Ranked as the best refinery in Latin America for its leadership, achievements in energy efficiency, and implementation of new technologies, Ecopetrol's refinery in Barrancabermeja, Colombia, has been generating valuable contributions to the country and its city for over 100 years.
As part of its investment and upgrade plan, Ecopetrol intends to improve the infrastructure of the country's largest refinery. This plan includes restoring the containment system on the Magdalena River to reduce the risks of erosion and damage to the riverbank, which is crucial to prevent the destabilization of existing structures that have reached the end of their useful life.
Moffatt & Nichol conducted field studies on a section of the riverbank to develop value engineering, aimed at optimizing the recommended infrastructure on the docks and outlining the scope for the next stage of detailed engineering. These studies included geotechnical exploration, bathymetry, topography and inspections to evaluate the capacity of the existing dock structure (metal sheet pile) where barges operate, and to generate recommendations for maintenance, repair, and reinforcement.
Moffatt & Nichol carried out the detailed engineering of the sheet piling system with metal piles in a section of approximately 400 meters, after validating alternative types of profile that met the load and stress requirements, thus optimizing the amount of materials, in this case, steel. The design of the electrical networks and pipes for the transfer of a water collection boat from the Magdalena River was also completed. The soil and site conditions (clearance heights and scour process) led to a robust solution for this type of application.
Moffatt & Nichol is currently providing technical support as the owner's engineer on this project. This effort contributes to the harmony between the refinery and the river, minimizing risks and extending the useful life of the current protection system.
