The Need for Swelling Clay Susceptibility Analysis
City of Dreams – Limassol, Cyprus
Highlights
-
Targeted Site Investigation: Conducted additional ground assessments to evaluate swelling clay susceptibility.
-
DInSAR Satellite Analysis: Used Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR) data to understand historical shrinkage and swelling cycles.
-
Integrated Engineering Insights: Combined satellite data with engineering expertise to recommend effective construction measures.
-
Cost-Effective Solutions: Saved the client approximately €300,000 by avoiding extensive "dig out and replace" measures.
.jpg)
When constructing the City of Dreams Mediterranean, the developers faced a significant geotechnical challenge: expansive clay soils with a high susceptibility to swelling and shrinkage. These conditions, combined with shallow and fluctuating groundwater levels, posed a risk to key features of the resort, including its extensive landscaped areas and swimming pools.
​
To mitigate these risks, an advanced and precise analysis of soil behaviour was required. By integrating satellite data from Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR) with engineering expertise, the project team was able to develop a solution that ensured structural stability while achieving significant cost savings and reducing environmental impact.
Introduction
The City of Dreams Mediterranean: A Landmark Development
Set to become Europe’s largest integrated resort (IR), the City of Dreams Mediterranean combines luxury hotels, a casino, convention centres, retail spaces, and a variety of dining and entertainment options. This flagship development opened its doors in the summer of 2022, promising a new era of luxury tourism in Cyprus.
Central to the resort’s appeal are its sprawling landscaped areas and multiple swimming pools, designed to create a serene oasis for visitors. However, building such features on a site dominated by high-plasticity clay presented a significant engineering challenge. Expansive clays are notorious for their tendency to swell when wet and shrink when dry, causing uneven ground movement that can lead to structural damage over time.
The Benefits: A Sustainable and Cost-Effective Outcome
Significant Cost Savings
By avoiding the costly excavation and replacement plan, the project saved approximately €300,000. These savings were achieved without compromising the stability or longevity of the resort’s features.
Time Efficiency
The refined approach reduced the extent of ground preparation required, enabling the construction timeline to remain on schedule.
Environmental Advantages
Minimising soil excavation and replacement led to a smaller carbon footprint for the project. The use of satellite technology and targeted investigations demonstrated how modern construction can balance efficiency with environmental responsibility.
The development of the City of Dreams Mediterranean resort in Limassol serves as a case study in innovative geotechnical engineering. Faced with challenging soil conditions, the project team successfully leveraged DInSAR satellite technology and engineering insights to develop a cost-effective and sustainable solution.
By addressing swelling clay susceptibility early in the planning stages, the project avoided costly and intrusive excavation measures while ensuring the long-term stability of its features. The result was a development that balanced technical excellence with environmental stewardship, setting a benchmark for future integrated resorts. For more information on how water infiltration affects soil behaviour, explore our related blog post and learn how advanced geotechnical solutions can optimise your projects.
Conlusion
