Piling and foundation specialists must work together with the authorities to optimise foundation designs

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 3 November 2008: Optimisation of foundation designs is the surest way to dramatically reduce concrete and steel usage, and guarantee that any new development is delivered in a much shorter timeframe at minimal cost.

But it can be difficult to employ innovative foundation designs or alternatives to standard piling techniques. Construction authorities have differing opinions of what constitutes a safe and suitable design in unique Gulf ground conditions.

In the UAE, there are no standardised requirements. It is up to piling contractors, consultants and the authorities to present research and case studies of tried and tested solutions, so basic requirements are agreed upon and published.

This is simply one item that will be discussed for the first time at IQPC's Piling & Deep Foundations conference and exhibition on 1-4 February 2009 in Dubai.

The conference will include contributions from 40 piling and foundation experts, including an outstanding opening keynote from one of geotechnical engineering's most famous faces, Dr. John Schmertmann, Professor Emeritus, University of Florida. Dr. Schmertmann is the past recipient of the American Society of Civil Engineers' Collingwood Prize, Norman Medal and Lifetime Achievement Award.

There is also a special site visit to view the mass excavations under way at the Arabian Canal by Limitless along with an exclusive look at the huge scale of future foundation work that will take place over the coming years.

Harry Poulos, Senior Principal, Coffey Geotechnics, described the inaugural conference in March 2008 as "an excellent event, well organised, with good speakers on relevant topics".

Piling & Deep Foundations 2009 will bring over 180 geotechnical and structural together to debate the latest foundation solutions implemented in the Gulf and across the world.

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About IQPC Middle East:
For over thirty years, IQPC has helped the world's leading corporations solve their business challenges through the sharing of practical industry solutions and global best practice. In the process, the company has built a formidable reputation for quality and value. During this time, the Middle East's most progressive companies have benefited from IQPC's unrivalled global reach, which has connected international expertise with regional and local leaders.

For more information, please contact
Chris Corander
Senior Conference Manager
IQPC Middle East
00971 4 364 2975
Chris.corander@iqpc.ae

© Press Release 2008