ME Consultant November 2016

For the construction specialist

Architect of Peace Fariborz Hatam outlines how FHSI is building an oasis of tranquillity in Mashhad ON TOPIC

How smart cities are being created in the Middle East

IN PRACTICE

Andrew Yeoward on the importance of bridge building

ON SITE

Understanding the changing role of a project manager

ISSUE 031

November 2016 Publication licensed by International Media Production Zone, Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority

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CONTENTS

On topic INduSTRy VIEWS fROM aCROSS ThE MIddLE EaST

07

12 07 aNaLySIS

David Clifton, Faithful + Gould, examines the volatility of oil prices and its impact on the construction sector 10 OpINION

Dr Kourosh Kayvani advocates creativity and innovation in design engineering 12 INSIghT

16

24

A trio of professionals provide their take on smart cities development

In practice aNaLySIS, INSIghTS aNd INTERVIEWS

16 INTERVIEW

Andrew Yeoward of CH2M Hill gives us the lowdown on constructing bridges

28

34

24 INSIghT

The subject of facades can be fascinating and fanciful, as an enlightened group of consultants and contractors point out

On site CaSE STudIES, OpINIONS aNd SNapShOTS

28 INSIghT

41

42

Two diehard and experienced project management practitioners provide valuable insights on their profession 34 pROJECT pROfILE

Fariborz Hatam of FHSI Architects walks us through a mega hospitality-recreational project coming up in Mashhad, Iran 46 NEWS

The Smart Buildability Index will streamline, oversee and regulate building construction processes

44

46

NOVEMBER 2016 1

WELCOME

Group EDITOR’S NOTE

Consultant Celebrations A change of guard heralds the passage of Middle East Consultant into the final quarter of this year. I am humbled, overwhelmed and excited to oversee a title that in the past has sometimes critically, often vividly, but always faithfully reflected the ethos and essence of the construction consultancy industry in the region.

We begin with the business of building bridges, engaging exclusively with a top, life-long bridge builder. We cross the bridge with an exclusive interview with Andrew Yeoward, global director of Bridges and Major Crossings at CH2M Hill, one of the industry heavyweights.

The recent four-day Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF) organised by RTA was the trigger to put the subject of project management consultancy on the front burner. We spoke to two industry stalwarts – Bill Smith of Parsons and Jonathan Hayes of AECOM – for their analyses and insights into the business.

Gavin Davids, our consulting editor, turns the spotlight on a major hospitality project in Mashhad, the prominent pilgrim city in northeastern Iran. A new planned mega hotel complex will be a game-changer and have a significant impact on the hospitality and retail sectors of this culturally significant Iranian city, the country’s second most populous.

We also look up close at the business of fronting buildings with our focus on facades. We examine the concerns and challenges confronting the industry and efforts to resolve pressing issues.

The 2016 edition of the Middle East Consultant Awards presentation ceremony will be held on 8 November at the RitzCarlton, Jumeirah Beach Residence. We were inundated with nominations and are gratified that the response to the Awards has been so overwhelming. We look forward to announcing the winners and welcoming and celebrating with guests at this glittering ceremony.

Watch this space as we reveal and recognise the winners in our December 2016 edition!

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ON TOPIC

MOST POPULAR

FEATURED

READERS’ COMMENTS

CONSTRUCTION

DUbAI OFFICE DEMAND A TALE OF MANy MARkETS

Building work starts on The Tower in Dubai

CONSTRUCTION

UAE wage protection decree comes into force

In pictures: Sheikh Mohammed launches The Tower at Dubai Creek harbour

As someone with 12 years’ experience renting commercial space in the UAE, it was interesting to read your report about the complex nature of the market (Office rents flat or falling in most Dubai submarkets, October 18).

It’s a sign of a mature and maturing market that the city’s many different areas are seeing vastly different patterns in supply and demand.

Name withheld, via email

CONSTRUCTION

Arabtec awarded $92m hotel project in Dubai

MAN AND MAChINE vERSUS ThE ENvIRONMENT

INFRASTRUCTURE

Oman: Turkish firm wins $277m Duqm Port contract

CONSTRUCTION

Wael Allan named CEO of Dubai’s Drake & Scull

4 NOVEMBER 2016

video: Abu Dhabi Airports’ Midfield Terminal building construction update

Your report on the building of the UAE’s highest road (up its tallest mountain) was an inspiring tale (Moving mountains: How the UAE’s highest road was built, October 19). The rugged environment (as you say – like you ‘have set foot on a different planet’) just shows the power of these machines –machines that we see in use in less extreme settings every day.

Mandeep Nahel, via website

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ON TOPIC

ANALYSIS

Volatility Woes The fortunes of the regional construction industry are inextricably linked to oil prices, asserts a top construction analyst

A

s oil prices begin a level of recovery to over $45 and OPEC has reached a fragile accord with key members to slow production, the economic outlook for GCC oil producers and exporters is expected to improve, a leading construction economics researcher affirms in a recently published report.

“Coupled with the continued diversification of the economy and strong financial reserves, the short- to medium-term outlook is positive and stable in the UAE. Oil is targeted to decrease as a percentage of GDP from 30% to 20% by 2021, with a projected 0% contribution by 2066,” says David Clifton, regional development director, Faithful + Gould.

Speaking to Middle East Consultant, Clifton says oil prices are regulating to a new normal. “The markets have generally adjusted to this fact, much like the acceptance of Brexit, and any minor adjustments up or down are accounted for. No big shocks are expected,” he says when asked what impact the disagreement by OPEC members, notably Iraq, Iran and Libya, on lowering oil production would have on oil prices.

Silver lining

Dubai remains the top contender for construction awards, accounting for 70% of awards as Abu Dhabi continues to evaluate its project pipeline. Forecast awards look 5% below meeting the $43bn forecast, a decline of 24% on 2015 with half-year at $2bn and Q3 recording a total of $36bn, the report continues.

“Looking forward to 2017, we forecast a small level of recovery in construction awards as the Expo 2020 nudges closer, Dubai Creek Harbour and Dubai World Central developments are contracted and move into gear. At this stage, we are expecting $45bn, a 4% growth on 2016 forecast. However, this is still below required levels to support the industry relative to its 2014/2015 status quo,” Clifton adds.

SWF largesse

In response to another question, Clifton remarks that the oil price level has been widely accepted and is being worked with by the UAE NOVEMBER 2016 7

ON TOPIC

government. The announcement around the next five-year federal budget acknowledges that the oil price is a sustained low, he maintains. As a country, the sovereign wealth fund (SWF) and low debt-to-GDP ratio is an insulator to the worst effects of the oil, he adds. Sovereign wealth in assets consists of ADIA ($792bn), ICD ($196bn), IPIC ($66.3bn), Mubadala ($66.3bn), EIA ($15bn) and RAKIA ($1.2bn).

He also observes that the UAE’s continued diversification away from oil, 01 which currently represents 30% of GDP, is also a positive. Dubai is less impacted by oil price than Abu Dhabi and much more affected by the constrained liquidity in the regional and international markets. The majority of contracts awarded in the last year had financing locked in during 2014/15, when funding was more plentiful.

“The issues presenting themselves now are around higher costs of financing and stricter lending terms. Combining this with softened real estate prices in the UAE and a significant minority of real estate schemes may become unfeasible or require significant remodelling,” he says in separate remarks.

01 David Clifton, Regional Development Director, Faithful + Gould.

Pinning hopes on Saudi Arabia

The regional market expects to draw contracting resources from Saudi Arabia for delivery, returning when the Kingdom has established its Project Management Offices (PMOs) and commences awarding work again in 2018/2019.

When pressed on the fallout for the other big OPEC GCC members, Kuwait and Qatar, Clifton comments that these countries are incredibly well insulated against low oil prices.

“Kuwait in some respects was savvy working with PPPs (public-private partnerships) when the oil price was high and funding easy to attract,” he explains.

Qatar looks like it is slowing the award of contracts in the industry, and while oil price doubtless is a factor, the economic argument is probably less significant than the political one. Qatar appears to be reassessing what is important to the nation and what is really required to deliver the World Cup, he points out.

Constraints

With global liquidity declining (down 8% between Q1 2015 and Q1 2016), tightening in local credit markets and contraction in real estate prices, a sizeable number of mixed-use schemes in the UAE are likely to be reassessed, as they are borderline feasible or now impractical.

The effect on the pipeline of projects planned will not be dramatic, but will take off $860bn+ from planned schemes and will extend the delivery timeline from 10 to 25 years. Q3 and Q4 will see a sizable quantum of construction tenders entering the UAE market, as the way forward to the critical path for Expo 2020 and the committed projects for delivery prior to the event implies awards need to peak by early 2017, the report continues.

Price pressure on construction commodities

Average rebar price (AED/T, Oct 2015 - Sep 2016)

Average concrete price (AED/m 3 , July 2015 - June 2016)

2,000

244

1,700

241

1,500

238

1,300

235 N

D

8 NOVEMBER 2016

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

JUL

SEP

DEC

MAR

JUN

Source: Faithful + Gould

O

Clifton also draws attention to the continued volatility in prices of construction materials in many parts of the world and the consistent decline in steel-related products that is a significant contributor to the decline in construction inflation. “Further, continued pressure is expected in the short term as global oversupply continues to benefit the local market prices,” he forecasts.

