Applus+ conducts solar Pull Out Tests for a major photovoltaic project in Colombia

08/05/2025

    As part of Colombia’s energy transition and its push toward renewable energy sources, Applus+ has carried out Pull Out Tests —specifically, pull out test solar panels evaluations—for a major 120 MW photovoltaic project located in the municipality of Chinú, in the department of Córdoba, Colombia.

    The tests were conducted at the solar plant to verify the anchoring and foundation capacity of the support structures for the solar panels, evaluating the soil-structure bonding tension under different load conditions, both in natural and artificially saturated soil states. This pull out test solar procedure is critical for ensuring the long-term stability of solar installations. The project is currently in the planning phase for the start of its construction stage.

    To ensure the infrastructure’s stability and safety against factors such as mechanical loads, wind and other weather conditions, the testing included:

    • Driving of profiles into various points of the terrain at different depths.
    • Artificial soil saturation to evaluate behavior under different, especially critical, conditions.
    • Axial and lateral tests to determine the load capacity and resistance of the structures.
       

    The results obtained will help optimize resources and improve efficiency during the construction of the solar plant, ensuring that the support structures are installed with the best balance of cost-effectiveness and safety. In addition, zoning the terrain through analysis of the Pull Out Test results will allow for more accurate project planning, facilitating logistics and minimizing unexpected issues.

    In terms of safety and sustainability, Applus+ has implemented measures to mitigate associated risks, such as interactions with heavy machinery, engagement with local communities, and the preservation of biodiversity in the area of intervention.

    To ensure effective communication on project progress, constant updates are provided to the client through daily progress reports via a virtual platform, along with partial and final reports.

    With this project, Applus+ reaffirms its leadership in technical solutions for the development of renewable energy in Colombia, contributing to the establishment of a more sustainable and efficient energy matrix.

    Contact us today for more information.

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