20 minute read
Project profile
Terra - The Sustainability Pavilion
PROJECT NAME:
Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion
CLIENT:
Expo 2020 Dubai
MAIN CONTRACTOR:
ASGC
CONSULTANT:
Turner
TOTAL BUILT UP AREA:
56,000sqm
VALUE:
$206.9 million
A Building for the Future of Earth
ASGC REVEALS HOW IT DELIVERED EXPO 2020 DUBAI’S MOST EYE-CATCHING AND ICONIC PAVILION: TERRA –THE SUSTAINABILITY PAVILION, DESPITE SEVERAL CHALLENGES AND A HUGELY COMPLEX DESIGN
or any visitor to Expo 2020 Dubai, there are a handful of few key pavilions at the site that classify as ‘must visits.’ These pavilions are amongst the most iconic and eye-catching at the mega-event and often form the centre point around which certain themed districts are built.
One such pavilion is the massive Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion, a 29,159 square metres pavilion that acts as the primary anchor for the Sustainability Zone of Expo 2020 Dubai. Built across a broadly triangular plot that is 180 metres long by between 75 metres and 200 metres wide, the pavilion has been built to showcase the mutual co-existence of architecture alongside a sustainable future.
Dynamic in its form, Terra has been built from the ground up with sustainability as its guiding principle, and aims to not only educate and delight visitors, but also serve as a demonstration building and a destination where science and the public intersect.
The contractor tasked with delivering this iconic project was ASGC, and Bassem Ezzat Ayaad, the project director, says that the Dubai-based construction giant was responsible for carrying out all the works related to the Sustainability Pavilion, including concrete works, internal finishings, main canopy structural steel, solar photovoltaic panels, the Energy and Water Trees, and the exhibitions themselves.
“The project was awarded to us on 28/02/20218 and we commenced construction on 14/04/20218,” he tells Big Project ME. “The tendering process was very challenging due to special and specific materials and the systems requirements for the
Value engineering
More than 270 changes were made to the project over its lifecycle as part of ASGC’s value engineering exercise.
18
Energy trees can generate 4GWh of energy per year
project. A lot of coordination was required with the supply chain and with specialist subcontractors.
“During this period, there was a Comprehensive Value Engineering exercise to achieve the client’s budget, while maintaining the same levels of technicality on the project. ASGC was chosen as the main contractor based on its proven history of delivering successful landmark projects that have enriched the social infrastructure of Dubai. Projects such as Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, Etihad Museum and the Coca Cola Arena were delivered on time, achieving the desired level of satisfaction,” Ayaad explains.
During this process, more than 270 changes were made to the project over the course of its lifecycle and cost savings of $16.8 million were achieved, he reveals, adding that these changes included the design of the canopy photovoltaic system being changed without affecting the power capacity; modifying the design of the E- and W-Trees without reducing their capacity; replacing the architectural concrete with Precast but still having the same finish; replacing blackened steel with aluminium; modifying the façade design; and many more.
“Huge efforts were put into the engineering stage of the project to ensure the efficient and reliable implementation of this unique design,” Ayaad says. “Constructability in such projects is always a major concern, but with effective collaboration between stakeholders, such projects become a reality.”
These other stakeholders were Expo 2020 Dubai – the Employer; Emaar – the Development Manager; Turner Construction International – the Project Manager; Grimshaw Architects – Main Consultant; Al Shafar United – the MEP Contractor; Buro Happold – the Structural and MEP Consultant; ACCIONA Cultural Engineering and Al Shafar Interiors – the Fit-Out Contractors; Rice Perry Ellis and Partners – the Architect of Record, he outlines.
Furthermore, due to the complexity and scale of the project, a number of ASGC Group resources were
Construction Challenges:
Canopy Ring Beam
• 792 bolts fixed on 36 steel plates • Each bolt is 2.5 m long and 60 mm thick • Circular reinforcement with 32 diameter bars • Accommodation of steel plate within 8 to 10 layers of reinforcement in both top and bottom with 2 mm tolerance was a huge challenge • Erection of bottom shutter and pouring concrete with all 792 bolts penetrating it was also a huge challenge
Construction Challenges:
Canopy Structure
• Installation of 36 ribs of varying sizes in three months • 4,000 tons of structural steel • 600-ton mobile crane used to erect the structural steel • Tight project deadlines lead to offsite fabrication of canopy steel and ring beam. • Adverse climatic conditions like high winds lead to regularly halting of cranage operations.
