BEG SA - Géologie & Environnement

Bureau BEG offers services in all areas of geology and the environment related to the interaction of human activities with the subsoil or the exploitation of underground resources.

Composed of a team of experienced geologists and engineers, as well as young people trained in the latest techniques, BEG has preserved and developed over 45 years of know-how  which makes it one of the leading players in this field in French-speaking Switzerland

Originally based in Valais, BEG has extended its activities throughout French-speaking Switzerland, and our skills are regularly appreciated beyond the borders.

In construction, the problems most commonly encountered relate to the foundations of structures, the stability of excavation enclosures, underground work and conflicts with the water table.

BEG carries out all the necessary geotechnical investigations (drilling, excavations, penetrometers, laboratory tests) to prevent difficulties and propose optimal technical solutions, including dimensioning of structures, tendering, site supervision and quantity surveying. BEG also offers surveillance techniques for geotechnical projects and, in the case of renovation or demolition, asbestos diagnostics.

Foundation

When a simple foundation or basement consolidation solution cannot be adopted, other indirect foundation solutions are investigated (e.g. bored, driven, micropiles).

Geotechnical shoring and excavation armoring

High excavation walls in poor-holding soils must be reinforced (nailed or anchored walls, Berliner walls, jetting).

Underground work

Tunnel boring requires a geotechnical study, and site supervision cannot do without a geologist. In this field, BEG has conducted a unique experiment: the securing of the St-Léonard underground lake, a flooded tourist cavity in a gypsum massif.

Table-topping

In the case of excavations in the water table, it is necessary to lower the water table by pumping (wells, wellpoints), possibly with the installation of sheet piles. Such situations are modeled using advanced calculation codes to best size the equipment (... more).

Earthworks

The BEG is active in the dimensioning and stability calculations of earthworks subjected to various stresses. These include, for example, equilibrium calculations for natural or man-made slopes, earth dams and embankments, taking into account various factors such as loading, water pressure and suction effects, hydro-mechanical coupling or seismic action.

In this field, BEG is particularly active in securing the dikes of the 3rd Rhone correction

BEG offers solutions to protect the population and infrastructure against:

-  landslides

-  rockfalls and rockfalls

-  settlements and collapses

-  slope erosion

-  debris flows

Geological surveys

The BEG carries out surveys on geological hazards of various kinds for private individuals and public authorities. This involves:

-  assessing hazards and vulnerabilities

-  proposing protective measures in land development projects

-  proposing suitable constructive measures in construction projects.

The BEG is also regularly consulted by civil engineering or architectural firms to characterize foundation soils.

Hazard maps

The BEG draws up hazard maps relating to ground movements (landslides, collapses) and rock phenomena (rock falls, rockfalls). Hazard maps for watercourses (floods, debris flows) are produced in close collaboration with hydraulic engineers.

Protective structures

The BEG is often commissioned to draw up defense projects.In particular, this involves:

- dimensioning rockfall protection structures (nets, protective dykes, etc.) 

- proposing landslide remediation measures (drainage, anchoring, reinforced structures, etc.).)

- propose constructive reinforcement measures at building level

- plan mining operations

- plan and direct the execution of works (defense projects, drilled drain campaign, netting etc.)

In this field, BEG participated in the major remediation project of the Frasse landslide in the canton of Vaud (... more).

Monitoring

The BEG develops monitoring programs and installs instruments to track the evolution of natural hazards. Data monitoring and interpretation (setting alert thresholds) provide the authorities with decision-making support in the event of an alarm (... plus).

Crisis management

The BEG offers alarm plan solutions (customer advice) and regularly supports the authorities in managing crises caused by natural hazards.

Monitoring - Natural hazards, building sites, landfills, quarries, embankments

Having its own measuring instruments and staff certified in cliff interventions and hazard management, BEG offers several monitoring methods at very attractive costs.  In parallel, BEG manages data processing and interpretation, advises customers on risk management and maintains systems in collaboration, as appropriate, with specialist offices. BEG also offers hydrogeological and environmental monitoring.

