Overview
Reliable geotechnical data is the essential precondition for any structural
engineering design. Without an accurate understanding of subsurface
conditions, foundation design cannot be safely optimised — and structures
may be over-engineered at unnecessary cost or under-engineered with risk
of failure. UNOPS engaged SETAC to conduct detailed geotechnical
investigations for two key infrastructure sites in South Sudan: the proposed
Women’s Empowerment Community Centres (WECC) in Torit and Wau —
facilities that will provide vital social and economic services to women in
these communities.
SETAC’s geotechnical team deployed to both sites, executing a structured
investigation programme that included test pits, borehole drilling, soil
sampling, laboratory analysis, and bearing capacity assessments.
Subsurface soil profiles were established for each site, identifying soil
classification, moisture content, compaction characteristics, and foundation
bearing capacities. Detailed geotechnical investigation reports were
produced for each site, providing UNOPS and their structural engineering
designers with the verified data required to proceed with confidence to
detailed design.
THE CHALLENGE
Conducting geotechnical investigations at two remote sites in South Sudan
— Torit in Eastern Equatoria and Wau in Western Bahr El Ghazal —
required the simultaneous deployment of field teams across geographically
dispersed locations with distinct logistics profiles. SETAC’s experienced
field operations capability and established South Sudan presence ensured
efficient mobilisation and the delivery of high-quality geotechnical data
within UNOPS’s programme timeline.