How do they prepare sand dunes to build roads, houses, and other projects on top of?

469 views

Given that the sand of sand dunes are much finer and smoother than beach sand, how does Dubai/the UAE have so many things that seem to be built on them?

​

It’s just impressive, given that whenever I try to stand on top of one, I sink and slide to the bottom and find it hard to balance. I can’t imagine what building on one is like, and I can’t find any videos or information on it—either beaches or flat desert, but not on sand dunes!

​

Basically, I’m curious about the challenge and process for building on sand dunes, and would appreciate an explanation.

​

Thanks in advance!

In: 1603

9 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Depends what’s under them.

I worked building roads through the desert. Mostly the dune was scraped flat then some form of grave base was laid down, more layers of gravel then tarmac. You needed a lot! Then you find the dunes move / get blown and you’re forever clearing sand off the road 🙄

You are viewing 1 out of 9 answers, click here to view all answers.