Construction Challenges:
Photovoltaic Panels
Construction Challenges:
Exhibition Fit-out
• 12,500 sqm of PV panels of varying sizes • Erection using 3 tower cranes with restricted access • Manufacturer’s other commitments affecting delivery required 20+ visits to Germany by key persons to monitor and ensure the timely delivery • Logistics from Germany to
Dubai factory for assembly then to site was a serious logistical challenge • Major design changes made multiple times requiring changes to already installed
Electromechanical works • Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, programmers from European countries did not visit the site for 6 months • Serious disruptions to installation work in closed environment due to
COVID-19 positive cases causing suspension of works multiple times
deployed on the project, including Emirates Beaton – Ready Mix Concrete; ASU – MEP works; ASI – exhibition and auditorium works; Hard Block Factory – concrete blocks.
Technology was used extensively to deliver the project and to ensure that all the stakeholders were kept informed and up to date about progress, ASGC says, adding that 4D BIM, drones and digital integration were cornerstones of the project.
However, the team use of technology on Terra wasn’t limited to just the aforementioned, but also incorporated Augmented and Virtual Reality, which were deployed to make working on the complicated project much easier for the onsite team.
“Once we receive any 3D model at any stage of the project, we review it using VR or AR headsets, where any visible discrepancies or clashes can be detected in advance, before developing the 3D model level of detail and alternatives can be explored in advance,” the contractor tells BPME.
“Also, we send the updated 3D model to the site, so that they will always have a real glimpse of how the project will look like, understand the scale and better planning of the ahead
In Numbers:
Environmental Initiatives
• In collaboration with
Dubai Municipality,
ASGC took part in Environmental
Awareness Campaigns • Waste Segregation &
Recycling was practiced (Beyond Project Target) • Daily Briefing of Waste
Segregation at Source • Training Conducted for
Construction, Logistics,
Supervision Team and
Workforce • At Source Waste
Segregation Sturdy Tubs • Colour Coded Bins for
Sites and Offices • Recycling the Plastic
Waste and Converting into Eco Clothes • Hazardous Material
Storage Arrangements and Spill Kit Training • Delivering Toolbox Talks and Knowledge Shares • Total recycled waste from site is 93.3% tasks. In addition, we will create a virtual mock-up using Virtual Reality and replace the physical mock-ups in some projects, so that our clients have more flexibility to choose, edit and review. This saved a good amount of time and money for the project.”
In addition, Operation Dashboards were used to help represent project information in an efficient manner, with the latest information accessible from any device and from any geographic location. GPS tags were used for all Operator Driven Assets to provide real-time tracking and records of all the assets for the ASGC Group.
Keeping in line with Expo 2020 Dubai’s commitment to the health and safety of the workforce, ASGC deployed extensive measures to ensure that key targets were achieved on site. As a result, zero man-days were lost during the 34-month construction period, while 7.5 million safe manhours (in key features) were achieved, despite there being more than 50+ subcontractors working under ASGC on the project, totalling more than 11,000 different people across its entire delivery cycle.
“One of the greatest achievements by the Sustainability Pavilion Team was to achieve 7,525,030 LTI-free safe man
hours,” Ayaad asserts, highlighting the efforts taken by the team to deliver the project to the highest HSE standards.
Obviously, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a major disruption to the construction schedule and delivery of Terra, but Ayaad points out that thanks to the planning and coordination systems already in place, the team was able to over this significant challenge.
“ASGC, being a construction conglomerate, owns most of its supply chain, which in fact reduced the risks related to material delivery and possible delays. With respect to health, we enforced emergency policies and procedures for both the staff and the workforce. Strict thermal scanning on a daily basis, regular deep cleaning routines, face masks, hand washing stations and sanitisers are available all the time on site and in the office. A custom made remote working policy was also introduced, wherever possible, so as to provide flexibility and business continuity with minimal physical interaction. All of these examples, along with many other precautions, were taken in line with governmental regulations and protocols,” he explains.
Other COVID-related challenges encountered were issues like travel from Abu Dhabi being restricted for up to three months, causing the suspension of work for several key trades. In addition, travel restrictions from European countries delayed the programming works by six months. Coupled with this were issues with several specialist subcontractors who refused to continue work citing the COVID-19 threat, while sustainability consultants were unable to review submittals and site inspections for as long as six months, he adds.
As the name indicates, sustainability is the bedrock on which Terra is built, and as such it has achieved the highest available accreditation for sustainable construction – LEED Platinum. This rating has been granted due to the ingenious design and layout of the pavilion, which features a host of eco-friendly innovations designed to showcase the structure as the very peak of sustainable architecture and construction.
4,912
Solar panels installed on the canopy and energy trees
Eco-friendly design Terra’s LEED Platinum rating was achieved due to its ingenious design and layout.
One such innovation is to have most of the pavilion underground so that it utilises less energy and optimises the utilisation of air conditioning due to free airflow and natural cooling, the contractor says.
