Having established itself as a major player in the global market, the STFA Soil Group has ventured into the Gulf region, which is witnessing a boom in the construction sector.
Since its inception in 1970, STFA Soil Group (part of the STFA group of companies) has been doing a commendable job in providing services in the marine piling and geotechnical engineering sector. Till date, it has executed major projects pertaining to piled and sheet-piled jetties, piled bridges, aqueducts, ferry terminals, soil improvement, retaining systems, soil investigation, etc in 16 countries across the world.
The company made its foray into Dubai by setting up its branch in 2003. In May 2004, it entered into a pact with Al Habtoor Engineering Enterprises LLC to set up a local unit, 'Al Habtoor-STFA Soil Group LLC'. This new venture will specialise in geotechnical engineering/ solutions and contracting within the UAE and will be operational from 1st January 2005.
The STFA Soil Group has implemented several important projects in the UAE, including piling works for the Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque (completed in 1999), which entailed installing over 120 kms of piles, and the Jumeirah Beach Residence (executed in association with Al Habtoor Engineering Enterprises LLC). Other projects include piling works to the Sohar Refinery project and driving of conductor pipes in the oil fields for ADCO.
The ongoing works of the company include a piling contract for the Shoreline Apartments on the Palm Island Jumeirah and many others in Dubai, Oman and Qatar.
STFA provides services in the area of marine piling, which includes design and construction for piled and sheet-piled jetties and quay walls; building piled bridges, aqueducts, ferry terminals and ship-lifts; and geotechnical engineering, which comprises turnkey solutions for piling, soil improvement, retaining systems and soil investigation works. The activities of the Al Habtoor-STFA Soil Group LLC focus on piling, foundation contracting, port marine construction and coastal reclamation.
Technological excellence
The company has been constantly making efforts to introduce advanced technology in order to ensure quality output. It has put into use the latest developments in foundation technology including piling, shoring by contiguous pile wall, secant piling, sheet piling, stone columns, mini piling, dynamic compaction, vibro compaction grouting and jet grouting.
The company is advocating the use of jet grouting techniques, which is not very well known in the UAE. The technique involves using high-pressure water/cement grouts for soil improvement. The company believes that use of this technology in the region would yield good results. The system helps in improving mechanical parameter of soil layers i.e. increasing carrying capacity and elasticity of the module, decreasing water permeability, controlling differential settlement on existing structures, ensuring impermeability in desired areas such as excavation pits and foundation tunnels, increasing receptivity of soil against water (this is necessary as ground water level is susceptible to change), and preventing further structure settlement, thanks to grout penetration into cavities.
Ahead in Quality
The services of the STFA Soil Group adhere to international quality standards like ISO 9001:2000. The company holds BVQI certificate (ISO 9001:2000) since 2002. It ensures that highest health, safety and environmental (HSE) standards are maintained while carrying out its activities. The group has always strived to meet recognised industry requirements and has introduced the HSE system as a tool for internal quality control and improvement.
The company conducts monthly training programmes on the site for new employees for maintenance of health, safety and quality standards. Technical training sessions for managerial and technical staff are organised frequently for improving their knowledge and apprising them of technological innovations in their field.
In-house consultants provide consultation support to the group's activities. The advisors are experts in their respective field of operations. Professor Ergun Togrol, Chairman for the Board of Directors, is a renowned professor in the geotechnical sector. Similarly, Professor Ali Riza Gunbak is a well-known authority in marine contracting. The company has a team of advisors who are consulted before taking any decisions.
Looking Forward
The future of the company certainly looks very bright with the boom in the construction and real estate sector in the AGCC states. With power and infrastructure set to be the major thrust areas, the company is expecting demand for its services to pick up in the next few years.
Contact: Tel: 04-285 2580. Fax: 04-285 9311.
© Construction World 2004
