Jordan-based Arab Center for Engineering Studies (Aces), a leading geotechnical engineering and material testing firm, said it continues to play a major role in the ambitious Riyadh Metro project providing specialised services to all three consortia (Fast, ANM and Bacs) responsible for the metro project and their respective subcontractors.

Geotechnical works conducted by Aces include thorough soil investigations for lines 1, 3, 4 and 6, which required drilling, sampling, and extensive field testing of more than 200 boreholes.

For lines 1 and 2, the soil investigation work was coupled with geophysical testing including down holes, cross hole, acoustic televiewer and ERT (electrical resistivity testing), it stated.

Additionally, Aces has provided Fast Consortium with an extensive cavity probing study to detect voids and utilised their technical capabilities to implement remedial grouting works under the specific piers.

Currently, it is widely involved with a three-year contract to conduct the quality control and management work for ANM’s Line 3, he stated.

With two of the largest site labs in the kingdom, over 90 engineers and experienced technicians, the Jordanian group said it can conduct on-site testing of concrete, asphalt and ground materials covering piling and foundation, concrete erection and tunnel wall works in accordance to the most updated international testing standards.

Furthermore, Aces produces regular quality control reports that summarise the test findings and facilitates the key decision-making process for ANM.

In addition to the site labs and routine construction testing, the company is conducting more specialised testing for all three consortia through its Riyadh main lab which is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and is ISO 17025 certified.