Construction Sites | February Issue no. 79 by Qatar Construction Sites

SITES C o n s t r u c t i o n

I ssue N o .79 - F ebruary 2014

Monthly Construction news, tenders, project focus, and forthcoming exhibitions in Qatar

In Focus: Cladding and Façade Engineering Ahead of the 6th Annual Façade Design and Engineering Summit, check our focus and see façade trends defining the future landscape of Qatar.

Concrete Focus ‘Bright prospects’ for LED lighting market in Mideast Ways to manage geotechnical risks in the built environment

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Construction

SITES

Qatar

Doha Festival City appoints contractor for Qatar’s largest mall The new mall will be home to over 550 brands of which many will be making their debut in Qatar Having successfully opened Qatar’s first IKEA store in March 2013 as Phase 1, Doha Festival City, Qatar’s largest retail and entertainment destination, has appointed the Gulf Contracting Company/Alec Qatar Joint Venture as the contractor to commence foundations construction for the mall of the QR6 billion Doha Festival City project scheduled for opening in the third quarter of 2016. The mall will be home to over 550 brands of which many will be making their debut in Qatar. “We are delighted to be laying the foundations for the Phase 2 building works on this magnificent development that will bring new standards of shopping and leisure to all of Qatar’s residents and visitors,” said Kareem M Shamma, Chief Executive Officer, Bawabat Al-Shamal Real Estate Company (Basrec), the joint venture which comprises Dubai-Based Al-Futtaim Real Estate Services, Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), Aqar Real Estate Investment Company and a private Qatari investor. “Some of the most sought-after names in retail have committed to the project and we are glad to be on track for a timely delivery of this retail, leisure, hospitality and entertainment destination

which reflects Qatar’s exciting and vibrant future,” said Shamma. “It is an honor to be awarded as the contractor to lead the construction of a shopping mall that is set to be one of the largest and most prominent in the Middle East,” said Darrell Bergesen, Board Member of GCC/ALEC Qatar JV. “We are currently focused on achieving Basrec’s requirements to ensure a quick and effective mobilization for the foundation works up to and including ground floor slabs, which will pave the way for the main contract works, to ensure timely delivery of the shopping mall,” Bergesen added. The contract was awarded after the completion and approval of the project’s masterplan and traffic impact study. The entry and exit roads into and out of Doha Festival City have been designed to provide maximum ease of access from and to all major areas of Doha. Leading regional retail groups Azadea, Landmark, Alshaya, Apparel, Al Futtaim Retailand others have committed to bringing their fashion and food and beverage outlets to Doha Festival City. “Some of the world’s most pres-

tigious retail and dining outlets will be showcased in the mall, supported by their parent retail groups that are considered some of the region’s largest and most successful,” Shamma said. One of the largest mixed-use developments currently under construction in the Middle East, Doha Festival City will be Qatar’s largest retail, entertainment and leisure destination. Offering Gross Leasable Area (GLA) of some 250,000 m2, Doha Festival City will feature over 550 shops and stores through a carefully balanced selection of international and local brands, including 85 restaurants and cafes. It will also be home to automotive showrooms and a hotel and convention center, all located on a total site area of over 430,000 m2 that will include some 8,500 parking spaces with an efficient vehicle management system. “Distinctly themed interior zones will take visitors through an inspired journey that will excite the senses and provide an unforgettable shopping and entertainment experience in an environment operating under Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS),” says a

Qatar to spend $100 billion on roads and railways projects Qatar plans to invest around $100 billion on infrastructure projects as part of its National Vision 2030, according to a report issued by Kuwait Financial Centre Markaz. The report notes Qatar’s aim to reduce the number of accidents and build the capacity of roads. Low prices of petroleum, absence of railways and high number of motor vehicles per 1,000 people have led to a surge in road accidents, it points out. Markaz has recently published the executive summary of its report on Qatar roads and railways. In the report, Markaz examines and analyzes the current status of Qatar roads and railways sector. The report highlights the market structure, growth trends, investments and projects in Qatar’s roads and railways sector. It also presents a SWOT analysis and key learning points for the Qatar road and railways sector. In 2010, Ashghal, the Public Works Authority, that oversees all infrastructure-related projects in Qatar, declared its plans to spend $20 billion up to 2015. Qatar’s roads development plans got fresh catalyst when it was awarded with the responsibility of hosting the FIFA 2022 World Cup. It is expected that 30 highway projects valued at around $27 billion are going to be

awarded to build adequate roads capacity. Some of the big projects, which are in construction or planning phase include Doha Expressway, Dukhan Highway – Eastern section, Lusail Expressway and Orbital Highway. There is no railway network in Qatar currently. However, witnessing high congestion and huge number of traffic accidents every year, Qatar is planning to build railways in the country to overcome these problems. The Qatar Railway Development Company (QRDC) was formed for the development of railways in the country and almost $41 billion worth of rail projects are in execution or planning phase. Qatar’s integrated rail project, consisting Doha Metro, passenger rail and freight rail, is estimated to cost $37 billion. Some other big projects include the West Bay people mover and Lusail light rail transit. More than half a million people are expected to visit Qatar during the FIFA World Cup in 2022, which underlines the need to speed up railways projects. The GCC has historically focused its transportation investments in building roadways, thus ensuring high quality roads across most of the region. Almost 100%

of the roads in the GCC are paved roads; compare this high percentage to the average in other emerging countries, which is below 75%. Though the quality of roads is significantly better than other emerging markets, there is concern over the current capacity. The increase in both population and propensity to purchase an automobile has led to clogged roads across most of the major GCC cities. Currently, most of the GCC rank high in terms of traffic density. Many GCC countries do not have significant railway networks. However increasing population and high congestion on roads have forced governments to think about an alternative mode of transport in the form of railways. In 2012, $4.9 billion worth of road projects were awarded in the GCC region. Approximately $160 billion worth of railway projects are either in construction or planning phase in the region. Markaz, with total assets under management of over KD982.6 million as of June 30, 2013, was established in 1974. It has since become one of the leading asset management and investment banking institutions in the Arabian Gulf region. Markaz was listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) in 1997.

release issued by Doha Festival City. The current phase of the development broke ground on April 23, 2013 on the 433,847 m2 site that is home to the first IKEA store in Qatar and is strategically located just north of downtown Doha on the main arterial route of Al Shamal Road, between Doha International Airport and the Friendship Causeway, the proposed road link to

neighboring Bahrain. Doha Festival City is owned and developed by Basrec, the parent company and land owner of this iconic development. Basrec comprises four shareholders, including Dubai-based Al-Futtaim Real Estate Services, Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), Aqar Real Estate Investment Company and a private Qatari investor. Photo caption (left to right): Darrell Bergesen, Board Member of

GCC/ALEC Qatar JV and General Manager ALEC Qatar; Grahame McCaig, General Manager, Gulf Contracting Company; Michael Beggs, Development Director, Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate; Kareem M Shamma, CEO, Bawabat Al-Shamal Real Estate Company (Basrec); and Jihad Zarkout, Senior Executive Manager, Bawabat Al-Shamal Real Estate Company.

Darrell Bergesen, Board Member of GCC / ALEC Qatar JV and General Manager ALEC Qatar; Grahame McCaig, General Manager, Gulf Contracting Company; Michael Beggs, Development Director, Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate; Kareem M Shamma, CEO, Bawabat Al-Shamal Real Estate Company; and Jihad Zarkout, Senior Executive Manager, Bawabat Al-Shamal Real Estate Company.

Shannon Engineering in deal to build two more Al Meera stores Al Meera Consumer Goods Company (QSC), Qatar’s leading retailer, has signed an agreement with Shannon Engineering to construct two new stores in Al Muraikh and Jeryan Nejaima. The agreement is part of Al Meera’s plans to reach all areas in Qatar. The company has recently announced the construction of seven new stores, at Rawdat Ekdeem, Al Azizia, Zakhira, Al Wajba, Muaither, Al Wakra and Al Thumama. Al Meera wants to open nine to 10 branches by the end of 2014. The agreement to build the two stores was signed by Al Meera Chief Executive Officer Guy Sauvage and Shannon Engineering Company General Manager Hany Abdel Fattah.

Under the agreement, Shannon Engineering will build the two stores of Al Muraikh (land area 5,526sqm) and Jeryan Nejaima (5,526sqm). They are expected to open to the public within nine months. Sauvage and Al Meera Deputy CEO Dr Mohammed Al Qahtani expressed their pleasure over signing the agreement with Shannon Engineering. “The decision to build two new branches aligns with our expansion policy to make everyone very close to Al Meera stores in every corner of Qatar,” Sauvage said. “Al Meera is not only building state-of-the-art stores but is also rehabilitating its old branches and maintaining them to fully transfer to the innovative concept in order to

promote standards of a comfortable shopping experience in all the branches in Qatar.” Fattah described the construction of the two new stores as “a testament to Al Meera’s commitment to help the country develop into a world-class shopping hub”. “We will do our best to build these two branches within nine months by dedicating all the company’s efforts,” he said. “We are ready to collaborate with Al Meera and share our expertise in order to serve the big retailer’s expansion and modernization plans.” Al Meera Consumer Society, while expanding throughout Qatar, also plans to boost its regional presence.

Al Meera CEO Guy Sauvage, right, shaking hands with Shannon Engineering GM Hany Abdel Fattah after signing the agreement.

Construction

Qatar

Mannai HED brings first 300-ton Grove crane to Qatar Mannai HED, the heavy equipment division of Mannai Trading Company, has sold Qatar’s first 300-tonne Grove allterrain crane to logistics and heavy equipment specialists ConXion. The company said in a statement that the deal underlined “Mannai HED’s commitment to work with its partners to provide the specialized heavy equipment needed to enable Qatar to achieve its plans for infrastructure and real estate development, supporting the Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030 and in preparation for hosting the World Cup in 2022”. The high-capacity crane, which is the best of its kind in the world, offers essential reach and power to both lift and lower materials and to move them horizontally. “The acquisition gives ConXion a significant competitive advantage, particularly for the completion of signature high-rise projects in Qatar, and comes as the demand for such cranes in the state is at an alltime high,” the statement said. ConXion provides logistics expertise and the transportation of cargo, heavy equipment and industrial products throughout Qatar and the GCC. As key partner of the construction industry, it is expanding its fleet of specialized vehicles – and particularly high elevation cranes – as the number

of construction and infrastructure projects in Qatar continues to grow. As a leading player supporting the boom in infrastructure development Qatar, ConXion is well placed to meet the demands of the industry with its expertise and experience in the field. Mannai HED is a distributor and provides after-sales support for a number of internationally-renowned heavy equipment lines, including Grove Cranes, JCB units, TCM forklifts, Massey Ferguson agricultural equipment, Daewoo Buses, DAF Trucks and Eicher Trucks. Mannai HED Operations General Manager Khalid Yousef said: “The sale of this Grove crane comes at a time of increasing demand from the construction industry for high capacity cranes which will be crucial to help Qatar meet its targets for infrastructure and real estate development. “At Mannai HED, we work closely with our partners to understand their needs and

we make strategic investments to help them to realize Qatar’s vision for the future using the world’s best equipment, supported by a firstclass after-sales service. We look forward to a continued strong partnership with ConXion in the future.” ConXion Logistics Services and Heavy Equipment Managing Director Badr Ahmed Al Emadi said: “The expansion of construction in Qatar provides many investment opportunities. We are proud to work with Mannai HED to provide our clients with the latest, most specialized equipment in the world, which underlines our commitment to the development of Qatar in line with the QNV 2030.” Founded in 1947, Grove is one of the world’s leading producers of mobile cranes and has manufacturing facilities in Europe and North America. Part of the renowned Manitowoc Crane Group, Grove provides a range of products to meet the worldwide market demands of the lifting industry.

SITES

Firms urged to invest more on research and development

echnology is a key for unlocking future resources. That was the message delivered at the seventh edition of the International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC), held in Qatar last month. Speakers at the event urged oil and gas companies to invest more on research and development to meet the increasing challenges. IPTC is the largest oil and gas event in the Eastern hemisphere. It attracted more than 5,000 oil and gas professionals in what was claimed to be the most successful IPTC in the region ever. IPTC has effectively promoted the dissemination of scientific and technological knowledge relating to exploration, development, production, transportation and processing of oil and natural gas. Technical experts from 71 countries and 850 organizations actively discussed press-

HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al Thani and other dignitaries at the IPTC opening.

ing issues in the conference sessions and technical workshops. Speaking during the opening ceremony, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Interior Minister HE Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al Thani said the country’s natural wealth came with responsibilities and obligations. “We are keen to invest these

IPTC is the largest oil and gas event in the Eastern hemisphere.

