In a speech read on his behalf by the Director of Technical Affairs and Relations with the Profession to the Minister of Equipment and Water, Lahcen Maazizi, during the opening session of the National Symposium on Geotechnics, which took place runs until October 19 under the theme “Soil instability: Mastery of works linked to instabilities”, Mr. Baraka underlined the importance for Moroccan geotechnical players to modernize their practices and adopt a sustainable vision to meet the challenges future.
In this sense, he highlighted the essential role that geotechnics plays in the realization of major infrastructure projects, guaranteeing the stability and durability of works such as roads, bridges, dams and tunnels.
Mr. Baraka also indicated that controlling cases of soil instability requires an integrated approach, combining in-depth studies, adapted design and continuous monitoring of structures, in line with environmental and financial issues, while encouraging technical innovation. to guarantee the safety and sustainability of infrastructure.
“Under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco has engaged in a series of structural development programs intended to support its economic and social growth, placing the Building and Public Works (BTP) sector at the heart of this dynamic as a key player in the construction of major infrastructure by 2030 and beyond”, noted the minister.
And added that ambitious projects, such as infrastructure for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the 2030 World Cup and the reconstruction of the Al Haouz region after the earthquake, require increased mobilization of construction stakeholders. , in particular geotechnicians, to respond to complex technical challenges.
For his part, the president of the Moroccan Committee of Soil Mechanics and Geotechnics (CMMSG), Lahcen Aït Brahim, explained that cases of soil instability are complex phenomena that can lead to serious consequences, such as landslides and collapses, which pose great risks to infrastructure, property and people.
In a world marked by increasing climate change and rapid urban expansion, it becomes imperative to achieve sustainable and effective solutions to prevent land instability and ensure project security, he observed. .
On the other hand, Mr. Aït Brahim indicated that this congress represents an opportunity to promote scientific research, continuing training and the sharing of professional expertise linked to construction sites affected by soil instability, with the aim of promoting sustainable development of infrastructure.
Furthermore, other speakers highlighted the sustained development of infrastructure in Morocco in recent years, as well as the completion of numerous structuring projects in sites with high technical complexity, noting that these projects have mobilized a large number of engineers and experts, thus offering national executives the opportunity to strengthen their geotechnical expertise, now recognized internationally.
Co-organized by the Moroccan Committee of Soil Mechanics and Geotechnics (CMMSG), the Moroccan Committee of Geosynthetics (CMG), the Moroccan Association of Earthquake Engineering (AMGS) and the Moroccan Association of Underground Works (AMTES), in collaboration with the Public Test and Study Laboratory (LPEE), this conclave constitutes a platform for exchange and reflection on the challenges and advances in geotechnics.
This event covers many subjects such as expansive and collapsible soils, underground cavities, superficial and deep structures, slope instability, dam construction, technical and specific works, excavations in urban areas, liquefaction of soils, as well as the use of geo-industrial materials in civil engineering, in addition to seismic phenomena and risks.