The adaptation of the sludge lagoon of the WWTP Rio Frio with geosynthetics was a necessary solution to the challenges of trafficability in unstable areas. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) such as this one face technical challenges when heavy machinery is required to constantly pass over soft surfaces. In this project, executed in Santander, geotextiles and geocells were used to reinforce the ground and ensure safe and efficient traffic.

Mapa aéreo Floridablanca mostrando Ptar Río Frío ubicación

Location map of the Río Frío WWTP in Santander.

The challenge: transit in an unstable area

PTAR Río Frío uses compost to stabilize sludge, which generates a weak surface that is unsuitable for vehicular traffic. This affected maintenance operations and the transfer of stabilized waste.

Technical solution: soil reinforcement with geosynthetics

Applied materials:

  • FORTEX BX 760: High modulus woven geotextile for soil reinforcement.

  • CONFICELL LS 125: Cellular confinement geocell to distribute loads.

Geotextil blanco instalado en terreno con grava y rocas

Cantera minera con geotextil negro y rocas estratificadas

Stages of execution

Site preparation: First, the biosolid was removed and the surface was prepared for installation.

 

Terreno de construcción con montañas verdes de fondo

Cleaning and leveling of the intervention area.

2. Stockpiling of materials and cutting: The geotextile rolls were stored and identified for their correct disposal on site.

 

Rollos de material blanco embalado en obra de construcción

(FORTEX BX-760)

3. On-site training: The technical personnel were trained in double pass "J" sewing, ensuring a correct joining of the panels.

Equipo de construcción inspecciona tubería blanca en obra

  Technical field training for geotextile installation.

Equipo de trabajadores en obra inspecciona tubería blanca

On-site training (April 7, 2025)

 Filtro Francés sistema tratamiento agua agrícola

Esquema técnico geotextil FORTEX BX 760 en obra

4. Installation of geosynthetic reinforcement: Geotextiles and geocells were installed in the intervention zone.

Terreno rural con lámina blanca junto a tierra árida

Lámina blanca de plástico agrícola extendida en tierra

5. Compaction of granular layer: The top layer was compacted to distribute loads uniformly.

Obra de construcción con maquinaria pesada y paisaje montañoso

Vista aérea terreno preparación obra construcción

Máquina descargando grava en obra de construcción con geotextiles

Rodillo compactador Weycor en obra de construcción

Vista aérea instalación geotextil Conficell LS 125 Fortex

Vista aérea de terreno industrial con paneles solares y depósitos

Obra de construcción con maquinaria pesada y terreno preparado

This type of solution allows the safe transit of heavy machinery on soils with low bearing capacity.

Vertedero de residuos con lona azul en zona rural montañosa

Current status of the project

Conclusion

As a result of the use of geosynthetics, the soil gained bearing capacity and allowed the safe passage of heavy machinery. As a result, maintenance and transportation operations at the plant were optimized.