Remedial Works to Arrest the Differential Settlement of SABIC Building Foundations

Abstract

This paper discusses the remedial actions taken to address the ongoing settlement issues in the raft foundation of the East Wing of the SABIC Building in Al-Jubail, Saudi Arabia. The expansion joint between the East Wing and the main building exhibited continuous movement, reaching an opening of 150 mm at the top of the roof level. The study explores potential causes such as ground spreading, differential settlement, and seasonal thermal expansion. Remedial measures involved the installation of a Micropiling support system comprising 103 micropiles to stabilize the East Wing framing system and mitigate soil pressure under the raft. The work includes also the instrumentation of the structure for long term monitoring.