Navigating Complex Terrain: Onsite Challenges and Constraints

When discussing water-related challenges in the Middle East, it's easy to assume the focus would be solely on water scarcity. However, this isn't always the primary concern. Time and again, construction projects encounter unexpected delays and budget strains due to a singular, unanticipated setback - excess water. 

Whether it's a high water table asserting its presence or the site's situation in a high-risk flood zone, each challenge necessitates a strategic solution for managing water in a way that's both simple and cost-effective.

But before we delve into the solutions, let's first explore the typical onsite challenges and constraints concerning water.

Localised flooding:

Localised flooding typically occurs when the rate of precipitation exceeds the drainage capacity of the affected area's natural or artificial drainage systems. The excess water accumulates on the surface due to the topography of the area, particularly in low-lying regions or areas with poor drainage infrastructure. 

This usually follows heavy rainfall or storms, causing a surge in stormwater runoff. This sudden downpour can strain existing drainage systems and lead to flooding in areas unprepared for such volumes of water. It can happen suddenly and may be challenging to predict, making it a significant concern for public safety and property damage. 

We see many instances of localised flooding across the region. For example, as rain occurrences increase in the UAE due to cloud-seeding, drainage infrastructure has not been adapted quickly enough to cope with the excess rainfall. It doesn’t help that the majority of the UAE’s cities are highly concretised, causing stormwater to collect in roads and around buildings, leading to significant instances of localised flooding that result in increased traffic, road accidents and property damage.

High water table: 

A water table is the depth at which groundwater saturates the soil and rock layers beneath the Earth's surface. In instances where this is too close to, or above ground level, it's known as a high water table.

A high water table can cause challenges for construction sites due to water intrusion, wherein the groundwater levels risk seeping into the construction site. This could result in flooding, particularly where the land is excavated, potentially resulting in delays, damage to materials and potential safety hazards. If water were to flood the site, the resulting unstable base would require constant dewatering to prevent water ingress, inevitably bringing forth additional costs in terms of labour and equipment.

A study conducted in Al Ain showed that high groundwater was undermining the foundations of buildings in the area, and that the water was as close as 5 metres to the surface. It was reported that whilst it was unusual to find surface water in the desert to such a degree, they believed it was due to fluctuations in the water table and shows how even if preventative measures have been taken, water may rise again even after the construction is finished.

Limited drainage network:

What’s challenging about a limited drainage network is that it is an issue that runs deep in the infrastructure of cities, requiring proactive government support and a healthy budget to solve. Retrofitting or expanding a drainage network after a development is already in place can be expensive and logistically challenging.

Limited drainage networks, naturally, have a limited capacity to collect and redirect water. So when the network encounters any excess water, for example due to a storm event, it is overwhelmed, leading to flooding that poses a threat to damage and public health. If water cannot be effectively redirected into drainage networks, it can collect near roads and buildings. The build of this stagnant water - known as waterlogging -  is essentially a breeding ground for bacteria which can cause the spread of diseases or pests.

Then there’s the issue of property value. Persistent drainage issues and water logging may cause property damage, which landlords and developers then need to invest in repairing. It also may make certain areas less favourable to live in, decreasing the value of their property and negatively impacting their reputation.

How can Polypipe help?

From a consultancy point of view, we recommend early engagement of water management systems. It is more cost effective to integrate proper drainage systems, that account for excess water, during the initial planning and construction phases rather than after. This allows property developers to take a preventative rather than a reactive approach.

Furthermore, many regions have regulations to ensure proper drainage. A limited drainage network in your project may result in non-compliance, causing legal issues or delays. With over 50 years of experience in the region, Polypipe Middle East’s solutions are developed to comply with regulatory guidelines.

When it comes to water management solutions, property developers can mitigate the issues caused by limited drainage networks by capturing the water as close to where it falls as possible. This limits surface runoff, which collects pollutants and endangers public safety.

Polypipe Middle East’s signature water management solutions such as Polystorm and Permavoid are designed to alleviate the stress placed on drainage networks by diverting runoff through source control. 

For example, Polystorm helps alleviate localised flooding, tackle a high water table and address limited drainage networks by creating an underground void for efficient water collection. Their modular design ensures adaptability, seamlessly fitting into any space and offering unparalleled flexibility in terms of shape and size.

The water collection process can occur through connections to above-ground drainage for stormwater management, or via underground inlets when contending with a high water table. In either scenario, the system effectively extracts water from problematic areas, subjecting it to filtration and storage. The stored water can then be reused for various non-potable applications such as irrigation, helping to not only alleviate the initial challenge but also reduce water demand and its associated costs. Alternatively, the water can be released back into the ground in a carefully controlled manner to prevent oversaturation of the surrounding soil.

For inquiries on how our sustainable water management solutions can support your next project, please reach out to our technical team:

Tel: +971 (0) 4 518 3000 

Email: middleeast@polypipe.com