The Need for Swelling Clay Susceptibility Analysis

City of Dreams - Limassol, Cyprus

Highlights

Additional site investigation specifically to assess swelling potential.
Satellite Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR) data analysis to assess historical seasonal shrinkage/swelling cycles.
Engineering interpretation of all data.
Recommendation of construction measures to minimise risk of damage to landscaped areas and swimming pools during service life.
Saved the client about 300k euros of dig out and replace measures.

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In constructing the City of Dreams Mediterranean resort in Limassol, developers aimed to keep potential risks in check, especially when it came to the effect of swelling clay soils on the resort’s swimming pools and landscaped areas. Due to the presence of expansive clay, understanding the swelling clay susceptibility in the area was critical to ensuring a stable and secure foundation for the resort’s features.

An integrated resort (IR) combines hotels, casinos, and other amenities such as convention centres, retail spaces, and dining areas. Set to become the largest IR in Europe, the City of Dreams Mediterranean opened in summer 2022. Given its extensive swimming pools and landscaped areas, developers had to carefully analyse the susceptibility of the soil to swelling and shrinkage. This required advanced satellite analysis combined with engineering expertise to identify the most cost-effective and durable solution for the ground conditions.

The development site featured high plasticity clay soils, making it highly prone to swelling and shrinkage. Additionally, the groundwater level was shallow and subject to fluctuations due to nearby water extraction for irrigation, creating ideal conditions for ground movement. Left unchecked, these conditions could lead to damaging heave and subsidence, especially for swimming pools and landscaped areas built on shallow foundations.

Initially, the plan involved removing several meters of clay and replacing it with granular fill across the entire site, a solution estimated to cost approximately €300,000. However, to optimise costs and minimise environmental impact, a more precise analysis of the clay's swelling susceptibility was needed.

The Challenge: High Plasticity Clay and Groundwater Fluctuation

The Solution: InSAR Analysis and Engineering Expertise

To refine the approach, additional site investigations were conducted to better understand the clay's swelling potential across the site. Retrospective InSAR analysis (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) was used to measure any past heave and subsidence, providing valuable data on the soil’s behaviour.

This data allowed for an engineering reappraisal of the risks associated with the ground conditions. Based on this precise information, the costly excavation and replacement approach was avoided, reducing both expenses and environmental impact.

The Benefits: Cost Savings, Time Efficiency, and Sustainability

By adopting a more data-driven approach to assess swelling clay susceptibility, the project achieved:

Significant cost savings: Avoiding the initial €300,000 excavation plan reduced construction expenses.

Time efficiency: With less extensive ground preparation needed, the construction timeline was shortened.

Reduced carbon footprint: Minimising excavation and the need for replacement materials led to a more environmentally friendly solution.

Addressing swelling clay susceptibility early in the planning stages allowed the City of Dreams Mediterranean resort to mitigate potential risks effectively. Leveraging InSAR technology and engineering insights, the project successfully minimised costs, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced long-term stability—ensuring that the only kind of gambling in Limassol happens on the casino floor.

This project serves as a case study in how advanced satellite monitoring and ground assessment can optimise construction in clay-prone areas, benefiting not only developers but also the surrounding environment.

Conclusion

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