Location: Las Marias, Puerto Rico
Year: 2025
Contractor: STRATA LLC
Noteworthy Participants: Puerto Rico Highway Authority
Project Type: Soil Nail Wall with Geobrugg Tecco Mesh
Project Overview
The Puerto Rico Highway Authority commissioned STRATA LLC to perform slope stabilization work along PR-106 at kilometer 18.1 in Las Marias, Puerto Rico. The steep, geotechnically unstable terrain presented significant challenges in both access and execution. To ensure long-term slope stability, the project team implemented a Soil Nail Wall system reinforced with Geobrugg Tecco Mesh, using Williams Form Engineering epoxy-coated #10 Grade 75 ksi bars as the primary anchoring solution.
Why Williams Form Engineering
STRATA LLC selected Williams Form Engineering due to a long-standing partnership built on reliability, responsiveness, and technical expertise. Williams’ reputation for high-performance anchoring systems and their consistent engineering support throughout past projects made them the clear choice for this demanding application. The contractor emphasized the value of the relationship, noting Williams’ responsiveness to field challenges and design support as key factors in maintaining project efficiency.
Project Challenges and Unique Conditions
The site’s extreme topography made this project particularly complex.
- Limited Access: Installation of the anchors had to be carried out by rappel, as traditional drilling rigs and scaffolding could not be mobilized in the narrow and steep terrain.
- Specialized Operations: The project required a highly trained rope-access crew and specialized drilling equipment capable of operating under constrained and unstable slope conditions.
Despite these challenges, the project team maintained a consistent installation pace and achieved all design parameters.
Innovative Solutions
During drilling, the crew encountered zones where material returns were lost, threatening hole integrity and installation progress. To overcome this, the team applied polymer additives to seal borehole walls, effectively restoring circulation and enabling successful anchor installation. This adaptive approach ensured the structural reliability and completion of all anchors to specification.
Results
The completed soil nail wall provided long-term slope stability and surface protection for PR-106, ensuring safer travel and infrastructure resilience for the surrounding region. Williams Form Engineering’s Epoxy Coated #10 Grade 75 ksi bars delivered the required corrosion resistance and performance necessary for the island’s demanding environmental conditions.
Project Snapshot
| Category | Details |
| Project Name | Slope Stabilization PR-106 Km 18.1 |
| Location | Las Marias, Puerto Rico |
| Year | 2025 |
| Contractor | STRATA LLC |
| Key Participants | Puerto Rico Highway Authority |
| Project Type | Soil Nail Wall with Geobrugg Tecco Mesh |
| Williams Products Used | Epoxy Coated #10 Gr 75 ksi |
| Unique Factors | Rope-access anchor installation in steep, limited-access conditions |
Williams Form Engineering is proud to support STRATA LLC and the Puerto Rico Highway Authority in delivering a durable and safe slope stabilization system under exceptionally challenging site conditions. For more information from Williams on our various soil stabilization products, contact us today!
