Project Period: August–December 2024
Client:
SQM, Salar de Atacama
Location:
Salar de Atacama,
Antofagasta Region, Chile
Project Overview
In continuation of the exploration program carried out by Pangea Geotechnia in 2023 at the Salar de Atacama, a new geotechnical investigation campaign was undertaken. The primary objective was to further investigate the underground cavities identified during the previous campaign and provide the client with detailed recommendations for the deep foundation design of the new plant structures. The campaign included 20 boreholes, each drilled to a depth of 25 meters, both inside and outside the plant facilities. Three high-resolution pressuremeter tests and one borehole video inspection were performed in each borehole, allowing the precise identification of the depth and dimensions of the underground cavities. In addition, geophysical investigations and three verification load tests on test micropiles were carried out. These investigations provided reliable in situ geotechnical parameters, supporting the development of efficient and realistic foundation designs while ensuring the long-term structural integrity and operational reliability of the facility.