sent to the personnel in charge of road management to promptly notify the avalanche/debris flow occurrence. The monitoring network was designed using a wireless architecture where all the sensors are connected and communicate in real time via radio signals. This features comply also with the minimization of the potential impacts of the monitoring system which is installed in the protected area of the Gran Paradiso National Park. Finally, the monitoring and EWS is entirely managed remotely. All the acquired data are sent in real time on the web and can be visualized, interrogated and downloaded by authorized users. All the acquired data and the expertise gained in EWS design and management were adopted for the development of the GeoAndes system.
Client: Regione Autonoma della Valle d'Aosta
Feasibility study on the geothermal activation of a new building slab foundation
The activity was finalized to quantify in a preliminary way the thermal power obtainable through the geothermal activation of a slab foundation of a new building currently ongoing project. An advanced thermo-hydraulic finite elements model was adopted to reproduce the concrete foundation slab and the surrounding soil. The numerical results showed the feasibilty of the structures activation and a good amount of thermal power which can be extracted from the soil.
Client: Università degli Studi di Torino
Stability analysis of a mixed stone-masonry wall
The mixed stone-masonry wall of the Darwin - Romero school park in Rivoli (Torino) is adjacent to Strada del Pozzetto. The wall, made up of stone boulders, bricks and mortar, is characterized by bulging features in some zones, even if the structure as a whole maintains its stability. A monitoring system was set up in 2014 for safety reasons. The reduced width of the road and the curvature of the wall did not make it possible to monitor the wall displacement from the street side. Similarly the use of displacement transducers on the visible cracks was discarded due to the potential damages caused by the transit of people and vehicles on the adjacent road. For these reasons wire strain gauges installed on the internal wal face has been adopted. The instruments were fixed to the wall by means of special metal sections and anchored upstream by means of rods in the ground. The monitoring system made it possible to keep under control 4 sections of the wall. Morever the wireless radio transmission system allowed the data transfer to a remote server continuously and in real time. At the same time a set of displacement thresholds were established to mitigate the potential risk along the road. To supplement the monitoring activity which continued up to 2016, a numerical wall stability assessment was carried out. A 2D numerical model was created using the FLAC finite difference software. The results in terms of displacement were compared to the monitoring data. Through a parametric analysis the overall safety factor of the soil-wall system was determined while an additional coupled thermo-mechanical analysis was used to gain insight into the thermal effects given by the seasonal air temperature variation. The study therefore allowed to identify the causes of the wall defomations as well as to suggest the necessary corrective actions to be adopted.
Client: Città Metropolitana di Torino
Buildings monitoring during pipe-jacking construction of new sewage system in Foglizzo (Torino)
To allow the safe construction of a new sewage system with the pipe-jacking technique in the vicinity of buildings in Foglizzo village (Torino), Geosolving has design, installed and managed a simple and inexpensive monitoring system. Four wall clinometers were installed on the external walls of the buildings closest to the excavation areas. By means of a wireless data transmission, it was possible to continuously monitor the potential effect of the excavations on the elements exposed to risk thus guaranteeing safety conditions for the workers and the resident.
Client: Sinergie srl
Comba Citrin landslide monitoring by ground-based radar interferometry
The Ground-Based Radar Interferometry technique (GBInSAR) was adopted to monitor the displacement of the Comba Citrin landslide located in the Aosta Valley, close to the Italian-Switzerland border. The landslides was reactivated during the 2000 flood event which strongly damaged the whole Valle d'Aosta Region. The monitoring activities were carried out for the first time during summer 2015 and were resumed in 2017. In 2015 two discontinuous weekly measurement campaigns were repeated over a time span of about 2 months. Using this particular discontinuous setup, it was possible to follow the very slow seasonal displacements (some mm) of the main landslide body which were extremely difficult to measure with other in situ instrumentations. At the same time the discontinuous monitoring approach has demonstrated to be less expensive compared an equivalent continuous GBInSAR monitoring. In 2017, 5 daily and 2 weekly measurement campaigns respectively were carried out from May to November. The cumulated displacement maps obtained using a new advanced data processing technique showed the presence of further slope sectors affected by deformations outside the landslide main body
Client: Regione Autonoma Valle d'Aosta