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August 19, 2022 foasummit0

Etihad Rail has achieved a new milestone in the development of the National Rail Network, with the arrival of the first batches of the company’s new and advanced rolling stock fleet.

The locomotives and wagons reached the UAE via Zayed and Al Musaffah Ports and will operate across the whole network upon its completion. The achievement comes in line with Etihad Rail’s efforts to achieve the objectives of the UAE Railways Programme, the largest land transport system of its kind in the UAE, which was launched as part of the Projects of the 50, the largest set of national strategic projects that seek to set up a new phase of development across UAE for the next fifty years, a statement said.

The UAE Railways Programme aims to set a new roadmap for transporting goods and passengers via train across the country, which will contribute to developing a sustainable land transport system that connects the cities of the UAE via railways.

In June 2022, Etihad Rail signed a $326.7mn deal for passenger trains with CAF.

Etihad Rail said it would increase its fleet of heavy freight locomotives to 45 heavy transport locomotives, which is equivalent to six times of its current fleet. Progress Rail will handle the manufacturing and supply of the new EMD SD70 electro-motive diesel locomotives.

Furthermore, the company increased the size of its wagons, with the new fleet aiming to house more than 1,000 multi-purpose wagons – three times its current fleet. China’s CRRC Group will handle the manufacturing and supply of the new fleet of wagons, the statement said.

Mohammed Al Marzouqi, Executive Director of Rail Relations Sector at Etihad Rail said: “The arrival of the new fleet of locomotives and wagons to the UAE on schedule reflects the level of the achievements that the Etihad Rail project is realising in the development of the UAE National Railway Network. Upon completion and becoming fully operational, the network will contribute to revitalising and bolstering economic growth in the UAE, particularly during the next 50 years, by providing reliable and safe freight services with high efficiency.

“The network will also contribute to the region’s economic growth upon its connection with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) network, which will consolidate the UAE’s position as a regional and global centre for shipping and logistics services. This achievement comes as part of the company’s preparations to operate the network according to the highest global standards in the future.”

Etihad Rail’s new fleet was designed specifically to withstand regional climate conditions, and the high temperatures and humidity levels in the GCC region, ensuring the highest levels of performance, efficiency, and sustainability. In August, Liebherr said it had successfully tested air conditioning unit destined for use in Etihad Rail trains.

The fleet will increase the capacity of the UAE National Rail Network to more than 60m tonnes of goods per year. Etihad Rail’s new fleet will also contribute towards reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 70%-80%.

“We made sure that the company’s new fleet is among the most modern in the region and the world, providing the highest safety criteria in terms of design, ensuring the best specifications for sustainability and environmental protection, and integrating the latest technologies for train operation and monitoring. We also ensured that the fleet suits the local geography and climate in the UAE and the region and meets current and future needs of Etihad Rail’s clients, including industrial companies, shipping companies, building materials suppliers, quarriers, and more,” Al Marzouqi added.

Each of the fleet’s new EMD SD70 locomotives packs 4,600hp, which is said to make them amongst the most powerful engines in the Middle East. The locomotives are equipped with the latest filtering innovations such as the pulse sand filtering system, which ensures that the train operates at high effectiveness and efficiency when passing through desert regions. They also incorporate and comply the latest technologies and standards for reducing emissions.

The locomotives are also equipped with advanced on-board technologies and systems like the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2, the most advanced signalling system of its kind, in order to ensure safety, security, and reliability, in addition to efficiency and sustainability. Each locomotive can pull 100 wagons, which is equivalent to the capacity of 300 trucks. The volume of goods transported by these trains is equivalent to 5,600 daily truck trips.

“Our diesel-electric EMD SD70 locomotives meet the highest global standards,” commented Marty Haycraft, Progress Rail President and Chief Executive Officer. “Etihad Rail’s new fleet is a great example of what our customers have come to expect from our advanced locomotives, which are designed to perform in extreme conditions.”

