Mitigating challenges to structural integrity
The infrastructure and buildings of Kuwait often suffer from premature degradation as a direct result of material deterioration caused by Kuwait’s hot climate, improper maintenance schemes, unexpected natural and human-caused hazards, and inadequate construction practices. In response to the need for more reliable construction practices, KISR’s Sustainability and Reliability of Infrastructures (SRI) Program was established to find applicable solutions to the challenges that threaten the nation’s
EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF REHABILITATED SINKHOLES IN AL-DHAHAR
An overall assessment of efficacy and quality
In 2004 a series of sinkholes formed in Al-Dhahar, compromising the safety and integrity of a number of homes and the area’s local infrastructure. While measures were taken by the government to treat the sinkholes, KISR initiated this project to evaluate and appraise the methods that were used. A comprehensive geophysical survey was conducted to evaluate and compare the quality and durability of the affected areas both before and after the sinkholes were treated. The results of cavity filling were comprehensively evaluated and the development of sinkholes in Al-Dhahar area was modeled using numerical- engineering programs. Continuous long-term topographical and dilapidation surveys of the area, including monitoring groundwater levels, were conducted to detect any changes. Following the comprehensive analysis, it was determined that the treatment methods significantly improved the quality of soil in Al-Dhahar.
EVALUATING THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF KUWAIT’S GRAND MOSQUE
Guaranteeing the safety of national monuments
In collaboration with the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs (MAIA), KISR studied and evaluated the structural integrity of the Grand Mosque in downtown Kuwait. The project was initiated following an incident at the mosque where pieces of ornamentation fell from the ceiling. An intensive geotechnical and structural investigation was designed and carried out by KISR researchers to address concerns with the mosque’s structure and rehabilitate it to required safety and serviceability levels. A series of recommendations were submitted to the concerned parties identifying what areas of the mosque’s structure needed to be addressed in order to align it with building code safety requirements.
ASSESSING RENOVATIONS TO SHEIKH JABER AL-AHMAD INTERNATIONAL STADIUM
Reinforcing the quality of national structures
As requested by the Council of Ministers (CM), KISRevaluated the conditions of the remediation efforts being carried out at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium. KISR researchers conducted a 14 month evaluation of the stadium in which a comprehensive structural evaluation of its safety and functionality was assessed. The evaluation also determined the quality of the work carried out to repair and rehabilitate various parts of the structure’s foundation.
