Geotech engineering in Kyrgyzstan 1

[bmike]

Have been asked to look into a potential building site in Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan.

Does anyone have any information or leads/contacts for this area?

I am particularly interested in the availability of regional surficial geology information, the local capabilities of the geotechnical engineering industry, local codes, public agencies with this type of info, etc.

Thanks for anything at all.

 

[concretemasonry]

Start with the local technical institute for pure technical information. Usually they are very knowledgable and possibly too specialized, but good.

Under the old USSR system, the technical institutes frequently were deeply involved in design and construction. Many of the same people and systems are still in effect because of the number of semi-private design and construction firms that are entrepeneurial rather than technical.

Many construction firms have been privatized to an extent, but the government is still where much of the technical work is done. - I think it would be quite true is your field especially.

Having someone that speaks the language will be a necessity, especially in that area. It is not like Moscow and is like a socialistice Russian/Asian wild west if you venture far from the center of town. I have not been in that particular location, but all the cities and independent states in that area are amzingly similar.

Whoever requested your services obviously has contacts and it would be wise to try there first, since you do not want to wander off and deal with a politically competitive organization.