“There is a very organic way in which the whole pavilion keeps changing its paths of walking around, and it is a 100% barrier free design. The overall circulation of paths keeps taking you inwards to showcase the core and direct you to an outer path where you zoom out to see the overall elevation of the structure,” it adds.
Further strengthening Terra’s sustainability credentials is the fact that ASGC and the project team managed to recycle 93.3% of total waste generated during construction. Once the Expo ends, the pavilion itself will be recycled and turned into a centre for science and for children.
“The Sustainability Pavilion is not just a name – the project targeted a LEED Platinum certification, as well a Platinum Sa’fa certification from Dubai Municipality,” says Ayaad. “By default, the design of the project, the technologies used, as well as the materials selection, had to be in line with such targets. Terra’s 130-metrewide main canopy is covered with more than 1,000sqm of photovoltaic panels capable of generating up to 4GWh of electricity yearly. It is coupled with 18 energy trees that surround it, which are capable of tracking the sun’s movement for maximum solar harvest.”
“The Sustainability Pavilion is part of Expo 2020 Dubai’s legacy. When you factor the size of the works done and compare it with the small to mid-sized country pavilions around the Expo site, the difference is clearly felt. It has been built for years to come – not only as a remarkable landmark, but also as a cultural hub. This has been reflected on the size and complexity of the construction stage when compared to the other temporary pavilions which are not part of District 2020,” he concludes.
WFES
WFES to showcase clean energy innovations
MIDDLE EAST Event from January 17 – 19, 2022, will bring together world leaders from government, technology and energy sectors to showcase clean energy solutions
The World Future Energy Summit will be held between January 17 – 19, 2022 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the prestigious, sustainability-focused global platform hosted by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company “Masdar”. The Summit will host innovations from around the world, as well as international technology pavilions from Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Netherlands, France, Austria, Nigeria, India, Japan, Korea, China.
Following COP26, where global economies are expected to layout plans for decarbonisation the World Future Energy Summit will enable the brightest minds in the business to meet, exchanging ideas and showcasing new innovations that will support the development of a sustainable future.
World Future Energy Summit is perfectly timed, especially as the GCC begins to diversify its energy mix and a regional charge on use of renewable energy sources. In the region, more countries have committed to building major infrastructure projects that significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels, with green hydrogen generation projects emerging as the crown jewel of these efforts.
In Oman, plans are underway to build a $30bn plant that will be the world’s largest green hydrogen production facility at its completion. The plant is expected to be at full capacity in 2038, powered by 25GW of wind and solar energy.
Further north, Saudi Arabia’s high-tech coastal city of Neom is the site to an equally proactive effort in the race for green hydrogen production, as Air Products and its partners work to deliver a $7bn renewable energy-powered green hydrogen-based ammonia production facility by 2025. Furthermore, the United States plans to investment an additional $550 billion in clean energy, with China having already issued green bonds with a value of $154.7 billion.
In the UAE, Masdar aims to develop with its partners Siemens Energy and Marubeni a green hydrogen demonstrator plant at Masdar City.
Masdar’s parent company Mubadala, alongside Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and holding company ADQ, also agreed earlier this year to form a hydrogen alliance to produce green and blue variants of the fuel.
In Dubai, the first solar-driven green hydrogen production facility in the MENA region has already been inaugurated, with a total investment of $11 million.
The pilot project will produce 20.5kg/hour of hydrogen at 1.25MWe of peak power, in line with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and epitomising the public-private partnerships widely viewed in the industry as the most efficient way to move forward.
The Energy Expo will be vital in accelerating this already fast-paced industry. The Energy Expo will host some of biggest names in renewable energy, including TAQA, EDF, ENGIE, and EWEC as exhibitors.
The Solar & Clean Energy Forum will host industry leaders as speakers and panellists, including Bruce Stedall, Asset Management Director, Transco; Dr Emmanouil Kakaras, Executive Vice President Next Energy Business at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries EMEA; Mothana Bahjeat Qteisha, Senior Managing Director, MEA & APAC, Jinko Solar amongst others.
Capitalising on this undeniable momentum is extremely important for bold, forward-thinking investors, and Grant Tuchten, Group Event Director for World Future Energy Summit, said the Energy Expo & Forum will be beneficial for anyone in attendance. “Renewable energy is the central focus of the exhibition” he remarked, “where government officials and decision makers are together with the engineers and scientists who are developing exciting new technologies to facilitate business discussions resulting in beneficial partnerships.
The World Future Energy Summit, organised by RX Middle East, will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), from 17 – 19 January 2022. The event is hosted by Masdar as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and will comprise a series of high-profile events addressing current global challenges and the means with which the world can cooperate to build a sustainable future for everyone.
