Geophysical Exploration and Securing Massive Digital Facilities.
Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) Survey for Cavity Detection at the Desert Dragon Data Center
This project represents a strategic model for advanced ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and engineering geophysics applications aimed at protecting sensitive digital infrastructure in Al-Kharj Governorate. The scope involved designing survey paths and governing subsurface exploration works for the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON). These efforts help enhance site readiness and improve execution feasibility and safe field operations for the massive data center.
The project focused on studying and exploring subsurface soil layers from a comprehensive engineering perspective. This included deploying high-frequency, high-precision Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) waves to penetrate the soil and generate integrated grid scan areas. The primary objective was to detect any caves, cavities, or subsurface voids that could threaten the structural integrity of the foundations supporting the data center's servers and systems. Additionally, the survey detected existing underground utilities, determined bedrock thickness, and included civil, geophysical, and coordination works to ensure a more secure and sustainable tech facility in line with building codes and architectural aesthetics.
Geophysical Exploration Technology and Securing Massive Digital Facilities..
Scope of Work
- Executing Grid GPR SurveysConducting intensive geophysical inspection across the entire designated data center footprint to ensure the subsurface is entirely free from anomalies, structural defects, or random voids.
- Mapping and Characterizing Subsurface Cavities and VoidsRendering 3D digital maps of subsurface anomalies and air pockets, determining their exact depths with ultimate precision to guide targeted engineering soil remediation works.
- Subsurface Utility Tracking and Asset ProtectionMonitoring and locating existing underground pipelines and utility cables within the industrial zone to prevent any damage during excavation and foundation installation phases.
Al Marsad Al Makani provided engineering design, quality control, geophysical, and radar inspection services across multiple vital tech projects in the Al-Kharj region. This was achieved by coordinating and monitoring survey phases and aligning them with approved building code requirements and relevant stakeholders. The scope of work also included developing executable site solutions, cross-referencing extracted geophysical data with architectural and structural blueprints, and supporting technical and field execution to guarantee seamless integration between civil, architectural, electrical, and mechanical (MEP) aspects within the project scope.
Services Provided in the Project
- Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) Subsurface SurveyEmploying state-of-the-art non-destructive ground radar systems to penetrate the soil and securely provide detailed cross-sections of shallow and deep subsurface layers.
- Cavity and Air Pocket DetectionProcessing and analyzing reflected radar waves to precisely pinpoint underground voids and caves, safeguarding the strategic facility against sudden soil subsidence risks.
- Digital Underground Utility MappingTracking and locating cables and service utility pipelines with millimeter precision, documenting them to secure excavation and construction paths while protecting industrial city assets.
- Geophysical Analysis and ReportingDelivering technical studies and computational analyses backed by the necessary engineering and geotechnical recommendations for soil remediation to ensure safe foundation and construction decisions.