“Construction materials are driven by global and regional supply and demand factors. Currently steel is under suppression, given huge over-supply in China and market dumping. In this case, oil isn’t the main factor,” he concludes.

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ON TOPIC

COMMENT

01 Dr Kourosh Kayvani is global director, excellence & expertise at Aurecon.

Attaining leadership Dr Kourosh Kayvani makes the case for engineering designers fostering creativity and technical specifications, and applying this to deliver new infrastructure as engineers we help deliver projects that are technically sound, cost-effective and fit for purpose. However, we can and should have a bigger image of our role.

I believe that as consulting engineers, we are undervaluing the opportunities created by embracing engineering-led design, where grand challenges and deep aspirations are solved in the macro scale through the system thinking engrained in engineering design.

However, for that to hold true, our profession needs to embrace the view that delivering truly meaningful design solutions requires acknowledging that human-centric thinking is as important as system-thinking.

Historic precedents

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s the world becomes increasingly complex, riven with ambiguity and volatility, creative and innovative design must underpin the way we frame and solve problems facing humanity and our environment.

Engineering design has always had a vital role to play in delivering our constructed environment and infrastructure. It is true that 10 NOVEMBER 2016

Consider how Rome, Istanbul and other cities of the former Roman Empire still use the sophisticated systems of underground aqueducts and cisterns built some 2,500 years ago to serve their populations today.

Many areas in the Middle East continue to rely on the traditional falaj (qanat or canal) for irrigation and cooling.

In the recent past, we have allowed our professionals to become less recognised, even undervalued. The power of engineered design has been subsumed across our profession by too much focus on delivering conventional systems and operating within narrowly defined functional elements.

Great engineering visionaries and designers must not remain discipline-bound; they should become discipline integrators.

Change is being forced upon every one of us.

In the same way that computing and robotics have disrupted blue-collar businesses, these advances are disrupting professional services like ours. In our profession, this disruption comes in many forms.

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CM

MY

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CMY

Engineering at the cross-roads

As engineers, I believe we have two options.

Continue as we are and be commoditised, or embrace a disrupted future and become better designers and innovators. We must question everything and seek to understand change. Our industry-wide philosophy must be to embrace, not to fear, business and marketplace disruption. Our challenge is to focus on problem-finding and problemsolving for clients and to explore the essence of great design, just as the best design engineers did in the past.

This means building strong, designfocused relationships with the marketplace that empower our best designers and allow them to imagine and connect deeply with projects. Our creative objective should be to better conceptualise, provoke, refine, plan and deliver excellence across the lifecycle of projects, for whomever they resonate with or have an impact on.

K

Floating Houses

ON TOPIC

INSIghT

Enabling Smart Cities

Middle East Consultant connects with three leading international companies to understand how they are leveraging their technologies and expertise to create smart cities lthough there is no consensus or universally accepted definition of smart cities, there is unanimity among cities worldwide on the need to meet the colossal urban challenges of the metropolises. These include but are not limited to providing core infrastructure and basic civic amenities to residents, and attaining growth that is both sustainable and inclusive. There is also agreement that technology will engage, enable and empower this transition.

According to a recent PWC report, global infrastructure spending is projected to grow from $4 trillion per year in 2012 to more than $9 trillion annually by 2025. Overall, close to a staggering $78 trillion is expected to be spent collectively on infrastructure development between 2014 and 2025. Cities worldwide are increasingly gearing up and gravitating towards becoming smart cities.

Keith Miller, Dubai-based associate director of Atkins Acuity, the new advisory consulting business of WS Atkins, sets the tone for the private sector’s perception of the smart city. In his opinion, a smart city is larger than technology and aims to bring together key stakeholders, citizens and its competitive strengths to create a better environment and place to live and work for all residents.

“Speaking from a technology perspective, Autodesk’s perception of the smart city is a world where data can be harnessed in order to make infrastructure better. It is a world that is scalable, productive and connected to ensure that there is an improved understanding with smarter decisions being made for better outcomes,” affirms Louay Dahmash, head of Autodesk Middle East, a US developer of software for architecture, engineering and construction businesses among many others.

Steven Velegrinis, director of Urban Design at Perkins + Will, a Chicago-headquartered architecture and design firm, takes a more 12 NOVEMBER 2016

guarded approach to the concept of smart cities: “Developing smart cities entails countering a phalanx of complex issues and one needs to look at ‘smartness’ through multiple lenses and at multiple levels.”

What makes cities smart?

In Miller’s estimation, a city is smart if it has a shared vision being implemented by all stakeholders in a productive and efficient manner with due regard for the environment. Secondary factors include the ability to cope with aspects of climate change, lower carbon generation and proper utilisation of technology.

From his technology perch, Dahmash takes a more succinct view.

“Essentially, we are entering the era of connection and technology is radically changing the way buildings and infrastructure are designed, built and used.” He identifies five main pillars that essentially define and make up a smart city: smart energy, smart transportation, smart data, smart infrastructure and smart IoT devices.

As a global leader in the field of 3D solutions and design for the architecture, engineering and construction sectors (AEC) as well as media and entertainment industries, Autodesk believes that education is key for the growth of smart cities. One example of Autodesk’s commitment is the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it signed with Abu Dhabi Vocational Education and Training Institute (ADVETI) to provide students with training in cutting-edge 3D design technologies.

Velegrinis exhorts caution and offers planners a pithy instruction: stop building smart cities in a dumb way. He advises that cities ensure that their masterplans and site planning are clearly and rigourously defined, deal with the inherent risks, and bring robust and resilient design ideas to the fore.

“IT systems must link these together cohesively through the IoT. Then we need to think intelligently about how people want to use buildings and make places healthy as building interiors. To us it is that holistic approach that is needed to realise ‘smartness’,” he adds.

ON TOPIC

NOVEMBER 2016 13

ON TOPIC

“Essentially, we are entering the era of connection and technology is radically changing the way buildings and infrastructure are designed, built and used” Technology a pivotal enabler for smart cities

Technology is the all-powerful engine driving the move to smart cities. Miller asserts that aligning a city’s vision and objectives with stakeholders in a measurable, scalable way is what Atkins Acuity focuses on. “We normally start with our Future Proofing Cities methodology that compares a city with others to produce a diagnostic of where it is. We then look at a city’s capabilities to act in areas such as vision, funding (central and PPP), project capabilities and governance,” he states.

Miller notes that Atkins Acuity can deliver not just sophisticated consultancy services but also many of the programmes needed to deliver a smart city, ranging from advising on funding and vision to detailed design of metros, transport and energy plans and strategies.

Continuing in a similar vein, Autodesk ME’s Dahmash also makes the case for Autodesk with what he characterises as its deep understanding of building performance, validated data, connected

physical and digital technologies, and the power of the cloud. “Through Insight 360, Autodesk enables its customers to construct buildings and cities, making them smarter, more efficient, environmentally sound and thereby profitable for owners and operators,” he says.

Technology is all-pervasive in terms of availability of design tools, products and systems, says Velegrinis, and cities have access to some of the most sophisticated cutting-edge technologies today. Perkins + Will recently developed a design tool that uses the intelligence of termite mounds to create passive thermal comfort solutions.

Massive datasets are dealt with in a way that makes output usable. In terms of products, the company has developed an outdoor radiant cooling system that simply reuses waste (in the form of air-conditioning condensate) to cool outdoor areas effectively. “Real smartness comes from intuitive and carefully considered design, rather than an application of design technology,” Velegrinis adds.

Smart city transformation

So how ready are cities in the Middle East to take that big leap towards transforming into smart cities?

For Miller, creating a smart city is a continuous journey with no finishing line.

“Most cities worldwide have piecemeal ideas in place, and the Middle East is no exception,” he rues.

Dubai and Qatar have emerging legislation and open data, which is a critical step on the journey. Other cities in the region are weaker on this. Abu Dhabi has a strong play on sustainability with its Estidama (sustainability) methodology based around LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design). The Emirates Green Council has also started to create similar programmes to widen this approach, along with Dubai. Public transport has been an afterthought for most cities, but many are now aggressively pursuing metro networks, which are far more sustainable.

The most mature programme in the Middle East is in Dubai, where Dubai Smart 14 NOVEMBER 2016

ON TOPIC

01

City has run large numbers of stakeholder sessions and agreed prioritised KPIs for some 500 individual smart services.

These range from smart parking to data analytics and are a clear role model for cities locally. However, the one weakness all Middle Eastern cities share is that they have not incorporated their smart city services into master planning and urban 01 development strongly enough.

Velegrinis agrees that most cities in the Gulf are well placed to implement smart city technologies. Almost every city is pervasively served by modern ICT networks, the backbone of any potential smart system. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Riyadh are high up in the pecking order in terms of intent and preparedness to convert to smart cities. He points to Dubai’s Hyperloop initiative to facilitate driverless vehicle rollout as an example of making Dubai smart.

Dahmash opines that cities in the 02 GCC are still emerging and have more growth potential, unlike European counterparts which have been around for centuries and have to refurbish their existing infrastructure. GCC cities, on the other hand, are in the process of expanding and building completely anew.

