The Galataport Project in Istanbul, Turkey. A Unique Case History in Geotechnical Engineering-Paper

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The Galataport project redeveloped Istanbul’s historic port into a modern cruise terminal, public waterfront, and restored cultural site. Its geotechnical works were challenging because of weak, liquefiable fill and marine sands, high seismic risk, groundwater, heritage buildings, and construction alongside ongoing port operations.<br /><br />At Salıpazarı, a 1,200 mm diaphragm wall and the new quay were integrated with extensive ground improvement. The quay used a combi-wall of bored piles, followed by controlled backfilling and deep soil mixing with 1,500 mm tangent columns. The treatment stabilized loose fill, reduced liquefaction risk, and created a stiff zone to transfer ship loads between the quay and terminal. Automated Drilling Mate Systems (DMS) controlled construction parameters and supported remote monitoring; 3D data reconstruction helped verify diaphragm-wall execution.<br /><br />At Karaköy, ground beneath three protected historic buildings was improved using 1,500 mm single-fluid jet-grouting columns to increase bearing capacity and reduce liquefaction risk. Columns around planned partial basements also formed temporary retaining walls. Underpinning micropiles enabled the future excavations beneath two buildings. Work was performed indoors with only three metres of headroom, using compact electric rigs. Trial columns, coring, laboratory testing, and real-time building monitoring supported quality and safety.<br /><br />The project demonstrates the value of combining specialized construction technologies, electronic control and monitoring, detailed field trials, and close collaboration among the client, consultant, and contractor in complex urban foundation engineering.

Keywords

Galataport

Istanbul port redevelopment

geotechnical engineering

diaphragm wall

ground improvement

deep soil mixing

jet grouting

micropiles

liquefaction mitigation

heritage building protection