PGATech

21/05/2026

Built for the toughest water environments, AquaRockBag® is a high-performance stone-filled net system designed for shoreline protection, scour control, and erosion prevention. Installed quickly and engineered to adapt naturally to changing terrain and water flow, it offers a durable, flexible, and more sustainable alternative to traditional hard protection systems.

This shows how AquaRockBag is installed on-site—simple in concept, but designed to deliver long-term protection for coastlines, riverbanks, bridges, and critical infrastructure.

PGATECH is the exclusive distributor of AquaRockBag in the Philippines. Contact us for inquiries.

25/04/2026

𝗣𝗚𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗛 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗡𝗖𝗥 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

The PGATECH Group of Companies proudly participated as an exhibitor at the 21st NCR Technical Conference of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, bringing forward innovative engineering solutions to address today’s infrastructure challenges.

Highlighting the event, Engr. Mark K. Morales, ., President of the PGATECH Group, took the stage as one of the distinguished speakers. His presentation, “Liquefaction Mitigation and Engineering Countermeasures,” provided valuable insights into addressing one of the most critical geotechnical hazards affecting infrastructure resilience.

From ground improvement technologies to advanced site investigation methods, PGATECH continues to support the engineering community through practical, reliable, and forward-thinking solutions.

Thank you to everyone who visited our booth and engaged with our team!

14/04/2026

𝗣𝗚𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗛 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

Held on April 9–10, 2026 at the Speaker Pro Tempore Francisco I. Ortega Convention Center in the City of San Fernando, La Union, the 24th Region I Technical Conference carried the theme:
“PICE Towards a Sustainable Future: Strengthened by Members, Defined by Specialization.”

With Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers La Union Chapter as the Lead Support Chapter, the event brought together civil engineering professionals across the region to exchange knowledge, promote innovation, and strengthen collaboration in advancing sustainable infrastructure.

𝗣𝗚𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗛 proudly took part in this significant gathering, reinforcing its commitment to engineering excellence and ground innovation. Engr. Mark K. Morales, M.Sc, President of the PGATECH Group of Companies, was one of the distinguished speakers, presenting on “Liquefaction Mitigation and Engineering Countermeasures,” highlighting practical solutions and advanced approaches in addressing geotechnical challenges in seismic-prone areas.

Thank you to everyone who visited the PGATECH booth—we appreciate the opportunity to connect, share insights, and discuss innovative solutions with fellow engineers and industry partners.

05/04/2026

31/03/2026

𝗣𝗚𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗛𝗫𝗣𝗢 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁
Speaker: Engr. Jashwin Benedict Ullal
Topic: Experience with Jet Grouting in Soft Alluvial Soils of Metro Manila.

Engr. Ullal presented the subsurface conditions of Central Manila and how jet grouting can be effectively applied as a ground improvement solution for challenging alluvial soils. His talk began with a detailed overview of the typical soil profile in the area, characterized by shallow groundwater, loose silty sands prone to liquefaction, highly compressible clays, and deeper competent layers where foundations are usually supported. He emphasized the risks associated with these conditions, including excessive settlement and liquefaction, especially for structures founded on shallow systems.

He then discussed the importance of proper site investigation and laboratory testing to establish reliable design parameters. The session highlighted key tests such as sieve analysis, Atterberg limits, consolidation tests, and strength assessments, which are essential in identifying soil behavior, compressibility, and liquefaction susceptibility. The comparison of sampling methods, including SPT and CPT, was also presented to ensure accurate subsurface characterization.

The presentation focused on the application of jet grouting, particularly the use of Jumbo Special Piles (JSP), as a ground improvement technique. He explained the step-by-step construction process, where high-pressure cement slurry is injected into the soil to break, mix, and solidify it into “soilcrete” columns. These columns act as structural elements that improve bearing capacity, reduce settlement, and mitigate liquefaction by creating a stiffer composite ground.

He also discussed key design considerations, such as ensuring that jet grouted columns pe*****te through liquefiable layers and terminate in competent strata. Concepts such as area replacement ratio, spacing of columns, and composite bearing capacity were emphasized, showing how proper configuration can significantly enhance soil performance and meet structural load requirements.

The session further highlighted how jet grouting contributes to settlement control and liquefaction mitigation by redistributing stresses within the soil matrix. By increasing stiffness and reducing shear stress in surrounding soils, the improved ground achieves higher factors of safety against failure.

To ensure performance, he emphasized strict quality assurance and quality control measures, including monitoring spoil density, maintaining proper grouting pressure, verifying column diameter, conducting coring and compressive strength tests, and performing post-grouting SPT validation. These procedures confirm that the constructed columns meet design specifications and perform as intended.

He concluded by stressing that while jet grouting is a highly effective solution for Central Manila’s complex soil conditions, its success depends on thorough investigation, careful design, and rigorous QA/QC. A holistic and site-specific approach is essential to minimize geotechnical risks and deliver safe, reliable, and long-term ground improvement solutions.

27/03/2026

𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁 (𝗲𝗖𝗣𝗧)

Understanding what lies beneath the ground is critical
before any construction begins—and this is where eCPT comes in.

The eCPT is an advanced soil investigation method that uses
a specialized probe pushed into the ground at a constant rate. As it pe*****tes
the soil, it continuously measures key parameters such as tip resistance,
sleeve friction, and pore water pressure. These readings provide real-time data
on soil strength, stiffness, and layering.

