Geotechnical Design for the Foundations of the Diving & Visitor Center, Yanbu

Super Arc Consultant LLC (SAC) was commissioned to provide comprehensive geotechnical engineering design services for the Diving & Visitor Center, part of a larger Tourist Resorts Project in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. This iconic development, located on the Red Sea coast, required meticulous geotechnical analysis and foundation design to ensure stability and longevity, particularly given the challenging soil conditions.

Foundation system design

Project Scope

The primary objective of this project was to produce a robust geotechnical foundation design tailored to the unique site conditions. The scope of work included:

  • Review of Site Investigation Results: Thorough analysis of geotechnical data from previous reports.
  • Geotechnical Analysis: Detailed geotechnical assessment using soil properties, design loads, and relevant codes.
  • Foundation Design: Integrated design solutions considering the soil’s bearing capacity and potential settlement issues.
  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA): Advanced numerical modeling using Plaxis 3D to optimize foundation performance.
  • Report Issuance: Compilation of all design considerations, analysis, and results into a comprehensive geotechnical report.

Comprehensive Geotechnical Engineering Design

The geotechnical design was based on industry-leading codes and standards, including the Royal Commission Engineering Manual, International Building Code (IBC-2015), and Saudi Building Code (SBC 2018). The design utilized advanced software tools for geotechnical modeling. The final design addressed all structural and geotechnical requirements, ensuring the foundation’s safety and durability under various loading conditions.

The Diving & Visitor Center’s foundation design was successfully completed, offering a secure and stable base for the iconic structure. SAC’s expertise in geotechnical engineering, combined with advanced analysis techniques, ensured that the project’s foundation met all safety, performance, and durability criteria. The final report provided clear recommendations and design specifications, paving the way for the construction phase of this significant development.