Transport infrastructures
Sol Solution has the classic methods of geophysical or geotechnical diagnosis of the structures of bases and works. But Sol Solution has developed original, non-destructive or low-trauma solutions for the monitoring and diagnosis of structures, constructions and foundation layers for linear transport works. The solutions are based on the coupling of methods combining high performance and non-destructive with low-trauma point data.
For more than 10 years now, Sol Solution has become a recognised player in the railway sector in France and abroad.
Pandoscope® method
Sol Solution has developed a unique methodology based on the coupling of Panda® penetrometric data with a geo-endoscope test : the Pandoscope®. The Pandoscope® allows on the one hand the mechanical characterization of the crossed layers but also the determination of visual parameters such as the nature, the thickness, the hydric state, the granulometry.
This dual vision and the possibility of having both mechanical and visual information makes Pandoscope® an original, complete and reliable methodology.
The Pandoscope® methodology is based on a light and easy to implement technology. It can be used in all types of terrain, in various environments and in areas with difficult access.
Pandoscope® is therefore a geotechnical monitoring methodology that is particularly well suited to linear structures in use, such as railways. In the railway sector, Pandoscope® data is used to analyse a localised disorder or as a preliminary diagnosis for track renewal studies, for example, or for the replacement of switches.
Georadar testing of railway platforms
Depending on the situation, different devices can be used to carry out measurements to monitor railway platforms. For short distances or closed tracks, a device on a lorry is used. For long stretches of track with commercial traffic, the georadar system is installed on a motor vehicle.
Georadar provides continuous imagery of subsoil layers. It can also be used to identify the geometry of intermediate ballast layers and platforms, locate wetlands or detect signs of clay correlated with levelling faults.
The aim is to provide the surveyor with data for track renewal work or the infrastructure manager with information on the condition of the track support layers.
Granulometry
Sol Solution carries out granulometric analyses of ballast and ballasted layer (including fine particles) for railway infrastructure managers. To do this, we have two methods at our disposal to adapt to the constraints and needs of our customer.
The first method, granulometry by sieving, is carried out in the laboratory. This is the most commonly used method. It enables the granulometry of the ballasted layer to be analysed on the basis of representative samples taken from the track.
The second method has been entirely developed at Sol Solution: it is mainly based on the analysis of geoendoscopic images acquired in situ with our pandoscope® solution. This solution avoids the need for ballast sampling (non-traumatic control), but also eliminates the subjectivity of sampling.
Earthworks diagnostics
In-depth Technical Visit
We can carry out the regulatory in-depth technical inspections for dams and dykes.
Since the decree n°2007-1735 of December 11, 2007 modified by the decree n°2015-526 of May 12, 2015, a systematic and durable control of the hydraulic works is imposed to the owners and managers of dams and dykes.
Studies and diagnoses of dykes and dams
The combination of skills in geotechnics, geophysics, hydraulics and hydrology enables us to meet the needs of project owners: calculation of stability to landslides, search for leaks, location of cavities, analysis of vulnerability to earthquakes and internal erosion.
One of the main causes identified for the failure of embankment structures is pipe erosion, sometimes called “hydraulic foxing”. Today, Sol Solution is equipped with the experimental device and calculation codes to carry out the Hole Erosion Test (HET) developed by the IRSTEA (National Institute of Research in Science and Technology for the Environment and Agriculture). The HET test makes it possible to determine the sensitivity of a soil to internal erosion and to determine its erosion rate.
These data consolidate the knowledge of an embankment structure by better controlling the material of which it is made.
This test, dedicated to the diagnosis of hydraulic structures, completes Sol Solution’s expertise in laboratory techniques (soil identification tests, PROCTOR, CBR, IPI, shear tests, odometer tests).
Sol Solution is also able to carry out in situ sampling at the client’s request thanks to its own core drilling facilities.
These punctual investigations can be extrapolated with non-destructive auscultation means such as seismic refraction, electrical panels and electromagnetic methods. These methods can be used to search for voids or leakage areas in the dykes.
Studies of water body upgrades
Sol Solution carries out geotechnical studies from G1 to G5 for reservoir projects or the development of existing structures: widening of spillways, construction of hydroelectric plants, instrumentation of dams and dykes by installing piezometers.
This service is OPQIBI-qualified. 
Network inspection
SOL SOLUTION checks and analyses the compaction of new and existing backfills and trenches, based on current standards and the experience of a company that has been specialising in geotechnical studies for over 30 years. Well-compacted backfill helps to ensure the longevity of networks.
SOL SOLUTION carries out visual and televisual inspections to check the installation and condition of pipes and drainage works. They have become an indispensable partner in sewerage works, intervening before, during and after the laying of pipes.
SOL SOLUTION carries out watertightness tests on new and existing sewer pipes and structures. Leak testing is used to determine whether or not pollutants are leaking into the natural environment, a phenomenon that may not be observed by television inspection.
Concrete elements and paving
The georadar method makes it possible to produce interesting images of concrete, the steel that makes it up and its thickness. This method can be completed on slabs and pavements by impedance, which allows to evaluate the mobility of a structure and its contact with its support (support soil, surrounding ground).
Finally, destructive test pits installed according to the geophysical measurements make it possible to characterise the singularities observed and to characterise the various structures encountered.
These soundings can be drilled with a jackhammer or a small diameter borehole (< 2 cm) allowing the passage of an endoscope.
The results of the georadar analyses allow the geometry of the steel and concrete structures to be determined.
The impedance allows the characterisation of zones of high mobility and therefore of the detachment of the coating or the slab from its support.
Destructive soundings check and call out the depths provided by georadar.
Endoscopes provide images of cracks, fractures, voids and disbonding.
The data collected allows structural engineering offices to be provided with data enabling the calculation of existing structures or the project manager to obtain information on the contact between the slab and the supporting soil, on the internal state of the slab or the covering and on the soil-support.
