Big Project ME January 2018

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JANUARY 2018 meconstructionnews.com

THE BUSINESS OF CONSTRUCTION

Opening the gate

DIFC’s gate avenue projeCt promIses to be an exCItIng aDDItIon to DubaI’s FInanCIal Centre

Inspiring Innovative Leadership

Leaders in Project Management

www.hillintl.com

Contents

Issue 142 January 2018 07

14

18

24

32

38

14 Planning for the Future

38 Protecting the Piles

04 ME Construction News.com OnlIne

The biggest stories from Big Project Middle East’s home on the web

analysIs

Taimur Khan takes an in-depth look at Dubai’s plans for the future

cOnsTrucTIOn TechnOlOgy

Gavin Davids speaks to Ecocoast Contracting about the new piling protection materials being used at Al Hamra Marina

07 Arabtec to Build UAE Pavilion 18 Majid Al Futtaim Communities 42 The Big 5 The bIg pIcTure

In prOfIle

shOw reVIew

Contractor awarded contract to build UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 site

10 ACI Focus on Global Standards InTernaTIOnal news

American body to expand its mission of advancing the adoption of concrete standards

12 2017 in Review: KSA in Focus MarkeT repOrT

Knight Frank report examines performance of the Saudi Arabian market and assesses outlook for 2018

Big Project ME speaks to Hawazen Esber, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Communities, about marrying data and industry knowledge

Big Project ME recaps the 2017 edition of The Big 5 and looks ahead to 2018

24 Opening the Gate

44 Top Tenders

32 Fast Tracking Construction

48 The Challenges of 3D Printing

sITe VIsIT

Big Project ME visits the ongoing construction works for Gate Avenue at DIFC case sTudy

Voestalpine Metsec provides a case study for its steel framing systems

Tenders

Big Project ME lists the Middle East’s biggest construction tenders for January 2018 lasT wOrd

Dr Anthony Bentivegna outlines the challenges still facing 3D concrete printing

January 2018 1

Introduction

Making the most of data

I

t might sound funny to say this, but one of my favourite areas of Dubai is actually the DIFC area.

The architecture and layout of the entire development is an example of how having a clear, simple and well-laid out master plan can improve the experience of a public space.

Not only does the area make full use of its space, but it is also home to some of the most striking examples of architecture in Dubai – from the distinctive DIFC Gate Building, the imposing façade of the Ritz-Carlton and Limestone House, all the way through to the intriguing Index Tower, these buildings are some of the most visually arresting in the city.

Therefore, I was delighted to receive an invitation to tour the site of the upcoming Gate Avenue project, which is set to be an exciting addition to the DIFC area. Not only will it provide a vital link for the community, but based on the designs and construction work that I’ve seen, it’s going to be an architectural marvel worthy of rubbing shoulders with the landmarks around it. I can’t wait to see it when it’s finished – I’m predicting it’s going to be quite a hit with residents and visitors alike!

In addition to our cover story about Gate Avenue, this month’s issue also features a fascinating interview with Hawazen Esber, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Communities.

We’d met at Cityscape Dubai last year, and it was there that he told me about the developer’s plans to use neuroscience and data analytics to improve its offerings to customers.

Of course, I was immediately intrigued by this, given the role Big Data is already playing in shaping our infrastructure and city planning needs.

It was fascinating to hear him discuss

2 January 2018

GROUP MANAGING DIRectOR RAZ ISLAM raz.islam@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5471 eDItORIAL DIRectOR VIJAYA CHERIAN vijaya.cherian@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5472 eDItORIAL eDItOR GAVIN DAVIDS gavin.davids@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5480 ONLINe eDItOR BEN FLANAGAN ben.flanagan@cpitrademedia.com SUB eDItOR AELRED DOYLE aelred.doyle@cpitrademedia.com ADVeRtISING cOMMeRcIAL DIRectOR JUDE SLANN jude.slann@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5714 SALeS execUtIVe TOM BROMLEY tom.bromley@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5496

how Majid Al Futtaim is learning how to best use the information they’re gathering, and how they’re applying it to their future projects.

I’m looking forward to seeing how far they can go and whether any other developers will follow suit.

Given how competitive the region’s real estate market is becoming, I’m sure there’s going to be a few playing catch-up!

Finally, since this is the first issue of the year, I’d like to take the opportunity to wish all our readers a very Happy New Year, and all the best for 2018.

