Background:

Al Bidda Parking lot is a major public park located in the heart of Doha, Qatar. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, featuring a range of attractions, including playgrounds, walking paths, and water features. The park was originally constructed in 1970 and has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years to maintain its functionality and appeal.

Design Analysis:

As part of a recent inspection, it was discovered that the park's underground structures were experiencing excessive loading capacity, which posed a potential safety risk to park visitors. The consulting engineers recommended a retrofitting solution using carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites to strengthen the structures and increase their load-bearing capacity.

The CFRP composites were selected for their high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and ease of installation. The design analysis involved a detailed structural assessment of the underground structures, followed by the development of a retrofitting plan that incorporated the use of CFRP plates to reinforce the critical areas.

Conclusion:

The CFRP composites strengthening project was successfully completed, resulting in significant improvements to the load-bearing capacity of the underground structures at Al Bidda Park. The use of CFRP composites provided a cost-effective and sustainable solution that minimized disruption to the park's operations and ensured the safety of park visitors. The project was completed on time and within budget, demonstrating the effectiveness and reliability of CFRP composites as a retrofitting solution for underground structures.