KAFD Basements – Leakage Investigation and Condition Assessment

The Problem

King Abdullah Financial District Building

The basements exhibited recurring signs of deterioration, including water leakage, damp patches, staining, efflorescence, debonded coatings, cracks, and leakage around pipe penetrations. These conditions were observed across walls, columns, soffits, slabs, plant rooms, lift pits, perimeter walls, and water-feature areas.

A condition assessment was required to understand the current condition of the basement structures and determine the extent of moisture-related damage. Across the assessed parcels, there was evidence of localised leakage and coating failure affecting concrete finishes and associated building elements. The investigation was also needed to determine whether the deterioration was related to groundwater intrusion, waterproofing deficiencies, drainage issues, or leakage from adjacent services.

Staining on basement walls.

Deterioration around water-feature zones.

Staining caused by groundwater ingress.

The Solution

Moisture testing.

The Vector Corrosion team completed a detailed investigation to evaluate the affected basement areas, identify potential sources of water ingress, and assess the condition of the concrete.

The investigation included:

• Visual condition inspection and defect mapping

• Water sampling and analysis

• Moisture testing

• Chloride and sulfate testing

• Impact Echo/Pulse Velocity testing

• Ground penetrating radar (GPR) testing to measure reinforcement cover

The findings from the investigation were then used to develop a targeted repair and maintenance strategy.

Recommendations included:

• Repairing waterproofing membranes at affected walls, slabs, joints, and penetrations

• Injecting cracks and sealing joints where water paths were identified

• Improving drainage and dewatering systems, including subsoil drainage and basement pump arrangements

• Installing or upgrading submersible pumps at lift pits and basement collection areas

• Repairing damaged coatings and localised concrete defects

• Verifying groundwater influence and assessing the role of nearby utility networks where leakage may be migrating into the basements

The Result

The investigation identified failed waterproofing and ineffective groundwater collection and dewatering systems as the primary contributors to leakage, with nearby pipe networks and water-related features identified as possible additional sources.

The findings allowed affected areas to be prioritised and provided a clear basis for repair planning, including practical recommendations and costed options to support implementation and long-term maintenance.