It’s shaping up to be quite an exciting year for us at CPI Trade Media, and I can’t wait to share it all with you!

DeSIGN ARt DIRectOR SIMON COBON simon.cobon@cpitrademedia.com DeSIGNeR PERCIVAL MANALAYSAY percival.manalaysay@cpitrademedia.com PHOtOGRAPHY MAkSYM PORIECHkIN MARKetING MARKetING MANAGeR SHEENA SAPSFORD sheena.sapsford@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5498 cIRcULAtION & PRODUctION DIStRIBUtION MANAGeR SUNIL kUMAR sunil.kumar@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5476 PRODUctION MANAGeR VIPIN V. VIJAY vipin.vijay@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5713 WeB DeVeLOPMeNt MOHAMMAD AwAIS SADIq SIDDIqUI FOUNDeR DOMINIC DE SOUSA (1959-2015) PRINteD BY PRINTwELL PRINTING PRESS LLC PUBLISHeD BY

Licensed by TECOM to registered company, CPI Trade Publishing FZ LLC whose registered office is 207 – 209, Building 3, Dubai Studio City, Dubai, UAE

Gavin Davids editor gavin.davids@cpitrademedia.com @MecN_Gavin

www.cpitrademedia.com © Copyright 2018 CPI Trade Media. All rights reserved while the publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information in this magazine, they will not be held responsible for any errors therein.

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READERS’ COMMENTS

FEATURED

FLEET

NEw REgISTRATION SySTEM

Valeo opens regional office in Dubai

CONSULTANT

Abu Dhabi launches engineer registration system

In pictures: ALEC Fitout’s interiors for Boutique Le Chocolat, Dubai

CONSTRUCTION

Developer unveils plan for $218m Dubai Canal tower

CONSTRUCTION

Jumeirah Beach Hotel to undergo renovation works

CONSTRUCTION

Nakheel to debut Raffles on Palm Jumeirah 4 January 2018

Video: Progress on Aldar’s Shams Meera project, Abu Dhabi

I came across a very interesting piece of news on your site in December.

The announcement that Abu Dhabi’s Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities will launch a new registration system for all engineers in the emirate is a very clever and useful initiative.

Having all the engineers who are working and living in the emirate register their qualifications with the department’s website is an important step in increasing the professionalism and performance of the engineering sector.

In fact, I really hope that this is something that will be picked up in the other emirates in the UAE, as I believe it will set a clear benchmark for the construction and engineering industry within the country.

Thinking bigger, I really hope that we will then see this initiative taken up by the rest of the GCC countries. If this happens, it will create a crosscountry database that will allow best practices to grow across the region.

Furthermore, I hope this information will be made accessible to private sector employers. I think that this will allow for the smoother transfer of skills as well as employees between construction firms.

Name withheld by request

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The Big Picture

Work begins on UAE Pavilion for Expo 2020 Ground-breaking ceremony held as construction starts on futuristic structure Showcasing a vision of the future The UAE Pavilion will be built by Arabtec and its design will showcase Emirati culture and achievements, while also highlighting the country’s vision for the future.

Construction work has commenced on the futuristic UAE Pavilion for Expo 2020 in Dubai, according to UAE state news agency WAM. The pavilion is being built by Arabtec, and will cover an area of more than 15,000sqm.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chief Executive of Emirates Group, laid the foundations for the building, it was reported. The ceremony also included the signing of the official agreement for UAE participation in the Expo.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed said: “The UAE Pavilion will undoubtedly be one of the most prominent attractions of Expo 2020, drawing in many millions to witness its futuristic design. It will be a wonderful opportunity

to share our Emirati culture and achievements while showcasing our ambitious vision for the future. The pavilion will be an architectural marvel that all seven emirates can rightly take pride in, both now at the groundbreaking stage, during Expo and in legacy, when it will become a lasting icon of our nation.”

The UAE Pavilion is designed in the shape of a flying falcon, symbolising the country’s leadership and pride. The design’s components reflect the values of openness, communication and tolerance, aligning with the main theme of the exhibition, which calls for cooperation with

the international community to improve quality of life through sustainable development.

It is made up of four floors, with the top storey dedicated to hospitality with an area of 1,717sqm. A 588sqm mezzanine floor will house support units, and the two remaining floors consist of more than 12,000sqm of exhibition space. The entire structure is expected to be completed by the end of 2019.

