Geotechnical Webinar Series
Strengthening and underpinning projects suffer from outdated design assumptions that inflate costs and compromise performance—are we still ignoring fully coupled 3D SSI? In this GeoStruXer-led webinar series, we challenge conventional geotechnical thinking with real-world case studies and cutting-edge simulations that expose inefficiencies and unlock smarter, cost-effective solutions.
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
2:00 PM Gulf Standard Time
In the first webinar of this series, we will cover:
- The Hidden Risks of Relying Solely on Soil Reports.
- Underpinning Done Right – Key factors to consider when strengthening existing foundations for long-term stability.
- Designing Isolated Footings with Confidence – What to check to prevent unexpected settlement and failure.
- Common Mistakes in Foundation Strengthening – Lessons learned from real-world failures and how to avoid them.
- Fully Coupled 3D SSI in Plaxis – How advanced numerical modelling transforms foundation design and analysis.
- InSAR for Buildings Monitoring – Using satellite-based deformation tracking to assess historical and semi-real-time settlement.
- Case Studies from the Gulf Countries.
- Live Q&A.
Thursday, June 26, 2025
2:00 PM Gulf Standard Time
In part 2 of this series, we will cover:
- Field Measurements and Observations (1968–1989) – Key findings from a 21-year monitoring period of heave progression in an unoccupied basement.
- Advanced Constitutive Modeling in Plaxis – How Hardening Soil Small Strain (HSs) and Soft Soil (SS) models capture London Clay behavior.
- 3D FEA Model Calibration and Validation. Comparing field-measured heave with numerical predictions and refining soil parameters.
- Permeability and Time-Dependent Heave. The role of soil permeability in heave predictions and the importance of calibration.
- Key Takeaways for Engineering Design in London clay and Future Applications.
- Live Q&A.
Register now to secure your spot!
Thursday, November 20, 2025
2:00 PM Gulf Standard Time
In part 3 of this series, we will cover:
- Beyond Conventional Foundations – How fully coupled SSI models drive smarter, cost-effective raft designs.
- Post-Tensioned Rafts: A Game-Changer – Reducing raft thickness, material usage, and construction time without compromising performance.
- Controlling Differential Settlement – How PT rafts mitigate settlement issues in high-rise structures.
- Eliminating the Need for Piles & Ground Improvement – How we replaced traditional deep foundations with efficient standalone PT rafts.
- Optimising Stresses in Raft Foundations – Using post-tensioning to enhance load distribution and long-term structural integrity.
- Sustainability & Value Engineering – Cutting carbon footprint while maintaining safety and serviceability.
- Case Studies from Saudi Arabia & the Gulf.
- Live Q&A with Experts.
Register now to secure your spot!
Register Now
Meet the Presenters
Ahmed Gad
Geotechnical Software Consultant, Bentley Systems
Ahmed Gad earned his Civil Engineering Degree from Cairo University in 2014. With a passion to connect with Geotechnical Professionals and 10 years of experience in the field, Ahmed is dedicated to sharing his love of Bentley’s geotechnical software applications. Ahmed is a Geotechnical Software Consultant and has been with Bentley Systems since 2019.
Hamzah M. B. Al-Hashemi
CEO & Technical Director of GeoStruXer
Mr. Hamzah M. B. Al-Hashemi, CEO & Technical Director of GeoStruXer, has 12+ years’ experience in geotechnical engineering, with a B.Sc. (UofK), M.Sc. (KFUPM), and a PhD candidate (IIT Bombay) on dynamic soil-structure interaction and micropiled rafts. He led landmark projects across GCC, MENA, and Europe, co-founded the GGE Platform, authored Q1 articles, reviewed ISI journals, and specialised in advanced geotechnical methods, Plaxis, 3D FEA, InSAR, GIS, and AI. He is also an adjunct faculty at the American University of Bahrain (AUBH).
Christakis Iereidis
Senior Geotechnical Engineer, Geofem
Mr. Christakis Iereidis, Dual Msc degree holder and Senior Geotechnical Professional & Business Development Manager. He has extensive expertise in numerical modeling, geotechnical design, and digital engineering solutions. His working experience includes being an Associate Software Quality Analyst at Plaxis (Delft), a Geotechnical Engineer at CRUX Engineering (Netherlands), a Senior Geotechnical Engineer at Geofem and Associate Branch Manager of GeoStruXer handling projects worldwide covering the entire geotechnical spectrum. He is also a content creator for GeoEngineer and Civil Engineer, a member of Eurocode 7’s Cyprus National Committee (CYS TC 18 SC07), and served as guest lecturer at Cypriot universities covering Geotechnical topics.