Older cities, or cities at a slower pace of development, face the most difficulties in making changes to their infrastructure to accommodate a smart city model. The region has great potential, and Dahmash is confident in the design-led revolution as well as 3D innovation.

03 However, there is still a long way to go in the creation of a fully functioning smart city, and much remains to be done in the region. Countries like the UAE and Qatar are already taking a step forward in their aim to create the smart cities of the future.

The Dubai Plan 2021 calls for the development of the Emirate into a “smart, integrated and connected city” and has a strong focus on energy sustainability and using renewable energy sources. In Qatar, for example, the city of Lusail outside the capital Doha is already being developed as a smart city.

Keith Miller, associate director, Atkins Acuity.

02 Steven Velegrinis, director of Urban Design at Perkins + Will.

03 Louay Dahmash, head of Autodesk Middle East.

SmartCity network

Recently, SmartCity Korea (SeoulIncheon) became the third SmartCity (after Kochi in Kerala, India and Malta) in Dubai Holding’s Smart City network.

Autodesk had a role in this formation.

A greater push for global BIM adoption occurred with the signing of an MoU between Autodesk and buildingSmart Korea (bSK) to help develop a Building Information Modelling Standard Framework for Korea. Autodesk helped to create and disseminate the resulting BIM standards, library and content.

Atkins Acuity is working with leaders in several cities to help them realise smart goals. The company is involved with different cities in various capacities, in many instances as the design arm of a consortium delivering key elements of infrastructure. Metros in Dubai, Doha and Riyadh are good examples of this.

Through ADVETI, Autodesk is committed to preparing promising young talent by sharing industryrelevant knowledge and skillsets for their entry into the workforce. “Over the past year, we have developed technologies for advanced modelling, simulation, analysis and BIM to monitor building performance, make building energy sensor data more impactful for facility managers and determine how cities can meet their energy and water-related goals,” observes Dahmash.

“As designers of buildings and places, Will + Perkins works closely with construction industry officials and our in-house research programmes are immensely beneficial to the industry,” concludes Velegrinis.

NOVEMBER 2016 15

IN PRACTICE

16 NoVEMBER 2016

IN PRACTICE

INTERVIEW

The Master Bridge Builder Middle East Consultant talks to veteran master bridge builder Andrew Yeoward, global director of bridges & major crossings, CH2M HILL, about the complexities, challenges, concerns and considerations of bridge building ndrew Yeoward is the quintessential bridge builder. The widely travelled civil engineer’s career spans almost four decades, and he has lived and worked in five continents. Working for the same company for his entire tenure, he has been instrumental in constructing bridges that have united communities, in more ways than one.

That the amiable Andrew Yeoward connects easily with people is evident when he sits down for a one-on-one interview on a recent brief official visit to the UAE. The genial Englishman exudes authority and confidence as he waxes eloquent on his many accomplishments and insights into the bridge building business.

“I have been with CH2M, specifically Halcrow, my first and only employer, for all of my 37 professional years. I’ve been a civil engineer and in the business of building bridges all my life. I started in the company’s maritime division after graduating from university in the UK,” he begins as he reminisces about his early days at Halcrow, a multinational engineering consultancy.

When he joined, he was asked which division he would like to work in. ‘I chose the maritime division because I thought if I had to go on-site somewhere, it would be by the sea, so I thought it would be a good and fun choice,” he fondly recalls.

Middle East foray

His first overseas assignment was the Dubai Dry Docks being constructed in the late 1970s, during what was dubbed the first big boom. After returning to the UK, he was given the opportunity to work

on the famed Orwell Bridge, one of the longest bridges of its kind in the UK. That really triggered his interest in bridges, a fascination that continues to this day and has earned him the moniker ‘the bridge-man’ from his colleagues.

In the early eighties he acquired his master’s degree at Imperial College, London. He did a short stint in the UAE, making sorties to the GCC countries before working in Uganda and Taiwan. Then he got involved in long span cable bridges and did a couple of iconic projects in the UK that really set him off on his career, to several countries including the United States.

CH2M acquisition

Halcrow was acquired by Englewood, Colorado-headquartered CH2M in 2011, in part due to the UK company’s international footprint and its well-regarded technical capabilities in areas like big bridges, tunnels and rail. During his tenure, Yeoward has worked on some iconic bridges in different locations, including several in the Middle East.

“Personally, one of the big bridges that excited me immensely was the Second Severn Crossing across the River Severn between England and Wales. This was a major cable-stayed bridge carrying a motorway from England to Wales,” he recalls.

He was the design manager on that project for the main bridge parts. Operational for over 20 years now, it was a design and build project, an early one of its kind in the UK. It was also a DBFO (DesignBuild-Finance-Operate) project contract, which means the project was completely privately financed.

There was no looking back, and Yeoward went on to work on the Dartford Bridge, a major crossing of the river Thames, as well as in Denmark on the legendary Oresund Bridge, a combined railway and NoVEMBER 2016 17

IN PRACTICE

motorway bridge across the Oresund strait, which runs between Sweden and Denmark.

providing useful facilities at affordable prices. All of these really play into urban development, and we are very likely to see more of these in the foreseeable future.”

Multiple projects

Currently in the GCC, he is involved in several ongoing CH2M projects, including the $12 billion Al Sharq bridge (formerly Doha Bay Crossing) and other 2022 World Cup mega projects. In the UAE, CH2M is also involved in the R999 project – the Dubai Canal project which is now nearing completion, with a couple of distinctive arch footbridges going up across the project as well.

Yeoward is also upbeat about the prospects for added business in the future, citing Dubai Creek as an example.

“One of the topographical features of this region is a lot of water – gulf, bays, creeks and waterways that need to be crossed. The Dubai Creek, for example, requires more crossings, and opportunities exist across the GCC. The potential for building bridges is good as governments continue to invest in major infrastructural, development and transportation projects. Also, because of the extreme climate here, internal pedestrian connections are also very important to have, although they are much smaller projects but still need to be provided.”

He believes large projects need not necessarily have a huge price tag and that costs can be lowered with imaginative thinking and sound ideas. “These are things that can be done smartly and resourcefully and at a relatively modest cost, and don’t have to be vastly expensive.

My architect friends always say that you don’t really need to add costs to get a good-looking bridge. I believe there are ways and means of

Rail and causeway bridges

He also foresees additional rail bridges as a result of the proposed GCC rail network. The number and size will depend on the network and the terrain. “The issue with rail and high-speed rail is the longer the span, the more significant the challenges are in the flexibility of structures,” he explains.

The longest high-speed rail span in the world is currently being constructed in China, with CH2M actively involved. “The experience and expertise gained by the company on this project and others globally will undoubtedly further boost its capabilities and competencies and serve it well when working on the GCC rail connectivity,” asserts Andrew Yeoward.

“What I think one would tend to try and do is find rail routes that have more conventional bridges rather than big long-span ones.” Rail bridges are special and serve specific needs, so engineers tend to aim for shorter spans.

Mega building projects like the Burj Al Arab or the Burj Khalifa are known landmarks around the world, and bridges are also considered monumental. Yeoward cites the mammoth 25km King Fahd Causeway linking Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. He also notes that there is chatter of a second bridge connecting the two GCC kingdoms, and a possible crossing between the UAE and Qatar.

01

01 Aesthetics plays a pivotal role in the design and development of bridges, Yeoward says.

02 Durability is another key issue that has received a lot of attention from bridge engineers.

03 Selecting the right contractors with the right skills and experience is crucial for any bridge project.

18 NoVEMBER 2016

IN PRACTICE

02

“My architect friends always say that you don’t really need to add costs to get a good-looking bridge. I believe there are ways and means of providing useful facilities at affordable prices” Bridging the design and functionality divide

Aesthetics plays a pivotal role in the design and development of bridges.

“At the conceptual stage, it is really inspirational to work with some of the architects that we have dealt with around the world. Some of the project masterpieces that I have worked with have been designed by exemplary, famed architects. The role and involvement of architects is central to the success of any project, and many now come with specialisations and expertise in specific arenas.”

“The architects need to be of the right sort and bring the right synergies. Smaller bridges offer flexibility and can be an architect’s playground, and engineers can usually make things work on a smaller scale, but when it gets to the larger scale, like those that are several hundred metre spans, the engineering really drives the design.”

As architects love to say, form has to follow function. “Working with architects who understand that is a really energising process, and that’s really great fun, but it lasts a relatively short time which is at the beginning of a project when everyone is excited,” Yeoward observes.

increasingly under the scanner. “We talk a lot about service life design, so for a big bridge, people in the old days would typically say that they want it to last for 120 years, while others want it to last forever.”

“Unfortunately, while things don’t last forever, you still have to design them to last for a certain extended period of time. It’s very important to have that in mind, because you can do your analysis in concrete design, durability of concrete, and then it really gets down to the technical details of chloride content and other engineering and technical considerations.”

In Yeoward’s assessment, when people say that they want a bridge to last for 120 years, it means the bridge has to be solid, secure and sturdy. Structural conditions, wind loading, seismic loading, the number of cycles for fatigue loading, strong foundations, water footprint and ground conditions are some of the engineering and technical factors that need to be considered and analysed when designing bridges for reliability, toughness and safety.

