Eng.º LAGINHA SERAFIM - GOLD MEDAL OF THE PORTUGUESE ORDER OF ENGINEERS

According to the Regulation of the Insignia and Awards of the Portuguese Order of Engineers, "the Gold Medal of the Order of Engineers is intended to reward those who, nationally or internationally, for their exceptional merit and action, have contributed in a very relevant manner to the progress of Engineering, to the prestige and mission of the Order of Engineers or towards the common good."

The National Board of Directors approved the posthumous award of the Gold Medal of the Order of Engineers to Engineer Joaquim Laginha Serafim. Homage to this outstanding figure of the Portuguese engineering panorama will be paid at the Solemn Session of the Engineers Day 2018.

We congratulate Engineer Laginha Serafim’s family and are proud to have been part of his professional career.

Lx, 21 Nov 2018

PROFESSOR RICARDO OLIVEIRA - HONORARY PRESIDENT OF IAEG

The International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment (IAEG) approved the proposal for election of Professor Ricardo Oliveira (IAEG President between 1991 and 1994) as Honorary President. Professor Ricardo Oliveira was elected unanimously through voting at the Council Meeting held in San Francisco, according to Article XII of the IAEG Statutes. The last Honorary President was elected 40 years ago - 1979 - at the IAEG Council meeting held in Madrid.

We congratulate Professor Ricardo Oliveira on such remarkable distinction!

Lx, 21 Nov 2018

PORTUGAL - BE 2018 – NATIONAL MEETING ON STRUCTURAL CONCRETE (BE2018)

The National Meeting of Concrete Structural 2018 (BE2018), jointly organized by the Portuguese Group of Structural Concrete (GPBE) and Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) took place from 7th to 9th November 2018, at Laboratório Nacional de Engenharia Civil at LNEC (National Laboratory for Civil Engineering).

The main objective of BE 2018 results from the GPBE’s mission to comprise a privileged forum for dissemination and discussion of the most recent and innovative achievements in the field of structural concrete, in the areas of construction and rehabilitation, materials and products, standardization, design and research, taking into account the current national and international priorities in terms of performance, durability, sustainability and resilience of prestressed and reinforced concrete structures.

The Group was represented by several colleagues from the Structural Department of COBA S.A. and also presented its corporate portfolio in a stand.

Lx, 21 Nov 2018

PORTUGAL - “ANCHORAGES” SEMINAR

The 2nd edition of the “Ground Anchorages” Seminar, organized by LNEC’s (National Laboratory for Civil Engineering) Work Group GT01 of Subcommittee SC10 - Technical Commission CT156 - Geotechnics in Civil Engineering, was held on 25 and 26 October at the EDP Auditorium in Oporto. This event arose as part of the review process of the European Standards on Special Geotechnical Works and aims at the continuous promotion of divulgation and implementation actions, to guarantee compatibility between design, construction technologies, testing and monitoring and maintenance of ground anchorages.

A special word of appreciation to the participants in this seminar, in particular to the speakers and colleague Sandra Ferreira, member of the organization committee.

Lx, 21 Nov 2018

PORTUGAL - VALE DO SADO HYDROAGRICULTURAL UNDERTAKING – REHABILITATION OF THE “GPM” CANAL

COBA S.A. and Tetraplano are currently performing the Detailed Design for Rehabilitation of the “GPM” Canal of the Vale do Sado Hydroagricultural Undertaking. The project included a supplementary cross-section survey carried out by LandCOBA.

With water sources in the Vale do Gaio (capacity 68 hm3) and Pego do Altar (94 hm3) dams, the canal was built in the 40’s of the last decade by the former Junta Autónoma das Obras de Hidráulica Agrícola – JAOHA (National Authority for Agricultural Hydraulics Works). In the original works the canal was lined with rosacometta slabs. In the meantime, it has been subject to minor repair and rehabilitation interventions.

The “GPM” canal, with a total development of 46.68 km, originates at the Pego do Altar dam and is divided into 3 main sections: “GPM Morto Canal” or “Canal Grande da Barragem”, between the dam and the Romeiras interchange (with a total length of 1.37 km); the “GPM1 Canal”, between the Romeiras interchange and the exit of the “Vale da Matança” Tunnel (with a total of 11.45 km); and the “GPM2 Canal” from that point to the final discharge at “Ponta de S. Luis” (with a total of 33.86 km). Serving an area of approximately 2 610.4 ha, the “GPM1” and “GPM2” canals mainly irrigate rice through surface irrigation.