Officials in front of the Grove crane.

resources to build a modern and advanced country, and we also work hard preserve these reserves for future generations,” he said. HE Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser said the State of Qatar encouraged initiatives and participation in activities that would help in enhancing knowledge in science and technology across all domains, mainly those related to the oil and gas industry. Minister of Energy and Industry HE Dr Mohamed Bin Saleh Al Sada said that Qatar’s success in developing its natural resources and exploit it wisely was mainly due to the longterm strategy that involved the development of well-developed infrastructure, a solid and diversified economy as well as offering a stable investment climate.

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Construction

SITES

Legal

Corporate Tips for Construction Companies

hen incorporating a limited liability company (LLC) in Qatar, there are numerous provisions in the Commercial Companies Law No. 5 of 2002 as amended (the CCL) that parties may employ to secure their investments and mitigate risk. This article highlights these provisions in the CCL that can help investors structure their LLCs to reflect the commercial deal agreed between shareholders and to allow for increased investment without disproportionate increases in risk. One such provision in the CCL that will be of significant benefit to investors in the construction industry is Article 308, which allows the in-kind assets of an LLC to be distributed to one shareholder upon dissolution of the LLC. Article 308 provides: “Company assets in kind shall be divided among the partners by way of separation, provided the rules governing the division of common assets shall be followed, unless the company Memorandum and Articles of Association provides otherwise.” The CCL therefore allows shareholders to agree to a distribution of in-kind assets upon dissolution of the LLC that is different than the default rule contained in Article 308 of the CCL. This could be of significant benefit and protection to a shareholder where, for instance, it exclusively purchases or contributes the machinery and equipment required for the operation of an LLC in the construction industry. One must nonetheless be mindful that if assets are registered in the name of an LLC, then the shareholder that contributed those assets will not be eligible to repossess them

for its exclusive use until the LLC is liquidated. To potentially avoid this scenario, other legal mechanisms can be employed to ensure that ownership of particular assets does not vest in the LLC but remain the assets of a particular shareholder, even when being used by the LLC. Another provision of the CCL that can be of assistance to foreign investors is Article 232 of the CCL, which allows for the net profit distribution of an LLC to be different from the share capital contribution of the shareholders. Thus, while the Foreign Investment Law No. 13 of 2000 as amended (the FIL) limits foreign investment, in most cases, to a maximum of 49% of the share capital of an LLC, the net profit distribution may be different (e.g. 80%/20% in favour of the foreign investor) in the memorandum of association of the LLC. It is also worth noting that upon dissolution, in accordance with Article 308 of the CCL, excess cash in an LLC account is to be distributed to the shareholders in accordance with their net profit distribution. In addition to structuring the assets and net profit distribution of an LLC to reflect the commercial deal between the shareholders, it is equally important to structure the management of the LLC such that neither shareholder is given an unfair advantage over the other. Given the maximum shareholding usually permitted to foreign investors in the FIL, this often means “locking in” in the management structure of the LLC at incorporation such that neither shareholder may make significant company decisions without the consent of the other shareholder.

Laura Warren Laura Warren is a partner of the International Law firm, Clyde & Co LLP, in Doha. Laura has a wide ranging contentious and non contentious construction practice involving projects in Qatar as well as in the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Libya, Egypt and Tunisia Laura is Co-ordinator for the Society of Construction Law (Gulf) in Qatar.

“Locking in” the company management would mean, for instance, increasing the threshold for quorum at shareholder meetings such that a valid meeting may not occur without the presence of both shareholders at every meeting. Shareholders may also increase the voting thresholds for shareholder meetings such that neither shareholder may pass a resolution of the LLC without the consent of all shareholders. Finally, in addition to increasing the quorum and voting thresholds for shareholder meetings, it is ever important to ensure that the general manager’s or managers’ powers are clearly enunciated in the memorandum of association and that the appropriate manager is selected such that he may be eligible to carry out all intended duties as general manager.

Thus, where one shareholder is intended to take on the dayto-day management of the LLC, such shareholder must ensure that (i) its candidate for general manager is mentioned in the articles of association, (ii) the articles of association clearly states the general manager’s powers, (iii) the general manager is listed on the commercial registration of the company, and (iv) the general manager is listed on the immigration/computer card of the company. In order to achieve items (i) to (iv) inclusive, it is essential that the general manager be sponsored and employed by the LLC. This can be difficult where companies establish various project specific LLCs to reduce risk. However, if the general manager is not sponsored and employed by the LLC in question, then the general manager will not likely be able to carry out all intended duties and activities. For instance, banks are requiring that any corporate representative be sponsored and employed by a particular LLC in order to conduct any banking activities on behalf of such LLC. In addition, a general manager will not be able to authorise an attorney to represent the LLC in court unless such general manager is listed on the commercial registration and immi-

gration/computer card of the LLC. There are a number of scenarios, none of which may be easily spotted at incorporation, where such a power can have a significant impact on the outcome of potential disputes. In light of the foregoing, it is essential to structure LLCs appropriately at incorporation instead of facing unfortunately avoidable circumstances should a dispute arise between shareholders after incorporation. As more projects come online, parties will have more at stake and a greater incentive to commence litigation. It is therefore essential to take advantage of the numerous legal mechanisms available under Qatar law to reduce risk. Note: all Qatari Laws (save for those issued by, eg. the QFC to regulate its own business), are issued in Arabic and there are no official translations, therefore for the purposes of drafting this article Clyde & Co has used its own translation and interpreted the same in the context of Qatari laws, regulation and current market practice. The views set out in this article do not constitute legal advice and readers are urged to seek specific legal advice in relation to any particular issues which arise from the subject-matter

Ramiz Shlah Associate

Ramiz is an associate based in Clyde & Co’s Doha office and has over five years’ experience in Qatar having worked on corporate, commercial, construction, insurance, finance, securities and banking law. His clients include a wide array of international and local entities, including banks, investment firms, construction, industrial and technology companies. Ramiz is admitted to practice law in Massachusetts and New York and has published articles on various topics, including GCC investment in Qatar, Ostensible Authority in Qatar and the Qatari National Health Insurance Scheme. Prior to joining Clyde & Co, Ramiz was a consultant at a leading local practice in Doha.

of the article. For further information on this topic or construction/engineering legal issues, please contact Laura Warren at laura.warren@ clydeco.com or Ramiz Shlah at ramiz.shlah@clydeco.com.

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Construction

SITES

Architecture

Sustainability in the traditional building in Qatar Mohamad Diab, M. Arch., LEED GA, GSAS CGP Senior Architect Manager, Energy City Qatar The main features of buildings in Qatar in the past were the measures taken to protect their inhabitants or to decrease the undesirable effects of climate like the summer heat or heavy winds and dust. Architects in the olden daysworked in tune with their environment. Their designs were inspired by social, environmental and geographical factors that impacted the local design and established a genuine urban character. In that, buildings were highly suitable to their surrounding environment and more comfortable to their inhabitants. Isn’t that the essence of sustainability? As architect Mohamed Diab explores the rich elements of traditional Qatari architecture, a question arises: Are these elements still efficient in today’s Qatar and can abalance be achieved between modernity and tradition? Architect Diab argues that traditional Qatari buildings truly reflect a local urban character, and these traditional elements should be taken into consideration while designing modern buildings in Qatar. The Architect also highlights the importance of social, environmental and economic factors that impacted the local design and established a genuine urban character in Qatar. Preface Historically, the terms “architecture” and “urbanism” were used in the context of art .Following the local architectural style principles, the building-concept has been formed and evolved through a process of understanding the social requirementssuch as the beliefs, customs and social behavior, the environmental aspects and the urban planning integration with nature. A traditional building is the correct expression of local architecture that provides comfortable living conditions in different climatic zones. In dry hot regions, in particular, this form of traditional buildings was found as a result of natural sources and materials that help in reducing moisture and provide natural ventilation. The early towns were characterized by the materials and

The sketches illustrating the elements of traditional buildings are done by Arch. Diab exclusively for CS.

scale of residential elements which comprised the majority of the structures. The only other different buildings within towns were those associated with the market (Souq) and the mosques which were constructed similar to houses but in different forms and functions that constituted the primary elements to present the architectural and the civil identity and reflect the lifestyle of communities in different ages. In that, urban planning reflects the cultural identity of any community and is the outcome of various cumulative factors that influence the type and the form of any city. Most of the Qatari population inhabit the eastern coast, where the main architectural feature of traditional coastal housing was influenced by

the importance of its orientation towards the sea. The house positioning was also concluded in consideration of the strong winds from the north and the daily sun path. The buildings’ character was created by the locals, where the primary function was responding to the specific problems posed by the climate, people need, security aspect and the social and religious requirements. The traditional building form has a simple layout with repetitive rectangular shapes, consists usually of family rooms, majlis and facilities, linked by the Hoshthat provides privacy for the family and protection from dust and heavy winds from north Al-Hosh or Sahn is the heart of the house and the place of most of the daily family activi-

ties. Al Hosh is an enclosed courtyard surrounded totally or partially by the Riwaq and the rooms and connected by exposed stair lead to the upper floor and the roof. The design and scale for the Hosh differ by the regions and building type and sizes. The Hosh typically connected with the majlis and the main entrance from the Sikka through small passage or buffer zone called Al Majaz Majlis or Diwan is a common place used as a guest room allocated for strangers (men) in traditional Arabic houses. Majlis is the larger and the most important room, usually rectangular in shape, overlooking the street directly and was the only room in the house that was not opened to the internal courtyard to keep the family away from the

guests’ sight. The public spaces The environmental processors have in principle comprehensive arrangements; the open spaces were usually part of the buildings treatments in terms environment, connectivity and socially. The public circulation network called Sikka (street) it was the main traditional pedestrian circulation. Sikka or the old streets in Arabic cities were narrow and tortuous and partially covered with Mashrabiah or other methods of light roofing that provide low temperature. A replication of the Sikkas can be viewed in Katara, where the narrow streets and close buildings provide shading and nice breathe that makes a comfortable walking experience even when temperatures start climbing. The main arterial direction was the east-western that increases the shaded area on the street, allowing pedestrians to move through the appropriate areas with some degree of protection from the sun and providing a soft air stream from the sea. Baraha is an important public and common area in the Arab gulf countries; it is undeveloped place accessible and usually lactated at the crossing Sikka. In that it resembles the piazza in Italian towns somehow. Baraha is a dedicated central open space; one essential characteristic of Baraha is the social networks and ability of inhabitants, particularly the men, to meet and the neighborhood’s children play also for religious holiday celebrations like Salat El Eid (Islamic prayer). In addition, Baraha was used in a commercial way like the Friday Souq, a weekly open air market for second-hand items. A modern adaptation of the Baraha can be seen in some Barwa real estate projects, like Barwa Village, where buildings surround the common space and overlook it, creating a feeling of a community among tenants. The openings The openings in the facades are the critical elements in the building in terms of the location, function, size and other architectural factors to customize between the required daylight and air ventilation in same time to consider the hot climate and prevent the hot air and the

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sand storms. The doors made in general from wood but the main doors were made from heavy teak necessary for security. The timber was very valuable and costly due to shortage of trees that provide the hard wooden panels; this issue require using the doors carefully to keep it in good shape and condition to be used in new building to extend the lifecycle. The most windows were in a big size opened direct to the internal courtyard (Hosh) or through Riwaq where the air temperature is lower than outside, the other reason is to provide privacy for the family especially for the women for social and religious reason Few windows may open to outside in certain criteria which are required to be small and in a high level to prevent the stranger to see inside. Another type is the long window that faced the Sikka usually located in the upper floor was covered by screen called Mashrabiah made by small wooden pieces or strips fixes together to form a geometric motif design , Mashrabiah used as multifunction element which played the role as sun breaker covering the windows to reduce the glare

Architecture produced from the direct sunlight and the amount of the heat gain inside the building, and protection from the dust and sand, The other way was for security and privacy by reducing the visibility that making the rooms darker than the street An exception of long windows could be opened direct to the Sikka are the majlis windows since the users are men and guests Can Mashrabiah be used today? What about their use in high-rise buildings? Doha Tower, designed by renowned French architect Jean Nouvel connects the very modern with the Islamic Mashrabiya designs. The skyscraper has an internal reinforced concrete dia-grid columns, which form a cross (X) shape that connects with the eye-catching cylindrical facade. Islamic screens were designed to shade the building from high temperatures as well as the unpleasant sand residue found on glass throughout the region. The building is designed to hold offices for businesses wishing to operate in the diverse business district of West Bay (Doha). The Building Envelope The main feature of the building has been the measures taken to protect the inhabitants or to decrease the undesirable climate effects like the summer heat or heavy winds and dust. This has led to give priority for the building envelop, the external walls were thick with a light finish-

