How Atlas Copco’s X28 Speeds Up Urban Slope Reinforcement in South Korea
In South Korea’s mountainous Gyeonggi Province, slope reinforcement isn’t just a safety precaution—it’s a lifeline for urban development. In the bustling city of Gwangju, SamBaek Construction is tackling one of the region’s most challenging terrain projects with the help of Atlas Copco’s X28 Stage V portable air compressor.
This powerful unit is enabling faster, more efficient micropiling for slope reinforcement and seismic retrofitting, ensuring both speed and compliance.
The project, located in the Gosan 2 District, began in May 2025. It involves constructing robust retaining walls to stabilise steep ground for future housing developments. In high-density urban environments, earth retaining is no longer just an early stage of construction—it’s a critical operation that sets the pace and safety standard for the entire project.
A strategic shift to ownership
For years, SamBaek Construction relied on rented compressors. That changed after repeated on-site successes with Atlas Copco equipment. The company decided to make a first-time purchase through Atlas Copco Korea’s Portable Air Division, part of the Power Technique Business Area.
Seungheon Choi, CEO of SamBaek Construction, explains the decision: “The Atlas Copco X28 is the first Atlas Copco air compressor we’ve purchased, and it has exceeded our expectations. It delivers the pressure and flow we need to complete slope reinforcement work more quickly and efficiently, helping us reduce project timelines and improve overall productivity.”
Ownership gives SamBaek greater control over both project scheduling and operational costs. The X28’s reliability also removes the uncertainty of equipment availability and rental downtime.
Versatility built for urban challenges
The X28 is no ordinary compressor. With a pressure range of 16–30 bar (232–435 psi), it adapts to multiple demanding applications such as earth anchors, nailing, rock bolts, micropiling, shotcrete, and groundwater development. This flexibility means SamBaek can deploy the same unit across various phases of slope reinforcement and seismic retrofitting.
Before switching, the company operated a 17–21 bar (247–305 psi) compressor with a 900 cfm (25.5 m³/min) flow rate. While serviceable, it fell short in delivering the speed and depth required in the granite-heavy geology common in the region.
Choi notes the difference: “Compared to our previous unit, the Atlas Copco X28 delivers greater output and work efficiency. It’s helped us complete reinforcement tasks faster, which lowers labour costs and improves the overall construction budget.”
Quiet power for urban harmony
Noise is a major consideration for any urban development. The X28’s Stage V-compliant engine is designed not only for low emissions but also for quiet operation—vital in residential districts where community impact and regulatory compliance are constant concerns.
Jaehoon Ahn, Product Marketing Specialist at Atlas Copco Korea, highlights the advantage: “The Atlas Copco X28 is well-suited for urban construction sites. Its low-emission engine and quiet operation help contractors meet specific regulations while maintaining high productivity.”
Smart fuel savings with ECO mode
Slope reinforcement projects often require compressors to idle during casing and pipe welding stages. For SamBaek Construction, these idle periods can account for nearly three out of every eight working hours, leading to avoidable fuel costs.
Atlas Copco addressed this with on-site training from its Power Technique Service (PTS) team, introducing the X28’s ECO mode. This feature reduces fuel consumption during unloaded operation, delivering measurable savings.
Moosun Park, Business Line Manager for Portable Air Division at Atlas Copco Korea, explains: “By moving from rental to ownership, SamBaek Construction is gaining long-term control over operating costs. With features like ECO mode and AirXpert, the Atlas Copco X28 helps reduce fuel consumption and total cost of ownership—while delivering the performance needed on site.”
Boosting productivity through innovation
The X28 doesn’t just save on fuel—it accelerates the pace of construction. In slope reinforcement, time saved is money saved. By enabling deeper drilling and faster anchor setting, the compressor directly impacts project timelines. Its adaptability means fewer equipment swaps, streamlining logistics and keeping crews focused on core tasks.
Atlas Copco’s AirXpert system also provides precise control over air output, ensuring optimal performance for each stage of the job. This fine-tuned efficiency aligns with both environmental regulations and the economic goals of construction companies.
Supporting South Korea’s seismic resilience
Beyond stabilising slopes, projects like Gosan 2 contribute to South Korea’s broader goal of seismic preparedness. Seismic retrofitting—strengthening structures to withstand earthquakes—is increasingly important in the country’s urban planning strategy.
The X28’s capability to handle multiple reinforcement methods makes it a valuable asset for contractors engaged in both slope safety and seismic upgrades. This dual role supports infrastructure resilience while meeting pressing housing demands.
A stronger foundation for the future
SamBaek Construction’s investment in the Atlas Copco X28 marks more than a shift in equipment procurement—it’s a step toward greater operational independence and capability. With its combination of high output, quiet operation, fuel efficiency, and versatility, the X28 is proving itself as a cornerstone tool for modern, safe, and sustainable urban development in South Korea.
As more contractors recognise the value of owning advanced, adaptable machinery, the pace of construction in challenging terrains is likely to accelerate—without compromising safety or environmental responsibility.
