Grand Assembly Area, Drydocks World, Dubai

The Grand Assembly Area (GAA) of Drydocks World - Dubai (DWD) is a large ground bearing slab supported by calcareous sand and is used for the assembly and subsequent launch of new ships and rigs. It is currently operating close to its maximum working load but DWD wanted to investigate whether, by more advanced analysis, the maximum working load on the existing slab could be increased.

Geofem were appointed to specify and direct settlement monitoring of the slab during the launching of a new 8000 tonne rig (pictured right) and subsequently to carry out a 3D finite element analysis of the slab. Geofem advised that heavier ships and rigs could be assembled and launched on the existing structure.

Pissouri village, Cyprus

A large landslide in Pissouri village destroyed the main road from the village to the coastal resort and rendered four houses uninhabitable. Geofem is carrying out 3D finite element analyses of the slope to assist in a design and cost study of different remediation options including a new bridge, a piled wall and soil nailing.