Construction

ing color to reflect the sunlight, with devices designed to take the cooling advantage of the breeze and the roof was flat and constructed of layers of filled earth on mat, held on timber joists capable of insulation The openings were eliminated as much as possible from the external walls and confined to a simple plain finishing for safety, a matter which

A traditional building is the correct expression of local architecture that provides comfortable living conditions in different climatic zones

was required as well for conservative communities. The traditional buildings were constructed from naturally-sourced materials locally existing, hence deemed available and inexpensive. The commonly used materials were desert stones, limestone mortar, cultivatable soil or sand and palm date fronds. Building cooling system

SITES

Most of the architectural elements in the building were more than just decorative elements but created as a functional response that help in cooling the interior spaces in passive way such as the inner courtyard, Riwaq, Mashrabiah and many other factors like the building orientation, thick walls and roof. The first figure received to our mind and the most distinctive traditional architectural element in regard with active cooling system in the traditional building is the wind towers or wind catcher (Al-Malqaf). Al Malqaf is the natural air ventilation and effective cooling system in the house, it was a tower on top of the building with openings oriented to the prevailing wind direction to capture the air that passed over the building and push it into the building. The air circulation created by the external air pressure movement helps to pull the hot air from inside. There were different types Malqaf, where the design and functions are based on weather conditions. The most common types are one-way and multi-direction tower. Riwaq or arcade is a covered gallery usually in front of the house enclosed by series of odd arches that asserts the main entrance. The advantage was in the recesses in the façade, providing shelter for the occupants, preventing direct sunlight to penetrate inside the building and keep-

The sketches illustrating the elements of traditional buildings are done by Arch. Diab exclusively for CS.

ing external walls shaded during the day to reduce the indoor thermal impact. You can see a resemblance to the concept of Riwaq in Souq Waqif, where the shaded arcades provide a comfortable walking experience for the market visitors. Hosh also is synergy the building cooling system.The difference in pressure and temperature between the exposed internal court yard and the narrow shaded Sikka leads to an air flow from the alleys through the main entrance (Al-Majaz), raising warm air in the courtyard and forming a cool air stream penetrating into the rooms. General criteria As a conclusion of the above, the building design should take into consideration the following criteria: • S tudy carefully the climate factors like the path of the sun and the

•

prevailingwind direction, and make attentionfor the building orientation, location and the site regulations in the early design stage Conserve the urban culture and social identity • by using the concept of traditional building elements as much as possible; Customize between the • client requirements and the impact architectural, economic and sustainability impact regarding the prosed design and always provide your technical advice and compre- • hensive information to the client Design a clustered compound and provide a courtyards between the building instead of linear developments Combine and balance between the modernity

and the tradition, use the technology and new materials where required to add value to the building with consideration for the economical matters Increase open space where the local zoning regulation allow for that and improve the green and vegetated area Consider existing regional developments, orientation, circulation, construction and finishing materials and architectural character and elements; Take into consideration the homogeneity and responding with the surrounded buildings (not to unify but to provide harmony), the perspective view and the human scale, the people need and the social manners and customs.

Construction

SITES

Technology

The 4th Qatar BIM User Day to discuss different facets of BIM standardization The 4th Qatar BIM User Day: “BIM Policy: One industry, one language” using BIM. Also Qatar University intends to include BIM education and certification in their curriculum. The Qatar BIM User Day event series is focused around ViCon’s BIM methodology, the four major components of BIM: Processes, Technology, People and Policy. Orienting participants on the construction industry’s demand for BIM-certified professionals, presentations and panel discussions by the leading BIM experts have addressed the BIM concepts and their importance in design, analysis, documentation, and delivery of projects from conceptual to construction phase and beyond.

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resentatives from academic institutions and client organizations. The first event dealt with business “processes” in the life cycle of facilities, whilst the second has focused on “technology” and the third on “people”. Each year the Qatar BIM User Day attracts major local organizations, students, faculty and staff from QU who are interested in innovations and choosing a right and effective tool for their works. More information about the event series and a free registration form is available online at www. bimuserday.com.

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to facilitate a smooth BIM application and a wider uptake in the region. The 4th BIM User Day’s agenda is set to tackle a wide range of topics related to the theme “BIM Policy and Standardization” from different facets like introduction to “BIM Policy” on national/organizational level (Qatar/ ME), BIM requirements in local project contracts, legal aspects for client organization in Qatar, research project “BIM Protocols for Qatar Construction Industry”. The Qatar BIM User Day provides the attendees an excellent networking platform for meeting contractors and consultants as well as rep-

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well-defined policies as BIM standardization and strategy should form the basis for 3D model development and exchange,” he added. “BIM-related specifications must be integrated into the project guidelines and contracts from the earliest planning stages onward.” The 4th Qatar BIM User Day is set to concentrate on BIM Policy, standardizations and guideline, aiming

*Image Courtesy of HOCHTIEF ViCon

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“Without a set of clearly defined standards and technical specifications, the information generated using BIM technology cannot be applied effectively,” said René Schumann, Managing Director of HOCHTIEF ViCon Qatar, explaining the importance of joint efforts of industry and government in laying a solid foundation for successful BIM deployment in Qatar and highlighting the importance of a local BIM knowledge exchange platform. “We believe that

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he 4th Qatar BIM User Day, a nonprofit event aiming to create an interactive platform for Building Information Modeling (BIM) practitioners and academics is organized as continuous cooperation of the College of Engineering at Qatar University (QU) in conjunction with HOCHTIEF ViCon Qatar W.L.L. and Teesside University UK. The event, to be held on February 24, focuses on the fourth BIM component: Policy. It follows the success of the three previous BIM User Days in Qatar which drew more than 180 participants from 90 local companies. The increasing number of attendees shows the growing market awareness of BIM and the importance of a BIM knowledge exchange platform for the region. As it was highlighted during the 3rd Qatar BIM User Day, titled “Skilled people to get the best out of BIM”, there was a need to support a common BIM accreditation strategy in Qatar as well as establishment of a National BIM Standard as the local construction industry has become more BIM savvy with a number of megaprojects successfully completed

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Construction

SITES

Cladding & Façade Engineering

Sunny days ahead for solar façades

he built environment is a significant contributor to CO2 emissions. The highest consumption rates are noted for heating and cooling, given the significant consequences that change in the external air-temperature have upon building thermal performance. Today solar architecture offers uncountable possibilities to meet increasing renewable energy needs, reducing CO2 emissions. The solar façade offers an alternative solution to turn buildings to more energy efficient. The facades industry is responsible to evolving energy-producing initiatives and facades transform its basic function to become a power-generating support platform for the solar array. Benefiting from year-round sunshine, Qatar plans to generate up to 18% of its energy from so-

lar power over the next decade, offering immense scope for the facade industry to adopt new solar energy generating technologies. An array of sustainable projects which integrate the solar energy systems into the design of the facades have started to appear on Qatar’s architectural landscape with some pioneering solutions. Architects today are skillfully incorporating solar panels into the building design; their task is made easier by smart manufacturers that are integrating sustainable technology into facade products and design solutions, setting up a new trend in Qatar as solar façade. CS spoke to Diala Khairallah, Marketing Manager at Innovations Unlimited ME, on this new market segment. “Green innovations continue to progress fast, driven by the pressing need for a healthier

lifestyle, says Diala Khairallah. “Solar facade is now a common term that associates with a number of technologies. Façades are now used to generate the power consumed within the home or building with free energy from the sun.” The Solar façade solution has become a conscious investment into sustainable buildings, he points out. “It isn’t only an impressive architectural design coupled with innovative technology, but a value added solution that complies with the requirements for higher energy efficiency according to the leading sustainability assessment systems including GSAS”, he adds. To reduce the energy demand of a building, solar facades can be an efficient and, at the same time, aesthetic solution. “Our pioneering projects that use this building integrated technology in Qatar are able to combine a sustainable environmental footprint with a great flexibility in architectural designs,” says Khairallah. The applications are broadranged and used for cooling, heating air and water, powering appliances; and additionally for shading by using building integrated photovoltaics, for example, for garden roofs or canopies. The possibilities are very exciting and all revolve around environmental, economic and social benefits, according to Khairal-

lah. with their wishes for the integra- which BIPVtechnology can be Innovations Unlimited ME today tion of modules in their artwork, incorporated into even the most offers a reliable solution from tremendous opportunities arise extreme designs and make the ertex-solar, with modules pro- to demonstrate the way in design sustainable. duced in laminated safety glass with PVB film. These modules can be highly customizable in shape, color and size that can closely accommodate architects’ wishes. In most cases, BIPV solutionproviders work in close cooperation with architects from around the world offering innovative PV products and first class support for all technical questions and issues. The primary virtue of a solar façade being that it generates clean electricity while providing thermal insulation and artistic shading that filters out harmful radiation; a true conversion of conventional exteriors into multifunctional energy gaining components. A building’s integrated solar system can make it into numerous types of applications, from roofs and overhead spaces to facades, garden shading, fencing and even art installations. The choice of cell type, thickness and distance define the energy yield as well as the amount of shading, stretching further the level of customization possible for these modules. When it comes to the possibilities that façade integrationallowsnowadays, the sky is the limit, says Khairallah. Every time111.3x163.4 architects or artists ap- 1 2014/01/21 3:59 PM Page 1 Advert_Layout proach the photovoltaic experts

Double skin facades gain increasing popularity

ouble skin facades (DSF) are becoming a common architectural feature in commercial buildings. The challenge, however, is to maintain a balance between the aesthetic, acoustic insulation and visual benefits against the performance of the building. A challenging job, but not impossible, argues Mike Renno. Renno says there are various practical reasons for using double facades, like reduction in operating energy, acoustic improvement and natural ventilation to improve occupant comfort and reduce operational energy costs.

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These facades also allow the usage of traditional Mashrabiya screens to have direct views to the outside of the building. Renno explains that buildings contribute heavily to energy consumption due to their high glazing areas and role in increasing cooling demands. But energy consumption can be reduced by 10% through the double facade. The DSF includes a cavity or a space that separates the two layers of the double skin facade. This space acts as a buffer zone that provides a thermal and acoustic insula-

Clive Lewis Associate Director Sports Venue Design Arup

tion to the building. The space facilitates access to the facade for maintenance and cleaning purposes. Renno points out that the distance between the two layers should be 50cm to 2m to prevent high solar radiation. The heat will be trapped in this gap between the outer and the inner skin of the DSF. Renno concluded that DSF offers the most energy efficient option, especially in Qatar’s hot climate which requires more HVAC energy. This will implicate long term savings on the operational cost of the project.

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Concrete Focus

Construction

Colour, texture, depth and creativity: Getting it all with Concrete

ne of the main critiques of concrete is that it looks cold and is cold and can feel wet, which is why it is not the material of choice when considering finishes for residential or commercial floors. It was definitely not the first choice on anyone’s decorative list! Concrete can be cold, but no more so than ceramic tile or natural stone flooring. And yes, concrete floors can transmit moisture vapor if they aren’t insulated properly or if the slab is built on a poorly drained sub-base. The reality is that concrete doesn’t have to be cold. Its thermal properties give it the ability to store and radiate heat. By embedding radiant heating cables in concrete floors, for example, you can keep floors warm in the winter and you can control the temperature level. In properly constructed newer homes, building codes typically require installation of a vapor barrier under concrete slabs to block moisture migration and that feeling of dampness. If the home is built to take advantage of solar radiation entering through windows, concrete floors will absorb the heat from the sun to keep rooms warmer in the winter. And most importantly, in hot climates, a cooler floor can be an advantage and can actually help lower airconditioning costs. Additionally they are great in regions with a lot of sand or snow and present a good alternative to carpets if you have allergies. Construction Sites spoke to Mr. Paul Scholefield, the Operations Manager at RabbanReadymix about coloured concrete. According to him, unless you are a purist and prefer concrete in its plain grey state, there is no reason not to enhance it with colour. The number of different products for colouring concrete has never been greater, and many manufacturers offer an extensive palette of shades to choose from for coloured concrete. Scholefield admit-

ted that, although you will pay more for coloured concrete, the amazing transformation will be well worth the investment.In the hands of a creative contractor, these colouring media permit an endless array of decorative effects, fromrustic earth toned sidewalks and patios that harmonise with the surrounding landscape to vibrant multicoloured floors that double as works of art. As a first of its kind in the region a total of 2,635 sq/m of ‘Artevia Exposed’, a decorative concrete product, was applied in the concrete floor and in some short walls of the main entrance and surrounding areas of the Modern Art Museum of Doha, Mathaf. Ifcoloured concrete was not originally used, stainsor tints can even be applied to the existing concrete substrate, making it an ideal solution for revitalizing lacklustre surfaces. Although staining is not a new technique, the energy efficient and naturally rustic qualities have stirred up recent interest for an ever-expanding array of exterior and interior applications, from mall walkways to family room floors and kitchen countertops. However, it seems that unlike many design trends, colouredconcrete may not be

