This project underscored the importance of adaptive planning, robust contractual frameworks, and proactive risk management in complex environments.
The project
This project formed part of a major industrial expansion program in Saudi Arabia involving the development of large refrigerated hydrocarbon storage facilities and associated process infrastructure. The C3/C4-JNGL butane and propane storage tanks required deep foundation systems to support the heavy loads and control total and differential settlements.
The challenge
The main challenge was executing the works within stringent brownfield safety requirements, which significantly impacted productivity. Equipment relocation alone required up to one week for dismantling, transfer, reassembly, and re-inspection.
The solution
Keller designed and installed 80 cm diameter bored piles, extending to 37 m depth through sandy and silty overburden and socketed into hard clay to achieve the required load-bearing capacity. The design was verified through compression and lateral load testing, while pile integrity was confirmed using high-strain dynamic testing and cross-hole sonic logging.
