Eighth Scientific Symposium (Online) – 2020

Eighth Scientific Symposium (Virtual)
Scope: Site Preparation and Treatment of Subsidence in Old Mosul City Prior to Reconstruction
Date: December 12, 2020 (8 PM, Google Meet)
Organizer: Center for Dams & Water Resources Research, University of Mosul

Context

In response to the COVID‑19 pandemic and its restrictions on in‑person events, the Center held this fully online symposium—attended by faculty, researchers, and stakeholders—to address the geotechnical challenges facing Mosul’s historic core before rebuilding.

Symposium Director

Prof. Dr. Khalil Ibrahim Othman
Director, Center for Dams & Water Resources Research

Preparatory Committee

  • Dr. Qutaiba T. Al‑Yuzbakey (Chair)
  • Eng. Riyad Ezzedine Al‑Na‘imi (Member)
  • Dr. Ali M. Suleiman (Member)
  • Dr. Hadeer G. M. Adeeb (Member)
  • Dr. Khalil I. Othman (Member)
  • Ms. Yusra T. Abdul‑Baqi (Member)
  • Mr. Ihsan F. Hassan (Member)

Scientific Program

  1. Opening Remarks
    Prof. Dr. Qutaiba T. Al‑Yuzbakey
  2. Historical Overview of Mosul City
    Asst. Prof. Dr. Qutaiba T. Al‑Yuzbakey
    – From Assyrian origins through Islamic, Ottoman, and modern eras
    – Cycles of construction, conquest, and rebuilding have left buried debris layers, undermining soil stability
  3. Key Urban Features of Old Mosul
    Res. Eng. Rahma S. Al‑Akidi
    – Name, demographics, climate, economy
    – Heritage landmarks (mosques, churches, bridges, old quartiers) requiring sensitive restoration
  4. Geology of Mosul Area
    Prof. Dr. Hadeer G. M. Adeeb
    – Surface geology and subsurface stratigraphy (Fatha Formation: gypsum, limestone, marl)
    – Karstic dissolution and piping leading to voids and ground movement
  5. Engineering Challenges in Mosul
    Res. Dr. Izz Al‑Deen S. Al‑Jawadi
    – Gypsum’s mineral‑physical properties and dissolution behavior
    – Sinkholes, subsidence, and differential settlement under historic infill zones

Key Recommendations

  1. Geophysical Surveys
    – Map subsurface voids with electrical‑resistivity and seismic methods before any new construction.
  2. Deep Foundations
    – Avoid shallow foundations; use piled or drilled‑shaft systems bearing on competent limestone layers.
  3. Integrate Geological Data
    – Require geological, geotechnical, geomorphologic, and hydrogeologic maps in all urban master plans.
  4. Void Remediation
    – Grout infilled sinkholes and stabilize soft zones with engineered backfill and compaction.
  5. Water‑Infrastructure Rehabilitation
    – Repair old water‑supply and sewer lines to prevent leakage‑induced piping; install modern storm‑drainage networks.
  6. Wadi Restoration
    – Rehabilitate historic wadis (dry streambeds) traversing the old city to manage seasonal flows.
  7. Land‑Use Controls
    – Prohibit new construction on active alluvial deposits; reserve these for green spaces and urban agriculture due to shallow groundwater.
  8. Heritage‑Stone Conservation
    – Carefully salvage decorative gypsum‑stucco from old buildings and reuse in restoration to preserve authentic architectural character.