Monitoring through in situ interventions

The following services are offered:

- Inspection work

- Installation of witnesses and measuring instruments (extensometers, targets, reference points, weather stations)

- Installation of inclinometers (deformation monitoring) and tiltmeters (inclination monitoring)

- Installation of geophones for monitoring shaking caused by anthropogenic sources (mining, drilling, vehicle traffic) or natural sources (crack openings, friction, debris flows)

The BEG regularly collaborates with surveyors' offices to instrument sites with geodetic techniques (GPS markers, targets for laser sights).

Optical imaging monitoring requiring no in situ intervention

BEG has acquired 10 years' experience in optical imaging monitoring by developing its own cost-effective methodology for 2D or 3D monitoring of embankments, excavations, rock faces, landslides and glaciers. Acquisitions are made by helicopter, drone or from the ground.

The BEG offers the following services:

- Historical inventories (qualitative and quantitative revaluation of archive images)

- Detection and monitoring of natural hazards

- Construction site monitoring  (dimensioning assistance, analyses and stability control)

- Landfill monitoring (logistical assistance, mass balances)

- Quarry monitoring (logistical assistance, mass balances, instability monitoring and detection)

- Bank monitoring (erosion, stability).

Hydrology - hydraulics

BEG offers comprehensive services in water exploitation, recovery and management.

Water evacuation

BEG advises designers and project owners to optimize technically, as well as legally, the management of water to be evacuated from a plot. It also supports municipalities in their monitoring and control work.

BEG offers the following services:

- advice on integrated drainage management

- sizing of drainage systems (pipes, manholes, dumps, pumps, infiltration/retention structures, etc.)

- advice on and control of pipe plans

- advice on and control of connections.

The BEG includes specialists certified by the Swiss Association of Water Protection Professionals (VSA).

Hydrological hazards

The BEG provides hydrological advice and expertise at plot level for flood, scour and debris flow hazards.

Water management for irrigation

BEG is active in several projects aimed at optimizing water management for irrigation.

Microturbining

BEG is active in various mini and microturbining projects, drinking water turbining studies or hydroelectric potential assessments.

Hydrogeology covers many fields related to construction, environment, drinking water resources, geothermal energy and spatial planning. BEG has experienced hydrogeologists to cover a wide range of services in this field.

Drinking water resources

The exploitation and preservation of drinking water resources is certainly one of today's major challenges. To this end, BEG provides the following services:

- hydrogeological assessments and resource monitoring (quantity and quality)

- searches for new groundwater resources (aquifers and springs)

- validation of a resource's potability (chemical water quality, bacteriology, ...)

- sizing and monitoring of drinking water supplies (pumping wells, spring and river catchments)

- establishment of groundwater protection zones for municipalities with catalog of protection measures

- detection of groundwater pollution and identification of the source of pollutants

- numerical hydrogeological modeling using advanced calculation codes.

Constructions

Current guidelines recommend the reinfiltration of rainwater captured by impervious surfaces (roofs, tarred surfaces) into groundwater in order to guarantee its recharge and reduce flood risks. To this end, BEG carries out:

- sizing of infiltration structures

- implementation of infiltration structures

Water table drawdown is sometimes necessary in geotechnical projects. BEG carries out:

-  preliminary hydrogeological studies

-  sizing of wells using digital modelling

-  monitoring and control of groundwater drawdown during construction.

Project interactions with the water table (study and monitoring)

Any project can have an impact on the water table (flow, regime, temperature, drawdown or pollution). In the case of potential risk, BEG provides the following services:

-  quantification of the project's impact on the water table (see also environmental impact studies)

-  monitoring

-  proposal of measures to minimize project-groundwater conflicts.

In this field, BEG is active in the study of the impact of the 3rd Rhone correction on the water table (... more).

Plans généraux d'évacuation des eaux (PGEE)

Community water management notably incorporates the reinfiltration of stormwater collected by impervious surfaces in urbanized areas to limit the risk of watercourse flooding in the event of heavy rainfall. In this context, BEG is in charge of identifying areas in the commune that are suitable for infiltration.