Contractor criteria

Durability

Another key issue is durability. Yeoward says this is an area that has developed technologically in the last couple of decades or so and is

Selecting the right contractors with the appropriate skill set and experience is also key to the construction process. “Design and build have to come together in perfect harmony, and therefore working closely NoVEMBER 2016 19

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03

Technology bridging the gap?

Modern technology has

many cables, if one gets

enabled bridge design

taken out or damaged

to evolve over the years.

then there are lots of other

Interestingly enough,

ways for the load you apply

one of the things that has

to be distributed. This

enabled it to evolve is not

makes these bridges very

the physical concrete,

efficient to build but very

but rather computers.

complex to analyse, so

Cable-stayed bridges

over the last thirty to forty

are a classic case of

years computers have

being very complex – in

made a big difference.

engineering terms, highly

Physically, the

redundant – structures,

incremental increase in

meaning lots of different

cable strength and cable

load paths can be applied.

technology has helped

For example, a simple

make bridges longer –the

beam spanning two

longer the cable, the bigger

supports has one load

the stress and the bigger

path. If that breaks, the

the force on the cables.

structure falls down. With

The way cables are made

cable-stayed bridges,

has also evolved, enabling

because there are so

the limits to be pushed.

20 NoVEMBER 2016

with contractors to come up with good construction methods is vital.

The more one can construct bridges in safe factory conditions, as with pre-cast or pre-fabricated materials, then there are better quality controls, comparatively less risks, less likelihood of workers out at heights onsite or near the water, thereby ensuring their safety and enhancing the quality of construction.”

Other contractor selection benchmarks include understanding issues relating to safety and resilience. Contractors also need to have financial strength and stability, as they do not want to appoint a company that may go bust halfway.

“You also want contractors who firmly understand the engineering, because as an engineer you want to be sure that everything is built right, to plan and specifications. The interface between design and construction is very important, so adherence to instructions is vital in the architect-contractor relationship,” Yeoward emphasises. overarching endeavours

“The bigger the arch, the bigger the compression and what we call the springing stand at the bottom of the arch, and that’s one of the key issues that begins to restrict how big you can go with an arch,” Yeoward explains.

Factors such as wind-loading analysis and engineering have helped push the limits of bridge design. “3D printing is also interesting, and while it may help when you’re looking at a model of a bridge, the way you build things with concrete and steel is very different, so I don’t think 3D printing can happen here, or at least we’re quite far off from that.”

How is bridge building in the Middle East different from other parts of the world? From an engineering and technical standpoint, climatic conditions are essential considerations. Interestingly, humanity

IN PRACTICE

“The interface between design and construction is very important, so adherence to instructions is vital in the architect-contractor relationship” appears to be Yeoward’s prime concern as he advocates the cause of the construction workers.

“The difference in this part of the world is worker welfare. It is very hot in this part of the world, so making sure these things are looked after is very important. Keeping concrete cool is important as well.”

Maintenance is also a vital element of the process when it comes to bridge management, he adds.

“People often think of steel and concrete in a way that steel goes rusty and concrete tends to stay longer, but actually maintaining concrete isn’t that easy. You have to make sure that you have the right type of concrete to begin with, and the right concrete mixes to ensure its durability.

The right steel coatings can last longer. The quality and standards of construction material used must be high and uncompromising. You

also have to pay extra attention to the terrain – soft sand and waterways can pose challenges to bridge building.”

Bridges defining smart cities

Bridges tend to sit in one place but when you look at smart cities, you’re looking at more active systems, according to Yeoward.

Various things come into play, such as how autonomous or smart vehicles will be affected by bridges, bridge inspection and maintenance methodologies, traffic density, corrosion, obsolescence, attrition, weather, climate and engineering considerations.

“In the end, bridges are there so that people can move from one place to another, but they’re also there to create a sense of place in an urban environment and I think they will carry on doing that.”

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Stand B137, Hall 3

www.balmoraltanks.com NoVEMBER 2016 21

IN PRACTICE

Educate ME Safety and Security of High Performance Building - Part 2 Image: Grendon Design Agency

Image: Grendon Design Agency

Experts at Dow Corning discuss the use of silicone sealants in protective glazing applications

The façade stays largely in place, thanks to the strength and flexibility of the Dow Corning Sealant.

Test chamber prior to the bomb blast.

Only high-performance silicone sealants keep broken glass in window frames under high, sudden and sustained stresses

I

n our previous October 2016 issue, the contribution of silicone structural sealants in bomb-blast resistant facades and their associated test data was examined. This month, Dow Corning specialists look more closely at the characteristics of silicone materials and what makes them suitable for such exacting applications.

Why silicone? Visco-elastic behaviour

Silicone sealants are characterised by an excellent retention of their physical properties across a very wide range of temperatures. This characteristic is linked to the very low glass 22 NOVEMBER 2016

transition temperature (Tg) of the PDMS polymer, the central polymer backbone of silicone elastomer, which can reach extremely low temperatures of –120°C. This low Tg is determined by the inherent flexibility of the polymer molecules and is typical and unique to silicone. Viscoelasticity and in particular, the Boltzman Superposition and Time/Temperature Equivalence principles for polymeric material, predict that such low glass transition temperatures, when exposed to constant temperature, would result in a very stable property profile under very short impact load conditions.

Laboratory confirmation: structural silicone test under high speed load

In order to confirm what was observed on several occasions and also predicted by the theory, a more thorough study was initiated for silicone structural glazing under such conditions. This study was performed to support the DS2 project where the first five floors needed to be bomb blast resistant.

Since the load application speed, typical for a bomb, is much higher than the usual tensile test parameters used for wind or test, it was decided to investigate the behaviour of Dow Corning 993 Silicone Structural Glazing

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For more information, please visit the Dow Corning website at www.dowcorning.com/construction

Table 1: A summary of the tensile and shear properties of the Dow Corning 993 Sealant at high speed conditions Sample

Tensile strength at 1.1m/s

Tensile strength at 2.5m/s

Elongation at break at 1.1m/s

Elongation at break at 2.5m/s

Shear stress at 1.1m/s

Elongation at shear at 1.1m/s

Rotation

Mpa

Mpa

%

%

Mpa

%

Rad

12x12x18

1.56

1.48

237

265

1.2

228

1.57

12x8x18

1.68

1.58

265

369

1.41

284

1.233

12x6x18

1.56

1.69

266

406

1.74

339

1.284

6x6x18

2.04

2.05

278

403

1.64

292

1.241

16x6x18

1.62

1.61

271

387

1.63

318

1.266

Total averages

1.7

1.7

263

366

1.52

292

1.236

Sealant under those stresses/time factors.

The velocity load application stands, for this particular use, at an approximate rate between 2 to 2.5m/s in tensile and around 1.1m/s in shear. These speeds consider the relative displacement between the glass and the frame, in both directions. This means a load application velocity of 240 to 300 times higher than the maximum standardised tensile and shear test speeds and 30,000 times higher than the standard tensile speed (5mm/min) normally required and used in material industry relevant standards (ASTM, EOTA).

Dow Corning looked for an external laboratory specialising in mechanical testing and agreed a special test procedure with the Italian laboratory CSI, to investigate the mechanical characteristics of the Dow Corning 993 Sealant under high speed loading.

The test basically consists of accelerating a specific mass up to the required speed to guarantee a high impact energy, hitting the sample under test and loading it at constant speed. The results recorded are the load and displacement. High speed videos were used to measure the displacement. The samples (H-pieces) were clamped in two Dow Corning designed grips, one for tensile and one for shear.

The upper one was rigidly fixed to the test rig frame and directly connected to the load

measuring device. The lower one was connected to the mobile grip; this grip was connected by four small rods to a lower impacting plate and to the displacement measuring device, whose fixed end was rigidly connected to the test frame. All the samples were prepared using Dow Corning 993 Sealant.

On the table above, a summary of the tensile and shear properties of the Dow Corning 993 Sealant at high speed conditions is displayed. The study illustrates that in a bomb blast situation, Dow Corning 993 Sealant has the following mechanical characteristics: tensile strength during a bomb blast of 1.6MPa, elongation at break > 350% and E modulus decreases down to 0.02-0.07MPa. This is significantly more flexible than during standard conditions and explains why it is possible to realise a bomb blast resistant façade, structurally bonded with Dow Corning 993 Sealant. Compared to standard test conditions, the tensile strength is increased by 60% and elongation at break by 250%!

When using silicone structural bonding in such windows, it is possible to significantly increase their overall rigidity and blast performance, thus avoiding any deglazing under blast conditions. This method has already been used in several commercial buildings and is also showing promising developments in the area of residential security windows.

Conclusions and future developments in safety and security glazing with silicones

In the field of protective glazing, numerous solutions exist to manufacture efficient protective windows. Laminated glass is one of the solutions of choice. This bonding of the glass to the window will not only provide superior watertightness but also allow the windows to have a superior security class as described by standards (EN1627 to 1630).

One example is the use of silicone structural sealant in retrofit protective glazing installations. These window systems comprise a tough, transparent polyester film adhered to the window glass and a silicone structural sealant used to anchor the edges of the film.

