Photo: SGI/Anette Björlin
SGI is an expert governmental agency responsible for geotechnical issues. We strive for safe and efficient construction, as well as the sustainable use of land and natural resources.
A new method using digital image analysis has been tested to determine whether it can provide a more detailed picture of how peat is structured. The results show that the method clearly distinguishes between peat with different levels of decomposition. In the long term, the method could con-tribute to better geotechnical investigations and more cost-effective solu-tions when building on peat soils.
Researchers at the Swedish Geotechnical Institute have evaluated whether an activated carbon barrier can reduce the spread of PFAS at a heavily contaminated site. The results show that it can. After two years, PFAS concentrations had fallen by more than 99.9%. The technology could become an important tool for protecting drinking water and nature from persistent PFAS chemicals. The findings have been published as a peer-reviewed scientific article in the Remediation Journal.
The spread of PFAS from contaminated soil to groundwater can be reduced by more than 99 per cent. This is shown by pilot-scale trials conducted by the Swedish Geotechnical Institute (SGI) in heavily PFAS-contaminated soil and groundwater at fire training areas near airports. In one of the tri-als, PFAS-contaminated water passed through an activated carbon barrier. PFAS levels were reduced by 99.99 per cent, to levels comparable with the current limit value for PFAS in drinking water.
By-products from the metal and wood processing industry may find a new application in the treatment of polluted water. A research project funded by the Swedish Geotechnical Institute (SGI) demonstrates that materials such as bark and slag can sorb several environmentally hazardous metals and thereby reduce their dispersion from contaminated sites.
Shorelines along fairways are exposed to erosion caused by vessel traffic. Various types of erosion protection are used to mitigate this erosion. Traditionally, these have consisted of different types of hard protection, often rock revetments, which can have negative impacts on the environment. In new guidance, the Swedish Geotechnical Institute (SGI) presents nature-based erosion protection as an alternative and provides guidance on how such measures can be designed and constructed.
Contaminated soils are often excavated and disposed of in landfill. This requires financial resources, energy and raw materials. Researchers at the Swedish Geotechnical Institute (SGI) have investigated whether contaminants can instead be immobilised in situ, reducing their mobility and environmental risk. This approach has the potential to reduce the need for soil excavation while allowing continued land use.
An increasing number of Swedish municipalities are being affected by climate-related extreme events such as floods, droughts and storms. But what do the people living in these areas think about it?
A methodology for analysing and visualising cascading natural hazards – natural hazards that occur in an interconnected chain – has been developed by SGI. The methodology, presented in Natural Hazards, can be used to improve preparedness and risk management.
For hundreds of years, roads and railways have successfully been built on peatland. A new research project can explain why embankments on peat provides such good stability, as well as how its strength should be investigated. With a newly developed in situ method for determining strength, certain reinforcement works may be avoided, providing environmental and economical benefits.
At the 3rd International Workshop on Landslides in Sensitive Clay (IWLSC 2025), SGI will present a paper about the ongoing work to reduce landslide risks along the Göta River.
Dredging of contaminated bottom sediments can release hazardous substances into the water. However, a new method is now being tested to reduce this risk. At the same time, the volume of material that needs dewatering is reduced. The Swedish Geotechnical Institute (SGI) and the Municipality of Sundsvall are conducting trials to handle contaminated fibrebanks more efficiently and gently, using the so-called CDS method.
Debris flows are rapid mass movements where water mixed with soil, rock and plant debris move along a steep confined channel or on a steep slope. Debris flows have an immense power and can be very destructive.
Climate change is expected to have a significant impact on groundwater- and pore pressure conditions and, as a result, on geotechnical structures that support buildings, infrastructure and other facilities.
LIFE SOuRCE is an European project focusing on the demonstration and evaluation of sustainable on-site remediation technologies for PFAS-contaminated groundwater.
LIFE SOuRCE is an European project focusing on the demonstration and evaluation of sustainable on-site remediation technologies for PFAS-contaminated groundwater.
The MANABAS Coast project addresses how vulnerability to flooding and coastal erosion can be managed using nature-based solutions , and promotes their more widespread use.
We are trying to develop methods to predict how land use affects the spread of pollutants, soil functions and associated ecosystem services.
How large is the metal exposure from contaminated soils and how can we better assess the risks? With this research project, we want to increase knowledge about how much metals people ingest via contaminated soil and develop methods to better assess the risks to human health.
