USAID Annex

Conakry, Republic of Guinea

HWA provided geotechnical services for a new USAID building at the U.S. Embassy site in Conakry, Republic of Guinea. HWA was part of the design-build team that constructed the new embassy facilities at Conakry, and was selected to design and construct a new USAID building at the same site.

HWA performed explorations at the USAID site and developed recommendations for design of foundations for the proposed structure. HWA assisted in development of the foundation design and construction documents. During explorations at the site, HWA geologists discovered the presence of large voids below the site. The prospect of additional costs for alternative foundations and potential delay to mobilizing additional construction equipment to deal with the differing site conditions threatened the financial viability of the project.

Working with Integrus Architects and Caddell Construction Company, HWA Engineers developed and directed a plan to fill the voids by pressure grouting. As a result, more than 490 cubic meters of grout was pumped into the voids below the site to firm up the soils and provide solid bearing for building foundations. The grouting plan, which utilized equipment, materials, and labor available in Guinea, saved the project 4 to 6 months delay and several million dollars in additional expenses.