Soilmec Journal Feb'08
Soilmec Journal Feb'08
Soilmec Journal Feb'08
journal
Year 3
Issue no. 2/2008
Cover story
News
Soilmec network
Lean production
Focus on India
SOILMEC
PEOPLE
technology
products
know-how
communication
events
2 2008
contents
4 NEWS
Dams projects overview
8 COVER STORY
Soilmec People
12 N
EW PRODUCTS
Soilmec SR-80 C
colophon 16 N
EW TECHNOLOGY
SPS - Slot Pile System
Soilmec Journal – Year 3, Issue No. 2
news
Trevi Group consolidates its position
in the American market for the consolidation
4 of large-scale infrastructure
thanks to an important contract recently awarded to TreviIcos
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District, announced that a very
big contract has been awarded to TreviIcos Soletanche JV. TreviIcos – the
Trevi Group U.S. company – is the sponsor of the joint venture in which it has a
50% interest. Scope of the work is the installation of a concrete barrier
wall at Wolf Creek Dam in Russell County, Kentucky. Work is expected to begin
this fall with a contract performance period of four years. The concrete barrier wall
is the primary element of the Wolf Creek Dam Seepage Rehabilitation Project.
The wall will be a combination of secant piles and rectangular panels installed
through the earthen embankment to a depth of about 275 ft. It will go deep into
the foundation rock to effectively cut off seepage through the limestone. The wall
will extend eastward along the upstream embankment from the concrete section
to the right abutment, a length of about 4,200 ft.
Mr Stefano Trevisani, Trevi Managing Director, has declared that this award is a major
achievement for Trevi Group: «The contract is one of most important in our 50
years company history – says Mr. Trevisani –. Trevi Group received in the last few
months from USACE two other contracts referring to the extention of Tuttle Creek
Dam Rehabilitation Program and to maintenance works for Herbert Hoover Dike.
These acquisitions place Trevi Group in a strong position with reference
to relevant future projects with USACE related to infrastructure works.
Trevi Group is strongly supported in its USA activities by major American financial
institutions. We are pleased of the cooperation with Soletanche-Bachy, a company
with whom we have a long tradition of partnering».
Drillmec to supply the Iraqi Drilling Company
Signed contracts in Iraq for drilling equipment
Trevi Group, through its subsidiary Drillmec Spa, has signed large contracts with the
Ministry of Oil – Iraqi Drilling Company for the supply of 14 conventional oil & gas
drilling rigs of between 500 and 2,000 HP. The supply of this equipment is part of
A 2,000 HP conventional plant. the strategic plan of the Iraqi government aimed at increasing oil and gas extraction
to boost the country’s economy. Drillmec Spa won an international tender for this
prestigious contract, thereby emphasising again its growing role as a highly qualified
player in the oil sector. The contract provides for delivery of the aforementioned
equipment within 13 months.
news
The Tuttle Creek Dam
Repair and reinforcement works 5
news
The Barwa Financial District
Swissboring foundation works for a prestigious 7
business center project in Qatar
The Trevi Group, through its subsidiary Swissboring Qatar Wll, has been awarded the
contract for the foundations of the prestigious Barwa Financial District by Barwa
Real Estate. This follows a preliminary contract, commenced in the first half of this year;
the contract will take about nine months to complete. The Barwa Financial District, to be
built using the best and most environmentally friendly technology available, is expected to
become the business centre of Qatar and one of the leading centres in the Middle East, with
the presence of banks, insurance companies, important financial and industrial companies,
as well as leading consulting companies, and will offer full-circle solutions to the business
world. This award further confirms the quality of the project technology, the excellence and
the degree of internationalization that Trevi Group has attained in the field of foundation
engineering. In this regard, it is worth mentioning the recent contracts acquired in Algeria
for the extension of the LNG plant at Skidda (client Sonatrach) and for the East-West
motorway (client the Japanese business consortium Cojaal). These contracts are in addition
Project view of new Barwa Financial
District’s towers. to those recently awarded for the extension of the second line of the Algiers metro and the
consolidation work to be carried out on the dams of Kissir, Cheliff and Boussiaba on behalf
of the State Entity, ANBT.