Geothermal energy - renewable energy

Geothermal energy is a technology for harnessing the thermal energy contained underground. It offers interesting alternatives for individual or collective heating (shallow geothermal energy of low to medium temperature) and, if geological conditions allow, for electricity production (deep geothermal energy of high to very high temperature). BEG has acquired solid experience in this field, whether in the operation and monitoring of thermal springs or in energy extraction via heat pumps (PAC) and vertical geothermal probes (SGV).

Thermal springs and catchment wells

The tourism, energy and economic potential of thermal springs is considerable. BEG accompanies project owners through the various stages of the project by:

- prospecting for new thermal water resources

- assessing their potential

- drawing up the final projects

- sizing the devices (wells) needed to exploit them

- monitoring the execution of deep wells.

Thermal exploitation of groundwater - water-to-water heat pumps

Water-to-water heat pumps (PAC) are an interesting solution in the Rhône plain. However, they are sensitive to water quality and can, in some cases, interact strongly with neighboring structures if they are not correctly positioned and sized. BEG provides the following services:

- thermal modelling of the water table

- assessment of energy potential

- sizing of pumping and discharge wells used by water-to-water heat pumps

- monitoring of well execution.

Vertical geothermal probes

At depths of 20 m and above, the subsoil temperature is constant all year round. Vertical geothermal probes (VGS), either individual or in fields, can both extract this energy and store any surplus. They are an energy source perfectly in line with sustainable development. However, in order to comply with current standards,  precautions must be taken during their sizing and execution.

To this end, BEG:

- sizes geothermal probe fields using Earth Energy Designer

- monitors drilling work for these probes.

Deep geothermal energy

At great depths, geothermal potential is considerable, whether or not water is present.In this field, BEG provides the following services:

- establishment of geological models

- assessment of energy potential

- risk assessment (possible seismic activity under certain geological conditions)

In particular, BEG participated in the risk analyses for the City of Basel's geothermal project.

The environment has become a constant concern, particularly in the field of water protection, but also in the management of polluted sites and constructions. To guarantee compliance with the protective measures required by current standards, environmental safety regulations have been drawn up, and regular site visits ensure compliance. During the execution and operation phases, the project may require stability and/or hydrogeological.

Environmental impact studies

Large-scale infrastructures and constructions can have a significant impact on the environment (water, soil, air, noise, fauna, flora, forest, landscape, etc.) which, according to current standards, must be minimized. BEG provides the following services:

- management of studies in coordination with specialized third-party offices

- assessment of project impacts on the environment (natural hazards, influence on water resources,

noise pollution)

- proposal of environmentally-friendly measures, taking into account the interests of the project owner

- support to the project owner for authorizations.

Polluted sites

Undesirable products can sometimes pollute water or soil. To protect the population, remediation and/or monitoring is then necessary. In this field, the BEG:

- diagnoses and identifies potential polluted sites

- carries out historical and technical investigations to determine the level of water and soil contamination, and to classify the site

- carries out detailed investigations and remediation projects

- supervises remediation work and monitors waste treatment.

Landfills

Current landfills must not generate nuisances, particularly on groundwater. BEG:

- researches and examines favorable sites for their siting based on environmental, geological and hydrogeological criteria

- proposes technical solutions to guarantee landfill safety (geotechnical stability) and minimize their impact on the environment

- monitors operation

- proposes redevelopment solutions at the end of operation.

Extraction sites (gravel pits and quarries)

Exploitation of mineral raw materials generates a significant impact on the environment and landscape.  They require in-depth studies whether for the opening of new sites or the renewal of concessions. In this field, BEG provides the following services:

- site prospection and research

- support to the project owner for authorizations

- establishment of 3D predictive geological models

- site planning and dimensioning (operating mode, geotechnical stability)

- operation monitoring

- redevelopment at the end of operation.

Asbestos - Diagnosis

Asbestos refers to a category of mineral fibers contained in certain rocks (serpentinites, amphibolites).

Between the beginning of the 20th century and 1990, this mineral was widely used in industry and building materials. This substance was mainly present in buildings from the 50s to the 70s in a very large number of materials (flockings, tile adhesives, flooring, false ceilings, insulation, etc.).

Asbestos fibers, when inhaled are responsible for several serious lung diseases.