The wagons are equipped with the latest braking, signalling, control, communication, and safety systems. The variety of wagons will enable a higher flexibility and capability in transporting goods of various sizes, including petrochemicals, raw steel and its products, limestone, cement, building materials, industrial and household waste, aluminum, food, and assorted goods. This helps reduce transportation costs by 30% and increase logistic efficiency, which drives economic success for clients and users of the network. In addition, railway transport will reduce road congestion caused by trucks, which are currently the only shipping method.

The new locomotives and wagons will be stored at Etihad Rail’s facilities in Al Mirfa until the completion of construction works on the UAE National Railway Network. The development of the network is proceeding at a rapid pace and marking a number of achievements, the most recent being finishing 75% of Stage Two of the project within 28 months.

Ben Quak, General Manager of CRRC UAE concluded: CRRC is excited to be a partner in Stage Two of the UAE National Rail Network, contributing to the growth of Etihad Rail, the UAE, and the region by supporting the development of the rail industry. We are pleased to witness the successful delivery of the multi-function wagons, which will contribute to reducing carbon emissions and provide safe, sustainable, and efficient services.”

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August 19, 2022 foasummit0

CASE Construction Equipment, a brand of CNH Industrial, has produced its 50,000th backhoe loader, from its facility in the district of Madhya Pradesh in India, the manufacturer has revealed.

In a statement announcing the milestone Fabrizio Cepollina, Vice President CNH Industrial Construction Segment in Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific said, “CASE has been manufacturing backhoe loaders since 1957, when the industry’s first factory integrated BHL was produced by CASE; and the brand’s latest range of those machines further drive our legacy of excellence to newer heights. This is a moment of pride for us, and we are working towards making our well-equipped plant a global manufacturing hub for CNH Industrial products.”

Earlier in the year, at the 2022 Construction Machinery Middle East Awards, the firm walked away with wins in two categories.

Built in 1989, the CNH Industrial plant in the town of Pithampur, has been manufacturing a range of construction equipment including backhoe loaders, compactors and crawler-excavators.

CNH Industrial also has a significant Research and Development facility at Pithampur, where its engineers ensure that machines go through regular upgrades and are future ready. As part of the company’s sustainability goals contributing to reducing carbon emission, solar panels have been installed at its Pithampur plant to help provide up to 25% of the plant’s energy through natural sources. At present, the facility exports to over 75 countries including Africa and the Middle East, Asia Pacific region, North America and Latin America markets.

In August 2022, the firm introduced a new machinery category with the launch of the Minotaur DL550 Compact Dozer Loader launch.

“The 50,000th Backhoe Loader rollout is a proud moment for us at CNH Industrial; and reaffirms our potential, encouraging us to continue to produce versatile machines for our customers all over the world,” concluded Satendra Tiwari, Pithampur Plant Head.

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August 19, 2022 foasummit0

According to a new report by CBRE, in the 12 months to July 2022, average residential rents in Dubai increased by 23.7%. This represents the highest annual growth since May 2014.

Average apartment and villa rents increased by 23.5% and 24.8% respectively, which translates – as at July 2022 – into average apartment rents of $22,600, and for villas a figure of $71,000 per annum.

In the rental market, the highest annual apartment and villa rents were in Palm Jumeirah, where rents on average were $59,830, and in Al Barari, where rents on average were $251,833.

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Meanwhile, the total volume of transactions in Dubai’s residential market reached 6,524 in July 2022, up 58% from a year earlier. Over this period, off-plan sales increased by 59% and secondary market sales by 57.1%. Total transaction volumes in the year to date to July 2022 reached 45,793 – the highest total recorded since 2009.

As at July 2022, average apartment prices in Dubai stood at $303 per sqft and average villa prices stood at $363 per sqft. Compared to the highs witnessed in late 2014, these rates per square foot are 25.1% and 7.6% below the peak, for apartments and villas, respectively.

Taimur Khan, Head of Research – MENA at CBRE in Dubai, commented: “Despite the summer period, which usually sees more subdued activity levels, sales activity in Dubai’s residential market remained buoyant in July 2022, with 6,524 units transacting in the month, up 50.8% from a year earlier.”

In terms of the top three locations for apartment rental growth, in the 12 months to July 2022, rents in Palm Jumeirah, Downtown and Dubai Marina saw rents increase by 39.8%, 38.4% and 35.7% on average, respectively.”