After more than 60 years of exploration, both the canal and the operating, safety and ancillary structures display the wear and damage inherent to age and geotechnical conditions, endangering their proper functioning.

The objective of the project is to rehabilitate the sections of the “GPM” canal that are in worse conservation conditions and the embankments between the Palma and Malhadinhas bridges.

Lx, 21 Nov 2018

PORTUGAL - HORTA AIRPORT (Azores)

Preparation of the Preliminary Study for Integral Rehabilitation of Runway 10-28 of the Horta Airport, For ANA – AEROPORTOS DE PORTUGAL S.A.

The Horta Airport, located on the Island of Faial, was inaugurated in 1971 and expanded in 1991. Rehabilitation works were undertaken in 2002.

The airport’s runway designated 10-28 is 1595 m long and 45 m wide. Currently, this runway’s pavement presents a significant degree of deterioration, which requires an integral rehabilitation.

As a result of a public tender, COBA S.A. was awarded in May 2018 the preliminary study for Rehabilitation of Runway 10-28 of the Horta Airport, which will include the planimetric and altimetric definition of the runway, definition of its pavement, including the determination of the runway’s PCN, drainage study, daylight markings and reconstruction of the existing lighting. The study is expected to have a duration of 125 days.

The study also includes the topographic survey of the runway area and the characterization of the current pavement of the runway through the execution of load tests with heavy weight deflectometer, site survey and testing of materials.

Lx, 26 Set 2018

PORTUGAL - REHABILITATION OF THE BARCARENA EMISSARY

COBA S.A. was engaged by Águas do Tejo Atlântico | Águas de Portugal Group in August 2018 to undertake the studies and design for Rehabilitation of the Barcarena Emissary, joining the programme for Review and Preparation of Sanitation Projects in the Greater Lisbon Area - Estoril Coast, with an expected duration of 6 months.

The emissary is approximately 15 km long, has 588 manholes and diameters ranging between 200 mm and 800 mm. The purpose of these studies is to solve operating problems of the Higher and Lower Zones of this emissary.

The studies include the Detailed Design for Rehabilitation of the Barcarena Emissary section located upstream of the Cacém park (between manholes BA0010.00 and BA1380.00), Review of the Design for strengthening of the discharge capacity of the emissary’s section between the crossing with the IC19 highway and the Interceptor (between manholes BA1790.00 and BA2880.00) and the Detailed Design for Rehabilitation of the emissary’s section between the Interceptor and the Barcarena Pumping Station (between manholes BA2880.00 and BA3820.00 upstream of the Barcarena WWTP Pumping Station).

The studies will be undertaken in the following stages:
1. Definition of the Methodology for Development of the Project;
2. Preliminary Studies / Technical Note;
3. Modelling of Hydraulic-Sanitary Behaviour (SWMM Model or SEWERGEMS);
4. Detailed Design;
5. Technical and Legal Documents;
6. Prevention Documents (Safety and Health Plan, Environmental Management Plan, Quality Management Plan);
7. Complementary Elements;
8. Ancillary Works;
9. Technical Assistance.

Lx, 26 Set 2018

PORTUGAL - JOÃO PAULO II AIRPORT (AZORES)

Upgrading of the “November” Apron Pavement. Detailed Design.

ANA – AEROPORTOS DE PORTUGAL, S.A. awarded to COBA S.A. in August 2018 yet another airport project. It consists of the Preliminary Study, Detailed Design and Technical Assistance of the project pertaining to the Upgrading of the “November” apron pavement of the João Paulo II Airport in Ponta Delgada, Island of S. Miguel, Azores.

The studies to be carried out include pavement reprofiling and upgrading and/or construction of new flexible and rigid pavement, rehabilitation of existing drainage, daytime and road markings, replacement of light fixtures and utilities, definition of construction phasing, bills of quantities and cost estimates. Ancillary works will be undertaken within the scope of the study, namely the identification, checking, updating and assessment of services and utilities, based on elements supplied by ANA, S.A., topographic survey at scale 1:200 and geotechnical survey works including pavement core testing, test pits and laboratory characterization of recovered material.

The expected duration of the studies is 425 days (125 days for the Design and 300 days for the Technical Assistance).

