Feasibility Study and Preliminary Design for Phase I of Water Infrastructure in the Lower Choluteca River Basin
The project involved the provision of engineering services related to the due diligence, feasibility study, and basic design for Phase I of the hydraulic infrastructure in the Lower Choluteca River Basin, Honduras.
The project was carried out in Choluteca, within the municipalities of Morolica, Apacilagua, Choluteca, and Marcovia, and its main components included the Morolica III regulating dam, works for the drinking water supply system—intake, conveyance, water treatment plant, and storage—as well as works intended for flood control and the protection of vulnerable areas in the lower basin.
The purpose of the studies was to evaluate the technical feasibility of the works and establish their basic design criteria, taking into account the hydraulic, geological, geotechnical, seismic, and construction conditions of the surrounding area. Likewise, the required solutions for the foundation and construction of the dam and its auxiliary structures, access roads, protective levees, and riverbank protection works were analyzed, with the aim of reducing flood-related risks and improving the availability and management of water resources in the region.
Services:
- Geological and geotechnical survey, investigation, and characterization.
- Compilation and analysis of background data, interpretation of satellite imagery, geological-structural survey, and execution of an exploration campaign using mixed boreholes, CPTU tests, open-pit shafts, permeability tests, and geophysical studies. In addition, field and laboratory tests were conducted to determine the physical, mechanical, hydraulic, and chemical properties of soils, rocks, and rock masses.
- Assessment of foundation conditions, excavability, slope stability, permeability, deformability, bearing capacity, settlements, liquefaction, and seismic response.
- Formulation of recommendations regarding ground improvement, excavation and support methods, utilization of material stockpiles, disposal of excess materials, and measures to reduce geological and geotechnical risks during subsequent design and construction phases.
