Abstract
Three high rise projects undertaken in Abu Dhabi are presented, particularly examining the behaviour of the primary founding strata, a calcareous mudstone. On each project the deposit was found to be difficult to sample and test, both in the field and in the laboratory. It was also seen to degrade rapidly on exposure to water.
A site investigation procedure is discussed, with has been formulated to overcome some of the problems encountered in assigning appropriate design values to the mudstone. The elements incorporated into the site investigation strategy are identified and explanation is given as to how they are used to aid the final interpretation of properties of the deposit. Research is also presented showing how the characteristics of the calcareous mudstone is affected by the presence of the clay mineral, Palygorskite.
Evidence collected during construction shows how the mudstone obtained from rotary coring varies with the in-situ condition of the deposit. Comparison between projects also highlights the effect of not applying tight control to groundwater levels and pressures whilst excavating basements.
Finally comparison is made between foundation performance and design predictions, indicating the value of implementing the procedures adopted for these projects.
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Acknowledgments
The analytical work undertaken by Andrew Websper on the Landmark project is gratefully acknowledged.
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Scott, P., Simpson, D. (2019). Addressing Problems Related to Construction in the Middle East of High Rise Buildings on Soft Rocks. In: Hoyos, L., McCartney, J. (eds) Novel Issues on Unsaturated Soil Mechanics and Rock Engineering. GeoMEast 2018. Sustainable Civil Infrastructures. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-01935-8_11
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-01935-8_11
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