Other structures – geotechnics

Geotechnics is the foundation of durable structures — quite literally. A strong geotechnical approach reduces risk, optimises solutions, and ensures that time, budget, and quality are maintained all the way from planning through design and operation.

Why geotechnics is crucial

The ground beneath us varies from place to place, and small differences in soil and groundwater conditions can have a major impact on our projects. Whether the project concerns the foundation design of bridges, structures, roads, or railways, proper geotechnical advice ensures full control of the soil’s bearing capacity, potential settlements, and stability.

Without a solid geotechnical foundation, projects may face unnecessary delays and additional costs. A focused geotechnical effort at an early stage provides a stronger basis for decision-making, makes the design more robust, and minimises changes later in the process. In addition, early geotechnical involvement ensures that relevant optimisation opportunities are explored, thereby integrating sustainability into the project.

For bridges, structures, excavations, roads, and railways, geotechnical engineering is therefore a key discipline for safety, sustainability, and whole-life cost efficiency.

Fewer risks and stronger solutions

In SYSTRA’s geotechnical department, we work closely with the other disciplines to ensure that ground conditions, foundation considerations, and construction aspects are incorporated into the project from the outset. Our geotechnical engineers work side by side with structural, road, and rail engineers, ensuring that models, calculations, and solutions can be continuously adapted as interdisciplinary project conditions are clarified.

This interdisciplinary approach strengthens risk management, accelerates decision-making, and delivers solutions tailored to the specific site conditions.

New double-track railway across West Funen

From Odense West to Kauslunde, east of Middelfart, a new double-track and electrified railway is being constructed. The line will be approximately 35 kilometres long and will follow a more direct alignment than the current connection across West Funen. The new railway will allow passenger train speeds of up to 250 km/h, thereby reducing travel times for rail passengers across the western part of Funen.

SYSTRA is responsible for the design of the railway itself as well as the intersecting roads. Within geotechnical engineering, our work includes, among other things, planning and carrying out the drilling programme, determining parameters based on borehole data, and designing foundations for all bridges, including solutions involving shallow foundations, piles, and sheet piling. In addition, we have prepared inspection and supervision plans, designed the rail substructure with embankments and cuttings, and planned the management of groundwater along the route.

Photo: Danish Road Directorate

Our services

Planning of geotechnical site investigations and tendering of field and laboratory testing programmes, including boreholes, CPT, sampling, and test strategies.
Geotechnical assessment reports, including parameter determination, sensitivity analyses, and design basis documentation.
Design of foundations for bridges, structures, roads, railways, and technical facilities, including shallow foundations, piles, and deep foundations.
Assessment and calculation of settlements, including differential settlements, settlement development over time, and preloading schemes for soft ground.
Design of excavation support systems, including sheet piles, bracing, and temporary works, as well as phased design and preparation of inspection and supervision plans, including monitoring.
Calculation of slope and embankment stability.
Ground improvement schemes, including soil reinforcement such as lime stabilisation, partial replacement with sand columns, and similar methods.
Hydrogeological advisory services, including groundwater and drainage strategies, infiltration, dewatering, and mitigation measures.
Third-party reviews and validation of geotechnical design.
Sustainability through design optimisation, including optimisation of parameters and design solutions.
Advanced calculations, including 2D/3D and FEM analyses, as well as digital documentation with traceability.