Soil testing in Saudi Arabia: A necessity to keep pace with Vision 2030 projects

In a strategic move reflecting the commitment to the quality and sustainability of the Kingdom’s infrastructure, the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has stressed that expanding the application of soil testing has become an absolute necessity to keep pace with the enormous development boom witnessed in various regions of the Kingdom, especially in light of the mega-projects stemming from Saudi Vision 2030.

General context: A solid foundation for ambitious goals

This call comes at a time when the Kingdom is witnessing the launch and implementation of unprecedented projects in terms of scale and engineering, such as the futuristic city of NEOM, the Red Sea Project, the Diriyah Gate, and other projects that demand the highest standards of precision and safety during their construction phases. The Kingdom's diverse geography, ranging from coastal plains with saline soil (sabkha) to desert areas with sandy, unstable soil, and mountainous regions, presents unique geotechnical challenges. Therefore, soil testing is no longer a routine procedure but has become a fundamental pillar for ensuring the long-term safety and stability of structures.

The importance of soil testing and its expected impact

Soil testing, also known as geotechnical investigations, is a precise scientific process aimed at determining the physical and chemical properties of the soil at a project site. These tests help engineers understand the soil's bearing capacity, its stability, the groundwater level, and identify any harmful substances that could affect the concrete or reinforcing steel. Based on this data, appropriate foundations are designed for the building, whether shallow or deep, preventing serious future problems such as differential settlement, cracking in the walls, or even, in the worst-case scenario, complete building collapse.

Expanding these tests and standardizing their criteria under the supervision of the Standards Authority will lead to multiple positive effects:

• At the local level: raising the level of safety and quality in the building and construction sector, protecting lives and property, reducing future maintenance and repair costs, and enhancing confidence in the Saudi real estate market.
• At the regional level: Consolidating the Kingdom’s position as a leader in the application of best engineering practices and quality standards, thus setting an example for neighboring countries that are also experiencing an urban renaissance.
• At the international level: Reassuring investors and global companies that projects in Saudi Arabia are built on solid scientific foundations and in accordance with the highest international standards, which enhances the Kingdom’s attractiveness as a destination for huge investments.

In conclusion, it can be said that the Standards Authority’s emphasis on the importance of soil testing is not just a technical recommendation, but rather an integral part of a comprehensive vision aimed at building a sustainable and safe future, in which every facility and infrastructure is able to withstand and keep pace with the Kingdom’s ambitions for decades to come.