The development of security in residential markets will certainly open further opportunity for development of high-performing glass and windows products. Due to its excellent adhesion and flexibility under a wide range of joint configurations, silicone will remain the material of choice to connect the material and provide synergy in their performance.

By Jean-Paul Hautekeer, global strategic marketing director – Building and Construction, and Axel Giesecke, global segment leader – Construction Chemicals & Infrastructure.

NOVEMBER 2016 23

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24 NOVEMBER 2016

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Façade face-off The regional facade industry is now under scrutiny like never before. Middle East Consultant speaks to consultants and suppliers in a bid to resolve pressing issues he façade business sector in the Middle East is extremely important and one of the fastest growing, but industry professionals bemoan that it is largely unrecognised and is not given the eminence it deserves.

That scenario, however, is now changing as the industry is under pressure from building designers, architects, contractors, consultants and developers pushing for viable, practical solutions on all fronts. As a result, new challenges are also coming to the fore.

“With 90% of our time spent in buildings, and buildings being responsible for 40% of the energy requirements worldwide, buildings have to be comfortable, secure and energy-efficient. This is possible with smart façades that are aesthetically pleasing and functionally efficient,” says Alastair Common, technical manager, Schuco Middle East Windows and Façade Systems.

The consultants weigh in

“Façade engineering is not required for every building. The Middle East is very elaborate and intricate in building construction and there are a larger number of projects that require specialist input by a certified façade engineer,” says Agnes Koltay, Façade consultant and director, Koltay Façades, which typically works on high-rise buildings, large span glazed roofs and structural glass enclosures.

Façade engineering consultants can work for architects, developers or contractors. “The consultant gets involved with independent system concept selection, advises on materials, pre-engineers all elements and, most importantly, carries out an in-depth coordination with the structural engineer and others, to ensure smoother construction progress when it goes on-site,” she elaborates.

Koltay believes that a professional façade engineer-consultant has to get to grips with a host of functions including preparation of tender documents, drawings and specifications, and pricing aspects.

“Developers, architects and contractors can benefit from the expertise

and experience as well as the effective oversight and timely site inspections by façade consultants.”

Abdulmajid Karanouh is head of Innovation Design, Façades & Sustainability at Ramboll, a multi-discipline, multinational provider of engineering and consultancy services including façade engineering across different industry verticals.

He has a different take on the role of the consultant. “The Middle East is a region struggling to rediscover and redefine its identity at all levels, including the face of its cities and buildings, particularly in the field of façades,” he remarks.

In Karanouh’s estimation, four factors influence façade design styles in the region. These are image, reputation, the local identity and politics and the economy. Futuristic and iconic solutions, sustainability, local cultures and the geopolitical and economic conditions are considerations when deciding on building façades.

Karanouh is clear about the role of the façade consultant. “The façade consultant assists the project team – the client, architect, the main contractor and the specialist façade contractor – in developing the aims and objectives for any building façade. The consultant helps to formulate design and technical criteria”.

Challenges

The prevalent market conditions for the façade industry in the GCC remain extremely challenging, according to Micha Pawelka, managing director of Priedemann Middle East, a German company that offers a range of building envelope-related services. In his opinion, each project has its own challenges in aspects of construction and manufacture, performance and costs.

“Prices are under tremendous pressure owing to stiff competition, over supply, spending cuts, lack of liquidity, late payments and staffing challenges due to change of visa and labour rules,” he says.

For Schuco, these challenges are surmounted thanks to its long presence and familiarity with the region. ‘We are operational in the Middle East for over 30 years and are well regarded by the construction community,” affirms Common. “Over this period, Schuco has developed NOVEMBER 2016 25

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many systems and adapted to market conditions. We work closely with our clients to provide the competitive edge,” he says.

For Common, the Middle East is an architect’s playground where there is considerable freedom to express ideas and implement them into reality. “The problems often are the intricacies of façade design and the demands of fastidious clients. The big test is often to convert designs into economical, workable, functional and practical solutions.”

02

03

Corrective measures

The downturn is resulting in tighter budgets and shorter project delivery durations, notes Karanouh. “This is resulting in most cases in mismatching priorities between the major stakeholders on any given project, often resulting in responsibilities gaps, resources misplacement, and the widespread practice of false economy,” he adds.

He opines that the façade business is adapting to the current market circumstances by reducing the detailed design development scope of consultants to the bare minimum and by shifting more design responsibilities onto specialist façade contractors.

According to Karanouh, one of the greatest challenges that the façade industry faces in the market is identifying and eliminating malpractice. “It is the responsibility of competent consultants, contractors and specialist contractors who take pride in what they do and care about the quality of the products that they develop and deliver.”

Trends & technologies

One of the current trends is for façade designs to be minimalistic, says Common. Consultants and clients are often looking for less aluminium and more glass. “We recently developed the slimmest curtain wall system is the market with mullions only 35mm wide and a new sliding system specifically designed for the Middle East,” he says, highlighting one example of an increasing trend in the façades industry.

On the other hand, Priedemann’s Pawelka says the strongest trends are towards sustainability and adaptation. “When we talk about sustainability and practices that are in conformity with local culture and sentiments, we assume this is a new trend,” he counters.

Return on investment and resilience are also two of the top trending subjects in the façade business, Agnes Koltay adds.

“There is more awareness and emphasis on long-term durability, 01

01 North souks, Beirut Central District, designed by Zaha hadid.

02 Alastair Common, technical manager, schuco Middle East.

03 Micha Pawelka, managing director, Priedemann Middle East.

04 Agnes Koltay, Façade consultant and director, Koltay Facades.

05 Abdulmajid Karanouh, head of Innovation, Design, Facades and sustainability, Ramboll.

06

26 NOVEMBER 2016

Andrew Pack, global technical support manager, Kingspan Insulation.

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04

05

06

“The Middle East is very intricate in building construction and there are a larger number of projects that require specialist input by a certified façade engineer” adaptability and lifecycle performance. Investors are looking at returns on investments,” she asserts.

Karanouh says the region is increasingly showing more interest in developing context-inspired solutions that offer more original, innovative and context-friendly solutions. There is also more interest in integrating biological and adaptive systems into building façades as opposed to traditional static solutions, he adds.

Practitioner proficiencies

New and pioneering technologies are also making inroads into the region.

The requirements and performance in the Middle East of façade systems in relation to air, water and wind penetration are equal and often exceed international standards and practices, notes Common.

“The primary area where there is less focus, compared to Europe for example, is the thermal performance. The tests for systems used in Europe are often far more stringent than for the systems used in this region. This is primarily because of climatic conditions and energy costs,” states Common.

For Pawelka, the Middle East is distinctive from the rest of the world, particularly Europe, where Priedemann has a strong base.

“While Europe is concerned with the quality of materials and lifecycle cost considerations, the Middle East is pushing boundaries in terms of design and in view of the current economic situation, within specific budgets. The region is also moving towards new technologies and seeing increased demand of BIM modelling,” states Pawelka.

Schuco plans to expand across the GCC with a larger workforce.

“The present outlook for Schuco is bright. Despite the current tough financial conditions, we continue to perform well in the region thanks to

our proactive measures taken. We continue to enjoy a sizable share of the architectural aluminium supply market,” Common says.

Positive projection

Pawelka is also buoyant and upbeat about the future. “We are looking forward to an improved market situation prior to Dubai’s Expo 2020 and Qatar’s World Cup 2022 and other economic initiatives taken by Saudi Arabia and other GCC states,” he states.

For Koltay, sophisticated new emerging technologies are redefining the industry but importantly making complex designs more implementable while slashing costs. Over the years, as computer-instructed parametric production methods spread more widely in manufacturing, it became easier to procure something at this level of complexity. “Technology is rendering projects more affordable,” she remarks.

Locally developed solutions

Karanouh states that high-tech solutions that are often imported from abroad (North America, Europe and the Far East), are in most cases inefficient, unsuitable and non-sustainable when implemented forcefully with little adaptation in the Middle East region.

He advocates locally developed low-tech solutions because they are truly and genuinely inspired by local conditions and are more efficient than imported solutions in some ways.

Some local specialist contractors and suppliers are offering interesting opportunities in developing new solutions that are drawing interest from other regions and markets. “These should be further invested in and developed, as it could improve profitability and quality of the products produced locally,” he concludes.

NOVEMBER 2016 27

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28 NOVEMBER 2016

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Managing Projects As project management moves to centre stage, Middle East Consultant shines the light on the industry, featuring two international companies in growth mode and planning to expand their regional PM roles ver the past 30 years, the traditional model where lead consultants provide a diverse set of skills has evolved into a more specialised, focused project management discipline. This has allowed the project team to focus on their core strengths, be it design, technical, commercial or construction management activities.

It is now clear that project management (PM) is here to stay, as more and more companies value its importance and recognise its indispensability. The discipline has gained much traction over the decades, moving centre stage and now coming into its own.

Client requirements still need to be identified, defined, designed and managed; cost and financial matters need to be controlled and contracts to be assembled. Add to that the appointment of contractors, procurement of materials, oversight of construction activities overseen and completion of processes. It is not difficult to see the all-pervading significance of project management.

