Analysis of the grand assembly area, Drydocks World – Dubai

Maximum working loads in the existing grand assembly area at Drydocks World – Dubai have been increased following three-dimensional finite-element analysis of the large ground-bearing slab and underlying carbonate sand. To obtain good calibration data, precise monitoring of the slab was undertaken during live launch operations using automated total station and precise levelling techniques. The uncertainty in these measurements was much improved at night in the absence of solar radiation and heat shimmer effects. The monitoring data revealed a higher stiffness of the carbonate sands than expected, which was the main reason for allowing working loads to be increased. It is recommended that more research be undertaken into the engineering properties of the calcareous soils of this region in order to develop more efficient geotechnical designs.