Karstic terrains pose unique geotechnical challenges, as soluble rocks such as limestone or dolomite facilitate the formation of cavities, sinkholes, and underground conduits due to the action of water. Consequently, these conditions can lead to sudden collapses or dangerous differential settlements. While geosynthetics, such as geogrids and geocells, do not eliminate karsticity, their implementation is nonetheless essential for effectively mitigating the geotechnical risk associated with these terrains.
Products used
Geogrids
📦
Geocells
📦
High modulus geotextile
Geogrids
📦
Geocells
📦
High modulus geotextile
📦
📦
📦
📦
Application sectors
Roadway
Urban development
Mining
Energy
Hydrocarbons
Sanitation
Ports and Airports
Roadway
Urban development
Mining
Energy
Hydrocarbons
Sanitation
Ports and Airports
Roadway
Urban development
Mining
Energy
Hydrocarbons
Sanitation
Ports and Airports
Selected projects
Maya train Sections 4 and 5, Izamal - Cancún | Playa del Carmen - Tulum, Mexico
Maya train Sections 4 and 5, Izamal - Cancún | Playa del Carmen - Tulum, Mexico
Maya train Sections 4 and 5, Izamal - Cancún | Playa del Carmen - Tulum, Mexico
In Sections 4 and 5 of the Mayan Train (Tren Maya), covering Izamal – Cancún and Playa del Carmen – Tulum, a high level of geotechnical risk was identified due to the karstic nature of the soil, a characteristic found in 95% of the state of Yucatán. This condition is generated by the dissolution of limestone rocks caused by slightly acidic waters (water + CO
2
), which led to the presence of voids in the foundation of the railway embankment. To mitigate these risks, the decision was made to fill isolated voids with fluid concrete, over which an RX1100T biaxial geogrid was placed, aiming to provide an additional safety factor against differential deformations. Furthermore, to address possible settlements resulting from new voids up to 1.50 m in diameter, a high-modulus TDM2000 uniaxial geotextile, reinforced in the direction of traffic, was installed at the base of the embankments. This solution ensured the stability and durability of the railway system against the geological conditions of the area.
Maya train Sections 4 and 5, Izamal - Cancún | Playa del Carmen - Tulum, Mexico
In Sections 4 and 5 of the Mayan Train (Tren Maya), covering Izamal – Cancún and Playa del Carmen – Tulum, a high level of geotechnical risk was identified due to the karstic nature of the soil, a characteristic found in 95% of the state of Yucatán. This condition is generated by the dissolution of limestone rocks caused by slightly acidic waters (water + CO
2
), which led to the presence of voids in the foundation of the railway embankment. To mitigate these risks, the decision was made to fill isolated voids with fluid concrete, over which an RX1100T biaxial geogrid was placed, aiming to provide an additional safety factor against differential deformations. Furthermore, to address possible settlements resulting from new voids up to 1.50 m in diameter, a high-modulus TDM2000 uniaxial geotextile, reinforced in the direction of traffic, was installed at the base of the embankments. This solution ensured the stability and durability of the railway system against the geological conditions of the area.
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Success stories
Dynamic Barriers Against Debris Flows – Chosica, Lima, Peru
stability and containment
The Problem In recent years, the district of Chosica in Lima has been affected by debris flows (huaicos) generated in its ravines. In 2015 alone, nine fatalities were reported, 341...
TDM Group present at the 2nd Mine Closure Congress 2026
GeosyntheticsLATAM
We participated in the 2nd Mine Closure Congress 2026, a key gathering space for professionals and companies committed to more sustainable and responsible mining. The event enabled the exchange of...
Dynamic Barriers Against Debris Flows – Chosica, Lima, Peru
stability and containment
The Problem In recent years, the district of Chosica in Lima has been affected by debris flows (huaicos) generated in its ravines. In 2015 alone, nine fatalities were reported, 341...
TDM Group present at the 2nd Mine Closure Congress 2026
GeosyntheticsLATAM
We participated in the 2nd Mine Closure Congress 2026, a key gathering space for professionals and companies committed to more sustainable and responsible mining. The event enabled the exchange of...