SOCOTEC's contribution to the Post-DANA recovery in the Valencian Community
A year after the DANA affected the Valencian Community, work for the full recovery of the damaged infrastructure continues. The SOCOTEC Intercontrol team in the Valencian Community has collaborated in the immediate reconstruction, actively participating in the verification of many of the sites where emergency works are being carried out.
Specific verification and reconstruction projects
Our actions focused on the verification and reconstruction of critical infrastructure, including the following specific projects:
Replacement of the bridge over the Magro River in San Antonio de Requena.
Slope stabilization of the Buseo Dam.
Replacement of the pedestrian walkway in Chiva.
Emergency works at the Valencia Sud station on the FGV line.
Emergency works at the Quart-Benager EDAR in Xirivella.
Studies of damage to the foundations of a church located in Catarroja.
Slope stabilization of the Poyo Ravine in Torrente.
Key Experience for a Rapid Response
The combination of our TIC services (Ensayos, Inspecciones y Certificación) and our civil engineering, along with the 30 years of experience of the Intercontrol team (now part of SOCOTEC), has enabled a rapid response capability. This local knowledge of the Valencian infrastructure has been essential.
Types of Works
Techniques Used
One of the priority works was the reconstruction and repair of bridges, restoring the connection between municipalities and rural areas, which facilitated mobility and ensured the provision of essential services.
The interventions included fundamental tests and studies to guarantee the safety and durability of the works:
Geotechnical studies of the riverbeds before reconstruction: Redefine the soil configuration (stratigraphy and geotechnical parameters) after the erosion and sedimentation caused by the DANA.
Concrete core sampling of the piles: Verify the quality and actual strength of the concrete used in the execution of new piles (deep foundation) for critical structures (e.g., bridges).
Load tests: Confirm the overall strength, structural behavior, and bearing capacity of the repaired or reconstructed new infrastructure (especially bridges).
One of the priority works was the reconstruction and repair of bridges, restoring the connection between municipalities and rural areas, which facilitated mobility and ensured the provision of essential services.
The interventions included fundamental tests and studies to guarantee the safety and durability of the works:
Geotechnical studies of the riverbeds before reconstruction: Redefine the soil configuration (stratigraphy and geotechnical parameters) after the erosion and sedimentation caused by the DANA.
Concrete core sampling of the piles: Verify the quality and actual strength of the concrete used in the execution of new piles (deep foundation) for critical structures (e.g., bridges).
Load tests: Confirm the overall strength, structural behavior, and bearing capacity of the repaired or reconstructed new infrastructure (especially bridges).
Other Emergency Actions in Civil Engineering
The CV-36 motorway suffered severe damage that interrupted an essential connection for mobility in the metropolitan area of Valencia.
The Civil Works team at SOCOTEC Intercontrol, through its subsidiary Intercontrol Levante, is actively participating in the reconstruction of the area's infrastructure following the DANA event.
In this crucial rehabilitation project, SOCOTEC has taken on the following key roles:
Construction Management
Safety and Health Coordination
Quality Control