The NMC approved the design submitted by architect Santiago Calatrava, after a seven-month design competition where nine international architecture firms submitted 11 different concepts.

15,000sqm Total area covered by the UAE Pavilion

Arabtec Construction – a subsidiary of Arabtec Holding – is building the pavilion; the company won the contract after competing against national and international companies.

Arabtec Construction is a leader in the national and regional construction sectors, delivering mega projects such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport, and other landmark construction projects across the UAE. The National Media Council has been in charge of building and running UAE pavilions in all international expos since its inception in 2006, as part of its mandate to represent the UAE abroad and advance its position in regional and international forums, shedding light on its efforts, achievements and innovations in social and economic sectors around the world.

January 2018 7

The Big Picture

Comprehensive testing Fugro carried out one of the most comprehensive geotechnical investigations in the region.

Dubai Creek Tower foundation tests done Fugro successfully completes deep foundation testing for Emaar project Fugro, a Dutch multinational provider of geo-intelligence and asset integrity solutions, has successfully completed the deep foundation testing for Emaar Properties’ Dubai Creek Tower.

In a statement, the company said it was appointed to provide data collection and interpretation that could be relied upon by the construction contractor leading the foundation design and engineering.

The testing and monitoring project ran from June 2016 to August 2017.

Fugro played a key role in the ground engineering of the Dubai Creek Tower, a structure that is expected to be at least 928m high and will comprise a central concrete column supported by a network of steel cable stays. Due to its significant height and design, the ground engineering is critical to the programmed schedule and foundation design. Using the most advanced mathematics, engineering and physics, the Dubai Creek Tower is expected 8 January 2018

to be one of the most significant structures ever created, Fugro claimed in its statement.

“Fugro carried out one of the most comprehensive geotechnical investigations in the region.

We then tested the in-situ performance of the proposed foundations in order to optimise the final design of the core and the cable anchorage foundation design,” said Fugro service line manager Joyshwin Sumputh.

Emaar awarded the contract for the foundation design and construction of Dubai Creek Tower to Soletanche Bachy in June 2017.

“This is probably one of the most challenging and demanding buildings under construction in the world,” said Vincent Leblois, DCH Tower project manager for Soletanche Bachy, explaining that the first step was a campaign of preliminary load testing to ascertain the ground geotechnical characteristics

“We tested the in-situ performance of the proposed foundations in order to optimise the final design of the core and the cable anchorage foundation design”

and finalise the detailed design of the deep foundations.

Soletanche Bachy needed a partnering team that would enable its success from the outset, he added. “Based on previous experience in Dubai, we knew that Fugro would be the only company capable of mobilising the necessary resources and completing these tests in line with our tight schedule.”

The project specifications also called for a robust state-of-the-art system including the use of fibre optics to carry out the intense static load test programme using Fugro’s Osterberg Cells (O-cells).

Close collaboration, as well as Fugro’s worldwide network and engineering capabilities, allowed the team to successfully complete the preliminary testing scope of works in due time and set the right pace for the project, he said.

Construction of the Dubai Creek Tower is expected to be completed by 2020.

The Big Picture

Abu Dhabi aims to register all engineers System will integrate disciplines from across the engineering industry Abu Dhabi’s Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities (DPM) has announced the launch of a new registration system for all engineers in the emirate. The DPM initiative – Become an Abu Dhabi Registered Engineer – aims to ensure that all engineers living and working in the UAE capital register their qualifications at the website. Once they receive DPM approval, engineers will get an official card that will certify them to work across Abu Dhabi, a statement from the authority said.

Developed in line with the Abu Dhabi Plan, the integrated digital system ensures the mutual recognition of all qualifications listed for every engineer. This streamlined process will provide DPM with a pool of certified

engineers that are permitted to work across the emirates, it said. The aim of the initiative is to regulate standards, principles and best practices in the profession, while ensuring that only registered engineers with approved academic qualifications are assigned to relevant work.

The initiative is part of DPM’s wider strategy to support the provision of high-quality engineering and academic expertise, while continuing its commitment of upgrading and enhancing the quality of work and services in the construction sector. It is also aligned with the department’s objective of enhancing its role in the sustainable development of the emirate, to plan safe, secure, well-connected

communities that reflect the values and culture of the emirate.