In August 2022, Sharjah said its new ‘Holiday Homes Project’ is set to diversify its economic growth, while later in the month, the CBRE noted that Bahrain’s real estate transaction volumes are on a positive trajectory.

 

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August 18, 2022 foasummit0

Following completion of a $400mn transaction, Apollo, through its managed investment vehicles, has acquired an 11.1% minority stake in Aldar Investment Properties (AIP). The subsidiary of Abu Dhabi-listed Aldar Properties is the region’s largest institutional-class real estate platform.

The transaction involved the issuance of $400mn in common equity and mandatory convertible preferred equity at 100% of NAV into AIP, which houses Aldar’s core asset management business; this comprises more than $6.3bn of prime real estate assets across retail, residential, commercial, and logistics segments. The diversified portfolio is said to have been highly resilient through a number of challenging economic cycles, with occupancy standing at 92% as of June 30, 2022.

The acquisition is part of Apollo’s previously announced $1.4bn investment into Aldar’s continuing growth initiatives.

By providing significant financial backing, the transaction is a catalyst for AIP to significantly scale up its real estate platform through further transformative acquisitions, a statement from Aldar said.

AIP has been expanding rapidly this year and in July announced the acquisition of four prime Grade A commercial towers in Abu Dhabi Global Market, Abu Dhabi’s financial centre, for $1.7bn.

Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group Chief Executive Officer at Aldar Properties, commented: “We welcome Apollo as strategic investors in Aldar Investment Properties at a time when we are building significant scale, diversification, and synergies across the region’s premium platform for property ownership. Apollo is a highly respected global investor, and this commitment displays strong belief in Aldar’s transformational growth agenda and reinforces the reputation of the UAE and Abu Dhabi, which is experiencing a trend of increasing capital inflows from long-term institutional investors.”

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Source: ME Construction News


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August 18, 2022 foasummit0

WiredScore, the organisation behind the WiredScore and SmartScore certifications – the internationally recognised digital connectivity and smart building rating systems for real estate, has announced the appointment of John Hillard to lead its expansion into the Middle East.

In a statement, the company said that Hillard will form an integral part of WiredScore’s wider offering to Middle Eastern real estate developers, landlords, and asset managers in enabling digital connectivity, bolstering the regional real estate sector.

With significant expertise driving growth in the real estate and technology sectors at global businesses, Hillard will be working to identify how to best improve and maintain digital connectivity for buildings across the region, the company said.

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Commenting on Hillard’s appointment, Tom McClellan, Country Director, UK & Ireland and Growth Markets, at WiredScore, said: “The Middle East is a highly dynamic region, with a range of ambitions across the connected building and broader smart cities space. John’s wealth of experience and his extensive knowledge of both the Middle East and the real estate sectors will support regional clients who want their buildings to align with increasing demands from tenants for future-proofed offices that are underpinned by robust technology and digital connectivity.”

“For real estate developers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Doha, and other cities across the region, the demand for a globally recognised, ESG-aligned, digital certification system is evident. John’s appointment is a clear indication of our commitment to the in-region property and construction sector.”

Prior to WiredScore, Hillard has led teams at Hassell, the international architecture, design and urban planning firm, with key responsibilities for driving growth across the UK, European and Middle East. He also spent several years working with ARUP, a British multinational professional service firm in the built environment operating across 35 countries.

PNC Menon, Chairman of Sobha Group said that digital transformation strengthens real estate resilience.

In these roles, he was responsible for driving the growth of the company’s commercial property vertical across the UK, Middle East, as well as the USA.

John Hilliard, Middle East Lead at WiredScore, commented: “There has never been a more exciting moment to be involved in the Middle East real estate sector. The size and aspiration of projects across the region is clear: both in terms of sheer scale, but also in the role technology has in the flight to quality that we’re seeing across the Middle East. WiredScore is uniquely positioned to support regional real estate developers in meeting their goals, alongside supporting the broader visions of their national governments.”