The human factor is the secret of Soilmec’s success. Personal
attention builds up client loyalty, strength and continuity for the
People
Soilmec company, creating added value – not only in the technological
sense – for the clients. Nine interviews, nine stories to be heard in
order to understand how much impact the ‘human factor’ has
had on the development and growth of Soilmec. We asked
different people within the production facility of Soilmec questions
concerning three aspects of the life of the company and also life
from within the company. This was aimed at highlighting the
INTERNAL PRODUCTION
Luciano Vernocchi
I’m 42 and I’ve been working at Soilmec for 27
years. I started when I was a boy and I’ve seen a Massimo Milandri
remarkable growth, both in terms of the working and Luciano Vernocchi.
environment, which has improved in order to
respond to the new working demands, and in
terms of relations with the clients. And I see
cover story Soilmec’s future as equally positive: we’re trying the clients themselves. This is an advantage
to move with the times, always in command and which comes from being part of the Group:
without letting anyone overtake us. The decision through Trevi there’s an immediate return of
Massimo Milandri
After two years working at Soilmec, I see
the company as a complex, dynamic plant,
which is still evolving with new projects being
developed. A system which is evolving rapidly
and which requires a great commitment in
order to manage the change and to support
it, from both a logistics and a human point of
view, with new staff to be found, trained and
used to the best advantage. The interchange
with the outside world of the client helps us
to absorb the requests for innovation, which
are then passed on to production and back to
real added value of service to the client: how they see the
company ‘from the inside’, from the point of view of someone with
a long working experience and someone who is new. They also see the
company’s results and the next steps in the future development; the
daily life of the company microcosm at the plant and in relations
with the client; the importance of teamwork between the “old”
and “young”. The result is a mosaic which neatly illustrates the
industrial, professional and human history of Soilmec, to which
everyone has contributed in his or her own individual way.
EXTERNAL PRODUCTION
Massimo Vernocchi
The results speak for themselves: when I arrived
at Soilmec 18 years ago they produced about 80 Biagio Fagioli
machines, now they make between 600 and 700. and Massimo Vernocchi.
So there’s been a technological change, but most
of all a change in the organisation. Looking at
Soilmec, I see a company which is successful in
with basic knowledge but they aren’t able to cover story
advance alone and they always need mentoring.
Biagio Fagioli
In the last few years we’ve had a radical change 9
in the organisation and in the image of Soilmec:
now we have to think about organizing the
departments, professional training of the personnel
as regards the outside world and arranging open
days. I’ve experienced all of this in the last few
years and that shows a great evolution compared
to the past. We still have work to do as regards
future improvements and consolidation of the
good results we’ve achieved, also as regards the
growth in production; the investments made in
the plants will give us a boost starting from the
markets all over the world: it’s difficult to foresee manufacturing which we now carry out externally.
what could happen during a world recession such The change also concerns the daily life at Soilmec:
as we’re seeing now, but I don’t think we will at the beginning a lot more of us were “pioneers”,
suffer any particular repercussions. we worked more with prototypes than with the
The change has obviously also involved people: standard or ready designed machines. Today
there are a lot more young people in the company thanks to the new production process we no
than there were a few years ago; these are longer produce machine by machine, but on the
perhaps more difficult to “place” at work, but production line with subgroups which are already
some of them stand out and have what it takes. painted and ready to assemble; we are now able to
The company is relying on them and offering them carry out commercial planning with the machines
the opportunity to grow, using this human capital which will be produced the following year. We are
to the best advantage beyond the technological living through a great improvement of the company,
aspects: they must possess a certain technological also in terms of safety in the work environment. We
knowledge, be reliable and well trained in the didn’t grow alone: our suppliers has been growing
specifics of their job. Studying alone isn’t enough, with us, recognising Soilmec’s leadership role.They
there’s a further step to be made in their evolution are very fond of everything that we’re doing, also as
within our sector: young people arrive at Soilmec regards human relations; we’re a team.
