The Need for Swelling Clay Susceptibility Analysis
City of Dreams - Limassol, Cyprus
Highlights
-
Targeted Site Investigation: Conducted additional ground assessments to evaluate swelling clay susceptibility.
-
DInSAR Satellite Analysis: Used Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR) data to understand historical shrinkage and swelling cycles.
-
Integrated Engineering Insights: Combined satellite data with engineering expertise to recommend effective construction measures.
-
Cost-Effective Solutions: Saved the client approximately €300,000 by avoiding extensive "dig out and replace" measures.
Introduction
The City of Dreams Mediterranean, opened in summer 2022, aiming to be Europe’s largest integrated resort, featuring luxury hotels, a casino, convention centres, retail spaces, and diverse dining options.
Its extensive landscaped areas and swimming pools create a serene oasis but pose engineering challenges due to the high-plasticity clay on-site, which can swell and shrink, leading to uneven ground movement and structural damage.
The City of Dreams Mediterranean: A Landmark Development
The City of Dreams Mediterranean, opened in summer 2022, aiming to be Europe’s largest integrated resort, featuring luxury hotels, a casino, convention centres, retail spaces, and diverse dining options.
Its extensive landscaped areas and swimming pools create a serene oasis but pose engineering challenges due to the high-plasticity clay on-site, which can swell and shrink, leading to uneven ground movement and structural damage.
The Challenge: High Plasticity Clay and Groundwater Fluctuations
Why Swelling Clay Matters
Swelling clay significantly changes volume with moisture fluctuations, expanding when wet and contracting during dry periods.
At the Limassol site, challenges included:
-
High Plasticity Index: Indicating a strong tendency for the clay to expand and contract.
-
Shallow Groundwater Levels: Fluctuations from nearby irrigation increased seasonal swelling and shrinkage risks.
-
Large Landscaped Areas: Shallow foundations were especially vulnerable to soil movement.
If unaddressed, these conditions could lead to:
-
Cracks or structural damage in swimming pools.
-
Uneven settling in landscaped areas, affecting aesthetics and functionality.
-
Increased maintenance costs throughout the resort's lifespan.
Initial Proposal: Expensive and Intrusive
The initial construction plan called for fully excavating and replacing the clay soil with granular fill. While effective, this approach had significant drawbacks:
-
High Cost: Estimated at €300,000, it was a substantial financial burden.
-
Time-Intensive: Excavating and replacing several meters of soil would lengthen the construction timeline.
-
Environmental Impact: The process would generate a considerable carbon footprint from removing and replacing large soil volumes.
The Challenge: High Plasticity Clay and Groundwater Fluctuations
Leveraging Satellite Technology
-
To better understand soil behaviour and cut costs, the project team utilised Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR) technology.
-
DInSAR measures ground movement with millimetric accuracy using satellite radar data. By analysing historical data, the team identified:
-
Past Swelling and Shrinkage Cycles: Seasonal soil movement patterns revealed the clay's behaviour over time.
-
Localised High-Risk Areas: Variations in swelling susceptibility across the site enabled a targeted mitigation approach.
Additional Site Investigations
In addition to the DInSAR analysis, detailed ground investigations were performed to assess the clay’s swelling potential, including:
-
Laboratory Testing: Evaluating the clay’s plasticity index, swelling pressure, and shrink-swell capacity.
-
Groundwater Monitoring: Analysing the impact of seasonal irrigation on groundwater levels and soil moisture content.
Engineering Interpretation
With a comprehensive dataset, engineers reassessed the site’s risks, resulting in:
-
Localised Mitigation Measures: Targeted solutions for high swelling susceptibility areas.
-
Optimised Design Adjustments: Reinforced shallow foundations for pools and landscapes to withstand minor soil movement.
The Benefits: A Sustainable and Cost-Effective Outcome
Significant Cost Savings
By passing the expensive excavation and replacement plan, the project saved around €300,000 while ensuring the stability and longevity of the resort’s features.
Time Efficiency
The refined approach minimised ground preparation, allowing the construction timeline to stay on schedule.
Environmental Advantages
Minimising soil excavation reduced the carbon footprint, demonstrating how modern construction can balance efficiency with environmental responsibility.
Leveraging Satellite Technology
The City of Dreams Mediterranean project highlights important lessons for future developments:
-
Advanced Monitoring Tools: DInSAR technology offers non-intrusive ground movement assessment and valuable historical data for better decision-making.
-
Integrated Solutions: Combining satellite analysis with engineering expertise allows for tailored approaches that identify risks early, avoiding one-size-fits-all solutions.
-
Cost-Effective Design: Proactive analysis and targeted interventions lead to significant savings, demonstrating that investing in advanced assessment techniques reduces overall costs.
-
Sustainability: Minimising environmental impact is essential. The City of Dreams project shows how sustainable practices can reduce soil excavation and replacement in large-scale construction.
Conclusion
The City of Dreams Mediterranean resort in Limassol highlights innovative geotechnical engineering. By using DInSAR satellite technology, the team created a cost-effective and sustainable solution for challenging soil conditions.
Addressing swelling clay early allowed the project to avoid costly excavation while ensuring stability. This development sets a benchmark for future integrated resorts. For insights on water infiltration and soil behaviour, check our related blog post on advanced geotechnical solutions.
Want to learn more? Contact Geofem today to discover how InSAR can support your geotechnical needs.
