Modernization of the Swiss School of Barcelona Campus: Structural Inspection through Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
- Client: UTE Grupo2 S.A. & Villa Reyes S.L.
- Architecture: Trasbordo Arquitectura y Gerencia de Construcción S.L.
- Location: Barcelona
- Year: 2025 -2026
The renovation of the Swiss School of Barcelona (ESB) campus, designed by Trasbordo Arquitectura, represents a benchmark in urban school architecture.
The project does not only renovate the existing space; it multiplies it through an innovative strategy: the creation of an underground sports area and an elevated bridge building.
This configuration allows for the clearing of outdoor surface areas, ensuring that daily educational routines coexist with the center's modernization. Founded in 1919, the ESB is a landmark in the city; the current intervention respects its legacy of Swiss functionality by using 21st-century materials, such as steel and wood, to ensure maximum sustainability and comfort.
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The Challenges
Extreme logistics and sustainability
The execution of the new Swiss School of Barcelona campus has been more than just an architectural challenge; it has been a complex operation of engineering and urban management. The project faced technical and operational constraints that required pinpoint coordination among all parties involved:
Urban Integration: Weaving the fabric of Sarrià
The architectural design transcends the boundaries of the school to foster neighborhood cohesion. By connecting the facilities located on both sides of Alfonso XII Street, a new pedestrian forum has been designed. This space not only organizes school life but also interacts organically with the historical layout of Plaza Molina, consolidating the institution’s century-old presence in Barcelona.
Real Sustainability: Low-carbon construction
Following construction decarbonization standards, the project prioritizes sustainability from the foundations up. The underground structure stands out as one of the first in Spain to be executed entirely with low-emission concrete. The use of low-carbon footprint cements positions this campus as a benchmark in responsible building, aligned with EU Taxonomy objectives.
Assembly Engineering: Precision in the "Narrow Street"
The greatest logistical challenge was located on Brusi Street. With a width of barely 8 meters, the location imposed severe restrictions on the movement of heavy machinery.
Critical Maneuver: The assembly of the steel structure required the lifting of 30-meter-long main beams.
Zero Margin for Error: The operation was carried out with minimal maneuvering space and under adverse weather conditions. Precision in fabrication and assembly coordination were key to ensuring the success of the structure without disrupting the surrounding activities.
EXPERIENCE
Safety and Traceability Guarantee
It is a pleasure to be part of such a unique project, both in the workshop phase and on-site. At SOCOTEC Spain, we have conducted Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) on the steel structure, ensuring the quality and traceability of the joints before installation. Projects of this caliber highlight the importance of coordination between design, fabrication, control, and assembly, even under the challenging conditions we faced."
Eduardo Castillo, TEAM LEADER INSPECTION at SOCOTEC
In such a unique construction, where a steel bridge building supports hanging timber structures, structural safety is non-negotiable. SOCOTEC has provided its technical rigor through specialized inspection services:
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Comprehensive testing on the steel structure, both during the workshop fabrication phase and during on-site assembly.
Joint and Weld Control: Technical verification of critical joints using magnetic particle testing and other advanced techniques to ensure total integrity before loading.
Traceability and Quality: Rigorous monitoring of processes to ensure that every component meets international durability standards.
It is a pleasure to be part of such a unique project, both in the workshop phase and on-site. At SOCOTEC Spain, we have conducted Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) on the steel structure, ensuring the quality and traceability of the joints before installation. Projects of this caliber highlight the importance of coordination between design, fabrication, control, and assembly, even under the challenging conditions we faced."
Eduardo Castillo, TEAM LEADER INSPECTION at SOCOTEC
In such a unique construction, where a steel bridge building supports hanging timber structures, structural safety is non-negotiable. SOCOTEC has provided its technical rigor through specialized inspection services:
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Comprehensive testing on the steel structure, both during the workshop fabrication phase and during on-site assembly.
Joint and Weld Control: Technical verification of critical joints using magnetic particle testing and other advanced techniques to ensure total integrity before loading.
Traceability and Quality: Rigorous monitoring of processes to ensure that every component meets international durability standards.
Expertise in Infrastructure and Complex Structure Inspection
SOCOTEC's ability to intervene in projects such as the Swiss School is backed by our extensive track record in the inspection of bridges and critical structures. Our detailed inspections —which range from paint thickness measurements and adhesion tests to the detection of corrosion and cracks— are essential for extending the lifespan of infrastructure.
Just as in large-scale projects like the Feixa Llarga Bridge in the Zona Franca, we apply our precise diagnostic methodology to develop reinforcement plans that guarantee safety and technical excellence.
