Geotechnical Investigation for Kanizan Construction – Mountainview Residential Complex
Overview
The Mountainview Residential Complex represents one of the largest and most ambitious residential development projects in the outskirts of Sulaymaniyah. Designed as a modern community with multi-story buildings, villas, commercial spaces, and green zones, the project required a deep understanding of the geological conditions that define this region’s challenging terrain.
Charmo Geolab was selected as the primary geotechnical partner for the project due to our advanced laboratory capabilities, field expertise, and proven track record in supporting high-profile developments across the Kurdish region.
The area is characterized by mixed soil formations, variable topography, and fault-influenced geological structures typical of the Zagros belt. These conditions made extensive testing essential to ensure safe foundation design, long-term structural performance, and cost-efficient construction planning.
Project Scope
To generate a clear geotechnical profile for the entire construction zone, Charmo Geolab executed a comprehensive sequence of field and laboratory investigations:
Borehole Drilling (Up to 25 Meters)
Our drilling teams deployed heavy-duty rotary rigs capable of penetrating clay, gravel, and fractured bedrock formations. Boreholes were strategically positioned across building blocks, roads, and service structures to capture all variations in soil strata.
Standard Penetration Tests (SPT)
SPT tests were performed at continuous intervals to determine the relative density and bearing capacity of the subsurface. These results were essential in understanding settlement behavior and selecting appropriate foundation systems for each structure type.
Groundwater Monitoring
Long-term groundwater level fluctuations were monitored through dedicated observation wells. This helped identify seasonal changes, hydraulic conductivity, and potential impacts on basement structures and retaining walls.
Laboratory Testing
Collected soil samples underwent comprehensive laboratory analysis, including: Atterberg limits Grain size distribution Specific gravity Consolidation tests Shear strength analysis Compaction and moisture-density curves These tests provided precise engineering parameters for the design team.
Results & Recommendations
Our findings revealed that the site consists of alternating layers of medium-plasticity clay, silty gravel, and shallow weathered bedrock. Key recommendations included: Raft foundations for low-rise residential buildings to evenly distribute loads. Deep piled foundations for the central residential tower, ensuring stability against settlement and structural movement. Vibro-compaction and partial soil replacement in localized areas where loose gravel and collapsible soil were observed. Proper drainage channels and waterproofing solutions due to fluctuating groundwater conditions.
Impact
The detailed geotechnical model provided by Charmo Geolab enabled Kanizan Construction to: Reduce construction risks Optimize material usage Avoid overdesigning foundations Prevent future settlement issues Improve structural lifespan Our work ultimately contributed to a safer, more efficient, and financially optimized development of one of Sulaymaniyah’s most promising residential communities.