Unlike traditional testing methods, eCPT delivers fast,
accurate, and continuous soil profiles without the need for extensive sampling.
This allows engineers to identify weak zones, assess liquefaction potential,
and design safer, more efficient foundations.

In simple terms: eCPT helps engineers “see” below the
surface—reducing uncertainty and ensuring structures are built on solid ground.

Visit our website to know more about the Soil Investigation Services of PGATECH.

25/03/2026

𝗣𝗚𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗛𝗫𝗣𝗢 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁
Speaker: Engr. Rajiv Eldon Abdullah, Meng
Topic: Aggregate Piers as a Ground Improvement Solution for Liquefaction Mitigation.

Engr. Abdullah presented how liquefaction affects soil behavior during earthquakes and how proper ground improvement solutions can significantly reduce associated risks. His talk began with an overview of liquefaction mechanisms, highlighting how increased pore water pressure leads to reduced soil strength, stiffness, and effective stress—resulting in settlement, bearing capacity failure, and uplift of structures, as observed during the 1990 Luzon earthquake.

He then discussed the importance of a comprehensive Soil Investigation (SI), explaining how field and laboratory data, such as SPT N-values, soil classification, and groundwater conditions, are processed and analyzed to assess liquefaction potential. The session walked through the step-by-step evaluation process, including N-value corrections, shear stress calculations, and the determination of the liquefaction resistance factor (FL), where values less than 1.0 indicate a high risk of liquefaction.

The presentation also emphasized the need to evaluate liquefaction both before and after ground improvement. Using established methodologies and seismic parameters, participants were guided on how to quantify soil behavior under cyclic loading and identify critical layers susceptible to failure.

To mitigate these risks, he introduced Rammed Aggregate Pier (RAP) technologies, particularly Geopier systems, as an effective alternative to conventional deep foundations. These systems improve weak soils by densifying and reinforcing them through the installation of compacted aggregate columns, forming a stiff composite ground that enhances bearing capacity and reduces compressibility.

Two installation methods were highlighted: the GP3™ System, which uses a drill-and-fill approach for stable soils, and the Impact® System, a displacement method suitable for loose or caving soils and below groundwater conditions. Both methods offer fast installation, minimal spoil generation, and improved constructability.

The session also presented validation through post-improvement analysis, showing how increased N-values lead to higher liquefaction resistance. Results demonstrated that previously liquefiable soils (FL < 1.0) can be improved to non-liquefiable conditions (FL > 1.0), significantly enhancing ground stability.

He concluded by emphasizing the importance of accurate soil assessment, proper analysis, and the application of appropriate ground improvement techniques to effectively mitigate liquefaction risks and ensure safe, resilient infrastructure.

23/03/2026

𝗦𝗼𝗶𝗹 𝗡𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆.

Soil nailing is a ground reinforcement technique used to stabilize slopes by inserting steel bars (called “nails”) into the soil. These nails work together with the surrounding ground to form a reinforced mass, similar to how rebar strengthens concrete.

By increasing the soil’s shear strength, the system improves its ability to resist forces that can cause slope failure. This leads to a higher factor of safety, reducing the likelihood of issues such as erosion, sliding, or lateral movement—especially when additional loads or environmental conditions are present.

With its efficient installation and minimal disruption to the existing slope, soil nailing offers a practical and cost-effective solution for long-term slope stability in roads, excavations, and infrastructure projects.

18/03/2026

𝗣𝗚𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗛𝗫𝗣𝗢 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁
Speaker: Engr. Flavio Cosma
Topic: Channel Lining using an Innovative and Environmental Friendly Solutions with GCCM.

Engr. Flavio Cosma of Concrete Canvas Ltd. presented an innovative approach to canal lining using Geosynthetic Cementitious Composite Mats (GCCM), highlighting the evolution of “concrete on a roll” technology.

The talk focused on the challenges faced by canal systems worldwide—such as seepage losses, erosion, and high maintenance costs—and how modern solutions like CCX® provide a more efficient alternative. By combining the durability of concrete with the flexibility of geosynthetics, this technology enables faster installation, improved hydraulic performance, and long-term water conservation.

Real-world case studies demonstrated significant reductions in water loss (up to 96%), faster construction timelines, and enhanced resilience against environmental and structural stresses—making it a practical solution for irrigation, drainage, and water infrastructure projects.

A step forward in sustainable and efficient canal engineering.

𝗣𝗚𝗔-𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗜𝗻𝗰., a subsidiary of PGATECH is the exclusive distributor of Concrete Canvas in the Philippines.

Visit our website to learn more about Concrete Canvas®.

17/03/2026

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁® 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺.

The Geopier Impact® System is an advanced ground improvement solution designed to strengthen weak soils and control settlement, making it ideal for supporting structures such as buildings, embankments, and slabs.

It utilizes a high-energy hydraulic hammer mounted on a crane or excavator, which drives a steel mandrel into the ground to create a cavity. Aggregate is then introduced into the cavity and compacted in stages through repeated high-energy impacts, forming stiff and dense load-bearing elements within the soil.

The process begins by driving the mandrel to the required depth, after which aggregate is placed and compacted in layers using the hydraulic hammer. This step-by-step compaction continues until the column reaches the surface, resulting in a network of reinforced zones that improve soil strength, reduce settlement, and allow faster and more efficient construction without the need for deep foundations.

𝗣𝗚𝗔-𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀, 𝗜𝗻𝗰., a PGATECH Company, is the exclusive licensee of Geopier Ground Improvement Systems in the Philippines.