With UAE’s construction sector estimated at $640 billion and the wider GCC region recording $2.7 trillion plus worth of projects, the burgeoning building sector of the desert nations are calling for extensive geotechnical construction services. 

 

Against this backdrop, Dubai is set to host the International Geotechnical Innovation Conference (IGIC) UAE which kicks off on October 30 at the Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre. 

 

The two-day event is supported by Dubai Municipality, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Abu Dhabi University, and Khalifa University.

 

This strategic event is part of the IGIC series of events, with its first edition having taken place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on May 6 to 7, 2024. The second edition in Dubai aims to support the industry in achieving its ambitious projects by addressing unique challenges encountered during the construction of underground infrastructure and deep foundations for large scale projects, such as arid desert soil, high salinity, expansive clays, extreme heat, and seismic activity, highlighting the need for innovative geotechnical solutions. 

 

According to organisers, IGIC UAE will bring together project owners, contractors, consultants, and leading experts to discuss best practices and cutting-edge innovations essential for addressing these challenges. Fugro, a global leader in geo-data services, is the Official Geotechnical Partner for the conference. 

 

Key sessions will focus on advanced ground engineering techniques, ground improvement practices, pile design optimization, and innovative technologies for sustainable construction methodologies. 

 

The conference will also explore sustainable and green construction practices, as well as resilient infrastructure amidst changing climatic and weather patterns.

 

The high-profile speakers at the conference include Prof. Dr.-Ing Rolf Katzenbach, Professor at the Technical University of Darmstadt; Prof. Dr. Lyesse Lalaoui, Full Professor at the Soil Mechanics Laboratory, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL); Prof. Dr. Rod Eddies, Solution Director Land Site Characterization at Fugro; Dr. Ala Sainak, Geotechnical Lead at ADNOC (PMC SNC-Lavalin) and Dr Tamer Al Hafez, Senior Specialist in Drainage Projects, Dubai Municipality.

 

The conference will also feature an international exhibition showcasing the latest technologies and equipment in geotechnical engineering, including ground improvement solutions, geosynthetics, and remote sensing technologies, said the organisers.

 

Leading exhibitors include Fugro, Expander Body International, Beijing Hengxiang Hongye Soil and Foundation Improvement Technology and Bauer Maschinen GmbH, among others.

 

IGIC UAE will further feature an exclusive workshop on the second day led by Prof. Dr. Lyesse Lalaoui, Full Professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), on the innovative subject of “Energy Geostructures and Infrastructure”, they stated.

 

IGIC UAE presents a unique opportunity for networking with key stakeholders in underground infrastructure and deep foundation construction, offering valuable insights into industry best practices and the latest innovations, they added.-TradeArabia News Service