a fleeting fad. It could even become as mainstream as stained wood. After all, why leave concrete (or wood) bare when you can so easily and economically enrich its appearance with a bit of creativity and a sack or 5 of coloured concrete? ‘Unlike stains, which react chemically with the calcium hydroxide in concrete, dyes are nonreactive and impart colour by penetrating concrete or other porous cementitious surfaces. Dyes are much smaller in particle size than chemical stains or acrylic stains thus allowing for easier penetration and colour saturation while leaving less residue on the surface. A good analogy for comparing the colour intensity and penetration of dyes to stains is that you can fit a lot more marbles than bowling balls into the same size container. The small dye particles fill the pores of the concrete and are very hard to remove; making the dyes nearly as permanent as stains. Because there is virtually no residue, minimal cleanup is required, greatly speeding (up) the application process’. Dyes are available in water- or solvent based formulations and produce looks ranging from monotone to

translucent, depending on how they are applied. Water based dyes typically produce more marbling and variegation (similar to the look of a chemical stain) while solvent based dyes tend to be more monotone and uniform in colour. Some manufacturers’ water- and solvent-based dyes can be combined to produce special colour effects. The downside to dyes is that they penetrate very fast, leaving very little room for error during application. Also, they are not UV stable, so most manufacturers recommend indoor use only. The concept of adding synthetic iron oxide to concrete mix started in the early 1950s. The idea was introduced by the FD Davis Company in Southern California. Synthetic iron oxide was at that time a waste product from chemical manufacturing. By adding this coloured powder to the traditional grey concrete it became possible to achieve a wide range of earth tone colours. Fast forward 50 years, where in 2004 more than 204 million pounds of synthetic iron oxide was used in North America alone to colour cement based products. While the next 50 years may not see that kind of growth in decorative concrete, the product is forecasted to continue to lead all other segments of concrete construction in growth well into the future. RabbanReadymix plans to launch its own “Colourcrete Range” over coming months and sees it as a driving force to their ongoing strategy to present branded solutions to a market that demands more than just meeting strength and durability criteria. Martyn Hinds, General Manager of Rabban adds “We have, in RabbanReadymix, the technical and marketing expertise from our experiences around the globe to deliver these products to the Qatar market. We can tailor these solutions to the end users bespoke requirements” Additional sources: sunworksetc.com

SITES

KnowCrete by

Acceptance criteria for durability tests

By Karthik H Obla, NRMCA Senior Director of Research & Materials Engineering and Colin L Lobo, NRMCA Vice President of Engineering Testing variation: The first and foremost aspect that needs to be kept in mind when selecting a test for qualification or acceptance of concrete is a consideration of the precision of the test method and the associated risk to the producer and purchaser of rejecting or accepting acceptable or defective product, respectively. Compared to the strength test (ASTM C 39), the RCP test (ASTM C 1202) tends to have a larger testing variability. In ASTM C 39, the precision statement indicates that the within test coefficient of variation (V) of companion 6 x 12-inch cylinders prepared in field conditions is 2.9%. It states that the acceptable range of individual cylinder strengths prepared from the same sample of concrete and tested by one laboratory should not differ by more than 8.0%. In comparison, ASTM C 1202 reports a single operator coefficient of variation of test results (measured in triplicate) to be 12.3% with an acceptable range of 42%. While the precision estimates are not directly comparable due to the method used in developing them, they serve to illustrate that the variability of C 1202 test results can be on the order of six times higher than that of the strength test results. To put these numbers in some perspective, if we get two results from the same sample, one of 800 coulombs and the other of 1200 coulombs, they are still within the acceptable range of testing error. For a certain project with a specified RCP test value of 1000 coulombs. Does a RCP test result of 1200 coulombs deserve an inquiry as well? Given that the acceptable testing range is 42%, it is quite possible that the 1200 coulomb result is due to normal testing variability. A retest of another set of specimens made from the same batch of concrete may very well yield a value lower than 1000 coulombs. In this case, the test result of 1200 coulombs should not be a cause for inquiry. To avoid these problems, one must develop rational, statistically-based acceptance criteria for the RCP test. We propose to use the same widely accepted concepts as the current provisions for submittals and acceptance established for compressive strength. This discussion assumes that RCP test results during the course of a project follow a normal probability distribution, like strength test results. To be continued… For further information: info@greymatters.ws

Construction

SITES

News

Ashghal signs seven construction contracts worth over QR10 billion Three contracts worth about QR7. 71 billion have been signed for projects under the Expressway Program Qatar’s Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has awarded seven contracts worth around QR10.18 billion for projects under its Expressway and local road development programs (LRDP). Ashghal president Nasser bin Ali Al Mawlawi signed the contracts with various companies at an event which was attended by a number of senior officials. Three contracts worth about QR7. 71 billion were signed for projects under the Expressway Program. Two contracts were signed for Al-Rayyan road: one for the construction and development of roads from west of the New Rayyan Roundabout to the east of Bani Hajer Roundabout and the other for the construction and development of roads from west of the Olympic Roundabout to west of the New Al Rayyan Roundabout. The third contract was signed for the design and construction of phase 1 of the New Orbital Highway, covering 45km of the 180km long highway. Four contracts valuing QR2.47billion were signed for the construction of roads and infrastructure in local areas, including the development of infrastructure for the Commercial Street in Al-Khor, the first package for the infrastructure development of the Industrial Area, the first package for the construction of infrastructure for North and East Al Kheesa (the Rawdat Al Hamama area) and the first package for the development of infrastructure in the Rawdat Abal Heeran area. In June last year Ashghal had awarded 10 design and construction contracts of Expressway projects, with a total value of QR7.2 billion, comprising eight for 24 new Expressway projects across Qatar for QR3.3 billion and two for the East-West Corridor project for QR3.9 billion. Awarding the contracts of “Roads & infrastructure projects in local areas” program follows the conclusion of a “framework contracts strategy” in December last year. The framework, which will be implemented across all the 200 plus roads and infrastructure development projects, is a comprehensive pre-qualification process for

Ashghal officials and representatives of companies at the contract signing ceremony.

contractors. As part of the process, 75 qualified companies have been approved to implement construction and development projects within the next five to seven years. Ashghal has adopted the framework contracts to expedite the implementation of construction and development projects. Qualified companies will be awarded contracts to implement works assigned by Ashghal according to the approved prices previously submitted by companies. This will speed up the selection process of contractors and ensure fast delivery in accordance with international quality standards. The framework contracts also aim to enhance the role of Qatari companies and develop their capacity. Under the framework process, the main criteria for the selection process is the need for successful bidders to be either a Qatari-registered company or a joint venture of an international firm with a Qatari partner who owns not less than 50% of the shares of the company. The framework contracts will also allow Qatari companies to gain the experience needed to participate in larger

projects in the future. Expressway Program 1- Construction and development of Al Rayyan Road – from west of the New Al Rayyan Roundabout to east of the Bani Hajer Roundabout The QR1.02 billion contract was awarded to a joint-venture of Six Construct Qatar Limited and Boom Construction Company. The Al Rayyan Road Upgrade project, stretching from west of the New Rayyan roundabout to the East of Bani Hajer roundabout, comprises construction and upgrade of 2.9km of four lanes in each direction separated by a central median in addition to 2km of side roads and associated service roads (approximately 5.8km). The project will start in the first quarter of 2014 and is due to be completed by the third quarter of 2016 It will include new and improved pedestrian footpaths and cycleways, major infrastructure improvements including storm water drainage network with major micro tunneling work, treated sewage effluent networks and upgrades to electrical and telecommunication networks.

Grade separated interchanges will eliminate waiting time and provide free flowing traffic for Rayyan Road users. The project includes the following main junctions: • Al Rayyan/Al Wajbah Street – at grade rightin/right-out junction at the grade level • Al Rayyan/Al Shafi Street – two-level Interchange at grade signalized junction with Rayyan Road free flow through an underpass • Al Rayyan/Al Qalah St. (Castle R/A) – two-level Interchange - at grade signalized junction with Rayyan Road free flow through an underpass 2 - Construction and development of Al Rayyan Road – from west of the Olympic Roundabout to west of the New Al Rayyan Roundabout The QR3.43 billion contract was awarded to a joint-venture of Dogus Holdings and Onur. Work includes the construction and upgrading of the section of Rayyan Road that stretches from west of the Olympic Roundabout to the west of the New Al Rayyan Roundabout, together with

the construction and upgrading of associated side and service roads. The total length of the improvement scheme is approximately 5.3km with four lanes in each direction separated by a central median in addition to 5.4km of side roads, associated service roads (approximately 10km) and secondary intersections. The project starts in the first quarter of 2014 and is due to be completed by the first quarter of 2017. In addition, the project will include a network of pedestrian footpaths and cycleways, and landscaping. Major infrastructure improvements being implemented include an electrical power station, storm water drainage with major micro tunneling, treated sewage effluent network and upgrades to electrical and telecommunication networks. Grade-separated interchanges will eliminate waiting time and provide free flowing traffic on Al Rayyan Road, Furosiya Street, and Bu Erayyen (Al Bustan) Street. The project will include the following main junctions: • Huwar Street (Furosiya)/ Al Rayyan Road – three-

level interchange; at grade signalized junction with Rayyan Road free flow through an underpass and a free flow flyover for Huwar Street (Furosiya) • Bu Erayyen (Al Bustan) Street / Al Rayyan Road – three-level interchange; at grade signalized junction with Rayyan road free flow through an underpass and another underpass below it (-2 level) for Bu Erayyen (Al Bustan) Street • Al Amir Street – upgrade of the existing three-level interchange providing a one directional ramp heading west for North bound traffic (motorists heading north). • Jassim Bin Hamad Street– two-level interchange (Trumpet interchange) at grade signalized junction with Jassim Bin Hamad street free flow through an underpass • Bu Erayyen (Al Bustan) Street / Al Rayyan Qadeem Street – two-level interchange at grade signalized junction with Bu Erayyen (Al Bustan) Street free flow through an underpass • Huwar Street (Furosiya)/ Al Rayyan Qadeem Street – two-level interchange at grade signalized junction with Furosiya street free flow underpass 3- Design and construction of the first phase of the New Orbital Highway The contract for the design and construction of the first phase of the New Orbital Highway valuing QR3.26 billion was awarded to a jointventure between J&P Overseas Ltd and J&P Avax S A. The project includes approximately 45km of road network and represents 25% of the 180km long Orbital highway. The project is located to the South West of Doha and provides a new dual carriageway connecting the New Doha Port and Al Wakrah bypass, with the other phases of the New Orbital Highway, and the construction of a road linking Mesaieed road to the East/ West Corridor. The project will encompass approximately 45km of a ma-

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Amro Al Sayed ‫ﻋﻤﺮو ﻣﺤﻤﺪ اﻟﺴﻴﺪ‬ Sales Manager ‫ﻣﺪﻳﺮ ﺗﺴﻮﻳﻖ‬

+974-772 1054 tew@qatar.net.qa Tel.: 4460 0595 Fax: 4460 0596 • P. O. Box: 4374 Street No.www.facebook.com/AlTawheedengineering 12, Gate 18, Industrial Area, Doha - Qatar

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Tel .: +974 4460 6237 - Fax : +974 4460 6238 Mob.: +974 5556 0521 Street No. : 17, Gate 111-115 Industrial Area , P.O.Box : 5771 - doha Qatar : +974 44600595 : Street 12 - Gate 18, Ind. Area email : alwatanag@yahoo.com : +974 44600596 : 4374, Doha - Qatar : +974 55802806

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News jor new dual carriage road plus four junctions. The cross section of the roads will provide four lanes in each direction with the provision of two future lanes, and provision for footways and cycleways. Major infrastructure improvements being implemented as part of the project include a storm water drainage network, treated sewage effluent networks and electrical and telecommunication networks. Allowance for the future long distance rail and freight rail has been accommodated in the project. This phase includes four grade separated interchanges as follows: • Al Wukair Bypass/ Wukair Road 1: two-level interchange with Wukair Bypass at grade and Wukair Road 1 as flyover • Wukair Bypass/Wukair Road 2: two-level interchange with Wukair Bypass at grade and Wukair Road 2 as flyover • Mesaieed Road/Wukair Bypass: two-level interchange with Mesaieed Road at grade and Wukair Bypass as flyover providing access to the New Doha Port • Mesaieed Road /Mesaieed Road 1: two-level interchange with Mesaieed Road at grade and Mesaieed Road 1 as flyover providing access to the New Doha Port. On completion, the New Orbital Highway between Al Khor and Mesaieed will provide an orbital road around Doha and will create a truck route between Mesaieed Industrial City and Ras Laffan Industrial City, reducing heavy vehicle movements through the city. It will also provide better connectivity between the north, south and the west. The infrastructure of the Orbital road will include pathways for camels, weighing stations, side-road parking bays, storm water drainage, ITS and control systems, green landscape and metal beam guardrails on both sides of the roads. Roads & infrastructure projects in local areas 1) Development and upgrading of infrastructure for the Commercial Street in Al Khor The QR245-million contract for the development and upgrading of infrastructure for the Commercial Street in Al Khor has been awarded to Gulf Consolidated Contractors. The project includes upgrading the current road and developing new roads and drainage systems.