“While attracting the best local, regional and international expertise in all fields, this new system also demonstrates the ongoing collaborative efforts of the Abu Dhabi Government and DPM to ensure that it continues to raise the bar in urban planning and construction on a global level,” said Falah Al Ahbabi, chairman of the Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities.

“When engineers are listed on the new system, it becomes a badge of professionalism and formal recognition of their qualifications. It also provides the emirate with a tool that connects talent to opportunities, ensuring we continue to shape a

sustainable future for Abu Dhabi.”

The registration system integrates all disciplines of engineering, including architectural, civil, electrical and mechanical engineering. In order to register, engineers must present a valid ID card and a bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent. The system will also require authenticated certificates issued by the relevant authorities and established universities.

They will also be required to submit an employment card issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, or a valid investor card if working in the private sector. A continuation letter of employment must be submitted within one month of the issue date, the statement concluded.

“This new system also demonstrates the ongoing collaborative efforts of the Abu Dhabi government and DPM to ensure that it continues to raise the bar in urban planning and construction on a global level” All part of the plan The integrated digital system has been developed in line with the Abu Dhabi Plan.

January 2018 9

The Big Picture

1. AmericAn concrete institute to focus on globAl stAndArds Adoption The American Concrete Institute (ACI) has expanded its mission with the goal of advancing the adoption of concrete knowledge and standards. The ACI is an authority that provides resources for individuals and organisations involved in concrete design, construction and materials.

The institute is dedicating additional resources and effort to advance the adoption of its consensus-based knowledge across the globe. As part of its efforts, the organisation recently partnered with the Saudi Arabian Gulf Cooperation Council Standardisation Organisation to develop a Gulf Building Code based on ACI’s Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (ACI 318).

The ACI has also been working with officials from Vietnam to translate ACI 318 and other documents for use in the country. Moreover, the institute is working with the International Code Council to ensure that concrete design and concrete repair provisions are adequately referenced in the International Building Code and International Existing Building Code.

10 January 2018

1

$2.25bn China Construction America could face more than $2.25 billion in liabilities for misleading and defrauding BML Properties

2. lekelA wins 250mw wind fArm contrAct in egypt Lekela announced that it has signed an agreement with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC) and Egypt’s Ministry of Energy.

The power purchase agreement (PPA) will see the firm develop a 250MW wind farm in the Gulf of Suez.

The project is part of the

government’s build-ownoperate (BOO) framework and the wind farm is expected to be built approximately 30km northwest of Ras Ghareb.

The location benefits from strong wind currents and so is expected to enable the wind farm to sell competitively priced power to the EETC. Detailed environmental and technical studies have already been conducted on the

site, and construction work is expected to begin in 2018.

Demand for electricity in Egypt is growing at 6% per year and is predicted to continue to do so for the next decade.

86% of the North African country’s power currently comes from gas-fired power plants, which has recently driven the government to move towards renewable energy generation.

The Big Picture

253km China and Thailand have launched the 253km first phase of high-speed railway links between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima province

4

3 2

58,700 Construction will add 1% to growth in 2017/2018 for Australia, with employment rising by 58,700

3. Alstom signs mou with irAq for development of urbAn trAnsport Alstom has signed an MoU with the government of Iraq, as per a statement on its website.

The MoU covers two main projects and was signed during the Franco-Iraqi government authorities meeting, with Dr Sami Al Araji, head of the

National Investment Committee of Iraq, and Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, the French Secretary of State, in attendance.

Both projects are expected to contribute significantly to the development of Iraq’s economy and urban infrastructure.

The first project is a 20km elevated train in Baghdad, with Alstom responsible for supplying rolling stock,

electromechanical systems, tracks and associated civil works. This rail system will link Al-Mustansirya, AlShab, Al-Wazyria, Alsarafia AlEtafia bridge, Al-Khadumia, AlMuthana airport and Al-Alawi.

The second project is the development of a metro system in Basra. This will consist of two elevated lines of approximately 30km each.

4. russiA, egypt sign deAl to build $21bn nucleAr plAnt Russian state nuclear company Rosatom said that it will build a power station in Egypt. It is expected to cost up to $21 billion and will be completed by 2028-2029, according to a Reuters report.