WiredScore has two certifications: WiredScore and SmartScore. The WiredScore certification is the global digital connectivity rating scheme, working with landlords to assess, improve, benchmark and promote their buildings. The SmartScore certification defines what smart buildings are, and how to build them, allowing landlords in the world to understand, improve and communicate the user functionality and technological foundations of their assets.

In August 2022, AESG said it was one of the first firms in the region with accredited professionals who can support developers, building owners, and facilities managers in achieving WiredScore and SmartScore certifications.

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Source: ME Construction News


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August 18, 2022 foasummit0

AABTools has completed a deal with Husqvarna Construction to become an authorised distributor for a range of its equipment and tools in the region.

These include heavy-duty and high-frequency concrete coring machines, wall saws designed for brick and reinforced concrete, remote-controlled demolition robots, twenty-plus models of handheld power cutters, dust extractors, and floor saws.

In addition, Husqvarna Construction’s coring machines, power cutters, dust extractors, diamond blades, and diamond coring bits for complex concrete applications will be available for demonstration at AABTools showroom and Experience Centre in Dubai Investment Park.

Jeff Bennett, GM, MEA, Husqvarna Construction told Construction Machinery Middle East that innovation is changing construction, and that the industry is projected to see a surge in demand for environmentally friendly equipment.

Husqvarna Construction’s organic products such as heavy duty and high frequency coring tools are used for making penetrations up to 650mm. The company provides this tool for construction professionals in electric, high frequency, hydraulic & battery-operated models. Wall saws range up to 730mm cutting depth, while the company offers a wide range of handheld power cutters in the market with over 20 models and cutting depths up to 450mm.

Speaking on the announcement Jeff Bennett, General Manager at Husqvarna Construction, said: “This partnership with AABTools is a very important milestone in our growth strategy. With this association, we ensure that our products are available to construction professionals to perform all sorts of tasks at the construction sites in a safe manner. Together our mission is to bring unparalleled levels of service and industry knowledge direct to end users and our customers.”

In August 2021, Husqvarna Construction appointed a new General Manager for the Middle East and Africa, while in June 2022, the firm introduced a new range of demolition robots.

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Source: ME Construction News


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August 18, 2022 foasummit0

XCMG has become the first equipment manufacturer in China to be awarded a Level 4 capability certificate by the China Software Industry Association, the company has revealed.

The evaluation, which was assessed and verified by the Software Engineering Centre of Chinese Academy of Sciences, recognises the service capabilities of its Hanyun IoT platform, which was launched in 2016 by XCMG Hanyun, a subsidiary of XCMG.

According to XCMG, the platform has connected more than 40,000 devices in 80 countries and regions targeted by the Chinese government’s Belt and Road initiative, providing data service support for the management and maintenance of equipment used in construction, mining, and energy related projects.

In August 2022, XCMG said it would release new electric products in its largest exhibition to date at Bauma 2022.

“Taking advantage of 5G+industrial Internet, equipment produced by different manufacturers and brands, even different generations of equipment, can be connected through the integrated platform, achieving the maximum connection of devices,” said Li Zhongfu, Director of Information Management for XCMG’s heavy equipmemnt manufacturing.

“It not only tracks and sends back product parameters to provide customers with remote diagnostic services, but also monitors the operational data of production equipment in real time, making capacity scheduling more manageable and accurate while significantly improving production efficiency.”

In May 2022, XCMG Hanyun’s industrial Internet platform placed third on a list of digital platforms announced by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China.

Since the official launch of the Hanyun integrated identity resolution platform (version 3.0) in 2021, approximately “10bn pieces of equipment have been registered, while the number of pieces of equipment in active deployment has exceeded 120,000,” the manufacturer added.

In July, the firm said the world’s largest telescopic wind power-oriented crane had been exported to Europe, while in June, XCMG introduced it’s super-scale tower crane.

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Source: ME Construction News


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August 18, 2022 foasummit0

Nur Sultan Grand Mosque in Kazakhstan is now open for visitors, it has been announced. It is expected to become one of the new symbols and attractions in Nur Sultan, the capital of the Central Asian country.

