Micropiled Post-Tensioned Raft Foundation System as a Sustainable, Innovative and Cost- Effective Solution: Case Studies in Saudi Arabia and the GCC Region

Abstract

Micropiles, initially conceived for underpinning and strengthening existing structures, have evolved into foundational elements for the construction of new superstructures and substructures. Although micropiles possess a lower load-bearing capacity relative to conventional piles, thereby elevating the cost-to-force ratio, the advent of the Combined Micropiled Raft Foundation (CMPRF) system offers a synergistic approach where the load is distributed between the micropiles and the raft foundation. This integration enhances structural efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regions, including coastal areas like Jizan on the Red Sea and Bahrain on the Arabian Gulf, the deployment of such foundational systems remains largely novel. Given this context, a detailed examination of the foundation’s behavior under various stress conditions—including static, dynamic, and seismic influences—is imperative to ensure structural integrity and optimal performance. This paper presents two pioneering case studies within the GCC: the AMAS project, which features the world’s largest micropiled post-tensioned raft foundations in Bahrain, and a significant warehouse foundation project in Jizan. These case studies highlight the employment of advanced methodologies and technologies such as Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) remote sensing, on-site monitoring, three-dimensional Finite Element Analysis (FEA), performance- based design, coupled soil-structure interaction (SSI) analysis, and the integration of automation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML). Results from these projects indicate successful implementation with a marked reduction in carbon footprint by over 75% and significant cost savings, underscoring the CMPRF system’s viability and effectiveness.