FORLÌ PRODUCTION
Mauro Palumbo
I’ve been at Soilmec for 12 years and in my
opinion the greatest strength of Soilmec and
the whole Group is the ownership, the Trevi
family. The three founding brothers, Davide
and his brothers and the children are all within
the structure of the Group in order to carry on
the tradition, the continuity and keep everyone
Mauro Palumbo. motivated. I see a positive future, because the
PROTOTYPES
Ermes Monti
I started at Soilmec in 1984, at the age of 16,
and the company has changed a lot since then: Bruno Scarpellini
and Ermes Monti.
machines used to be created from nothing, using
pig iron, and now it’s an industrialised process,
components are pre-assembled and we only
have to do the final assembly and testing. We
still create prototypes from nothing, with great today have a very different mentality; I don’t cover story
ingenuity and craftsmanship, but even in large- see the same attachment to the company as in
The testimonies scale production there’s still a very strong personal my time – there’s a continuous turnover. With
given by People
working day
astuteness in the know-how we have about the
work. How can we pass on this knowledge to
them the relationship has changed, there’s full
collaboration. We “old ones” wanted to grow 11
the young people? It’s a question I ask myself. In and to believe in this company. Another essential
by day in the my opinion there’s a great relationship between aspect concerns the importance of the ‘human
the young and the old; everyone is going forward value’ of a person. This includes both the ability
company clearly
together. It’s a bit more of an effort with the to build relationships between the employees
demonstrate young ones, but, contrary to what I thought, a and the boss, and the fact of having put safety
that human lot of them are smart and are willing to work, at work above all else. A few years ago a new
to learn. At Soilmec, there’s a very healthy plant manager started here, who was head of
factor is the atmosphere on a human level; the Trevisani production. We immediately became friends.
secret of Soilmec family has always maintained this, despite the This episode is a sign of the desire of Soilmec to
growing numbers. It’s a relationship which has maintain direct contact with the workers, with
success
remained constant over time, and which has those working in the workshop.
allowed us to obtain the great results we have
achieved on the market.
Bruno Scarpellini
Soilmec has never stopped, not even in
moments of crisis, setting up radical and
innovative changes. I can’t but help speak
highly of the company, having a working
experience which started in 1976 and which
has now almost reached the end. Their great
merit is to have always allowed people to grow
within the company: I started with a junior high-
school diploma and yet I became a foreman and
now I’m head of the prototypes department.
Having the opportunity to grow has been very
important: this fact is still valid now but you
have to really get down to work. Young people
Soilmec SR-80 C
New drilling rig
for LDP and CFA
new products
With the new SR-80 C Soilmec has reached its target
to complete the range of drilling rigs for large diameter
12 piles and remarkable depths
After the great success earned by the SR-70, SR-90 and SR-100 introduced since 2005,
Soilmec offers to the demanding foundation market the possibility to choose
The new SR-80 C drilling rig
a new rig jointing in the same machine the experience dued to SR Soilmec by Soilmec.
series to that one of Caterpillar. In fact SR-80 C is a perfect mix
of CAT base machine turret (345 C) with Soilmec standard rotary.
CAT C13 engine generates the considerable rated power of 328
kW at 1800 rpm with that important guarantee of reliability,
quality and durability that have made CAT famous around the
world. Noteworthy are the performances of SR-80 C. It’s possible
to drill large bored piles with a maximum diameter of
2,000 mm, at a depth of about 80 m, while in case of CFA
(continuous flight auger) the rig has been conceived for piles up
to 1,200 mm at a depth of 25 m.