The need for project management services is growing as GCC governments and developers are determined to deliver ambitious infrastructure plans. As projects become more complex, so does the NOVEMBER 2016 29

ON SITE 01 Bob Smith, senior vice president and program director, Parsons.

02

scope and role of the project manager.

Large-scale programmes require a lot of different components to come together and coordinate complex situations and developments.

Early engagement

Given his long association with the industry, Bob Smith, senior vice president and programme director, 01 Parsons, knows the worth of project management only too well. He explains the significance, scope and breath of PM. “Project management is not only critical, but early engagement is also basic and vital for a project’s success in terms of scope, scheduling, budgeting and quality control. Projects that fall off track in any of these important topical areas rarely recover,” he cautions.

Project management is pervasive and essential to Parsons’ work. All of its divisions are engaged in executing PM services. Each division has a focus on a particular market sector and 02 houses all of the specialty technical and management talent required to implement projects. These divisions include master planning, buildings, roads and bridges and land development.

The company operates in a matrix posture, designed to allow all divisions to reach out to sister divisions globally for specialty support.

Another major integrated international PM services provider is AECOM, with a multidisciplinary background and long-standing presence in the Middle East. The PM team, in the words of Jonathan Hayes, director of Construction Services, AECOM, UAE & Oman, has the experience in the design, contracting and consultancy fields to provide a valuable blend of experience, skill sets and capabilities in alignment with the client and project-specific requirements.

“Whilst the focus is on the provision of client-facing project management services, the practice also contributes significantly to the

Jonathan hayes, director of Construction Services, AECOM, UAE & Oman.

03 Construction work in progress at Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Midfield Terminal Complex.

04 Construction work in progress at Al Maryah Central, Abu Dhabi.

overall company business revenues,” he adds.

Large footprint

Parsons is currently engaged in several big-ticket mega projects and programmes in the Middle East, including upgrading the traffic control systems for Dubai, the design of the Dubai Municipality (DM) Tunnels Project, the Abu Dhabi International Airport Expansion and several key projects in Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

“Project management is the core business at Parsons. Project managers must manage the owner’s design, construction and develop processes, procedures and systems to deliver a cost-effective project on schedule and within budget,” affirms Smith. He also stresses the company’s holistic approach to project management and continued investment in people and training programmes.

Hayes also advocates the early and extensive engagement of a PM team.

“A good PM team provides the client with an independent, overarching view and the overall guidance and leadership required to ensure a project is a success.” Hayes believes that the earlier a PM team is engaged, the greater the value it can add through the early identification of need, the development of an effective client brief, the identification and mitigation of risk, and the identification and maximisation of opportunities.

“The project management industry is having to adapt by finding ways of becoming more competitive, improving value and through a leaner delivery team” 30 NOVEMBER 2016

ON SITE

Prestigious projects

AECOM is also currently working on several projects in the UAE. These include the Midfield Terminal Complex, Abu Dhabi, a 700,000sqm terminal building; Brookfield Place, Dubai, a 290m, 53-floor quality commercial building; and the Al Maryah Central, a 185,000sqm retail development in Abu Dhabi.

How is the current economic situation affecting PM companies?

Smith’s response may appear paradoxical, but it rings true. “Hydrocarbon revenues contribute significantly to government budgets in the GCC, which in turn fund most major infrastructure projects, so our customers’ planning is impacted by fluctuations in oil & gas prices.

Thus the GCC countries’ efforts to diversify their economies away from a disproportionate dependence on oil & gas revenues, and their focus on infrastructure development for tourism, trade and finance, present opportunities for project management to provide solutions in multiple sectors that are not reliant on oil prices.”

According to Smith, many projects initially experienced a slowdown while customers revamped their strategies to deal with the changed market conditions. “Importantly, a number of customers have decided that they need new businesses and project management processes as

a result of the financial challenges, which is creating demand in new areas of service.”

Opportunities despite the slump

Smith sees opportunities for project management in the downturn.

“Parsons offers revised and enhanced business models including KPIbased returns, alternative project delivery (APD) and design-build systems that allow it to deliver right risk-adjusted returns. Parsons also uses Building Information Modelling (BIM) and other modelling tools to streamline work processes. This is another savings driver that helps the company offset the overall headwinds in the market.”

Hayes’ narrative follows a similar track. “The price of oil has historically influenced the buoyancy of the construction sector and continues to do so. Recent socio-political instability has created uncertainty in the region, but interestingly brought economic opportunities to the UAE, as it is viewed as a haven for investment,” he asserts.

AECOM sees new realities in the new economic landscape, where the UAE has a long-term strategy to reduce its reliance on oil revenues and to diversify into other sectors to attain sustainable growth. “The 03

NOVEMBER 2016 31

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04

PM industry is having to adapt by finding ways of becoming more competitive, improving value and through a leaner delivery team,” he maintains. high demand for professionals

Meanwhile, PM professionals continue to be in high demand as more investments become available for infrastructural work. Given the current dearth, the Middle East will need PM professionals.

Of the present staff strength of 4,500 employees in the Middle East, approximately 200 are certified project managers, according to Parsons’ internal classification that requires they formally pass certification study and examination by the Parsons PM Board.

AECOM also foresees expansion and will continue to develop its capabilities throughout the region, focusing on repeat business via excellent relationships with established clients and selective pursuit of new PM opportunities in non-oil related sectors, notes Hayes.

Winds of change have also been blowing over the regional PM industry. Architects and engineers previously doubled as project managers, but recently it has become a specialised service, he observes.

BIM, the new normal

Smith says the most significant changes occurring over the past several years include the BIM concept, and tools to help increase efficiencies and lessen attrition in project risk management. He is also all for standardising regulations, greater transparency and open communications.

In Hayes’ estimation, the use and application of BIM is also becoming more prevalent and is rapidly becoming the new standard.

He believes the use of BIM will gain thrust, coupled with planning, quantity measurement and construction sequencing strategies to achieve growth and profitability.

Countering challenges

As with any industry or business enterprise, challenges are never far away. Smith says two of the most important challenges for the PM 32 NOVEMBER 2016

“Project management is not only critical, but early engagement is also basic and vital for a project’s success in terms of scope, scheduling, budgeting and quality control” industry are having the right tools and the right people. Hayes has a rather different take on the industry. He says that as clients look to reduce overall project costs, the role of PM has come under close scrutiny, with many projects being delivered under a traditional model where a lead consultant works directly with the client and contractor.

“The principal challenge facing the PM industry is, therefore, demonstrating how it adds value as clients look to reduce overall project costs.”

However, the Middle East offers good potential for the growth of the PM industry, both experts claim. “The region is very significant for our PM teams, and one third of our staff are located here. It has our largest concentration of projects outside of North America, and we continue to see new avenues for growth,” says Smith.

“Our PM team has continued to grow and perform well despite variable and challenging market conditions, with new projects and appointments being secured. I see strong prospects to continue growth of the PM business,” concludes Hayes.

ON SITE

pROjEcT pROfIlE

A Sense of Tranquillity Gavin Davids speaks to Fariborz Hatam, founder of FHSI Architects, about an ongoing project in Mashhad, Iran which is set to have a tremendous impact on the country’s hospitality sector

ocated 850km northeast of Tehran is Iran’s second-largest city, Mashhad. Popularly known as the holiest city in the country, Mashhad is also the capital of Razavi Khorasan province and close to the borders of Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, ensuring that it has huge cultural and commercial significance within the country.

While the country has always been a major trading centre, dating back to when it was a crucial stopping point on the Silk Road, what gives it its true importance is the shrine at the heart of the city, which is considered to be the largest mosque in the world by dimension and the second largest in terms of capacity.

Every year, millions of people come to the city in pilgrimage, bringing the associated benefits in terms of business and revenue to the economy of Mashhad. It is estimated that 25 million visitors come to the city annually, which makes it ripe for significant tourism investment, especially now that restrictions around the country’s economic growth are loosening.

34 NOVEMBER 2016

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“Our aim is to produce a clever and intelligent building that people admire and inhabit. I want them to experience it and to be proud of the space they’re in, and feel the tranquillity of it all. I think getting that sense of calmness, and that memorable experience, is what’s most important to me” NOVEMBER 2016 35

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The shrine is not the only attraction in the city, with the pleasant climate, surrounding mountains and development of entertainment and retail options meaning visitors are arriving with more than just religious tourism in mind.

Over the last few years, Mashhad has seen a surge in construction, with local investors building shopping malls, recreational centres and amusement parks to cater to all kinds of tourists and visitors.

Given the numbers in play, it’s hardly surprising that the hospitality industry is 01 one of the prime movers in this construction boom. Although the city already boasts the most four- and five-star hotels in the country, it is estimated that capacity during peak season can only reach 75,000.

However, this is still a massive improvement, as just over three years ago, there were only 75 hotels in the city. Recognising this, last year the government of Iran implemented a 20-year vision plan – by 2025, it aims to increase revenue from the tourism industry to as much as $30 billion.

With Mashhad attracting the majority of religious tourists entering the country, it makes absolute sense for it to receive significant investment. Thus it’s no surprise to learn that there are currently some 200 hotels at various stages of construction in the city. These hotels are

expected to help Mashhad meet the targets set by the 2025 Vision Plan, which expects to see the holy city annually host 40 million pilgrims and tourists, both from within the country and abroad.

