Beneath the Foundations of Okada Manila
What do luxury suites, massive gaming floors, and one of the world’s largest dancing fountains have in common? They all depend on something most visitors never see: the foundations beneath them. Okada Manila's Geotechnical Investigation is what keeps its foundations sturdy enough until today.
Located within Entertainment City in Pasay, Okada Manila was built on reclaimed land along Manila Bay. Like neighboring landmarks such as SM Mall of Asia and SM Arena, the world-class hotel and casino was constructed on reclaimed land, making this feat alone a remarkable achievement that came with unique engineering challenges.
Unlike naturally formed ground, reclaimed land is generally softer and more susceptible to settlement. It is also vulnerable to a phenomenon known as liquefaction, where saturated soil temporarily behaves like a liquid during strong seismic activity. In a country where earthquakes are a constant consideration in design and construction, addressing these risks is essential.
To ensure the long-term stability and safety of the development, deep foundation systems were utilized. These piles transfer structural loads through weaker surface layers and into stronger soil strata below, allowing massive structures such as Okada Manila to be supported safely and efficiently.
Given the scale of the project and the stringent standards expected by the clients, geotechnical investigation played a critical role during the planning and design stages. Known for their meticulous approach to safety and quality, the project stakeholders selected AGES to conduct the geotechnical investigation for the development.
Through comprehensive subsurface exploration and engineering analysis, AGES helped provide the data necessary for informed foundation design decisions. Understanding the site’s soil conditions allowed engineers to evaluate potential risks and determine the most appropriate foundation solutions for the project.
Today, millions of visitors admire Okada Manila’s impressive architecture, luxurious amenities, and entertainment offerings. Yet beneath the resort lies an equally impressive feat of engineering—one built on careful planning, rigorous investigation, and a commitment to safety from the ground up.
Because sometimes, the most important part of a landmark is the part no one ever sees.
