Maples 2 Residential Building – Dubai
Project Overview
CDE Engineering Services was appointed by Lootah Real Estate Development to carry out a detailed structural assessment and develop repair and strengthening solutions for the basement and ground level structural elements of the Maples 2 Residential Building located in Al Raffa, Dubai.
The building comprises two basement levels, ground floor, and eight upper floors, constructed around 2005. The basements are primarily used for parking, transformer rooms, and storage facilities. The objective of the project was to evaluate structural integrity, identify causes of deterioration, and develop practical rehabilitation solutions.
Client
Lootah Real Estate Development
Location
Dubai, UAE
Client Challenge
The structure exhibited signs of deterioration, particularly in basement and ground floor slabs, including cracking, delamination, and corrosion of reinforcement.
There were concerns regarding the integrity of post-tensioned slabs, chloride contamination due to water ingress, and potential deficiencies in structural performance. The client required a detailed assessment to understand the extent of damage and to develop a comprehensive repair and strengthening strategy.
Scope of Work
Our Approach
CDE conducted a systematic investigation combining field testing and structural analysis.
Representative locations were selected for detailed investigation using both non-destructive and destructive testing methods. The structural performance of the basement raft slab was evaluated using finite element modelling in SAFE, considering both the raft and pile cap as thick shell elements.
The assessment focused on understanding whether observed cracking and deterioration affected the structural capacity of the elements to safely carry operational loads, while also identifying appropriate repair strategies.
Key Findings
Concrete deterioration was observed at the basement raft slab, primarily due to corrosion of reinforcement caused by chloride ingress.
Localized corrosion of post-tensioned tendons was identified in the ground floor slab, leading to delamination and spalling of concrete. The source of chloride contamination was linked to water ingress through cracks and construction joints.
Structural assessment revealed that certain areas of the ground floor post-tensioned slab were deficient under serviceability and ultimate limit states, requiring strengthening.
Additionally, non-grouted PT tendons were found beyond acceptable limits, indicating quality issues. While basement columns did not show visible distress, core testing indicated lower compressive strength compared to original specifications, necessitating further evaluation.
Solutions & Recommendations
CDE proposed a comprehensive rehabilitation strategy addressing both durability and structural deficiencies.
Removal and replacement of contaminated concrete was recommended for affected areas, particularly in the raft slab. Waterproofing systems were to be repaired and reinstated at all construction joints, cracks, and potential water ingress locations using appropriate injection techniques.
In severely affected areas of the ground floor slab, partial replacement of post-tensioned slab with conventional reinforced concrete slab was recommended based on repair design.
Strengthening measures were proposed for deficient elements to ensure compliance with serviceability and strength requirements.
These solutions were supported by detailed repair drawings and specifications for implementation.
Outcome
The project provided the client with a clear understanding of structural condition, causes of deterioration, and associated risks.
Through a combination of detailed assessment and tailored rehabilitation design, CDE enabled effective restoration of structural integrity and durability. The recommended measures ensure safe operation of the building and extend the service life of critical structural elements.