Designed by Dewan Architects + Engineers, the mosque has a closed area of 68,060sqm and an open courtyard of 6,300sqm. It is located on approximately 10.3ha of land and has a 63m diameter and 83m high dome. There are a total of 73 domes and four minarets of 130m height.

Planned as a tourist attraction, the mosque will be one of the largest in Central Asia, with space for 30,000 people in its prayer area. It also includes a number of different functions, such as conference and wedding halls, VIP rooms for guests, classrooms, offices, a library, and spaces for funeral services, as well as parking.

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The mosque was built on the initiative of, and under the supervision of Nursultan Nazarbayev, the former President of Kazakhstan. It is expected to become a symbol of the unity and friendship of the 130 ethnic groups living within the country.

Nazarbayev, who examined the architecture of many worship places during his trips abroad and laid the foundation for the construction the day before he left his Presidency, also participated in designing the mosque. The design is therefore derived from the collective experience of the Muslim world.

Natural materials such as natural stone, marble, gold leaf, special crystal, stained glass, tile, and glass mosaic were used in the project.

In January 2020, the UAE and Kazakhstan announced $11bn in joint venture projects.

Chairman of the main contractor Sembol Construction & Rixos Hotels, Fettah Tamince had carefully studied together with experts from Turkey, Arab countries, Italy, Germany, and other parts of the world for this mosque combining the spaciousness of blue domes with its magnificent architecture, a statement said.

The Grand Mosque can be seen from many parts of the city and has been nominated for the Guinness World Records. Amongst its achievements is the size of its main chandelier in the Haram Section, while the Qibla Wall claims to be one of the largest of its kind, with the number of crystals used and its total size.

Furthermore, the mosque has one of the largest temple doors in the world, and also includes the world’s largest mosque courtyard built in geographies where the winter climate prevails. The 70m-diameter carpet is among the candidates for the world record.

The structure is of great importance for the Kazakhstan tourism industry, as it aims to host up to 30,000 visitors simultaneously, the statement concluded.

In April 2022, Saudi Arabia launched the largest expansion project for Islam’s historic first mosque.

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Source: ME Construction News


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August 18, 2022 foasummit0

John Deere has introduced the latest updates to its Knuckleboom Loader lineup, including visibility enhancements that aim to increase operator safety and accuracy.

According to the manufacturer, the 2022 models of 437E and 337E Knuckleboom Loaders feature a newly designed front window by removing the external mesh guard and replacing it with a clear, polycarbonate window for uninterrupted view.

“We are always looking for ways to increase operator comfort on the job, while keeping a focus on machine safety and design,” said Jarvis de Groot, Product Marketing Manager, Forestry Swing Machines and Knuckleboom Loaders at John Deere.

In July 2022, the IPAF accredited the first MEWP operator training centre in Kenya and, later in the month, JLG launched its X22SJP straight boom compact crawler.

“By removing the external window guard and redesigning the front window on the 437E and 337E Knuckleboom Loader models, we are significantly improving visibility for the operator, making for a safer and more comfortable work environment,” he added.

The 2022 model-year upgrades also feature a new hood profile in the left-rear corner of the machine, which opens up the view behind the machine. By offering enhanced visibility, these models enable the operator to be more precise, maximising uptime, the company stated.

In addition to visibility enhancements, the latest models will offer optional satellite-ready radio, improving the operator experience in the cab, while a new optional hydraulic vacuum pump can also be added to 2022 model-year machines, minimising oil loss and spillage during times of hydraulic maintenance and repair.

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August 17, 2022 foasummit0

Located within the $45bn Lusail City development spanning 38sqkm across four islands, the Rosewood Doha is the Middle East’s new ultra-luxury destination.

The development comprises two towers linked at the base by a three-level podium, reaching a built-up area of 152,684sqm. The 40-story residential tower will house 300 apartments, promising to deliver the pinnacle of luxury living in Qatar, with a range of bespoke amenities and services.

The 37-story hotel tower will feature 154 hotel rooms and 161 apartment suites, along with a rooftop terrace, restaurants, and eateries poised to provide a dynamic culinary experience. Both towers stand on a rectangular base, turned perpendicular to one another, allowing maximum exposure to the water and marina views.

