Soil conditions

The construction site is on hitherto undeveloped desert soil with the layers of alluvium that are typical of Dubai. The water table is 2.5 m below the ground surface. Both groundwater and soil are classified as aggressive because of their significant sulphate and chloride content and, on contact with metal structural components, could lead to corrosion – which would affect in particular the reinforced concrete foundation piles. It was therefore decided to provide metal components with cathodic corrosion protection.

This involves an electrochemical process which prevents the detachment of metal ions from metal surfaces by means of a protective circuit.