Construction

To ease traffic flow and congestion, the project will provide service roads, parking bays and signal-controlled junctions. The project starts in the first quarter of 2014 and is due to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2015 2 ) First package of the Industrial Area project The contract of QR1.36 billion for the first package of Doha Industrial Area project was awarded to a joint-venture (JV) of Qatar Trading and Contracting Group/ MSF Engenharia, SA. The project aims to rehabilitate and upgrade the roads and infrastructure in the Doha Industrial Area in line with future needs. The extent of the project is approximately 480 hectares with about 38km of roadwork. The project will start in the first quarter of 2014 and is due to be completed by the third quarter of 2016. Addressing the infrastructure deficiencies in this important area, the project will feature upgraded roads, sewerage overhaul, traffic signals, pedestrian and cycle routes, street lighting and landscaping to improve quality of life for Industrial Area communities. This is one of the most vital development projects of the area as it will upgrade roads and create an integrated infrastructure network that caters to the needs of the 580

business plots and will reflect positively on the business owners as well as their suppliers and customers. 3) First package of the construction of an integrated infrastructure for North and East Al Kheesa (Rawdat Al Hamama district) The contract for Al-Kheesa North & East (Rawdat Al-Hamama District) amounting to QR313 million was awarded to a joint-venture between Combined Group Company for Trading & Contracting and Sacyr Construction. The first package covers an area of 153 hectares, representing approximately 11% of the entire development project of the Kheesa area. The contract will serve 654 residential plots and three commercial plots, two schools and nine mosques. The area will have 12 public gardens, three car parking plots and 20 various buildings. The project starts in the first quarter of 2014 and is due to be completed by the third quarter of 2015. The roads and infrastructure project in Al-Kheesa North & East (Rawdat Al-Hamama District), Package 1, is located approximately 10km north of central Doha between the existing Al Khor expressway and Al Shamal road in the Al Daayen Municipality. The entire site, covering 1,365 hectares, will accommodate approximately 4,000 residential properties and associated neighborhood development. The site is under development with approximately 800 properties under construction. There are only temporary access roads in the area now. The project has been split into three packages to facilitate a phased design and construction process to expedite construction. 4) First package of Rawdat Abal Heeran roads

and infrastructure development The contract for the first package of the construction and development of infrastructure at Rawdat Abal Heeran is worth about QR547mn. The Rawdat Abal Heeran road and infrastructure project is approximately 760 hectares in size and comprises a stretch of desert on the western pe-

riphery of Doha, north of the Sailiya Road, in the municipality of Al Rayyan. The project area has been divided into four phases with package 1 comprising phases 3 & 5, approximately 313 hectares in size. The project will start in the first quarter of this year and is due to be completed by 2016.

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Rawdet Abal Heeran Package 1 consists of approximately 40km of roads supporting the infrastructure for 1,102 residential plots, four schools, 15 mosques, 42 parks / open places, one government building and 61 diverse buildings. The project’s development objective is to provide roads, drainage and associated infrastructure to support a large residential development in Muaither precinct in west Doha. As part of its community outreach efforts and to ensure public safety, Ashghal will implement an integrated program for raising awareness in areas where local roads and drainage projects are implemented, especially in those place that are residential and have schools and public parks. Ashghal will distribute flyers in both Arabic and English to all residents and business owners in these areas, including information on these projects and safety measures required. The public will be notified about the starting dates of the works, closures and traffic diversions. There will be continuous communication with the residents of these areas to know their needs, complaints, and suggestions. Ashghal has urged the residents of the development areas to communicate with its Contact Centre on 4495 1111 for enquiries or complaints.

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Study

Developing standards for designing surface water infrastructure in Qatar

he Ministry of Municipal and Urban Planning (MMUP) has completed Phase 1 (early 2013) of its Rainfall Study that will be used to design guidelines and standards for the design of storm and surface water infrastructure in Qatar. This comprehensive study is essential for not only to design and operation of water infrastructure but also to erosion control and related environmental and storm water management tasks like catchment and storage. Phase 1 of the study has led to a better understanding of the rainfall patterns experienced in Qatar. The study also showed that there were several aspects not covered in Phase 1 that were identified as important, especially for the revision of the Qatar Highway Design Manual (QHDM), which has resulted in the announcement of Phase 2 (February 2014 - August 2016) of the study to ensure completeness. There have been two issues related to the QHDM, the last revised edition of which was published in 1997. The MMUP plans to reissue the manual in the second half of 2014. It will have some significant revisions and additions. More notable amongst the additions will be an addendum on rainfall entitled the Qatar Rainfall and Runoff (QRR) guidelines. This will be distributed to stakeholders and be a supplement to the QHDM. The QHDM was intended as a guide to highway engineers but it is not an exhaustive source. The manual does not cover the areas of traffic engineering and related matters such as planning and transportation studies or issues of general policy. The Civil Engineering Department at that time specifically looked at the methods and ideas which had been developed at that time regarding the design and construction of roads, especially roads in the UK and USA and a few other countries.

The QHDM used the following references as sources in developing the guidelines: • Q atar Construction Specification • Q atar Traffic Manual • Design Manual for Road and Bridgeworks - British Government Highway Agency • Policy on Geometric Design of Highways - American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials • Road Design Manual National Association of Australian State Road Authorities • Designing for Delivery - Freight Transport Association Design rainfall is the most widely used method for measuring rainfall, otherwise known as Intensity-DurationFrequency (IDF), used in the design of stormwater system design. Stormwater systems includes: gutters, roofs, culverts, stormwater drains and retarding basins, design flood estimation, flood risk assessment and erosion control. According to Eng Abdullah Al Ma’moon of the MMUP, who is leading the research team conducting the Rainfall Study, surface water drainage isn’t given due attention in regions like Qatar on the assumption that the rainfall is too low. However, damages due to flooding caused by intensive storms can be significant even in such arid regions. Collection of rain water on roads can cause traffic accidents, sometimes with fatal outcomes. Severe rainfall often causes flood damage to property, and even loss of lives during flash flooding. Many Gulf countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, and Saudi Arabia have been taken by surprise by severe flood events that have occurred lately. In the 2009 Jeddah flood there was 90mm of rainfall over four hours which resulted in 122 deaths. At least

3,000 vehicles were swept away or damaged. Determining the norm where rainfall is concerned is critical and gives one an idea of what is in fact ‘normal’ and what is a ‘hundred year event’. Rainfall characterization, according to the study, looks at rainfall and storminess in order to quantify the drainage capacity required to compensate for runoff. Qatar lies in a particularly dry part of the world where average annual rainfall varies from 10mm to as much as 250mm. Individual storms have been known to occur with rainfall measured at 136mm in a 24 hour period. For the study, Qatar was divided into four zones and a key finding was that the difference in annual rainfall between the North and South of Qatar is as much as 40%. The average maximum daily rainfall in the northern part of Qatar 28mm compared to 20mm in the South. According to the research, it was noted that it is important to establish the relationship between rainfall even intensity, duration and frequency (IDF) in order to reliably identify the drainage capacity required for each design. So the recommendation is that in the case of a drainage system passing through two or more regions, the design criteria with the worst-case scenario should be applied. The study recommends that design IDF values should be extracted from the relevant figure dependent upon the location of the proposed road. The four regions have been named Northern, Central East, Central West and Southern Region with Doha being in the Central East region and the Southern region bordering Saudi Arabia. With the emphasis on Green Infrastructure it is important to compare different approaches to how runoff is managed. Low impact development (LID) means an approach to stormwater management that imitates a site’s

natural hydrology as the landscape is developed. Using low impact development approach, stormwater is managed on-site and the rate and volume of predevelopment stormwater reaching receiving waters is unchanged. Low impact development principles complement, and sometimes replace, traditional stormwater management systems, which historically emphasized moving stormwater off-site with curbs, pipes, ditches and ponds(Minnesota Pollution Control Agency). Green infrastructure is an approach to wet weather management that is cost-effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. Green Infrastructure management approaches and technologies infiltrate, evapotranspire, capture and reuse stormwater to maintain or restore natural hydrologies. The terms low impact development and green infrastructure are used interchangeably. Green infrastructure is an approach that communities can choose to maintain healthy waters, provide multiple environmental benefits and support sustainable communities. Unlike single-purpose gray stormwater infrastruc-

ture, which uses pipes to dispose of rainwater, green infrastructure uses vegetation and soil to manage rainwater where it falls. By weaving natural processes into the built environment, green infrastructure provides not only stormwater management, but also flood mitigation, air quality management, and much more. Green infrastructure is a resilient and affordable solution that can meet many objectives at once. Low impact development • Vegetated filter strips at the edges of paved surfaces • Residential or commercial rain gardens designed to capture and soak in stormwater • Porous pavers, porous concrete, and porous asphalt • Narrower streets • Rain barrels and cisterns • Green roofs “Accurate information on the condition and trends of a country’s water resource - surface and groundwater; quantity and quality - is required as a basis for economic and social development and for maintenance of environmental quality through a proper perception of the

Abdullah Al-Ma’moon MEng CPEng (Aust.) JP Senior Infrastructure Engineer, Ministry of Municipality & Urban Planning

physical processes controlling the hydrological cycle in time and space.... almost every sector of a nation’s economy has some requirement for water information, for planning, development, or operational purposes.” --WMO/UNESCO Report on Water Resources Assessment, p. 16. The MMUP has presented the study results at various conferences locally and internationally. It was most recently heard at the Qatar Foundation Annual Research Conference (ARC) 2013 and was presented at the 35th International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR) 2013 in Chengdu, China.

201

28 April - 1 May, Doha Exhibition Ce

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Construction

SITES

Lighting

Expert sheds new light on health benefits

he seminar on “indoor air quality”, held in Doha recently, included a session by Dr Atos Batarra, an Italian architect with over 30 years of experience in design concept, who explained the significance of natural light. “Research has shown that sunlight has multiple benefits such as boosting a person’s energy level and immunity as well as improving mood and enhancing mental awareness, concentration and productivity. However, we are deprived of natural sunlight exposure due to our current lifestyle, spending much time in rooms with distorted artificial light,” he said. However, according to Dr Batarra, we are able to use artificial full-spectrum lighting in offices and homes to reproduce natural light frequencies in order to meet our biological needs, which would reduce eyestrain when reading and counteract drowsiness. Research has shown that exposure to light increases responsiveness and intelligence. Some research also points to the fact that the lack of natural light leads to depression, alcoholism, drug addiction, suicide, etc. This has been shown to be prevalent in some parts of Scandinavia. That is why Scandinavian authorities have introduced home lamps with a wide range of luminosity. It appears that suicide rates have been halved after that. Exposure to light affects work

output. But how much light do you actually need? According to Batarra, this depends of the time of the day and the requirements of the work. Sunlight emission spectrum changes during the day and from season to season. On a winter afternoon, the amount of light that reaches the earth is 8000 lux while at noon during summer it is 130,000 lux. As a comparison, Batarra said that a typical home or office was usually lit up by a lamp which measured 100-400 lux. He added that a lamp should ideally be at least 500 lux, recommending that using a fullspectral lamp for six hours per day gave you a minimum of 30 units equivalent of sunlight. Interestingly, Batarra said that fluorescent tubes caused drowsiness similar to computer and television screens. A respondent from within the audience disputed the sources of his research and said that he had lived in Scandinavia for 20 years and he himself was a researcher in the field. He said that since 98% of sunlight is absorbed through the eyes and only 2% through the skin, it is sufficient for Gulf residents to be exposed between 30-40 minutes a day to get the minimum amount of sunlight needed for vitamin D production. At the peak of the summer this would probably be during the very short trips from the house to the car, and from the car to

the office, school or mall. Havcurtains and car windows or section of your home, of- 5. Don’t forget to turn off the ing said that one needed to enfor some time during the fice or school. lights when you leave a sure that you leave the house sunlight hours. 4. It may seem like a small room, unless you plan to during summer! 2. Use LED lights. measure but keeping your return to the lit area freBatarra shared a few energy- 3. Try to incorporate a “sun lights and light fixtures quently within a short perisaving tips to reduce consumptunnel” in your home. This sparkly clean will improve od. Turning the light on and tion: is an architectural solution their efficiency by allowing off can also eat up energy 1. Windows in your car or that needs to be incorpothe light to shine through a and decrease the life of a home block light. Open the rated in a newly-built home clear surface. traditional bulb.

