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Specialized solutions for each sector
We are Ground Quant Solutions (GQS), a global leader in geotechnical engineering committed to innovation, sustainability, and reliability. We specialize in providing advanced solutions to public entities, contractors, and developers, combining cutting-edge technology with unparalleled expertise.
To provide reliable, innovative, and sustainable geotechnical solutions focused on effective risk management, reducing uncertainties, and delivering value-driven engineering for every project.
To lead the geotechnical engineering field worldwide as a 'small giant,' fostering synergy among clients, engineers, academia, and technology.
Answers to the most common questions about our services
Geotechnical engineering consulting is the scientific analysis of soil and ground conditions to design safe and efficient foundations. It includes characterization studies, stability analysis, and design recommendations for infrastructure.
GQS offers services in four sectors: railway and infrastructure, energy, mining/oil & gas, and construction. We provide geotechnical characterization, foundation design, stability analysis, and technical supervision.
GQS operates in four main sectors: railway and infrastructure for transportation systems, renewable and traditional energy, mining and petroleum for extractive operations, and construction for building projects.
Slope stability analysis is the assessment of the safety of natural or artificial slopes against landslides. It includes evaluation of risk factors, calculation of safety factors, and design of stabilization measures.
Foundation design includes geotechnical site investigation, load analysis, soil bearing capacity calculation, structural element sizing, and verification of expected settlements.
Geotechnical characterization is the process of determining the physical and mechanical properties of soil through field and laboratory testing. It includes classification, strength, compressibility, and permeability assessment.
Yes, GQS offers its geotechnical services throughout Colombia and Latin America. Our team can travel to any national or regional project, adapting our studies to local geological conditions.
Soil studies are fundamental to guarantee the safety and stability of your construction. Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions about this topic:
A soil or geotechnical study analyzes the resistance and behavior of the terrain to define safe foundations. NSR-10 (Title H) requires it to design properly, avoid cracks or collapses that can make you lose your home or your assets.
For 1 or 2-story houses, NSR-10 (Title E) allows simplifications but requires investigating the terrain. Although the law doesn't always require a formal study, the risk of failures and economic losses is real if you build blindly and without supervision.
Without a geotechnical study, you can have settlements, cracks, tilting and even collapse during an earthquake. In Colombia, entire residential complexes have already been evacuated due to poorly evaluated soil failures. The "saved" money there multiplies in repairs.
The cost depends on the lot size, access, number of borings and laboratory tests. There is no single rate. The important thing is that a good study can save you millions compared to reinforcement or demolition due to foundation or structural damage.
NSR-10 requires defining the soil from the beginning (Titles A and H). The study must be done before structural and foundation design. If done after construction, it's already too late: only repairing, reinforcing or demolishing with high costs for the client will remain.
In housing, soil study and geotechnical study are spoken of almost as synonyms. The key is that it includes terrain exploration, tests and foundation recommendations. If they only give you "a laboratory report," it's not enough.
According to NSR-10 (Title H), a serious study includes borings, test pits, laboratory tests, groundwater level location, soil profile type and foundation and excavation recommendations. Without this, structural design is based on assumptions.
Even if the neighbor has a study, their soil may be different due to fills, cuts or old constructions. NSR-10 requires that the study represent your construction unit. Using the one next door to "save money" can lead to serious failures.
Cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Bucaramanga, Pasto or Manizales (actually the ENTIRE country) combine seismic threat and complex soils. But even in "quiet" areas there are fills, unstable slopes or threats like a river or stream. The risk is not just the earthquake, but also the bad terrain or structure location.
You need a special geotechnical study if your lot has slopes, is on fills, near streams, on a hillside or you notice cracked houses around. There the risk of landslides and settlements is greater and NSR-10 requires greater care.
The lack or deficiency of geotechnical studies in housing projects in Colombia has been shown to have a high negative impact, even translating into loss of life, millionaire economic losses and distrust in the construction sector.
In October 2013, tower 6 of this residential complex collapsed suddenly, causing the death of 11 people. Investigations revealed problems in the foundation associated with inadequate implementation of initial geotechnical recommendations. The soil study had recommended foundation piles of a certain diameter and depth, but on site these specifications were not fully respected, generating differential settlements that could have been avoided by following the soil study recommendations.
In April 2017, this residential building under construction collapsed abruptly, leaving 21 people deceased. Investigations revealed that this building was being erected without a construction license and, most critically, without conducting an adequate soil study before construction. Neighborhood residents reported from the early stages that the land had problems: fill compaction was deficient and early cracks appeared, clear signs of ignored geotechnical problems.
In November 2024, the south tower of Block 4 of this complex collapsed suddenly. Studies conducted after the collapse revealed that the block was settling on highly moisture-sensitive expansive clays. This type of soil experiences loss of resistance and significant volumetric changes when its water content varies. The intense rains recorded in the previous weeks increased subsurface saturation, weakening the foundation base.
Conclusion: Prevention through complete and reliable soil studies is an investment in safe lives and in the resilience of our cities. Learning from past mistakes is the way to avoid repeating them in the future.
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