Clearly, there’s a massive window of opportunity open for international investors, especially with the lifting of economic sanctions. One company to quickly seize its chance is Dubai-based CommoditEdge. Established in 2012, the company is part of a diversified group of companies owned by the Alizadeh Family, which is actively engaged in manufacturing, engineering and trading activities in Iran and international markets. CommoditEdge itself is involved in

“The city is the hometown to some of the most significant Iranian literary figures and artists, while also being a place where millions of pilgrims visit each year” 02

36 NOVEMBER 2016

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01 fHSI Architects was provided with a detailed brief about the project site by the client.

02 commoditEdge conducted a comprehensive feasibility study to highlight the financial viability of the project.

02

the sourcing and supply of raw materials to steel mills, while also helping raw material producers and suppliers establish stable supply agreements.

With the lifting of sanctions, the company and its affiliates recognised the significant gap in the hospitality market and were keen to take the plunge and bring the first international five-star hotel in Iran to Mashhad. With the stakes so high, they needed to make sure they brought the right people on board to ensure the entire project succeeds, from planning, construction, completion and operation.

Enter FHSI Architects, an award-winning Australian architectural firm that has gained a reputation for being a firm that looks at its projects as part of a bigger picture. For this boutique firm, it’s not just about how the project looks or functions, but also about how it fits in with its surrounding environment.

“CommoditEdge provided us with a detailed brief for the site,” says Fariborz Hatam, founder of FHSI Architects and the man tasked with bringing the project to life. “They had conducted a

comprehensive feasibility study for Mashhad to highlight the financial viability of the project. It’s going to have 5,000sqm of retail and a 235key hotel space. It is also the first international five-star hotel in Iran as well. While there are other five-star hotels in the country, they aren’t internationally operated.”

“The city is the hometown to some of the most significant Iranian literary figures and artists, while also being a place where millions of pilgrims visit each year. The majority of people coming to this city are going for meditation, prayer and worship. Therefore, the space that you create has to be very calm and in a beautifully planned environment.”

Keeping in mind this cerebral reputation, Hatam says he was careful to ensure that the planning and design for the hotel complex invoked what he calls a “personalised design concept formulation”.

“What makes this design intelligent is its ability to react positively and spontaneously to forces of nature, to fluctuating climates, to human activity and expectations, and to cultural nuances. We believe in creating a healthier, more sustainable planet, so we took a holistic approach to the built environment by addressing behaviour, operations, design and sustainability for the long haul,” he elaborates.

Taking its cue from the shrine, bazaar and gardens that Mashhad is famous for, Hatem says the Mashhad Hotel will intertwine to create an image of “strong identity, transparency, dignity and connectivity”, which in turn will help build an urban quarter that will allow visitors and guests a place to live, work, meditate and enjoy life in the heart of the city.

“The scheme for the project consists of two separate massing forces, linked by public spaces and routes. The principal building is G+19 storeys, with retail placed NOVEMBER 2016 37

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03 The hotel is on one of the busiest arterial roads in the city of Mashhad.

in the basements, while the hotel is above ground,” he explains to ME Consultant.

“The two symmetrical positive and negative cantilever forces create green spaces vertically 03 up the tower, while also providing a comfortable environment for social interaction.”

The design itself incorporates a number of environmentally friendly passive climate-control devices, which will minimise energy consumption for the building. This includes solar shading for the hotel rooms, and the vertical gardens, which act as ‘green lungs’ for the development.

“The hanging gardens provide a rich visual connection to the outside, while also acting as the ‘lung’ for the building’s occupants,” Hatam says. “The planting strategy aims to reduce pollution levels and create a positive, healthy urban microclimate.”

One of the biggest challenges associated with the design of the project is the plan for a 24-hour retail segment in the basement. This certainly makes sense, with the project located on one of the busiest arterial roads in the city.

However, it meant the FHSI design team was faced with finding

“The two symmetrical positive and negative cantilever forces create green spaces vertically up the tower, while also providing a comfortable environment for social interaction” 38 NOVEMBER 2016

a way to incorporate 5,000sqm of retail space operating around the clock, while also keeping in line with the core concept of the project – to provide a luxurious, calm and contemplative environment for hotel guests.

“We’ve done a few things, one of which is pull the building back by 10 metres from the rest of the street. It actually has a noise barrier to cross. We will also use a double glazing system which will block a lot of the sound that comes from the street below.

“Meanwhile, the shopping mall and retail section is positioned four basements below, so that won’t have any interference with what’s happening above the ground.

“As part of the next stage of design, we’ll be working with an acoustics consultant to provide appropriate solutions that address sound propagation, speech intelligibility and the enhancement of the Azan, so as to provide options that mitigate noise within the project.

The consultant will also look at the environmental noise control to address the outdoor noise and vibration concerns.”

Keeping in mind the limited amount of space they had to build on, the team was able to successfully challenge the local rules and regulations on height restrictions.

Following extensive discussions with all stakeholders involved, both client and authorities were convinced to increase the height limit within the allowed GFA. This leeway meant that the team was able to compensate for the lack of horizontal space by building upwards, taking advantage of the increased height allowance to optimise the views of the shrine, which dominates the city’s skyline.

With design work well underway and construction pencilled in to start in the coming months, the next challenge for the project team will be finding the right contractors, subcontractors and suppliers to work on this high-end project.

ON SITE

“There are currently international contractors on the ground [in Iran], building large-scale projects. We anticipate collaborating with them,” says Hatam. “Also, during the construction phase, a designated FHSI team will be on-site to ensure that quality and the level of detail required are fully achieved.”

Not only is the project likely to present an engineering challenge, but given its luxurious nature, having the best-quality materials installed is likely to be a major factor in its success. This is also something FHSI has given a lot of thought to, Hatam says.

“In any country that we work in, on any project that we’re involved in, we prefer to source as locally as possible, so as to reduce the carbon footprint. As Iran is a self-sufficient country, we anticipate sourcing up to 90% of our materials locally. This will not only be cost-effective, but also add value to the local Iranian suppliers market.”

Although there remains a tremendous amount of work to be done, Fariborz Hatam and his team remain justifiably proud of what

they’ve achieved so far. Not only is this the first international hotel in Iran, but it is also set to be the type of project that will raise standards and push Iran’s construction industry into the international spotlight.

“This project will be considered a trendsetter in Iran, and we believe it will raise standards. That will be quite rewarding,” he says.

“Overall, we’d like this project to bring people together and give them that sense of serenity and community. We want to enable them to achieve that spiritual calmness throughout their stay in the city.”

“Our aim is to produce a clever and intelligent building that people admire and inhabit. I want them to experience it and to be proud of the space they’re in, and feel the tranquillity of it all. I think getting that sense of calmness, and that memorable experience, is what’s most important to me. This development will consider the entire project’s lifecycle, rather than just short-term gains. We believe in designing projects that stand the test of time and mark their place for generations to come,” he concludes.

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NOVEMBER 2016 39

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EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE I 14 – 16 FEBRUARY 2017 I WORLD TRADE CENTRE, DUBAI, UAE

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SHOW PREVIEW

Set to make a big impact The largest construction event in the Middle East with over 3,000 exhibitors, workshops, demonstrations and a summit, is expected to attract 75,000+ visitors

D

ubai’s construction industry continues to grow unabated, as evident from even a cursory glance at the emirate’s rapidly altering skyline. Over 3,700 projects are currently going across the emirate, with a total estimated value of $400 billion. Fuelled by a growing population, the tourism sector and strategic government investments, Dubai is set to be the hub of construction in the GCC for the foreseeable future. Tapping into this spirit, the Big 5 2016, which runs from 21 to 24 November, is expected to attract 75,000+ visitors and host over 3,000 exhibitors at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Alongside the exhibition, The Big 5 2016 will offer 75 free-to-attend and CPD (Continuing Professional Development)-certified workshops and up to 30 live demonstrations.

Furthermore, a one-day Excellence in Construction Summit will be held, gathering the construction industry’s leaders to discuss the latest technologies, innovations and best practices in the regional construction industry.

“A growing population, the tourism sector, strategic government investments and the Dubai Expo 2020 are fuelling the local construction industry”, commented event director Josine Heijmans.

The Big 5 2016 will feature five product sectors: Building Interiors & Finishes; MEP Services; Building Envelope & Special Construction; Construction Tools & Building Materials; and Smart Building & Design Technologies.

There will be a strong focus on sustainability at The Big 5 this year. The event will offer a dedicated agenda and more than ten themed CPD-certified workshops delivered by industry experts.

Subjects include Tools for Sustainable Development at District Level, Regional Technical Solutions for LEED, and Zero Carbon Buildings: Management of Design and Construction.

Finally, on November 22, The Big 5’s Excellence in Construction Summit, held in conjunction with strategic partner the Dubai Economic Council (DEC), will gather 500 industry leaders to discuss current and future trends in the construction sector in the GCC and beyond.

NOVEMBER 2016 41

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EVENT RECAP

Middle East Consultant Awards 2015 A look back at last year’s edition of the awards

T

he Middle East Consultant Awards 2015 were well received and fostered a spirit of professional competitiveness, bonhomie and collegiality among peers and colleagues in the business.