‘Bright prospects’ for LED lighting market in Mideast The heavy inflow of infrastructure investments into the Middle East, especially the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), due to a swelling population and upcoming mega events such as the 2022 FIFA World Cup, is creating a vast market opportunity for light emitting diode (LED) lighting. The region’s gross domestic product is expected to reach 6% in 2013-2014 due to increased oil production, and the government is pulling out all stops to develop infrastructure to support this growth, in turn, spawning more projects that demand advanced lighting products. New analysis from Frost & Sullivan finds that the market earned revenues of $115.7 million in 2012 and estimates this to reach $349.8 million in 2017. The mushrooming of infrastructure projects is steadily driving the market for energyefficient and intelligent lighting, as several Middle Eastern countries have banned incandescent light bulbs due to their low efficiency. This is an ideal set up for LED lighting to become the fastest growing lighting technology in the region. “The GCC government’s legislation mandating the use of energy-efficient lighting

technologies such as LEDs in public sector outfits, common public spaces, utility services and commercial buildings has been a shot in the arm for lighting vendors,” observed Kumar Ramesh, Industry Manager, Environmental and Building Technologies Practice, Middle East and North Africa, Frost & Sullivan. Furthermore, the growing environmental consciousness all over the world bodes well for sustainable and energy-efficient lighting such as organic LEDs (OLEDs), which is the next generation of LEDs. By switching to LED lighting, the GCC governments are also looking to reduce their carbon footprint drastically. All these measures notwithstanding, the high initial costs of LED lighting has curbed their potential to some extent. Unless the governments of every country establish international standards, LED lighting will have to strive hard to break through customer resistance. Additionally, due to the highly capital intensive production process using raw materials such as semi-conductors, LED lighting manufacturers are hard pressed to obtain funding from either the government or private investors, which hampers market

growth. Acknowledging these issues, market participants are educating customers about the long-term cost benefits of LED solutions as well as investing in R&D and technology upgrades to lower the installation costs. While these efforts will bring down costs, it will also open up a wider range of options and applications of LED lighting technology available at competitive price. “Providing high-standard lighting solution will guarantee growth in demand and despite its high initial costs, consumers will increasingly prefer LEDs to conventional lighting technologies for its long-term benefits,” noted Ramesh.

#smartbuilding

28-29 APRIL 2014 I SOFITEL THE PALM RESORT I DUBAI

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Interview

Construction

SITES

The importance of facilities management For the building to “grow up”, it has to be nurtured and this meant looking after all its vital signs

onstruction Sites spoke to Ali Al Suwaidi, a board member of the Middle East Facility Management Association (MEFMA), on the sidelines of the launch of the Facilities Management Interest Group, set up jointly by the Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC) and the MEFMA. MEFMA was started four years ago, aiming to reach out to all building owners, operators, managers and government bodies in charge of infrastructure maintenance. Al Suwaidi spoke passionately about building management and how it had changed with the introduction of smart systems. Building management is no longer confined to locking and unlocking the main door of a building. Al Suwaidi said it involved complex management processes ranging from security, lighting, energy management and regular maintenance. The aim of the MEFMA and QGBC partnership is to tailor these management processes to the Gulf. According to Al Suwaidi, there is a huge communication gap between owners and users of buildings. MEFMA has been holding discussions about facilities

management in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. It is now partnering with QGBC to make concrete changes to the facilities management sector in Qatar. Al Suwaidi emphasised that MEFMA was there to keep the market informed and to highlight the importance of synergistic partnerships rather than just for commercial gain. MEFMA is also providing accredited training courses for members and non-members. Al Suwaidi said that MEFMA provided courses in a variety of subjects ranging from the foundation in facilities management (FM) to effective customer service. He pointed out that that MEFMA started a training programme called Ta’aseesy which is its foundation program. The MEFMA is now launching its Muhtarif (which means “professional” in Arabic) course. An accredited course, Muhtarif is meant for students who have already completed the Ta’aseesy foundation in FM course. It will consist of five modules, including management accounting, operations management, project management, sustainability and leadership. MEFMA will be sharing knowl-

Ali Al Suwaidi: MEFMA board member

edge and best practices with QGBC and vice versa. Once QGBC has completed a report on its findings in the sector, it can take it to the relevant Qatari authority and the neces-

sary regulations and changes can be made to improve the sector. Al Suwaidi, who was the manager for the Burj Khalifa at its handover, compared a new

building to a baby. For the building to “grow up”, it has to be nurtured and this meant looking after all its vital signs. He said the handover was a critical event that should be given much more importance. “There has to be a plan for the building based on systems and processes.” In fact, he said that facilities management was critical for all forms of infrastructure. “It is a means to integrate people, real estate and technology. As a result of evolving cities there are now higher order needs that need to be fulfilled so as to improve building functionality.” Building codes have followed suit and all have references to facilities management; eg. LEED, BREEAM, etc. Al Suwaidi commented that tall buildings were like airplanes. The technology in a tall building needed to protect the people inside the building, he pointed out. “Therefore smart building systems need to have adequate prewarning systems because by the time the alarm goes off to warn occupants of a water failure then it was probably too late.” It was important to be able to pre-empt the failure of an elevator so that the problem could be solved before some-

thing happened. Facility managers in effect became like “building doctors”. When asked about the issue of retrofitting, Al Suwaidi responded by saying that the first question to ask was: what was the purpose of retrofitting? “If retrofiitting is only going to save you pennies then you have to assess your priorities and put your money where it will best serve the purpose of your building. This is not to say that you should not prioritize energy saving strategies but that you should compare the current cost of the building vs. improving the overall health of the building (Facilities Condition Index - FCI).” Ensure that the building is safe and secure and comfortable. When using green technologies, owners in the Gulf expect a speedy return on their investment. Traditionally in places like Europe and the US payback time is seven to 10 years. Owners in the Gulf need to be patient with building development. The expectation in the Gulf is that investment will be recovered in three to four years. On a last note he said that people must not just build green but they need to keep it green.

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Geotechnica ME

Ways to manage geotechnical risks in the built environment

Identifying and recording geotechnical risks accurately are crucial to assessing the overall safety of any construction project, particularly deep basements and tunnels The only dedicated technical conference and trade show representing the geotechnical industry and built environment sector, Geotechnica ME was held in Qatar last December. Attending the technical conference and trade show, organized by Equipe in association with Pinnacle Events, was essential for any construction company that wished to pave the way forward for the building industry and aid in the sector’s growth and development. With the built environment sector in Qatar enjoying a boom, the resident companies must promote and adopt best-practice to ensure that work carried out by them is of the highest quality. The Technical Conference and Trade Show helped promote the best-practice procedures as well as improving knowledge on the geotechnical challenges at hand. There is no similar event in the region that allows visitors and conference attendees to receive answers to all of their project queries instantaneously. The conference brought together key stakeholders as well as regional and UKbased technical experts to discuss issues, including: • Infrastructure construction and managing risk in an arid environment; • Geotechnical solutions to tunneling and deep excavations in potentially voided or saturated ground; • Dealing with the risk posed by dissolution features and cavities in a karstic environment and • Water engineering to deliver sustainable growth. “Identification and recording geotechnical risks accurately are crucial to assessing the risks to any construction project, particularly deep basements and tunnels,” said Pete Reading, from Equipe, who chaired the event. A good example of this in Qatar is the Rus Formation, a mixture of limestone, clay and gypsum, according to Reading. This formation is particularly prone to voids often of significant size and these can

be fully saturated with saline ground water. Innovative methods of locating and investigating these voids were extensively discussed during the event. The keynote address was made by Eng Osman El Hussein Mohammed, Quality Researcher of the Department of Quality, Safety and Environment at Ashghal. He outlined the Qatari vision for 2030 which includes the provisions for the FIFA World Cup in 2022, explaining that this would involve projects costing in excess of QR100 billion over the next six to seven years. He spoke of Ashghal’s health and safety control measures and how they would impact on the works contractors and, in particular, how these will be enforced for geotechnical testing works. He also outlined the importance of Ashghal’s initiatives to set up construction industry’s specifications and national standards developed and tested by a research and development center. Mitigating risk The conference’s first session, opened by Asim Gaba, Director at Arup, dealt with infrastructure construction and managing risk in the region. Gaba suggested that in Arup’s experience “the cheapest is most often not the best” and you got what you paid for. He suggested the concept of a central repository in the region to pool information. Gaba illustrated his talk with a number of case studies where simple errors had caused significant problems. He felt that early involvement of the geo-professional and good training could often preempt such problems and mitigate the risk. Benoit Latapie, Senior Geotechnical Engineer, Atkins Middle East, delivered the second talk in this session. Latapie focused on pile design in the region and how over-conservative designs were often made because of the uncertainty and risks posed by variable ground conditions. He argued that if Osterberg tests were carried out the pile capacity could be more accurately assessed.

The keynote address at the conference was made by Eng Osman El Hussein Mohammed, Quality Researcher of the Department of Quality, Safety and Environment at Ashghal.

The first session was completed with a talk from Eng Ahmad Jassim Al Jolo, Chairman of the Qatar Society of Engineers. He discussed the issue of sustainability which he considered an essential part of the development of Qatar. He explained that there was a need for a rating system for sustainable buildings in the state, as well as suggesting that the GSAS was the most likely to be adopted by Ashghal. His talk developed the idea of sustainability and how it embraced not just the structure, but all areas of social economic life including man’s wellbeing. Deep excavations Experiences from tunneling carried out in London were the subject of presentation by Andrew Ridley, Managing Director, Geotechnical Observations Ridley, in his presentation “Recent experiences of real-time monitoring on tunneling projects in London”, demonstrated how projects in London were using an innovative technique to give early warning of movements something which could be extremely beneficial to projects in Qatar. The Director of WJ Groundwater in Qatar, Paul Turner, presented some dramatic case studies of when dewatering had not worked. However, with good quality data from investigation and a sound knowledge of the local con-

ditions, Turner revealed how it was possible to ensure safe dry excavations for deep foundations. Peter Sharp, Regional Director, Mott MacDonald, presented some excellent data gathered in various deep foundation projects in the region - his results showed good comparisons but he emphasized that it was essential to obtain high quality data to enable relationships to be established. By using a wide range of different tests, Sharp was able to look at the behavior of retaining walls to deep excavations and make accurate predictions of wall movement. The final session of Day 1 looked at the use of finite difference analytical techniques to assess the failure criterion for a wide range of structures and foundations. Matthew Gilbert, of Limit State Limited and University of Sheffield, in his presentation “Application of Computational Limit”, explained how this simple technique was able to rapidly assess the failure criterion for many different situations. He cited several examples from the Middle East to illustrate the functionality of the analysis. Professor Clarke, the former president of the Institution of Civil Engineers, gave a philosophical overview of collaborating to manage risk, demonstrating that by involving all parties early in the project design stage many

significant issues could be resolved which would, if not addressed early, compound to bring about bigger risks down the line. Best Practices The third session gave an overview of the current best practice procedures in the area. Firstly James Duggan, from ExxonMobil, presented his own dissertation that demonstrated that by using GIS imaging he could derive an analysis method which seems to predict the potential location of voids in the Rus Formation. Logging of the Rus Formation Qatar – one year later Secondly Sallie Vest, of CH2M Hill, cited the recent Idris Project to demonstrate how collaborative logging between contractors and paying close attention to detail in logging discontinuities, the quality of the coring and information gathering process could be significantly improved. Session 3 concluded with a presentation from Dr Rod Eddies, Global Lead on Surface Geophysics from Fugro. Eddies concentrated on the location of voids in the limestone bedrock and demonstrated how geophysical methods had significantly improved and could identify potential voids. Session 4 included case histories from the construction of a water related project in Lusail, presented by Simon Atkinson from Bryne Looby

Partners. The project encountered several voids and Atkinson recounted how these were overcome to deliver the project to plan. Dr Parneet Paul, Director of Water Sustainability Research Centre at Brunel University London, discussed the importance of water in the region and some of the risks posed by the use of desalination for example, before introducing the concept of virtual water and how water might be squandered without recognizing its use in a process. The two short talks which preceded the final session also rounded on the subject of determining rock quality and the presence of voids. These talks were given by Wolfram Felfer, of Fugro Austria, and Horatiu Corbeanu, of CH2M Hill, and discussed the use of geophysics and rig diagraphy to determine the presence of voids or poor rock. The final discussion session centered on how information might be gathered into a central database. The database will better inform practitioners of potential risks early in the life of a project. It was suggested that several of the speakers had information which would prove useful and James Duggan was building a model which should be able to put the information into a useable model. The discussion concluded with a willingness to collaborate to bring this to fruition. #smartcity