In a statement, the company said Director General Alexey Likhachev and Egypt’s Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mohamed Shaker signed the notices to proceed the contracts for the construction of the El Dabaa nuclear power plant. The signing ceremony was held in the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

According to the signed contracts, Rosatom will build four VVER-1200 units of the El Dabaa NPP in the Matrouh region on the Mediterranean coast, as well as supply nuclear fuel throughout the plant’s entire operational lifetime. This will help ensure competitive electricity pricing in Egypt over a period of 60 years, the statement said.

Rosatom will also conduct personnel training and assist its Egyptian partners in the operation and maintenance of the El Dabaa NPP for the first ten years of its operation.

January 2018 11

Market Report

Saudi arabia real eState: 2017 in review and ForecaStS Knight Frank report examines how the Saudi Arabian market has performed over the course of the year just past, and assesses the outlook for 2018

Looking at the real estate market performance in 2017, the general trend for Saudi Arabia was that most sectors remained subdued on the back of a weak economic environment, with negative sentiment impacting activity levels and sale prices.

Occupancy levels have been adversely impacted across most asset classes, leading to a gradual softening of rents. While we see this current situation prevailing in the short term, we remain optimistic due to various government initiatives aiming to stimulate the real estate

sector while encouraging the private sector to take a key role in this process. From a broader perspective, recently introduced strategic reforms aimed at creating a favourable environment for investment and strengthening the non-oil sector have placed a focus on real estate, which is forecast to double its contribution to economic output by 2020.

Macroeconomic Conditions Despite maintaining healthy GDP growth levels in 2015 (4.1% per the IMF), the impact of the challenging macroeconomic

backdrop, triggered by lower oil prices, started to trickle into 2016 with the Saudi Arabia GDP growth rate moderating to 1.7% and expected to further decelerate to 0.1% in 2017, according to IMF estimates.

As structural reforms are implemented and Saudi Arabia starts capitalising on its ongoing diversification away from crude oil revenues as defined by the Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Plan (NTP), GDP growth is expected to stabilise with an estimate of +1.1% in 2018 increasing to 1.6%

in 2019, as forecast by the IMF. Non-oil sectors are expected to provide support to the overall economy, with non-oil GDP growth expected to ramp up to 3% in the medium term, ahead of overall GDP growth.

Downside risks to future economic recovery mainly come from uncertainties about oil prices, regional tensions which remain high and the extent to which reforms will impact the economy.

Residential Market The residential market across the main cities and provinces of

“GDP growth is expected to stabilise with an estimate of +1.1% in 2018 increasing to 1.6% in 2019 ,as forecast by the IMF�

12 January 2018

Source: Knight Frank Research, Ministry of Justice

lackluster performance Saudi Arabia’s residential market saw a continuation of its lackluster performance in 2017.

Market Report

Number of residential transactions, 2013-2017 70,000 60,000 50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 Q1 13

Q2 13

Q3 13

Q4 13

Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah and the Eastern Province) entered a phase of softening performance in 2016 as volume of transaction and sales price came under pressure following a period of relative resilience. This continued in 2017.

This lackluster performance can be mainly attributed to tightening market liquidity triggered by the fall in oil prices. This is further exacerbated by a combination of more inherent factors, namely the lack of affordability and limited access to finance, a supply shortage in the mid- to low end of the market, and the lack of suitability of the existing stock of residential units.

While we see current dynamics prevailing in the short term, we remain generally optimistic due to current government initiatives aimed at addressing key challenges which are restraining the growth of the residential sector in Saudi Arabia, including high land prices, supply shortages and affordability. Regulatory efforts such as the white land tax,

Q1 14

Q2 14

Q3 14

Q4 14

Q1 15

the large housing schemes and the mortgage law display clear intent from the government to engage with the issues facing the residential market in the kingdom.

While these efforts are only slowly filtering through, we see these initiatives as a step in the right direction for a more active real estate market over coming years.

Commercial Market Economic uncertainties continued to weigh on occupier expansion plans in 2017, particularly in Riyadh, where government entities remain a key occupier of office space. We expect weaker demand for office space in 2018 to continue exerting pressures on office rents. Vacancy rates should however maintain relative stability, as the supply pipeline is set to remain constrained in the short to medium term.

In fact, the Saudi Arabian market has been characterised by a lack of grade A space, with many occupiers owning their premises. As a result, occupancy in prime schemes is

Q2 15

Q3 15

Q4 15

Q1 16

Q2 16

high. The prime office market in Riyadh has been dominated by a lack of supply in recent years, with key assets such as Kingdom Tower and Faisaliah Tower registering close to 100% occupancy. In Jeddah, the supply-side dynamics for prime commercial office space are equally constrained.