Asbestos diagnostics

If a building was constructed before 1991, it is likely to contain asbestos materials and represents a potential hazard for workers during renovation or demolition work.

The BEG has experts accredited by the SUVA enabling it to offer the following services:

- asbestos diagnostics in normal use or before work

- expert reports meeting the requirements of cantonal authorities.

Asbestos removal

When the presence of asbestos materials is proven, BEG :

- advise on managing the risk caused by the presence of asbestos

- provide prescriptions for the planning and organization of asbestos removal

- monitor the asbestos removal worksite

Environmental noise- acoustic study and noise control

Noise is very present in our society and often undervalued. Yet it can have negative effects on our health, both physiologically and psychologically, as well as on society and the economy. At present, environmental requirements in general, and those relating to noise in particular, are increasingly stringent. They require that projects, of varying scale, comply with current legislation and are optimally integrated into the natural and built environment.

To meet this need, BEG, in partnership with the EnviroAcoustique office with 25 years' experience in environmental noise, offers environmental acoustic and noise protection studies. The fields studied are:

- industrial and craft noise

- construction site noise

- road noise

- rail noise

- air traffic noise

- noise from shooting installations

In order to tackle these issues and find integrated, sustainable solutions we offer the following services:

- impact or feasibility study for :

     - new noisy installations

     - new noise-sensitive facilities

- noise remediation study of existing facilities

- noise cadastre and sound mapping

- in situ measurements and determination of sound levels

- digital acoustic modeling with the software CadnaA software (reference software in Switzerland and Europe)

- study and dimensioning of noise protection structures

- advice on drawing up zone plans according to acoustic requirements

- study of compliance with current legislation (LPE, OPB  and other cantonal and federal directives)

The BEG possesses numerous instruments which it makes available to its customers for various types of testing, measurement or monitoring.

Geotechnics

- ME plate tests: measurement of the bearing capacity of an infrastructure or foundation soil.

- Dynamic plate tests (deflectometer): measurement of the bearing capacity of an infrastructure or foundation soil (Ev).

- Autonomous dynamic penetrometer: shallow soundings in loose soils at low cost (over 10 meters deep depending on soil type; ... more).

- Vibration monitor  (geophones): continuous measurement of shaking induced by mining or pile or sheet pile driving, jackhammers, road traffic.

- Inclinometer: measurement of the deformation of excavation shoring or landslides.

- Tiltmeter: continuous measurement of the inclination of a wall and terrain

- Drilling camera: auscultation of boreholes and pipes.

- Deviation monitor:  measurement of deviation of vertical and horizontal boreholes

Hydrogeology

- Manual and automatic conductivity meter: manual or continuous measurement of electrical conductivity of water

- pH meters: measurement of pH of water

- Oximeters: measurement of oxygen in water

- Turbidimeters : measurement of water turbidity

- In-situ chemical analysis: measurement of various chemical parameters by titration or colorimetry (iron, sulfates, carbonates,...)

- Manual and automatic piezometric probes: manual or continuous measurement of water level in relation to a reference

- Automatic probes: automatic acquirer of physico-chemical data (pressure, temperature, electrical conductivity,...)

- Gauging devices: flow measurement by dilution (salinometer, electrical conductivity acquirer, fluorimeter) or by volumetry

- Field fluorimeter: device enabling automatic measurement of the concentration of several fluorescent colored tracers for multi-trace testing and/or gauging

- Low-flow pump: pump used for water sampling and laboratory analysis

Monitoring: hazard detection and deformation monitoring

- Vibration monitor: continuous measurement of shaking induced by displacements or crack openings.

- Inclinometer: measurement of deformation in excavation shoring or landslides.

- Extensometer: continuous measurement of crack spacing

- Tetrahedron teletransmission system: equipment connected to a measuring instrument enabling data to be transmitted remotely

- Tiltmeter: continuous measurement of wall and ground inclination

- High-resolution camera: camera for tracking deformations by 2D or 3D image processing  (photogrammetry)

- Drone: flying wings and quadricopters for auscultation of difficult-to-access sites or for photogrammetric surveys