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Geotechnica ME

Construction

SITES

Geophysics expert underlines need for a robust ground investigation in Qatar Dr Rod Eddies, global lead on onshore geophysics at Fugro, discusses the need for an integrated, innovative and appropriately phased approach to site investigation. A prevailing theme at the recent Geotechnica ME conference in Doha was the need for robust ground investigation if new infrastructure and building developments are to be completed on time and on budget. The discovery of unexpected subsurface features during construction - such as weak ground and cavities, common in Qatar’s heavily weathered and frequently karstic geology - can lead to delays and

expensive, unplanned design and construction works. Investment in timely and robust ground investigation can enable targeted remediation and uncover opportunities to “design out” problems before site work starts, for example, by positioning structures away from identified subsurface hazards. A further benefit of building a full picture of ground stratigraphy and structure, and engineering properties – a representative ground model – is that foundation design can be tailored to actual, rather than assumed, conditions. This can potentially deliver big savings by removing the need for overly conservative

design. Many data inputs may be required to build a robust ground model, geophysical characteristics being among the most valuable in regions like Qatar where the pace of development is rapid and ground conditions are complex. Rapid screening techniques, often based on electrical or electromagnetic techniques, can provide a broad overview of site conditions and lateral and vertical variability in the top few meters; for deeper insight a range of seismic techniques can be used. Engineering geophysics has not replaced “conventional” drilling and probing, but it enables informed targeting of relatively expensive holes. Consequently more information can be derived from fewer holes by positioning them optimally to characterize typical and anomalous conditions, that is, sample variability more effectively. Once a hole is drilled, its value can be greatly enhanced by borehole geophysics and wire-line logging to improve the understanding of stratigraphy, the presence of voids and karstic fill and engineering parameters – all for a small additional cost for a

typical borehole. Fugro’ sminivibe units are compact and highly controllable and generate energy for seismic investigation of the ground to depths of a few meters to more than a kilometer. An array of geophone sensors detects signals reflected from ground features. A question frequently asked by clients in this part of the world is: Where are the cavities? The answer is not straightforward. Site access is often compromised by urban environment and saline groundwater is commonly found at shallow depth. Even a small void at a depth of tens of meters can be significant to tunneling or foundation works, making the quest rather like seeking a needle in a haystack. The use of geophysics here has yielded mixed success for a number of reasons. But there is hope that an innovative approach to seismic methods of investigation will provide the clarity to detect cavities of relatively small dimensions and the ability to penetrate beyond the depths of most foundations or metro tunnels. Referred to as 3C or multicomponent seismic, the method uses a state of the

art vibroseis acoustic source to transmit a highly-controlled wavefield into the ground. A series of geophones built into a landstreamer, suitable for use on most types of surface, detects signals reflected and refracted from boundaries, and critically, scattered and diffracted from discontinuities within the ground. Unlike other methods generally used in geotechnical applications, a 3C seismic approach analyses three components of the wavefield: the vertical, and two orthogonal horizontal components. Fugro has been impressed with the results of 3C seismic surveys in Qatar so far which have detected a number of potential cavities flagging areas to the development team where further investigation may be needed. The importance of timing With around a quarter of construction projects encountering significant delays due to unforeseen ground problems, it might be wise to spend typically less than 1% of a budget on ground risk mitigation. But it’s no good doing it if it’s too late. Once a project gets the green light, there is pressure to see the earthmovers and cranes on site as soon as possible.

Dr Rod Eddies,

global lead on onshore geophysics at Fugro

With the impressive pace of current developments in Qatar to prepare for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, this pressure is as great as anywhere in the world. But a proper ground investigation needs to be done in good time and it should be phased, with geophysical screening taking place before detailed geophysics, drilling and probing. And if real value is to be extracted from the investigation, it must be properly integrated into a GIS framework. This will enable the project team to see existing and proposed infrastructure outlines in the context of surface imagery, topography, borehole information and properl-interpreted geophysical data.

Construction

SITES

News

QF sets the gold standard in improving workers’ welfare

t has been acknowledged in a recent report released by the Engineers Against Poverty (EAP), a UK-based agency working in the areas of engineering and international development, that all public-sector clients should benchmark their labor practices against those of Qatar Foundation (QF). In October 2012, QF signed the Migrant Workers Welfare Charter which highlights some fundamental principles for the treatment of workers. EAP’s report “Improving employment standards in construction in Qatar”, focusing on some of the issues critical to improving the situation of the labor sector in the construction industry, was launched in Doha on January 15. The report is based on indepth interviews with 10 principal contractors working in Qatar and with five representatives of consultants responsible for managing major projects on behalf of the Qatar government’s main clients. In common with other countries in the Gulf, Qatar is dependent on migrant workers from all over the world. Most of the expatriate labor force comes from Asia with a few from other countries in Europe and the Americas.

Workers in Qatar mainly come from low-income countries in Asia with most of them being employed in the construction sector. QF’s “Mandatory Standards of Migrant Workers’ Welfare - for contractors and subcontractors” (the Standards), published in April 2013, have set out requirements that must be met by contractors and subcontractors when executing construction works for it. The Standards are the result of a collaborative effort by members of a working committee comprising international experts and which included representatives from QF and its subsidiaries, as well as the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee (Q22). The Standards are described as a welfare initiative designed to enhance migrant workers’ quality of life and curb unfair employment practices. The aim is to “guarantee the rights of workers at all stages of the migration cycle from the moment they are recruited until they are repatriated to their home countries”. QF hopes that the Standards will be adopted by other clients and serve as a model for the ethical treatment of workers nationwide.

The Standards are based on the Qatari labor law but they go further in a number of respects. The researchers found that the publication of the QF Mandatory Standards has already had a positive effect on the construction industry by identifying the key issues of construction workers’ welfare and rights and more importantly, looking at how contractors and clients can address them. The Standards have been well received by principal contractors and project management

QF has signed the Migrant Workers Welfare Charter which highlights some fundamental principles for the treatment of workers consultants (PMCs). Although QF has adopted the principle of appointing contractors who comply with their standards, the main challenge is the sheer volume of construction work that is planned and the fact

that the supply chain is already stretched. QF works on the basis that it issues “NoObjection Certificate” (NOC) automatically to employees who wish to change their employer. However, the majority of the contractors interviewed felt strongly that the NOC encouraged complacency on the part of employers and resulted in inefficiencies in the labor market which would have an impact on output and productivity. Contractors agreed that they should be required to work only with legitimate recruitment agents, pay all recruitment fees and expenses and require the same of their subcontractors. But policing the actions of the agents and sub-agents in labor-sending countries is not within their powers and they may be unable to prevent agents from also charging workers’ fees without their knowledge. Many of the problems facing migrant workers in Qatar are attributed to the kafala (sponsorship) system which provides the legal basis for their residency and employment. But not all of the issues outlined above can be fairly laid at the door of the kafala. Other problems such as late

payment of wages are not unique to Qatar but inherent in the structure and operation of the construction industry worldwide. The Qatar government has taken a number of measures designed to ensure that contractors adhere to international labor standards for workers employed on construction projects. It has passed the Qatar Construction Specifications (2010), Qatar Labor Law 14 (2004) and various other Ministerial Decrees. But passing laws is only the first step. Ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations in the construction industry, with its long chains of subcontracting, is a bigger challenge and one that is not unique to Qatar. In its report, EAP says that this issue falls within its main area of expertise and its experience leads it to believe that public-sector clients, together with international construction companies who are the project managers and main contractors in Qatar, have a major role to play in helping the government to improve compliance with the labor laws and drive improved conditions for migrant construction laborers. Clients can choose their main

contractors and employ only those who meet the required standards. Main contractors, in turn, have responsibility for health and safety on construction sites, leverage over subcontractors and power to employ only those who adhere to appropriate standards. International contractors are also sensitive to public opinion and anxious to avoid adverse publicity and accusations of exploitative behavior. Some of the preliminary recommendations put forward by the EAP included setting up a hotline by principal contractors so that workers can alert all stakeholders to delayed payment of wages by subcontractors. It strongly recommended that workers wages be paid through electronic bank transfer. In fact it went as far as to suggest that it should be mandatory as this would provide workers with proof of a breach of contract. The report also recommended that public sector clients should look at how the flow of funds could be improved down the subcontracting chain and consider including clauses requiring principal contractors to pay the workers employed by subcontractors if they had not been paid.

Project Update

Construction

SITES

Hamad International Airport on track for mid-year opening The Hamad International Airport (HIA) is on track for a “phased opening” by mid this year, Abdul Aziz Mohamed Al Noaimi, chairman of the Steering Committee of the New Doha International Airport (NDIA), has announced. Addressing an event at the new airport’s passenger terminal complex, Al Noaimi, who is also the chairman of Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority, said: “The opening of Hamad International Airport in the middle of this year will bring to fruition the vision of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Emir, to build a worldclass airport supporting the state’s development and prosperity, a vision that His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, was eager to complete through his support and guidance.” The event was attended by members of the NDIA Steer-

ing Committee, including Akbar Al Baker, Nasser Al Ansari, Ali Abdullah Al Abdullah, Mohammed Abdul Kareem Al Meer, Abdullah Khalifa M Al Assiri, Essa Arrar Al Romaihi,

HIA required a workforce of over 50,000 at its peak, more than 1,000 architects, designers, consultants, engineers and project managers

Abdullah Jassim Al Meraikhi, and Saad Farhan Al Otaibi, as well as aviation stakeholders. It was held under the theme, “Runway to the Future, GateHIA will include: way to the World”. *44 km of road surAl Noaimi described HIA as face “a world-class aviation hub purpose-built to cater to rap- *a 29-hectare lagoon idly evolving aviation and *5 tunnels passenger needs of the 21st *2.45sq km of landcentury”. scaping Journalists were taken on an extensive tour of the new *More than 100 state-of-the-art airport that buildings on the site highlighted the vast number and scale of facilities that will *Two Runways: Eastern Runway: 4,850 be put into service. Among the facilities were meters long (world’s the public mosque, the Emiri longest at sea level), terminal, East and West runWestern Runway: ways, the main fire station, the cargo terminal, the air4,250 meters long craft maintenance hangars, the Qatar Duty Free warehouse, central utility plants, the air traffic control tower, the catering facilities, the GSE maintenance center, the “The result is more than an fuel farm and the passenger airport; it is an international transport hub satisfying all the requirements of the fastgrowing aviation sector in the region. This is needed in light of the growing traffic through and into the region, driven by world-scale events planned in the next decade.” Commenting on the project’s opening, Al Noaimi said: “Despite delays, which were a result of changes requested during construction to exterminal and the baggage pand the project, as well as handling system. challenges we faced regardHighlighted on the tour were ing some contracts, we are aspects of the airport facility on track for a mid-year openthat contribute to its worlding. Through the work of many class nature, including the people, we have overcome airplane maintenance hangthe delays, and here today ers, which feature the world’s we are witnessing a major widest free span door openachievement of which Qataris ing in the world. will be proud for long years to And at 69,000 square mecome.” ters, the four-story catering HIA will be larger and have facility is one of the largest greater capacity on its openin the world with a capacity of ing day than initially envi90,000 meals per day. sioned. “I am proud to confirm toDue to increased transit day that this project is nearly growth in Qatar and the recomplete,” said Al Noaimi. gion in the past few years, “HIA stands as a groundthese modifications were breaking accomplishment necessary to deliver an airfusing refined architectural port with a capacity of 30 milstyle achieved through statelion on opening day. of-the-art airport and facilThe third phase was intended ity construction technology,” for a 2015 start but it was continued Al Noaimi. decided to accelerate the

process and integrate all construction phases to complete the entire project in a shortened time. Progress on the project continues, with planning for the construction of an Airport City having started in 2012.

Despite delays, which were a result of changes requested during construction to expand the project, as well as challenges we faced regarding some contracts, we are on track for a mid-year opening. Al Noaimi.

HIA and Airport City spans 29 square kilometers, 60% on land reclaimed from the Arabian Gulf. More than 1,000 architects, designers, engineering consultants and project managers worked on the project, through more than 200 local, regional and international contractors and service contracts. Qatari contractors have made significant contributions to the execution of the project. The passenger terminal was built with an internal area of 600,000 square meters on opening day. In its opening configuration, the terminal has three concourses and 33 contact gates, increasing to five concourses and 65 contact gates, including eight for the A380 in the final build-out. The terminal also includes 16 lounges for various categories of passengers, 28 art installations by local, regional and international artists, more than 100 F&B and retail outlets, a transit hotel,

a swimming pool, a luxury spa and squash courts. The on-site public mosque can accommodate 500 worshippers. Construction of the airport included completion of road infrastructure, including 21 bridges and five tunnels, with 44 kilometers of internal and surrounding road surface.