Key to the development of the commercial office market are landmark mixed-use projects such as King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) and the Jeddah Waterfront, which when complete will dramatically change the dynamics of the market by offering a best-in-class mixed-use product. However, due to current economic conditions, we remain wary of the prompt delivery of major projects, with further delays in completions expected.

Hospitality Market The hospitality markets in Jeddah and Riyadh faced headwinds throughout 2017, largely attributable to wider economic conditions and recent

Q3 16

Q4 16

Q1 17

Q2 17

Q3 17

additions to supply. In terms of performance, citywide RevPAR (revenue per available room) levels have been under pressure.

In both cities, the supply composition remains heavily imbalanced in favour of fivestar supply, accounting for over 50% of Jeddah and Riyadh’s key count. As such, from a supply perspective, opportunities lie in the development of quality mid-scale hotels rather than luxury or upscale properties.

More leisure-related initiatives indicate that steps are being taken to present the kingdom as a more leisure-friendly destination. By diversifying the demand profile of potential guests to the kingdom, sustained demand growth can be stimulated in the medium term, which will in turn create additional employment for the domestic market. Despite softening performance, opportunities for hospitality development remain in both locations, underpinned by the government’s long-term ambitions for the sector.

Value of residential transactions, 2013 - 2017 (SAR millions) 80,000 70,000 60,000 50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 Q1 13

Q2 13

Q3 13

Q4 13

Q1 14

Q2 14

Q3 14

Q4 14

Q1 15

Q2 15

Q3 15

Q4 15

Q1 16

Q2 16

Q3 16

Q4 16

Q1 17

Q2 17

Q3 17

January 2018 13

Analysis

Planning for the future Dubai’s success story has been built on showcasing itself to the world, but with economic factors biting, the city is looking to shift track.

Taimur Khan takes an in-depth look at its plans for the future

For more than a decade, Dubai’s success story has been built on being the biggest and brightest: the world’s tallest tower, the largest indoor ski slope, the busiest international airport.

However, since the global financial crisis of 2009 and the more recent slowdown in global economic activity, Dubai has seen a shift in strategic direction.

Over the past couple of years, policy-makers have focused on creating a more sustainable and purposeful city, one that is here to stay.

Indeed, Dubai’s future strategy is based on holistic dimensions with people and society at its core. Prosperity, diversity, tolerance and multiculturalism are only some of the headlines that underlie the emirate’s new development direction, elements that continue to attract a wide 14 January 2018

Best positioned Looking at all the GCC countries from an economic perspective, the UAE is well positioned to withstand the economic slowdowns being seen across the region.

Analysis

“Dubai continues to attract international buyers to its property market, with over 217 nationalities investing in the market in the 18 months to June 2017, according to data from the Dubai Land Department.

Emiratis continue to be the largest group of buyers”

range of nationalities to live, work and invest in Dubai.

On the ground, improvements to Dubai’s infrastructure are taking shape rapidly. The Dubai Canal project, due for completion in 2023, is expected to add approximately 200 waterfront homes and an array of new food and beverage offerings and entertainment facilities.

Similarly, plans to position Dubai as one of the world’s most connected cities are underway.

The smart city project will use the Internet of Things to increase communication and intelligent connection between people, data and devices.

Furthermore, Dubai has also established spaces fostering creativity. With phase one already completed and phase two completing in 2021, Dubai Design District will be the centre of the city’s creative community, supporting the growth of the local design industry.

What do these and other innovations mean for Dubai’s residential market?

While the recovery in 2014 fuelled rumours of a potential housing bubble, the authorities were quick to react by introducing a range of cooling measures. Coupled with developers’ realisation of the need to phase out supply in line with demand, Dubai’s residential market managed to weather the storm and maintain its stability. Today, and as the economy opens up in the face of new industries and new talent, demand continues to grow, particularly for off-plan property.

Downtown Dubai continues to be a popular location with its proximity to the emirate’s Central Business District and the vast range of entertainment and lifestyle amenities on offer, such as The Dubai Mall and Dubai Opera; and both January 2018 15

Analysis

Prime market performance, year-on-year % change 20% 15% 10% 5% 0%

16 January 2018

Dubai’s residential property market has moved through a range of stages over recent history, the latest of which shows a much more stable and mature market compared to even five years ago. Over this time period, the combination of a strong dirham, the collapse in oil prices and a high level of supply have provided a correction to the market. In the present, stable oil prices, a weakening dirham, enhanced regulations, government commitment to infrastructure spending, developers phasing in projects and a more robust economic backdrop have provided stronger footing for the property market.

