Geotech

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Geotech

Geotechnics is one of ARQ’s key areas of specialisation. ARQ Geotech is active in a wide range of geotechnical fields both within the borders of South Africa and internationally, providing professional engineering services to a wide range of clients in the private and public sector.

We undertake and oversee geotechnical investigations which range from basic to highly advanced – each, tailor made for site conditions, proposed land use and our clients need. We specialise in various forms of analyses and designs including Slope Stability & Seepage, Lateral Support, Piled and Shallow Foundation Design, Ground Improvement, and more. both within South Africa and internationally.

While hand-calculations and simple spreadsheet models are used to develop judgment in respect of geotechnical problems, our sophisticated analytical methods and software allow us to design ambitious and innovative geotechnical systems ensuring that our client receives the optimization allowed by the latest technological developments. Design-compliance field measurement is regularly applied to complete the investigation-analysis-design loop, or simply for the purpose of quality assurance, while the requirements of OHS and environmental legislation are rigorously observed to ensure safety and minimum disturbance to the environment.

Innovative and cost-saving solutions, coupled with detailed attention to each client’s specific needs, have established us as one of the preferred Geotechnical firms in the industry.

Click here to view the ARQ Geotech Profile document.

Klipdrift Pipeline N1 Pipe Jack

Two water reservoirs on opposite sides of the N1 near Hammanskraal, north of Gauteng, are to be connected as part of the upgrade and extension of the Klipdrift WTW near Hammanskraal. The two reservoirs will be connected with a 750mm steel pipe, which will be housed in 2.2m high, 2.8m wide box culverts which will have to be pipe jacked beneath the N1.

Husab Uranium Mine

Husab Uranium Mine is located approximately 80km east of Swakopmund, Namibia, and is situated on the 3rd largest uranium deposit in the world. Based on the initial reserve estimate, Husab’s mine life is estimated to be 16 years. ARQ was approached to assist with the design of the tip wall for the crusher building. This involved a vertical excavation to a depth of some 30m. The initial proposed design comprised lateral support during the excavation via permanent rock anchors and soil nails. This design was conducted using Rocscience’s Phase2 finite element software.

Gibson Bay Wind Farm

ARQ was responsible for the Geotechnical investigation for the road centreline and Wind Turbine generators foundation conditions. The geotechnical investigation included test pits, rotary core drilling, DPSH’s, CSW and Electrical resistivity testing.

Ramming into action

With the ever-increasing demand for coal due to the construction of new Eskom coal fired power stations, Total Coal South Africa have expanded their Dorsfontein operation to mine other seams of coal in the area. This expansion included the construction of a new 30m high coal stockpile which comprises a Reinforced Earth basin to house the stockpile with a tunnel running underneath it. The tunnel is used to transport the coal from the stockpile via a conveyor belt system. Due to the type of equipment being installed in the tunnel, it was imperative that the total and differential settlements were minimised.