Countermeasures Against Soil Liquefaction At Galataport Project In Istanbul, Turkey

The paper describes an innovative geotechnical engineering solution that has been provided within the scope of the Galataport Project, in Istanbul, Turkey. Among all interesting geotechnical works included in the Project, this paper presents the design principle, adopted technologies and performance controls related to the Multi- Purpose Bottom Plug (MPBP). This original geotechnical engineering solution has been employed for the deep basement excavation in Karaköy and consists of a combination of seepage control, ground improvement, and load bearing elements, which have been executed with double-fluid jet grouting, pseudo-elliptical jet grouting and permanent micropiles, respectively. The paper highlights the importance of employing cutting-edge technologies within the foundation engineering field and state-of-the-art electronic control devices, in parallel with the essential human expertise, in order to obtain the desired results in this high-profile Project.