Dubai’s residential market in 2017 has been a story of stabilisation after a period of weak market performance

which started in early 2015.

Mainstream sales prices fell by 2% in the year to Q3 2017, according to data from REIDIN. Average price change in the first nine months of the year in 2016 was -5.6%; over the same period in 2017, price fall has slowed to -0.6%.

Prime residential prices over the year to September 2017 have fallen by 3.8%. However, we may be seeing this segment of the market reach its trough, with monthly price growth from August 2017 to September 2017 positive. More so in the prime market, submarket performance has begun to diverge. In prime markets where new supply has been limited, such as Palm Jumeirah and Emirates Living, we have seen price growth return over the short term, whereas in areas such as Downtown, where new supply is evident, prices have continued to fall.

Q4 2017

Q3 2017

Q2 2017

Q1 2017

Q4 2016

Q3 2016

Q2 2016

Q1 2016

Q4 2015

Q3 2015

Q2 2015

Q1 2015

Q4 2014

Q3 2014

Q2 2014

Q1 2014

Q4 2013

Q3 2013

Q2 2013

International investment prevalent despite challenging market conditions

Despite lacklustre market performance across both mainstream and prime residential markets, yields have remained relatively robust. As of Q3 2017, mainstream yields stood at 6.8% and prime yields at 5.5%; a year earlier, mainstream yields were 0.3 percentage points higher and prime yields 0.1 percentage points higher.

Sales

Mainstream transaction volume in the first nine months of 2017 rose by 10% compared to the same period a year earlier. The total value of transactions over this period was $10.04 billion, up 12% compared to a year earlier.

In the nine months to September 2017, prime transaction volumes increased by 6% and total value of prime transactions was $619 million, up 9% from the same period a year earlier.

Dubai’s yield potential

7.1% 6.8%

Mainstream yield - Q3 2016

Mainstream yield - Q3 2017

5.6% 5.5%

Prime yield - Prime yield Q3 2016 Q3 2017

Source: Knight Frank Research

occupiers and investors continue to be attracted to the unique offerings on the Palm Jumeirah, supported by luxury hotels and resorts. We anticipate this demand will only continue to strengthen with the introduction of The Pointe and Nakheel Mall, expected to be competed in 2018, offering world-class entertainment, dining and retail destinations.

For lifestyle opportunities, residential communities such as Emirates Living and Arabian Ranches are popular among investors as they offer integrated solutions to living, including schools and community malls.

With Expo 2020 almost two years away, experts estimate the event will generate approximately 300,000 direct jobs and up to a million indirect jobs. An increase in the workforce will subsequently result in greater demand for housing. Affordable and luxury properties are already under construction to cater to diverse foreign and local appetite.

As Dubai continues to cement its reputation as a thriving global business, tourist and retail hub, the real estate sector, particularly the residential market, is expected to thrive and continue to be an integral part of the economy.

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Analysis

Demand

Dubai continues to attract international buyers to its property market, with over 217 nationalities investing in the market in the 18 months to June 2017, according to data from the Dubai Land Department.

Emiratis continue to be the largest group of buyers.

The make-up of the top five foreign nationalities remains broadly similar to historic trends, with Indians leading the pack followed by Pakistani, Saudi Arabian and British buyers.

More interestingly, the composition of the top ten nationalities by number of transactions shows the broad appeal of Dubai’s property market, with buyers not from the immediate region, such as American and Chinese,

TOP 10 BUYERS BY NATIONALITIES TO INVEST IN DUBAI’S REAL ESTATE MARKET (JANUARY 2016 - JUNE 2017) 1

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becoming a more material source of investment.

On balance, the outlook for Dubai’s economy and real estate market remains positive, despite some key risks which must be monitored and managed. We also note that price performance will continue to diverge across Dubai in 2018, with neighbourhoods where a significant delivery of new supply is expected likely to continue to see prices soften.

As regional economies adapt to the new norm in oil prices, Dubai diversifies in line with Vision 2021 and government infrastructure spending continues ahead of Expo 2020, we anticipate GDP growth to accelerate in 2018, providing support for the residential market.