The Rosewood’s design was inspired by local underwater coral formations, showcasing an organic architectural approach aimed at respecting the site and its surrounding Arabian Gulf waters, while promoting harmony between human habitation and nature.

“Rosewood Doha and Rosewood Residences Doha will create a new and differentiated benchmark for ultra-luxury hospitality in the region,” says Sonia Cheng, Rosewood CEO. Arab Engineering Bureau (AEB) conceptualised the design and is responsible for structural engineering through to construction to realize their innovative development concept.

With curvilinear cladding for the podium that complements the organic façade of the towers and gives the impression of two corals, the striking architecture will make the building a city landmark. In order to achieve the client’s brief, AEB needed skill and creativity to bring the design to life.

Supporting an Organic Architectural Design Concept

To support the Rosewood’s organic architectural design concept, AEB faced structural engineering challenges that included designing a cantilever slab support system on four corners amid a tight project budget.

“One of the client’s requirements was to keep the project on a tight budget and the structural system is a cantilever slab on four corners. Designing such a slab system would be difficult and challenging,” explains Ibrahim Jaidah, Chief Architect and Group CEO, AEB.

The design team wanted to use a post-tension steel slab as opposed to a conventional flat concrete slab system to meet the cost constraints while creating column-free spaces to create open floor plans.

Designing such a structural system required them to consider the complete geometry of the towers and podium, including column and beam sizes and locations, slab thickness, and concrete dimensions, as well as analyse design loads, stress, deflection, and tendon layout. To ensure accurate calculations for optimal structural integrity while meeting the architectural requirements, AEB required comprehensive, customisable structural design technology.

Designing the optimal structural system

In order to achieve their requirements, AEB selected RAM Concept, as its large variety of design codes and design capabilities could easily cover all aspects of the flooring system.

“Using RAM Concept for structural design includes the availability of a large variety of design codes and it is a highly customisable software that contains design tools to cover all aspects of the flooring system,” says Jaidah.

Using Bentley’s structural engineering application, AEB modelled and analysed both towers and considered all loads from an architectural and multi-discipline design perspective. This analysis determined the optimal outputs and tendon layout for all post-tension floor slabs. They also used the software to determine the slab thickness with the reinforcements, applying varying loads and producing conceptual structural drawings based on the architectural layout.

The interoperability and automated features of RAM Concept enabled AEB to work with different disciplines and easily modify the model to incorporate changes and digitally represent the actual condition of the slab.

Through accurate modelling and analysis, they eliminated all beams, reducing the height between floors, creating more space above and below the ceiling for mechanical and electrical equipment, and adding additional rooms and apartments within the same overall tower height.

“In this project, we eliminated all beams. RAM Concept’s features give us the accurate punching shear stress and accurate deflection that allowed us to accurately simulate the slab and modify the tendon layout,” Mohamed Mosallam, Lead Structural Engineer at AEB, points out.

Driving savings and sustainability through advanced technology

Compared to other structural engineering software, RAM Concept provided an interoperable, user-friendly interface capable of delivering an optimal structural design solution, Mosallam says.

“The main key features and advantages of the punching shear stresses, tendon layout, and [capability to] export the tendon layout are features not available in other software,” he adds.

By accurately modelling and analysing the post-tension steel slab system using the application, AEB was able to determine that increasing the tendon layout in specific locations reduced the concrete slab thickness and enabled them to eliminate the beams. This steel structural support solution reduced the concrete volume by 25%, saving 20% to 30% in costs.

The use of the technology simplified and automated previously manual tasks, saving AEB 20% to 30% in resource hours and helping them complete the structural engineering work ahead of schedule, the firm says. Using the post-tension technique and RAM Concept led to a significant reduction in the design and construction processes for both towers.

“Comparing this process with any other structural software, we highly recommend RAM Concept to complete the design with the highest level of accuracy,” says Mosallam.

The post-tension steel structural design not only improves structural durability and reduces maintenance costs, but it also plays a vital role in achieving the sustainability requirements of the building, which is targeted at a 4-star Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) rating, he highlights in conclusion.

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Source: ME Construction News