The Challenge

  • Provide rapid, high-end geotechnical tests and engineering support for the project
  • Testing results were needed immediately throughout the project

Due to the ever spiraling traffic congestion problems faced by San Juan and surrounding urban areas, the Puerto Rican Department of Transportation and Public Works initiated its first ever public transportation project in 1996. This project involved building a 10.7 mile (17.2 km), 16-station heavy rail system connecting San Juan and the urban vicinity. Electric trains operate on a series of above-ground, below-ground, and surface tracks. The Tren Urbano metro system opened to the public in December 2004.

The Solution

GeoTesting Express (GTX) provided rapid, high-end geotechnical testing services, as well as engineering support for various engineering firms working on this project. GTX conducted testing including various strength determinations (consolidations; UU, CU and CD triaxial shears; unconfined compressions; and direct shears) and permeability tests in support of design efforts. Throughout this project, testing results were required to be on an immediate basis.

Despite being over 2,000 miles away, six different engineering firms in Puerto Rico turned to GeoTesting Express because of its fast turnaround times and ability to consistently produce quality results that our clients trust and upon which they could base their engineering decisions. Our clients also benefited from our professional technical support, assisting them in dealing with complex aspects of the unique soils encountered on the job.

Services Provided

Soil Testing

A full suite of soil tests (strength, compression, shear, permeability)

Technical Support

Professional technical support assisting in dealing with complexities of the unique soils

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