IDIADA HIGH-SPEED ROAD EXPANSIVE CLAYS, IN SANTA OLIVA (SPAIN, 2020)

IDIADA high-speed road is located in Santa Oliva, Tarragona. The road’s west curve presented shallow swelling problems during its construction (period 1989-1995). These problems, which were analyzed and solved at the time, were due to the existence of highly plastic clay with expansive potential. However, during the 2019-2020 period, small-scale shallow movements occurred.

PROGEO was hired to carry out an audit of the road west curve problem, taking into account all the information available to date.

PRO GEO’s experience has allowed us to carry out the following aspects:

  • Problem analysis taking into account:
    • Quality controls documentation to date
    • Rainy periods effects in the area.
    • Previous studies.
    • Superficial swellings identification.
  • Expansiveness cause interpretation.
  • New actions recommendations to establish a follow-up of the problem, through a geotechnical campaign and auscultation.