Lx, 26 Set 2018

>BRAZIL - TECHNICAL, SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL FEASIBILITY STUDIES FOR SUPPLY OF THE ALTO PIANCÓ AND NEIGHBOURING WATERSHEDS

The Joint-venture COBA S.A. / COBA Brazil / ENGECONSULT / TECHNE, led by COBA S.A., is currently undertaking the Technical, Social, Economic and Environmental Feasibility Studies for Supply of the Alto Piancó and Neighbouring Watersheds. Studies were awarded in May 2018 by the Inter-american Cooperation Institute on Agriculture within the Technical Cooperation Project BRA/IICA/13/001 – Water Sector Development Project – Interáguas – MI, coordinated by the Ministry of National Integration of Brazil. Studies have an expected duration of 6 months and should be completed by end 2018.

The primary objective of the studies is to increase raw water conveyance to the state of Paraíba, to meet the needs of human consumption and to boost the agricultural activity of the region, specifically in the municipalities of the Alto Piancó river basin and neighboring river basins that currently face significant water restrictions, with greater impact in periods of extreme and prolonged drought that cyclically affect the Brazilian northeast. Given the proximity of the Piancó basin to the canal of the North Axis of the of the Northern Axis of the Project for Integration of the São Francisco River, this system is the most probable source of water to supply the area under study.

The system to be designed shall have an extension of approximately 20 km, including canals, pumping stations and reservoirs, intended to transport a flow of about 4 m3/s.

The studies to be carried out include the identification, analysis and classification (hierarchy) of supply alternative solutions, taking into account technical, economic, environmental, social and economic requirements. Alternatives will be evaluated considering different sources of water / intake locations, technical solutions for the various works, alignment solutions and discharge points.

Studies are organized in the following sequential stages:

1. Studies for Design and Identification of Alternatives
Initial stage of thorough identification of alternatives for the project, during which is made a first selection of the most interesting solutions that justify a more detailed analysis in the subsequent stages, including the evaluation of water demands, availability and water balance in order to define the project flow.

2. Preparation of the Technical, Economic&Financial, Social&Environmental Studies Consists of the development and detailing of the solutions with greatest potential to meet the project objectives, ending in the technical, economic & financial and social & environmental feasibility analysis of the alternatives.

3. Classification of Altenatives Final stage of the studies, where the classification and hierarchy of the alternatives is made through the application of multi-criteria and multi-objective analysis techniques and methodologies.

The results of these studies will provide the Ministry of National Integration with the necessary documents for informed and consistent decision-making regarding the best solution to overcome the water deficits of the Alto Piancó region and for the development of subsequent studies envisaging the achievement of this water supply.

Lx, 26 Set 2018

PORTUGAL - MANAGEMENT OF EXTREME PHENOMENA

With the knowledge and research developed within the scope of its projects, COBA responded to invitation from the technical and scientific journal Indústria & Ambiente, thematic edition dedicated to "Management of Extreme Phenomena" (number 110 - May / June 2018).

COBA participated with an article entitled "Assessing the Impacts of Climate Change on Water Resources. Case Study: Limpopo River Basin", written by Engineers Maria João Calejo and Mariana Correia (COBA Group), with the collaboration of Engineer José Luís Teixeira of ISA – Instuto Superior de Agronomia (Higher Institute of Agronomy). The integral version of this paper is available for download from ...

Lx, 27 Aug 2018

RANKING ENR – ENGINEERING NEWS-RECORD

COBA Portugal - a COBA Group company – holds position 138 in the ranking of the Top 225 International Engineering Consulting Firms (ENG - ENG - Engineering News), rising 56 places compared to the 2017 edition.

The firm is once again recognized for the quality of the services it carries out internationally, and also reflects a continuous investment in technological innovation and the implementation of the best management practices of its human capital.

Congratulations to an entire team that, as such, renews its contribution to the prestige of Portuguese engineering in the country and abroad.

Lx, 27 Aug 2018

AUSTRIA - 26th CONGRESS & 86TH ANNUAL MEETING (ICOLD 2018)

The International Commission On Large Dams (ICOLD) is a non-governmental International Organization that promotes a forum for the exchange of knowledge and expertise in dam engineering.

The Organization leads the professionals in ensuring that dams are built safely, efficiently, economically, and without detrimental effects on the environment.