When the Middle East Consultant Awards successfully debuted in December 2015, they created much interest, excitement and fanfare in the region’s construction consulting industry.

As the only awards of its kind specific to the construction consulting industry, the presentation ceremony provides a platform to unite the growing community of regional consultants, recognise accomplishments, present accolades and enjoy a fun evening.

The second edition, the Middle East Consultant Awards 2016, takes place at the plush Ritz-Carlton in Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai on 8 November, against the backdrop of the architectural splendour of the Dubai Marina. The Awards serve as a recognition, a symbol of and a testimony to the construction industry in enabling the metamorphosis of landscapes across the region.

The response to this year’s awards was profuse and we received a large number of quality entries and nominations for the 12 categories.

“We are delighted with the turnout and the quality and calibre of the Awards nominations and entries,” commented Gavin Davids, consulting editor, Middle East Consultant. “We are enthused with the response we received from a wide range of high-class entrants across the Middle East, a reflection of the interest and gravitas of the Awards.”

Our distinguished panel of external well-regarded judges consists of Kez Taylor, CEO, ALEC; Marcus Truscott, managing director, Multiplex; Rahail Aslam, group CEO, Select Group; Simon Jewell, divisional general manager – Building, Al Tayer Stocks; and Tarek Amara, director QHSE, China State Construction Engineering Company, in addition to Gavin Davids, consulting editor, and Malcolm Dias, deputy editor, Middle East Consultant.

This year’s sponsors include FAMCO, NORA, SEED, WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff, Cavendish Maxwell, CIOB, Colliers, JLL and RICS. 42 NOVEMBER 2016

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NOVEMBER 2016 43

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44 NOVEMBER 2016

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EVENT REVIEW

Big Project ME Golf Day – Consultants and Architects Cup 2016 The region’s top firms tee off at the Emirates Golf Club

W

ith the intense heat and humidity of the UAE summer abating, it was time for yet another edition of the Big Project Middle East Golf Day. Held on October 19, 2016 at the Emirates Golf Club, this year’s event saw a full roster of players chosen from the region’s top consultants and architectural firms.

Additional sponsor competitions added to the sense of enjoyment, with Geberit hosting a putting competition, Stretch Ceilings a ‘hit the bull’s eye’ event, and CCS a ‘guess the number of tees in a bowl’ contest. Truelux Group held a competition for the straightest drive on hole 5 of the Faldo Course, while group partner Electric Mirror held a ‘nearest to the pin in two’ competition.

Winners received a range of prizes, including overnight stays at Four Seasons Hotels and vouchers from The Meat Company and Le Classique Restaurant.

“The turnout today is a clear indication that the industry values these golf days. We look forward to hosting more over the years,” said Raz Islam, publishing director of CPI Construction.

“A special thank you to all our partners and sponsors. They provided us with incredible support and we couldn’t have done it without them!”

Thanks to all our sponsors

G r o u p

NOVEMBER 2016 45

ON SITE

Dubai Ruler unveils Smart Buildability Index HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has launched the Smart Buildability Index, WAM has reported.

An initiative of the Federal Demographic Council, it aims to standardise building designs that adopt modern building techniques such as 3D printing, pre-fabricated pillars and walls.

Speaking during the launch ceremony of the Smart Buildability Index, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the importance of and need for standardisation in the construction industry across the UAE. “Such indices should be developed to ensure that standards in the UAE are on par with the highest international benchmarks,” he said.

Sheikh Mohammed also called for strong efforts in the field of smart solutions to accelerate the implementation of the goals of UAE Vision 2021. He added that the best smart technologies should be implemented across all sectors, especially the construction industry.

The Index will be gradually introduced to construction projects of above 2,000sqm from early 2017.

46 NOVEMBER 2016

First Avenue mall, hotel to open in Dubai in early 2017 A new shopping mall and hotel are set to open in Dubai’s Motor City in Q1 2017 as part of an investment worth AED 500 million ($136 million), according to a press communiqué from the owners and operators, Saudi Arabia’s Al Tawfeeq for Development and Investment Company (ATDI).

First Avenue, based at the edge of the Dubai Autodrome, will have 70 high-street retailers and 15 casual dining restaurants.

The four-star 150-room hotel, which adjoins the mall, will be operated by Park Inn by Radisson. The hotel overlooks the race track at the Dubai Autodrome.

First Avenue will be a social and retail hub for the Union Properties-developed Motor City, with a distinct automotive and lifestyle theme. The two-storey development stretches across a 500,000 sq ft area.

“The development meets local demand for an easily accessible retail and hotel experience with restaurants and entertainment options. First Avenue is strategically located to serve a growing and discerning market,” said Dr Ramy Moussly, GM, ADTI.

ON SITE

Intertek appointed quality consultant for Abu Dhabi project

Dubai Canal fills up ahead of inauguration Water has been released in the AED 2 billion Dubai Canal as part of an early testing process, a Dubai official has revealed.

The flow of water will be progressively increased through the next couple of weeks in the run-up to its scheduled inauguration in November 2016, following a three-year construction period. The water level in the canal will eventually attain the planned depth of six metres.

“Dubai Canal is moving as planned, and we are continually operating to ensure that completion timelines and schedules are rigourously adhered to,” said Laila Taher Faraidoon, executive director of RTA, speaking on the sidelines of the recently concluded Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF).

Pedestrian bridges are being built simultaneously at different locations along the canal, including a suspension bridge with a huge arch built about the canal.

This mega project was split into three contracts by the RTA. Phase one was the AED 580 million development of eight lanes of bridge in each direction on Sheikh Zayed Road. The second phase was the AED 384 million construction of bridges on Al Wasl Road and Jumeirah Beach road.

The final phase is the largest, at AED 802 million, and involves the digging of the water canal and building the sides of the canal that will link Dubai Creek with the Arabian Gulf.

Intertek has been appointed the quality consultant for Al Maryah Central in Abu Dhabi by Brookfield Multiplex, the project’s main contractor. The announcement was made in a joint press statement by the two companies.

Intertek will implement a quality assurance, testing, inspection and consulting programme to assure the complex building performance requirements meet rigorous quality standards. This includes reviewing and approving the submission of all façade elements, such as glass and glazing, stone and glass cladding, and different types of skylights to cover 9,000sqm of glazing on the roof. The work also includes testing to ensure the stone types used to meet the mineralogical, chemical, physical and mechanical properties required.

“Using our technical experts and engineers, we will verify that all parties are committed to quality in a cost-efficient manner while complying with international standards,” commented Michael Luna, business line leader, Building, Construction & Electrical, Intertek, MENAP.

NOVEMBER 2016 47

THE BACK PAGE

LAST WORD

01 William M. Whistler, managing director, Green Building Solutions International (GBSI).

Scorched Earth Carbon dating records indicate our planet Earth has not been this hot in over 100,000 years, rues William M. Whistler. The cause? The most dramatic rise in CO2 ever seen Heating up

01

A

ccording to NASA, the 300 parts per million upper limit of carbon dioxide levels in our breathable atmosphere has skyrocketed to over 400 parts per million in just the last three generations.

Most of us have heard this kind of news before, but what does it mean?

Is there any real impact on how we live or how we build our buildings? The answer is emphatically YES. 48 NOVEMBER 2016

A comparison of temperature values as recorded at the Dubai Airport Weather Station has shown a local rise of 15-20% in the 15 years since 2000. Similarly, the number of cooling degree days (a measurement of how much external heat from the sun has to be cooled to reach a comfortable interior temperature) had risen from 3,000 to 3,600 degrees Celsius by the end of 2015.

To put this in a more definitive perspective, consider that the 2015 Dubai Electrical & Water Authority (DEWA) Annual Statistics Report shows that just over 84% of the electrical consumption in Dubai goes to the construction and operation of our commercial, residential and public buildings.

Approximately 70% of that consumption (240,000,000 kilowatt hours!) is for air conditioning alone, a significant 6% rise from 2014.

Smart construction

This could be a never-ending race to ‘catch up’ unless we go back to basics and build our buildings as they must be built: an enclosure that “Keeps the Outside Out and the Inside In”. In a region where usage of air conditioners is high, it is critical that building façades be constructed to reduce heat gain, be adequately airtight to keep that expensive cooled air contained, and

be operated intelligently over the building’s life span to maintain efficient energy usage now and even 20 years from now. Studies have shown it is ten times as efficient in both money and energy expended to build a façade that adequately reduces heat gain, compared to making the A/C system more efficient at a later point.

What is preventing or impeding us from doing this now? Where do construction industry professionals fit in the picture of promoting sustainability? How can we start to gain the advantage in this catch-up race?

Considerations

The most often referenced Climatic Design Information for A/C systems has only been updated three times in 20 years; the last time was in 2013. Can we develop forward-looking regionalised guidelines with a rolling average and/or a forecasting approach tuned to actual year-over-year data for more accuracy?

Thermal resistance of wall assemblies could be raised or based on a future time period (say 10 years) to meet the needs of both today and tomorrow.

Professional engineers and consultants should take the lead. All key players in the construction industry are subject to the same competitive market forces; professionals need to be optimistic educators.

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