The briefing

Machinery

Shaping the Future

MIDDLE EAST Innovations in machinery are changing the way construction is done and the industry is projected to see a surge in demand for environment-friendly and economically sustainable equipment, says Jeff Bennett, GM, Middle East & Africa, at Husqvarna Construction

The world is evolving faster than ever before. Today, 55% of the global population live in urban areas and this figure is projected to reach 68% by 2050, giving rise to the need for affordable housing as well as social, transportation and utility infrastructure.

According to the global forecast for the construction industry, over 60% of global construction activity will be undertaken in emerging markets by 2025, up from 35%. The volume of construction output will grow by more than 70% to $15 trillion worldwide by 2025, with an expansion rate of 3.6% every year between 2018 and 2022. Additionally, by 2050, experts suggest that there will be two billion additional city dwellers and hence sustainable urbanisation will pose a major construction challenge and the industry must strive to find innovative new products and solutions, to contribute to building better cities.

The construction industry plays a significant role in the Middle East region’s economic development. In 2018, $101.8bn worth of projects were awarded across the GCC, which went up to $102.3bn in 2019.

Pre-Covid, an upside was anticipated on growth prospects, primarily driven by significant investment in infrastructure and major capital projects across key sectors, such as hospitality, entertainment, education, and healthcare. The muted growth of the sector is reflective of the economic impact of the pandemiclinked lockdowns. The construction equipment industry, which depends highly on GDP growth and economic activity, faced the same headwinds as other industrials during the pandemic.

The global construction equipment market size is projected to reach $205bn by 2025, from an estimated value of $169.3bn in 2020, growing at 3.9% CAGR. The increasing number of infrastructure projects and mega construction projects are anticipated to further fuel the demand for construction equipment during the forecast period.

Sustainable solutions

Battery operation machinery can be a viable, economically sustainable, and environmentallyfriendly solution for the industry.

70%

The volume of construction output will grow by more than 70% to $15 trillion worldwide by 2025

Advancements in construction machinery are mainly focused on equipment that will help drive change in the industry with more environmentally friendly and efficient ways of working. Operator-centric solutions focused on improving the health and safety of construction professionals will be a norm at future construction sites.

Battery powered construction products are examples of such advancement, causing less damage to the environment and driving up efficiency. Secondly, dust and slurry management solutions, as well as remote controlled machinery that keeps the operator safe and healthy, are revolutionising the construction industry and offering countless benefits to companies and their customers around the world. As the pandemic begins to abate, businesses are looking at robust technology models that will help with planning and implementing construction activities keeping the health and safety of their employees as the top priority. Hence, construction equipment is facing a very different landscape, when exploring the next normal for the industry.

Commercial, residential and infrastructure construction projects depend heavily on equipment such as cutters, dozers, excavators and wheeled loaders. To date, these machines have almost exclusively been diesel-powered, with some that can plug into the mains, with the hazard of a trailing cable. Also, cutting, drilling, grinding and demolishing concrete, brick and other hard construction materials creates dust and slurry.

Construction dust can cause serious damage to health and some types can eventually even lead to death. Regularly inhaling dust over a long period can cause life-threatening lung diseases. Moreover, dust also has a significant impact on tools, substantially reducing their operational life span. But with the advent of new technology, more and more companies will rely on battery-powered and ecofriendly equipment on construction sites, taking advantage of rapid improvements in the lightweight and powerful lithiumion battery technology. These batterypowered machines are no less powerful or productive in comparison to traditional diesel models and since the usage of these machines is free from direct emissions and smoke, companies can gain a competitive advantage and demonstrate sustainable construction methods.

For the dust particles hovering in the air at construction sites, it is important to always use work methods for safe and efficient dust control that catch dust at the source and prevent it from becoming airborne. The industry is moving towards using high-quality professional dust control equipment and personal protective equipment that can catch even the smallest silica particles. These compact, lightweight machines are equipped with one, two or three powerful, single-phase electric motors with separate

Competitive advantage

Companies can gain a competitive advantage by using batterypowered machinery.

Economically viable

Research shows that battery operated construction machinery can be economically viable for the industry, says Jeff Bennett. cooling, capable of running continuously all workday. This makes them suitable for all construction and restoration jobs, as well as for use with electric power tools. For instance, the Husqvarna A-line includes the most advanced and versatile portable air cleaners that extend from the tool itself through to the vacuum removal. This improves workplace safety, regardless of whether it is concrete dust, fine sanding dust or gypsum dust, while aiding in legal compliance.

Research shows that battery operated machinery can be economically viable for the construction industry. The benefits are endless. Not only do they provide better manoeuvrability, flexibility and safety, the benefits of battery-powered construction equipment also provide businesses with smart tools that are efficient, accurate and speedy for all employees. According to ‘The Future Home Report’ by Eurocell’s, 49% of consumers responded that they would be more likely to buy or rent an ecoconscious home, putting the pressure on construction companies to emit less, pollute less and build the world we want to live in, in a sustainable manner.

The innovations in this industry clearly represent advancement. In the near future, the industry will witness a surge in demand for battery-powered machinery, which will expand their share in the market as both environmentally friendly and economically sustainable solutions for construction equipment.