Construction

SITES

Qatar

The law in the Gulf: delay and disruption in construction Complaints of disruption and additional costs are routinely made during the course of a construction project yet they remain notoriously difficult to prove

he topic under discussion by the SCL Gulf chapter in Doha recently was sufficiently complex for not to be too many questions at its end but also topical enough for a packed auditorium. The SCL Gulf had invited Richard Harding QC, Keating Chambers, to talk about “The Law in the Gulf on Delay and Disruption Claims”. Harding gave a flawless presentation interspersed with obscure, if interesting, European historical references and risque Arab poetry! Delay and disruption formed the subject of a protocol issued by the SCL in the UK in 2002. Complaints of disruption and additional costs are routinely made during the course of a construction project yet they remain notoriously difficult to prove. One of the main reasons for this is that productivity losses are often difficult to identify and distinguish at the time they arise, as opposed to other money claims which are more directly concerned with the occurrence of a distinct and compensable event together with a distinct and direct consequence, such as an instruction for a discreet variation during the progress of the works or a properly-notified compensation event. How do we define delay and disruption in construction? Delay-related disruption is not always time related but is efficiency related. Disruption is loss of productivity, disturbance, hindrance or interruption to a contractor’s normal working methods, resulting in lower efficiency. In the construction context, disrupted work is work that is carried out less efficiently than it would have been, had it not been for the cause of the disruption. If caused by the employer, it may give rise to a right to compensation either under the contract or as a breach of contract. In short, disruption is the loss of productivity or efficiency for whatever reason. The reasons for disruption

are myriad. This could be due to labor productivity factors like: out of sequence working, change in work, schedule acceleration, management, labour and morale, project location/external conditions. Other major components of productivity loss could be waiting or idle time, traveling, working slowly, doing ineffective work and doing rework. With Qatar there is no statutory limitation on the claims. The claim is not based on acceleration achieved but the contractors’ claim would be based on the need for additional resources. If there is a change then it is usually due to a variation and the claim would inevitable be based on this variation. According to Harding, it need not be stated as a claim but it must be requested and, of course, it must be required. Harding further stated that there would be no claim if the contractor did it arbitrarily. It was not considered to be a “blank cheque” and it was only applicable to reasonable requests. Evaluating disruption According to industry experts one of the most challenging items to evaluate with any accuracy is disruption. The problem is usually caused by a lack of accurate records. With the spotlight on linking cause and effect claims for disruption coming under

greater scrutiny. It is unlikely that contractors and subcontractors will succeed where their claims for disruption are based simply upon the global overspend on labour for the whole of the contract working period. Extensive detail will have to be provided so that the cause of the disruption can be isolated and its effects evaluated. The courts have given some assistance in the manner in which disruption should be evaluated. ‘Measure Mile’ The most appropriate manner to establish disruption is to apply a technique known as “The Measured Mile”. This system provides for the comparison of productivity achieved on an unimpacted part of the contract with that achieved on the impacted part. This method eliminates any argument concerning underestimating and inefficient working. An example of the Measured Mile method can be seen by reference to the decision in the case of Whittall Builders Company Ltd v Chester-LeStreet District Council (1985). Difficulties were experienced by the employer in giving possession of dwellings on a rehabilitation scheme. The court found that during the period when these problems occurred, the contractor was grossly hindered in the progress of the work and as a result ordinary planning was rendered impossible. However, a stage was reached in November 1974 when dwellings were handed over in an orderly fashion and no further disruption took place. Harding added that usually the disruption is indicated by breaches to the contract rather than specific references to disruption. With causation being difficult to prove at best he recommended that a common sense approach be

used. One of the primary common sense requirements Harding suggested was that respondents should advance a positive case. It may not reverse the case but the burden of proof being on the respondent means that the judge will not only examining the claimants case but he will

consider the claimant and defendant case; so be prepared. The Society of Construction Law approach As per the Society of Construction Law Protocol dated 2002 in which they express a view concerning the Measure Mile approach to the evaluation of disruption. The Protocol explains: “The starting point for any disruption analysis is to understand what work was carried out when it was carried out and what resources were used. For this reason record keeping is just as important for disruption analysis as it is for delay analysis. The most appropriate way to establish disruption is to apply a technique known as the Measure Mile. “This compares the productivity achieved on an un-impacted part of the contract with that achieved on the impacted part. Such a comparison factors out issues concerning unrealistic programmes and inefficient working. The comparison can be made on the man hours expended or the units of work performed. “However, care must be ex-

ercised to compare like with like. For example it would not be correct to compare work carried out in the learning curve part of an operation with work executed after that period.” Assessment of the claim 1. Cost based 2. P roject based 3. Industry based Cost-based claims or a claim based on the total cost is a system usually used in the United States. Industry based is where the claim is based on industry norms and similar projects. In conclusion, Harding said that the approach was critical. Most claims approached the claim in a top-down fashion looking for causality whereas he suggested that it be looked at consequentially. It must also be remembered that delay did not equal or cause disruption, however, delay and disruption could result in the contractor incurring additional costs. The contractor therefore needed to be adequately prepared to put in a claim using a common sense approach.

Qatar Projects 2014 highlights massive opportunities

ith more than $200bn worth of major projects due to be awarded in the years to 2030, Qatar remains one of the three top markets for companies doing business in and with the Middle East region. Qatar’s projects market has accelerated in 2013 and is forecasted to grow beyond US $20bn a year as the government seeks to award deals within a tight timeframe. 2014 is the year when Qatar will see significant project activity with infrastructure and transport contract awards expected to peak at US$24bn. In addition, Qatar’s petrochemicals industry offers the most opportunities to international EPC contractors. According to MEED Projects EPC contracts worth a total of US14.63bn are in the design and tender phases in Qatar. The majority of this figure is accounted for by two massive schemes, worth a combined US14bn, that is being planned for the Ras Laffan industrial city in northern Qatar. At Qatar Projects 2014, stakeholders will speak about Qatar’s planned developments as part of its National Vision 2030, including the National Development Strategy (NDS) over the short-term covering the next three-year period until 2016. Along with Qatar’s development comes an anticipated

increase in population as well as the decoupling in gas prices, these and their impact on the country’s infrastructure and energy sector will be analysed by experts. MEED Insight experts will also present a thorough quantitative and qualitative forecast of Qatar and GCC Projects Market. Qatar Projects 2014 offers streamlined and dedicated sessions focusing on two tracks – namely, Qatar Infrastructure & Transport Projects and Qatar Energy & Utilities Projects – which ensure that delegates benefit more from focused topics, speakers, discussions as well as more networking opportunities. The Qatar Infrastructure & Transport programme highlights include first-hand updates from government stakeholders and private developers about Qatar’s infrastructure and transport sectors, including latest project opportunities, requirements and timelines allowing stakeholder to position themselves to have a share of Qatar’ multi-billion dollar projects. Next year, Qatar will see significant project activity with a number of deals on the expressway, local roads and drainage programme to be awarded. Doha alone has a considerable backlog of work to execute between 2014 and 2019, with associated contractor and third party opportunities valued at $90bn, including $40bn worth

of roads, ports and rail work as well as US$19bn construction projects! Meanwhile, the Qatar Energy & Utilities programme highlights include discussions driving efficiency and building heightened value through the exploration and production value chain. Here, delegates will find out more about Qatar’s plans to make oil fields economically viable through the accelerated uptake in state-of-the-art technology Solid project timeline data and analysis about prospective mega, medium and small-scale projects including visibility in to Qatar Petroleum’s plans and requirements for near future contracts will also be comprehensively discussed; along with lucrative petrochemicals, refining, transportation and fuel technology opportunities to leverage more activity and increased business in Qatar. In recognition of the importance of the conference to Qatar delivering on its development goals, Qatar Projects is being supported Mashreq Bank, Al Jaber and PricewaterhouseCoopers Scheduled on March 17-19, 2014 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel Doha, Qatar Projects is now accepting delegate registration at www.qatarprojectsconference. com. We are also seeking strategic event partnerships to give leadership to the programme and sponsor this important initiative.

Safety Matters

Construction

New Fluke ClirVu CV Series IR Windows offer ultimate protection

ore than 99% of all arc flash incidents occur when a panel door is open, exposing workers to potentially lethal amounts of energy. The new Fluke ClirVu CV Series IR Windows eliminate the need to open the panel door to take infrared camera readings, and with an installation time of five minutes or less, there’s no excuse not to protect workers’ safety. The ClirVu CV Series offers the ultimate protection for electricians, engineers and inspectors who work around high-energy equipment. They are Torture Tested to the highest arc blast test ratings and, when properly installed, maintain a panel arc test rating of up to 63 kA. “Fluke’s expertise in safety reflects more than 65 years of preventive testing and problem alerting and the invention of the ClirVu CV Series is the result of attempting high standards of safety. The ClirVu CV series not only installs quickly but also eliminates the need to be in an unsafe environment for even a short amount of time,” says Steve Hood, Fluke General Manager, Middle East, Africa and Turkey. Once the ClirVu CV Series is installed, there’s no need to power down or remove panels — inspections can be conduct-

ed quickly, easily, and, most importantly, safely, often with little, if any, personal protective equipment. Installation takes one technician five minutes or less. Simply lockout-tag out, punch one hole with a standard conduit punch without removing the panel door, attach, and secure the cover. The AutoGround feature instantly grounds the IR window to the metal enclosure, eliminating the need to separately ground each metal component of the window. The hinged cover is easily opened with a quarterturn latch or key to perform infrared inspections. It also protects the window from accidental exterior impact. The ClirVu coating - exclusive

to Fluke infrared windows - seals the optic prior to assembly to protect against moisture degradation making it perfect for very hot and very cold outdoor environments. Each Fluke infrared window is delivered with an identification plate attached for unique, on-site numbering for rapid location confirmation and faster repairs. Founded in 1948, Fluke Corporation is the world leader in compact, professional electronic test tools. Fluke customers are technicians, engineers, electricians, and metrologists who install, troubleshoot and manage industrial, electrical and electronic equipment and calibration processes.

SITES

Traffic control devices key to work zone safety

It is expected that 30 highway projects valued at around $27 billion are going to be awarded to build adequate roads capacity in Qatar over the coming years. This massive amount of road works requires a huge work force, and as the country’s construction sector works to improve its safety standards, safety of workers involved in road projects becomes a priority. Traffic control devices are the first defense line for workers and road users in construction sites requiring traffic diversions. In a publication explaining the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), the construction safety council lists five basic considerations for traffic control devices: 1. Fulfill a specific need, 2. Command attention, 3. Convey a clear and simple meaning, 4. Command respect of the road user, and; 5. Give adequate time for proper response. The publication mentions some fundamental principles for work zone safety: • Road user and worker safety and accessibility should be an integral and high priority element of every project from planning through design and construction. • Road-user movement

should be inhibited as little as practical. • Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians should be guided in a clear and positive manner. • To provide acceptable levels of operations, routine day and night inspections of the work zone should be performed • Attention should be given to the maintenance of roadside safety during the life of the work zone • Good public relations should be maintained. According to the publication, the key elements of worker safety and temporary traffic control management that should be considered to improve worker safety includes: A) Training – all workers should be trained on how to work next to motor vehicle traffic in a way that minimizes their vulnerability. Workers having specific responsibilities should be trained in the proper techniques, device usage, and placement. B) Worker safety apparel – all workers exposed to the risks of moving roadway traffic or construction equipment should wear high-visibility safety apparel meeting the requirements of ISEA “American National Standard for HighVisibility Safety Apparel” and labeled as ANSI 107 standard performance for Class 1, 2, or

3 risk exposures. A competent person designated by the employer to be responsible for the worker safety plan within the activity area of the job-site should make the selection of the appropriate class of garment. C) Temporary traffic barriers – temporary traffic barriers should be placed along the work space depending on factors such as lateral clearance of workers from adjacent traffic, speed of traffic, duration and type of operations, time of day, and volume of traffic. D) Speed reduction – reducing the speed of vehicular traffic, mainly through regulatory speed zoning, funneling, lane reduction, or the use of uniformed law enforcement officers, or flaggers, should be considered. E) Activity area – planning the internal work activity area to minimize backing-up maneuvers of construction vehicles should be considered to minimize the exposure to risk. F) Worker safety planning – a competent person designated by the employer should conduct a basic hazard assessment for the work site and job classifications required in the activity area. This safety professional should determine whether engineering, administrative, or personal protection measures should be implemented.

Construction

SITES

Tenders

ASHGHAL TENDERS AND AWARDED TENDERS Type

Tender Title

Participants

Issuing Date

Closing Date