Sometimes the solution for highly complex structures is determined by understanding the soil–structure interaction. Here are some examples of the necessary dialogue between structures and geotechnics in order to resolve different situations more efficiently:

For the deep-space antenna that we designed and built for the ESA in Cebreros, Ávila, the deformation of the base had to meet some very stringent criteria, as the beam, which operates at very high frequencies never before attempted, called for the utmost precision. The maximum angular rotation of the structure, induced by wind loads of up to 70 km/h, could not exceed ±3 seconds of arc (deformation of 0.1 mm in 6.20 m) and ±2.5 for heat deformations. To resolve this, we designed a foundation so that the long-term effects of differential settling and fluency would be less than ±3 seconds of arc, with rotations measured at the level of the anchor ring.

For the LNG tank that we designed for IHI in India, to store LNG at –165°C with a volume of 148,000 m3, in an area with high seismic activity and subject to such extreme accidental actions as impact from an aircraft, we resolved the foundation with monolithic joining of 587 piles, 1 m in diameter and 40 m deep, connected to the foundation slab.