The Group was represented by António Morgado with a paper entitled: Ribeiradio dam foundation treatment – Design, Effectiveness, Control and Performance.

Lx, 27 Aug 2018

PORTUGAL - 16th NATIONAL CONGRESS OF GEOTECHNICS AND 6th PORTUGUESE-SPANISH GEOTECHNICAL CONFERENCE

The most important national event in the area of Geotechnics – which occurs every two years - took place last May in S. Miguel, Azores. The GROUP has participated in all editions of the Congress up to date, and this year presented 4 papers through two of its subsidiaries.

The Director of COBA S.A.’s Geotechnics Department was one of the distinguished guests of the Organization / President of the Portuguese Geotechnics Society, as keynote speaker in the 6th Portuguese-Spanish Geotechnical Conference.

Lx, 27 Aug 2018

BRAZIL – REGULAR SAFETY INSPECTION AND ADAPTATION PROJECT OF THE “SIX” DAM, S. MATEUS DO SUL - CURITIBA

COBA BRAZIL is executing for Petrobras - Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (Shale Industrialization Superintendence) the SIX Dam Adequacy Project, including a Regular Safety Inspection, as established in article 9th of the Federal Law no. 12334/2010 and Ordinance no. 20/2018 of the Paraná Water Institute.

The dam, located on the Canoas River, integrates the Irati Prototype Plant (UPI) complex and is part at the Shale Industrialization Operations Unit located in S. Mateus do Sul, 140 km from Curitiba, state of Paraná. The dam located on the Canoas River stores a volume of approximately 1,500,000 m3, which corresponds to the drainage of the 13 km2 river basin.

Brazil owns one of the largest world reserves of shale, whose main deposit is the formation of Irati, mainly located in the southern region of the country. The process - patented by Petrobras - consists of extracting the rock from the mine, forwarding it to a processing unit and heating it. The products (shale oil and shale gas) are cooled and collected.

The civil works of the dam were built in the period 1965/1967 with the aim of forming a reservoir, whose main purpose was to store and keep the shale pyrolysis residue wet. After a few years of use, it was decided no longer to operate the reservoir and the production process was altered. The dam is currently only used to control the Canoas River floods.

This is a homogeneous compacted earthfill dam, approximately 400 m long, 14 m high and 3.5 m wide crest, separated into two sections by a concrete structure, where the runoff, operation and control devices are located.

In addition to the Regular Inspection Report, the project includes the implementation of the minimum freeboard functionality and runoff capacity for the decamillenarian rainfall, through the construction of a concrete wall for dam heightening, and dam instrumentation project with water level meters.

Lx, 27 Aug 2018

BRAZIL - PREPARATION OF THE DETAILED DESIGNS OF TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS FOR 14 POINTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES IDENTIFIED IN LINHA VERDE (GREEN LINE) (BA-099)

At present COBA BRAZIL is undertaking for the Northern Littoral Concessionaire – CLN the Detailed Designs for Recovery of 14 areas of Environmental Liabilities that include earthworks, drainage and slope stabilization designs, as well as Programs for Recovery of Degraded Areas – PRAD.

The Environmental Liabilities are located along the Green Line, state highway BA-099, located in the northeast of the State of Bahia up to the border with Sergipe. Its construction was completed in 1993 and is currently under the management of CLN.

The field survey indicated the existence, in the different points of environmental liabilities signalled by the CLN, of intense erosive processes such as furrows, ravines and gullies, in addition to small landslides and, in a few cases, the occurrence of sedimentation in water courses, thus causing great damage to the physical environment and putting at risk the operational safety of the highway.

The anthropic action caused by the construction of the Green Line without the correct application of engineering techniques and solutions has contributed to the aggravation of environmental problems, associated to the execution of cuts and embankments and exposing the surface of the slopes to the action of weather agents and processes. As such, the preparation of the Detailed Designs will take into account the climatic factors and the water dynamics in the location, the geological and geomorphological processes that contribute to instability and degradation, the physical and chemical properties of the soil as well as the dynamics of its use.

Based on its experience in engineering and environmental projects, COBA BRAZIL will enable the Client to adopt measures and techniques for the recovery of slopes affected by erosion processes by applying engineering and bioengineering techniques, whose success will depend on a correct understanding of the above mentioned factors.

Lx, 27 Aug 2018