The multifunctionality of SR-80 C is testified by the possibility to be
Soilmec SR-80 C fitted with crowd system made by whether winch (13,000 mm stroke
Rated power – standard) or cylinder (6,500 mm stroke – optional). In alternative
328 kW at 1800 rpm to the standard spin off rotary, the customer can select
Max pile diameter the innovative shifting gear rotary, with a mechanical
2,000 mm (kelly version) 3 high speed gear. This new solution allows to have a nominal
1,200 mm (CFA)
Max pile depth
torque range that varies from 292-132 kNm, that permits an higher
77 m (kelly version) production in terms of m/h and better rotation-to-torque ratio, with
24 m (CFA) a max drilling speed that varies from 27 to 107 rpm. As for the other
Detail of Soilmec SR-80 C base
machine turret.
Soilmec machines based on a CAT turret, the winches are positioned in the lower part of
the mast, in front of the cabin, to permit to the operator a constant check. The main winch
has a maximum pull of 260 kN and a speed of 75 m/min, while the auxiliary winch has a
maximum pull of 100 kN and a speed of approximately 65 m/min. The machine can also be
arranged with a free fall service winch with 80 kN nominal line pull.
new products
Soilmec SP-110
New crawled grouting pump 13
The Soilmec SP-110 is a grouting pump driven by a Deutz engine with a maximum
power output of 124 kW at 2,100 rpm. The pump unit, which has been designed and
built entirely by Soilmec, has a maximum delivery rating of 110 m3/h at a maximum
pressure of 50 bar. The feeder hopper, with mixer unit, has a capacity of 600 lt. The
SP-110’s other construction features include: electrical proximity pumping inversion
system; force pump specifically dedicated to controlling the inversion of the “S” valve;
easy access via the washing tank for the purposes of maintenance and replacement of
pumping unit gaskets; soundproofing cowlings.
new products
A clear response to all job-sites’ requirements
14 by means of a performing, quick and
multifunctional drilling rig
Soilmec presents SM-18, a unique drilling rig in the field of the micropiles multipurpose
rigs. SM-18 was developed from the fusion of Trevi Group job-site experience and Soilmec
technological research, thus perfectly responding to the needs of professionals worldwide.
Soilmec SM-18 offers higher performances: greater drilling depths thanks to higher hoist
force (more than 11 ton), and engine power totally transmitted to the tool through a rotary
with a power capacity of 160 HP. Soilmec SM-18 is faster: load-sensing control system on
hydraulic power; over 500 l/min oil flow given by twin piston pumps; higher speed on any
drilling movements. Last but not least, Soilmec SM-18 is safer: the control of all operation
is hydraulic and proportional; remote control board of each functions for finding the best
working position in any condition; noise reduction thanks to engine speed set on only 1,900
rpm; innovative emergency stop for drilling functions, safety light for active drilling mode,
telescopic counterweight and telescopic stabilizers for increased stability, easier maintenance
c/w faster fault checks.
Repairing and installing safety measures at the Arapuni dam in New Zealand was
a project that was among the most technologically important in the field of civil
engineering. In particular, the work performed by Trevi, by the main contractor Brian
Perry Civil, called for a series of precision drilling tasks. The slot cavities created were
then filled with concrete, which formed a waterproof diaphragm under the dam. The
implementation procedures for the drilling had unique characteristics, and the task was
achieved thanks to the competent support offered by Trevi during the process of defining
the project and their fundamental contribution was made possible by their ability to
count on the most advanced and sophisticated drilling devices, through Soilmec.
On the basis of the experience they acquired at the Arapuni dam, Soilmec Research and
Development began a project for specialized excavation tools to create “guided secant
new technology
piles” to be used in dam repair projects. In short, the tool calls for the insertion of a down-
the-hole rotary drill and a guided system that allows reactive control of the direction
of the excavation. The specifics of the solution consists in an excavation device that is 17
supported in the hole during operation through a lifting mechanism and that includes an
exchange motor. The opening can be partially filled with excavation fluid, and the detritus
Focus on technology evacuation system uses reverse circulation so that the excavation debris is transported to
Specialized excavation tool the surface through a flexible tube that is wound up in a special coiler. The tubes and the
To be used in dam repairing electrical cables necessary for operation and control of the unit are controlled in the same
projects
way, including measurements and corrections relative to its position.
