KPC Precast, a leading precast concrete manufacturer in Saudi Arabia, has recently seen the completion of a major car-park facility in King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), Riyadh’s ambitious financial hub, utilising full precast technology to address urban density challenges in the Saudi capital.
Standing 12 storeys tall (ground + 11), this structure is one of the largest of its kind in the kingdom. It was built using an “end-to-end” manufacturing model designed to eliminate the labour fluctuations and weather-related delays common in traditional site-cast construction.
“The latest car park facility delivered by KPC Precast is a masterclass in structural efficiency, representing one of the largest and most complex applications of full precast technology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” says Eng Ehab Abu Salim, CEO of KPC Precast.
Eng Abu Salim speaks to Gulf Construction at Big 5 Construct Saudi.
While traditional construction often falls victim to the unpredictability of weather delays, labour fluctuations, and material waste experienced with site-cast concrete, KPC Precast navigated this project through a fully integrated lifecycle. This “end-to-end” philosophy allowed the firm to control the narrative from the first consultation and specialised engineering design to high-precision manufacturing and rapid on-site installation.
“We aren’t just delivering components; we are delivering a high-performance system,” says the CEO. “By integrating design with manufacturing, we ensured that every element – from the foundation all the way up the ground-plus-11 storeys – aligned with sub-millimetre accuracy.”
Technical specifications
The project utilised specialised engineering to balance the massive weight-bearing capacity with the need for open, airy interiors, thus maximising interior space and structural integrity. To achieve this, KPC utilised long-span double-T slabs, which are prestressed elements used to create column-free zones, thus maximising parking capacity and improving the user experience for drivers; high-strength precast shear walls, designed to provide lateral rigidity against wind loads for the vertical structure; and prestressed beams, engineered to minimise the floor-to-ceiling profile, allowing KPC to pack more utility into the vertical space without sacrificing safety or aesthetics.
The KPC team celebrates the installation of the last precast element on the project.
Alignment with Vision 2030
As Saudi Arabia marches toward the goals of Vision 2030, the construction industry is under pressure to deliver green infrastructure. KPC Precast says this project showcases how precast technology is inherently sustainable.
The company reports that moving the construction process to a controlled factory environment resulted in a 25 per cent reduction in material waste and a significantly lower carbon footprint through optimised logistics. KPC Precast also notes that the thermal mass of high-grade precast concrete contributes to the building’s energy efficiency, a critical factor in the harsh desert climate of the Central Province.
Standing 12 storeys tall, the KAFD car-park is one of the largest of its kind in the kingdom.
Landmark project
“Ranking as one of the largest precast parking structures in Saudi Arabia, this project serves as a beacon for the giga-projects of the future. It proves that speed does not require a compromise in durability. The finish is sleek, the engineering is precise, and the reliability is absolute,” he says.
“For KPC Precast, the KAFD project stands as a testament to its commitment to building the kingdom of tomorrow. In the fast-paced era of Vision 2030, KPC has proven it is not merely a participant in the industry – it is leading the revolution,” he remarks.
The landmark structure was officially opened last year.
KPC Precast, a key member of the Al Kifah Group, has built a reputation for excellence in the precast concrete sector. With state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Dammam in the Eastern Province and Umluj in the Tabuk region to meet the environmental objectives, sustainability requirements and a commitment to quality, the company serves various sectors, including residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects.
As Riyadh prepares to host major global events and expand its financial hub, the completion of this major car-park facility serves as a benchmark for the rapid-build projects currently reshaping the kingdom’s landscape.