The Design and Science of Acoustic Engineering

MIDDLE EAST Acoustically engineered drainage plays a key role in creating safe and healthy indoor environments, says Adam Smith, managing director of Polypipe Middle East

There is no doubt that the design and construction of our buildings is deeply linked to health, wellbeing and quality of life. Improving human health and happiness is strongly influenced by the environments in which we spend our time. That’s why building design today focuses on optimising crucial factors that directly affect our health, such as indoor air quality, ventilation, lighting, and material selection. These factors, along with others, play a vital role in creating indoor environments that favour modern human life.

Over the years, the construction industry has become focused on designing to improve physical health. For example, we see a rise in the use of high-performing drainage systems that reduce the risk of leaks and consequently the spread of disease. However, we notice a shift towards also designing to support mental health and wellbeing. One factor, often overlooked, that is actually crucial to both physical and mental wellbeing in buildings is acoustic comfort.

To truly support health and wellbeing in the long-term, we believe it is necessary that building designs account for acoustic comfort. Sound travels in waves that manifests as vibrations. Acoustic comfort is the perceived state of satisfaction with the acoustical conditions of an environment.

It is affected by two main types of noise in a building: structure-borne noise that is created by physical vibration against a building element or air-borne noise that is transmitted through air. By selecting systems that focus on noise reduction, we can ensure the creation of environments optimal for productivity, happiness and comfort.

The process of designing a building with consideration to noise levels is known as acoustic engineering. The primary goal of acoustic engineering

is to reduce unwanted noise and it often involves implementing certain technologies or systems that act as noise barriers, sound absorbers or suppressors.

Studies have demonstrated that excess noise exposure can be harmful to the health, leading to headaches, fatigues, tinnitus or even hearing loss. Not to mention, the mental effects of disturbing noises, which can lead to anxiety, loss of productivity and general discomfort.

What’s interesting is that with time buildings in general have become quieter due to improvements in insulation products and practices. However, this means the noise from building systems is more noticeable. To combat the noise from these structures, we must begin to integrate systems that are inherently designed to be quieter.

The acoustic environment in each building – good or bad – is a result of the design. For optimal occupant comfort and building functionality, noise and vibration challenges should be considered as early as possible in the design and build process.

There are many systems that contribute to noise levels in a building, notably drainage systems. Ideally, drainage systems should go unnoticed, free from leaks, odours or disturbing noises. Poor quality systems often aren’t built to last and over time they deteriorate. This breakdown not only effects system performance, but also causes the system to become increasingly disturbing.

In response, the construction industry is increasingly delivering noise reducing above ground drainage systems, designed to significantly reduce air-borne or structure-borne noise emitted from the drainage systems.

In my experience with Polypipe Middle East, adopting high-performing systems is vital to creating a safe and desirable indoor environment – this is important not just for homes, but also for commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, office buildings or retail spaces. For many of these projects, it’s not just human health that’s on the line, it’s also reputation. After all, nobody wants to host a client meeting or an event in a space to the soundtrack of a flushing toilet.

To meet the rising demand for acoustically comfortable spaces, we recently launched Terrain Q, from our

A quiet place

To combat the noise from structures, designers and builders must begin to integrate systems that are inherently designed to be quieter, says Adam Smith.

97˚C

Terrain Q’s inner layer can withstand extreme temperatures up to 97˚C

signature drainage brand, Terrain. Terrain Q is a sophisticated above ground drainage system that has been engineered to prevent the passage of sound emitted from drainage systems with a 20dB rating for structure borne. So, what makes Terrain Q different from standard drainage?

The use of multilayer technology retains the sound of water within the pipes. It also acts as a sound absorbent against shocks and vibrations. The pipework’s blue external layer is made from PP+UV+RF, providing resistance to attack from UV radiation, fire and impact damage.

The black intermediate layer comprises a mineral-reinforced plastic which enables high stability, noise insulation and fire resistance, and the final white internal layer is made of PP+AF, providing high chemical and abrasion resistance and resistance to high temperature waste (up to 97 degrees). Due to an anti-fouling additive, the bore is kept clear and resistant to deposit build up which helps to reduce noise levels.

In addition, the fittings have been made with the installer in mind, including features such as angle markers and insertion aids to help keep installation quick and simple, making sure it keeps its great noise reducing properties.

This triple aspect of fire resistance, noise reducing, and anti-fouling resistance sets Terrain Q apart in the market, providing specifiers with a system that keeps bases covered.

As health and wellbeing become increasingly integral in the construction industry, the role of acoustic comfort cannot be ignored. Health and wellbeing are now pivotal factors influencing consumers’ and corporations’ decision-making process.

Along with air, water, light, temperature, and material selection, optimising the acoustic environment of a building also helps to increase LEED rating, supporting the creation of greener buildings and more sustainable cities. When we design and construct buildings, of any kind, the role of drainage must be considered to create spaces that are truly engineered for optimal acoustic performance.

In today’s built environment, fire safety and the environment in which we live, work and play in are of utmost importance. Polypipe Middle East is delighted to launch such a system that fulfils significant needs within our construction industry.