Geosintéticos | TDM

The Problem

The cliffs along Lima’s Costa Verde present recurring rockfall issues affecting the coastal highway, frequently causing accidents involving pedestrians and vehicles. Over time, erosion processes have become evident, increasing the potential instability of the slopes. In response, the Municipality of Lima, through the Municipal Toll Administration Company (EMAPE), issued a public tender for the procurement of biaxial polyester geogrids to help prevent and mitigate the problems affecting the cliffs.

The Solution

Biaxial geogrids were required to cover the cliffs and provide erosion control. TDM proposed the installation of BX GG60 biaxial geogrids for the Lima cliffs. Geogrids were selected due to their ability to reduce the energy generated by rock detachment and to prevent rocks from reaching the coastal roadway.

The geogrids were installed by high-altitude climbers, who carried out the stitching and joining of the mesh panels. Due to heavy traffic along the highway, installation works were conducted during nighttime hours. The project was divided into a total of 21 sectors.

Benefits

• High resistance: Biaxial geogrids exhibit strong resistance to abrasion caused by soil contact and environmental exposure, as well as to tearing and puncturing.
• High structural strength: Their mechanical interlocking provides excellent structural performance.
• Flexibility: The flexible nature of the geogrid allows it to adapt to the terrain surface and accommodate deformations, even under seismic conditions.
• Cost efficiency: Geogrids are more economical than traditional retaining wall systems, as they take advantage of the natural soil properties by integrating them into a unified structural system.
• Rapid installation: Quick installation reduces overall construction costs. Minimal labor is required, handling is simple, and installation can be performed using locally available, non-specialized labor.