Insertion of a down-the-hole
rotary drill With respect to the solutions developed and applied at the Arapuni project, the new jig
Reactive control of the decreases excavation times since it is no longer necessary to insert drill pipes, which are
excavation direction
replaced by tubing, allowing monitoring of excavation parameters and reactive control
of the gradients.
Project sketch of new equipment.
network news
Soilmec Deutschland
18 company’s start up
Soilmec took part to Conmex, the most important trade fair for the construction industry
equipments in Middle East. The construction sector in the Middle East is yet to reach its full
potential. It is estimated that currently projects worth US$ 4 billion are being announced
every week. In the coming years, construction activity in the region will reach astronomical
proportions with subsequent rise in demand for related machinery and equipments.
The importance
of lean thinking
forward
22
forward
23
created, which start up an ongoing process of reduction of times, of space and of costs, also
establishing precise moments for the ad-hoc inter-departmental teams to attempt to resolve
problems in weeks (the so-called “Kaizen”). The implementation of the Lean Production
system within Soilmec involved, above all, the operations area, which was then followed by
production, then the supply chain and then back to the design area. In terms of results, what
was achieved on average was improved efficiency, a reduction in machine assembly
times, an increase in production capacity and an improvement in the level of logistics
services in terms of feeding materials from the stores to the assembly lines, thus reducing
the non-availability of materials.
corporate
Soilmec Headquarter expansion
Soilmec is projecting the enlargement of its own offices
24 and manufacturing plant sites. Work in progress for
the new production unit of 10.000 square meters
In line with the strong growth which has characterised its recent industrial history, Soilmec
has set up an important project for improving its production facility. It is a
complete renovation project which will change considerably the overall look of the Soilmec
headquarters in Cesena by adopting innovative architectural solutions. In fact, alongside
the building and architectural works, the street furniture on the premises (green areas,
Internal view of new Soilmec’s
walkways, lighting, entranceways, etc.) will also be examined in order to improve the plant working space.
internal accessibility. The first measures
for expanding production capacity are
already in progress, and these will be
followed by optimisation of the logistics
area and the internal road system, the
renewal of all the executive offices and
the reception area (more than 3,000
square metres), and the expansion of
the canteen and other adjoining areas.
The whole operation should take a
couple of years, with completion due
by the end of 2010.
As regards the expansion of the areas
available for the production, work
is currently in progress at the centre
of the Soilmec headquarters on the
construction of a new 10,000 square metre
A complete
structure, earmarked mainly for the assembly
renovation project of large tonnage machines. These will all be
which will change ready at the beginning of next summer. This
considerably important investment forms part of the general
the overall look reorganisation process of the production
(already started following the principles of Lean
of the Soilmec
Production: see article on page 22) in order to
headquarter adapt the space available, improve the services,
in Cesena assure the final quality of the products and, of
course, improve production potential. The new
structure, just over 14 metres high and divided
into 4 bays, each equipped with 2 overhead cranes weighing 40 tonnes each, will be built Project view (above and beside)
of new Soilmec headquarter:
according to highly innovative criteria which enhance both the quality of the working officres and manufacturing sheds.
environment and general safety. To guarantee good natural light and ventilation for the
assembly workers, the roof of the premises has been made using 1,400 square metres of
skillion (shed) roof, while heating and cooling will be guaranteed by a geothermal system
made up of 80 bore holes driven to a depth of up to 120 metres.
corporate
25
motion power
Launched during the 2006 “Open House”, “Elements concept” has undergone some minor
graphic restyling. The five colours that were associated with the elements of Pulse, Soul, Brain,
Motion and Power have changed hue. A minor graphic update that nevertheless retains the
original meaning and colour association with the various departments. Pulse is still associated
with the Sales Department and network; Soul with the Marketing & Advertising Department
as well as Customer care and After-sales services; Brain with Research & Development,
Motion with the Technology Department and Power with the Production Department.
corporate
The Elements change colour
Updating the concept 27
Trevi Group
on You Tube
Is already on line a new space on You
Tube about Trevi Group. On this site you
can see our corporate’s videos and other
general information. To enter the site:
http://it.youtube.com/user/trevigroup.
