Challenging project due to its complex stratigraphy of intermittent hard and soft layers and presence of cavities in rock strata. Multiple ground improvement techniques like probing, cavity grouting and vibro replacement were required.
The project
A 180 million imperial gallon per day seawater reverse osmosis independent water plant is under development in the Hassyan area of Jebel Ali. This facility is part of a broader urban master plan and represents the largest project of its kind globally, utilizing seawater reverse osmosis technology powered by solar energy. It also marks the first implementation of the Independent Water Producer (IWP) model in the region.
Keller was assigned to carry out ground improvement works for the project which included the use of the Vibro Replacement (stone columns) method, along with probing and cavity grouting, to prepare the site for construction.
The challenge
The main challenge of the project was to complete such a large area within the given time frame and varying soil characteristics as well as the presence of cavities in rock strata and water loss zones.
The solution
Keller adopted ground improvement method using vibro replacement, installing stone columns (SC) by wet method to improve the bearing capacity of the ground up to 11.0m from EGL. Keller also executed probing and cavity grouting in the soil/rock strata up to 15.0m depth to treat the water loss zones, open fractures / fissures / cavity zones as recommended in the geotechnical investigation report by a third-party agency.
A total of 61 567 linear meters of stone columns, 6 645 linear meters of probe drilling and an injection of 1 148m³ of mortar grout were executed in this project.
