Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research develops national geotechnical database

Engineer Dana Al-Enezi, head of the project to establish a national geotechnical database at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), affirmed that the institute is working to develop this digital platform as a strategic necessity to support the country’s smart city vision, enhance crisis response capabilities, and prepare independent national engineering codes.

Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Saturday, Al-Enezi—of KISR’s Environment and Life Sciences Research Center—explained that the project focuses on the management and digital archiving of geotechnical data, which form a critical foundation for infrastructure design and construction.

She pointed out that the absence of a unified national database has long resulted in repeated errors, slower decision-making, and higher risks in major urban development projects. Digitization and integrated data management, she said, are now among the essential components of modern infrastructure planning.

Recalling the land subsidence issues that struck the Al-Dhaher area in 1988–1989, Al-Enezi noted that the incident underscored the need for a permanent, accessible knowledge system. The lack of a centralized database, she explained, led to delays in response and greater losses.

Al-Enezi highlighted that Kuwait still lacks a comprehensive geotechnical database or detailed subsurface maps. She praised pioneering Gulf experiences, particularly Saudi Arabia’s advanced geological data infrastructure developed through the Saudi Geological Survey, which provides digital platforms, national maps, and open access to subsurface data supporting major development and smart city projects.

She also cited the United Arab Emirates as a successful regional model in geo-digital transformation, noting initiatives by Abu Dhabi’s municipalities and transport departments to model subsurface layers and integrate geotechnical data into urban planning systems.

Al-Enezi emphasized that managing geological hazards requires a comprehensive geotechnical and geological data system based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Such a system would allow experts to analyze soil characteristics, anticipate potential issues, and implement early warning mechanisms—helping engineers and decision-makers understand subsurface conditions even before project feasibility studies.

She added that the database will serve as a key reference for preparing national engineering codes, including earthquake and geotechnical standards based on local soil dynamics and hazard coefficients, reducing reliance on foreign codes.

Al-Enezi noted the importance of this system for large national projects such as Al-Mutlaa Residential City and development works on Bubiyan Island, where soil complexity and seismic sensitivity require precise data-driven design solutions.

She concluded that establishing the national geotechnical database represents a cornerstone for advancing smart city management, improving infrastructure safety, and promoting sustainable urban development in line with Kuwait’s digital transformation goals.

Geotechnical engineering, she added, is a vital field of civil engineering that studies soil and rock behavior under various conditions to ensure the stability of structures such as buildings, bridges, tunnels, and dams, while mitigating risks such as land subsidence and seismic liquefaction.