Soilmec in action at...
Foundation work with
SR-100 hydraulic rotary rig
in Las Vegas
A Soilmec R-930
used for the
foundation works
of new bridge
between Bronx and
Manhattan, near
Willis Avenue Bridge,
in New York
click on site
28
Highway consolidation
works with PSM-1350
in Manchester, little
town near Boston
click on site
29
A SR-100 at work on a
offshore platform near
Brisbane
focus on
Starting from January 2007, Soilmec Indian arm was set up
30 for scaling up the operation aiming at one motive “selling”
equipment manufacturer. In the last two years, India has increasingly developed a great demand
for Soilmec product and technology because of its quality, expertise, reliability and innovation.
With this respect, a strategic road map has been concreted to meet these requirements, by
offering comprehensive solutions that are the results of intense research & development done
by Soilmec over the last 4 decades. Soilmec International experience & technical know-
how is on its way to meet Indian demands – that will benefit the construction industry
tremendously. With the infrastructure & energy projects gaining momentum, our specialised
range of equipment and accessories for deep foundation works are ideally suited for these
A crowd assists to
Soilmec R-625 drilling
operations.
projects. We have introduced our flagship drilling and piling machines for the initial stage. On
the later stage, depending on the demand based on customer requirements we plan to add
innovation to the existing product range. One of the key services that we will offer in
India is “customisation”. Soilmec being a manufacturing company, we are in a position to
customise the machinery as customer specifications & utilization. This value added service
in the construction industry, sets apart Soilmec from its competitors. By imparting
appropriate training to operators all over the country, Soilmec ensures that the equipment at
a customer’s site works to its full potential with negligible or zero downtime. Soilmec India
have successfully demonstrated the prowess of Soilmec products, and converted them into
sales. There’s a surge in demand for drilling and piling machines, all over India, which will be
delivered in the next months. The importance of construction industry can be gauged by the
In two years India mentioned size and we are ideally positioned to meet the demands posed by the industry.
has increasingly focus on
developed a
great demand for
Soilmec products 31
and technologies
32
PICTURES
FROM
GEOFLUID
events
33
Soilmec
Welcome
to “the Pearl”!
events
Bauma China 2008
Shanghai (China)
34 November 25-28, 2008
Great success for Soilmec at the 12th too, played a base role while ideating the
edition of Bauma China, the most important project of “the Pearl”…
exhibition in the Far East dedicated to the The success of the exhibition is also due
equipment for special foundations and for to the precious cooperation of the Eastern
construction industry machinery. It was subsidiaries of Soilmec network, of the A new concept of Soilmec stand
held at the Expo Centre in Shanghai, from Representative Office in Beijing and of Focus on:
November 25th to 28th. Soilmec had a brand Soilmec Hong Kong. Hospitality & Technology
new exposition structure, with a spherical See you at Intermat 2009! Feeling with Customers
OMC 2009
March 25-27, 2009
Ravenna (Italy)
The Offshore Mediterranean Conference & Exhibition 2009 is the complete
events
event for the Mediterranean oil&gas industry as it brings together hundreds of
companies and organizations from worldwide. Anyone involved in the industry cannot
miss the opportunity to participate in OMC: more than 7.600 attendees from Europe, 35
America, Africa and the Middle East participated in lest edition (2007). The general
theme of OMC 2009 – The Mediterranean: the centre of Energy Interdependence –
aims at highlighting the situation which is consolidating in the Mediterranean area.
Intermat 2009
April 20-25, 2009
Paris (France)
One of the world’s three biggest trade shows for building technology and construction
market (with Bauma and Samoter), Intermat brings together the major players in the
construction materials and machinery production industry. One special feature that makes
this event unique is that it is the only one to offer an outside demonstration area of
30,000 square meters, on which exhibitors’ machines perform in a gigantic open-air
construction area. For the 2009 editions Intermat is opening its doors to new business
sectors as mines & quarries, drilling and boring.