Voltas
A Step in the Right Direction
MIDDLE EAST AR Suresh Kumar reveals how Voltas has been at the vanguard of the digital technology revolution for the MEP sector
As technology becomes increasingly commonplace in the construction industry, the Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) sector is one that could considerably benefit from its uptake. Given the scale and complexity of its projects, been able to mitigate some of it, we have had to absorb some other costs to ensure successful and timely project deliveries.
The adoption of technology has become even more important, and Voltas has been an early adopter. Things are likely to continue in the digital way. The UAE government played a big role in managing the pandemic very well and this has also helped businesses recover well.
ensuring accuracy and efficiency is key to its success, which is why adoption of technology has become critical for the sector’s future.
One company that has actively pursued technology and attempted to keep itself ahead of the curve is Voltas Limited, the Indian-owned MEP engineering solutions provider. Speaking to Big Project ME, AR Suresh Kumar, vice president and head of the International Operations Business Group for Voltas, reveals how the company is moving the needle forward for MEP.
How has Voltas adapted in the wake of the pandemic? In the UAE, construction was identified as one of the critical sectors and fortunately, was allowed to continue its operations. This posed a challenge and an opportunity for Voltas to bolster its leadership position in the market.
Guided by our business ethics, the safety of our employees and partners was of paramount importance. At the same time, we committed to our customers for the timely and high-quality delivery of our projects. The year 2020 was a difficult one for everyone. There was little award of projects and customers were cautious. Oil prices dropped with little demand for the same.
In 2021, as more people around the world got vaccinated, businesses began to improve their performance. Oil prices recovered and more projects began to get awarded in the region. Voltas built a healthy order book and the business gained momentum again. Challenges continue as most materials are sourced from outside; costs have increased, and supply chain challenges are there. While the company has
How has the industry kept pace with the ongoing digitalisation of the construction sector? Is it ahead or behind the curve, in your opinion? Traditionally, the construction sector has been a laggard in the adoption of technology. To quote a report by McKinsey & Company in 2016, construction has been better than only agriculture and hunting in its digital adoption journey. This says a
lot about the sector and the kind of potential that exists in this space.
Talking about the Middle East region specifically, construction is one of the key sectors here and employs one of the largest work forces. Some of the best Project Management companies and Consultants have a significant presence here. One would imagine that all these factors would have contributed to the steep adoption of technology in the sector. Instead, the adoption of technology has been slow and only in certain pockets.
While scheduling and planning tools like Primavera and MSP have almost become a norm, technology has not been able to permeate through the construction sites as much as one would have imagined.
However, the pandemic and resulting shrinkages in margins have forced the industry to be efficient for survival. It has accelerated innovation and furthered the use of more technologies to get work delivered in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.
While organisations like Voltas – which is part of a larger group, had reasons to ‘Go Digital’, many of the ‘pure contracting’ firms were reluctant to travel the same route due to budget constraints, hardware limitations, lack of understanding, along with leadership limitations. This is restricting the digitalisation rate of the industry.
What is Voltas doing in the digitalisation sphere and how it is utilising technology to become more sustainable and efficient? We have been amongst the few companies to adopt technology at every stage of project monitoring and execution. The journey began almost four years ago when we collaborated with consultants to set up a Centre of Excellence and kick start our digital journey.
Now, almost all project management from planning to execution is done through digital platforms thus almost eliminating the need for paper.
Engineering: More investment in BIM hardware has been made, extensive trainings are given to ensure its true adoption.
Procurement: The entire procurement process is managed digitally. Right from the sourcing platform to tracking procurement progress using advanced dashboards, it is end to end digital.
Construction: Right from equipping foreman with Tabs to using RIFD for tracking workers ensuring their safety, Voltas has been on the forefront of digital transformation. The company uses an integrated planning software which is linked to the tabs the foremen input the data in – it then flows into advanced Dashboards to track project progress in near real time thereby enhancing the quality and timeliness of decision making.
We are having a core team currently working on innovation and digitalisation that keep us benchmarked with best in class with other product and process industries and thereby bringing the digital revolution to the construction industry.
What does a digitally enabled future look like for Voltas?
The company being early adopters has invested a lot in the digital journey in the first phase. In the next phase, the company will look to continue and enhance the tools being used to deliver more efficient and cost-effective solutions to customers. Other companies are also expected to begin / improve their digital journey as it has now become almost a necessity with both clients and vendors beginning to adopt digital in a big way.
The progress made so far is only a step in the right direction. This industry offers endless opportunities in automation and digitisation through innovation and key stakeholder engagement. With more and more projects coming up with shorter timelines, combined with the fact that traditional skill labour markets are drying out, the industry should come out of the conventional ways of working and adopt newer techniques and digitisation.
Engagement with software developers, tool and instruments manufacturers, plant and machinery vendors are increasingly required as the construction industry is fast moving towards a hybrid model of ‘manufacturing and site installation’.
