Eng. Ma. Corina Gomez - Project Engineer

Project Engineer » Employee

I would like to present a project in which I solved a technical problem

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Project Title: CONSTRUCTION OF ALTA GRACIA NORTE TRANSFORMER STATION 132/33/13.2kV - GIS - 2x28/40MVA - Section 132kV High Voltage double-terminal line and Communication System. Public Works.
Company: Empresa Provincial de Energia de Cordoba.
Location: Alta Gracia, Cordoba, Argentina.
Date: June 2020.
Period: 10 months.

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Role: Project Engineer

OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT

The aim of the work is to improve the quality of the electricity service in the town of Alta Gracia and its area of influence, affecting approximately 70,000 inhabitants.

The work consists of a 132 kV Transformer Station (TS), complete, encapsulated and insulated in Sulphur Hexafluoride Gas (SF6) of the interior type (GIS), and also the construction of a section of 132 kV double-terminal overhead transmission line of about 11 km.

The total cost of the work is 15,411,590 USD in 420 days.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY

Lead the preparation of the Specific Technical Specifications, detailed engineering plans, schedules, budgets, investment curve, progress and remaining work.
Actively participate in the Hydraulic Study of the site, solving challenges related to the complex unevenness of the terrain and the analysis of rainfall with a recurrence of not less than 100 years, ensuring the correct level of the platform.
Be part of the Environmental Licence approval process.
Design the Command Room and GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear) building.
Plan site monitoring in conjunction with the inspection team.
Approve the technical documentation prepared by the contractor responsible for the execution.
Review and approve the final as-built drawings.

TECHNICAL CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

The biggest challenge of this project for me was to lead a complete project for the first time, from concept to execution, on a site with extremely complex conditions. I had to find viable technical solutions for a site with flood risk and environmental restrictions, which involved coordination with multiple disciplines, strategic decision making and precise planning to ensure the feasibility and success of the project.

To meet this challenge, I implemented the following solutions:

Perimeter insulation of the site to prevent infiltration and protect the infrastructure in the long term.
Design of a comprehensive drainage system to control surface runoff, channelling water to safe evacuation points.
Strategic levelling of the platform, using the adjacent provincial road as a reference.
Institutional and technical management with APRHI and EPEC to validate hydraulic feasibility and ensure regulatory compliance.
Supervision of civil planning and validation of the detailed engineering proposed by the contractors.

In addition, the project was implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the context, I coordinated a multidisciplinary team of 10 professionals, simultaneously managing other projects remotely.

RESULTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

The work was successfully executed within budget and on time, reflecting sound planning and effective project management.
The civil item, which represented 8.5% of the total contract amount, was completed without cost overruns or significant deviations, which is evidence of proper estimation, resource control and technical execution.
Adapting to a comprehensive approach to environmental management, we were able not only to comply with current regulations but also to revalue a degraded site and transform it into a resilient and environmentally responsible infrastructure.
An efficient technical document management system was implemented, ensuring traceability, control and availability of critical information during all stages of the project.
Early identification of risks (flooding, structural instability) and their effective mitigation ensured the operational safety and long-term viability of the project.
Interdisciplinary collaboration with inspection and project areas was key to agile decision-making based on reliable technical data, avoiding deviations and optimising execution times.
First project managed in an integrated manner, marking a before and after in my professional career.

HABILIDADES TECNICAS

Regulations:

Particular Conditions.
General Technical Specifications for Public Works.
Decree Nº 418/86 "General Specifications for the Execution of Public Works by Third Parties and by Account and Order of the Provincial Energy Company of Cordoba" and its modifying norms.
Provincial Law Nº 8614 - Public Works Law.
Ordinance Nº 9387/95 - Building Code of the Municipality of Cordoba.
IRAM Standards applicable to structures and materials.

Software:

AutoCAD, Civil 3D and Revit (BIM): technical drawing.
Excel: calculation of computation and budget, cost structure spreadsheet and proxies. Technical documentation management system.
S.I.G.O.: Integrated Works Management System of the province of Cordoba.
ORACLE: Internal system of EPEC.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Plans.
Calculations.
Soil Study Report.
Environmental License Report.
Documentation follow-up forms.
Technical specifications.

Announcement to the citizens of the Work

Team meetings together with A.P.R.Hi.

Costing tables

Public Tender Documents

Technical Documentation Tracking Sheet

Preliminary draft

Project

SUMMARY

ABOUT THE PROJECT

This project was developed in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and on a site that was technically unfeasible due to the high risk of flooding.
Innovative technical solutions were implemented.
The solution was effective, economical and replicable.
The work was executed on time, with an environmental focus, rigorous document management and collaborative work between areas.

ABOUT ME

I learned that my leadership was key to integrating the technical vision, fostering institutional dialogue and making strategic decisions in a complex context, which ensured the successful implementation of the project.
This challenge was a great start in my career as a project leader, strengthening my confidence, experience and motivation to continue growing professionally.
I incorporated coaching tools that allowed me to accompany, motivate and guide the teams with empathy and clarity.
I learned to lead a team of 10 professionals in remote environments, in the middle of a pandemic, while simultaneously managing more than 20 projects as head of the civilian area.
I incorporated soft skills and coaching tools that allowed me to accompany, motivate and guide teams with empathy and clarity.
I strengthened my capacity for planning, prioritisation and decision-making, reaffirming my vocation to lead projects that integrate sustainability, technique and human commitment.