In the first nine months of the year, the effective exchange rate of the dirham fell c. 5% against its weighted basket of currencies.

This has provided support for the residential market, given the material presence of international investors in Dubai.

Looking ahead, a key risk to market performance would be any significant appreciation of the dollar due to rake hikes by the Federal Reserve. Ongoing geopolitical uncertainty may also affect demand.

Overall, risks may be outweighed by the expectation of stronger global economic and trade growth in 2018 than previously forecast, which Dubai would certainly benefit from, given its standing as a trading hub and safe haven for investment.

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www.balmoraltanks.com January 2018 17

In Profile

18 January 2018

In Profile

“The research ThaT we’ve underTaken is very exciTing. iT’s someThing ThaT’s noT only new To The markeT, buT The Thinking behind iT is also compleTely new” Big Project ME speaks to Hawazen Esber, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Communities, to understand how the UAE developer is marrying data, science and industry knowledge to create a new way to develop real estate

January 2018 19

In Profile

i

n September 2017, Majid Al Futtaim, a UAE shopping mall, communities, retail and leisure developer, announced the results of a first-of-its-kind neuroscience study in the Middle East. Designed to identify the most powerful drivers behind emotional attachments to urban developments and communities, the study measured how participants subconsciously and consciously responded to nearly 100 images of urban developments and landscapes around the world.

Conducted by Neurons Inc and commissioned by Majid Al Futtaim, the UAE-based study used electro-encephalography (EEG) and eye tracking technology to record participants’ responses.

More than one million data points were collected and analysed to determine findings.

The interesting aspect of this study is that it comes at a time when governments across the region are placing significant emphasis on transformative policies and practices for the real estate sector as they look to drive economic diversification.

In the UAE, this has resulted in both private and public sector entities focusing on enabling a nationwide happiness agenda that aims to create a sense of satisfaction for residents through the development of better services and infrastructure.

However, through the study, Majid Al Futtaim says it has identified a clear distinction between conscious and subconscious responses, with the neuroscientists finding that 20 January 2018

using data Hawazen Esber says Majid Al Futtaim’s study has identified a clear distinction between conscious and subconscious responses from customers, allowing the developer to use the data to improve its offerings.

the elements of everyday human activity (a visual focus in 80% of the 10 best performing images), greenery (70%), artistic features (50%) and bright colours (50%) elicited the most powerful emotional reactions to real estate destinations and environments.

On the other hand, the strongest negative responses came from images that displayed a visible lack of human interaction and natural landscapes. Dirt and damage were also shown to have an immediate negative, lasting impact on participants.

“Historically, researchers and developers have focused on conscious drivers of preference for real estate design and development. In a testament to the region’s progressive take on the transformation of the real estate sector, our neuroscience research study enables a deeper understanding of what subconsciously drives

“The study helps us identify crucial elements that make for happy, healthy communities.

These become the foundation for how we bring our integrated retail, leisure and entertainment offerings”

emotional value and a sense of belonging for our customers and the wider community,” says Hawazen Esber, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim – Communities.

“As destination creators, it is our vision and role to create mixed-use destinations with a heart and soul, where people can come together to celebrate life and create great memories with their loved ones every day. The study helps us identify crucial elements that make for happy, heathy communities. These become the foundation for how we bring our integrated retail, leisure and entertainment offerings to design mixed-use destinations that drive holistic value for residents and surrounding communities.”

Esber tells Big Project ME that there is a growing sense of maturity in the UAE market, which has been going through a transformation. This has led to a real understanding that quality prevails and new trends are no longer just fads. To that end, he asserts that the developer’s biggest differentiator is its philosophy of focusing on place-making and customer experience.

“Place-making is more of an art than a science (at present), but we’re currently working on the science part of it. When it comes to what the customer wants, it’s obvious that they always want the best – they want the best value for their money, they want to feel like they’re being taken care of, that the developer hasn’t only sold them a house but rather a home where they can really live and enjoy life.”

This is why Majid Al Futtaim has elected to drill deep into the science and use neuroscience techniques to measure and track respondents’ responses to projects around the world.

“We discovered many interesting things – you might have a conscious preference for

In Profile

a colour, but we discovered that subconsciously all humans are very attracted to all shades of blue and green.

That’s very interesting for us.

“For example, people consciously claim that they prefer places that have a lot of buzz and activation and animation. But subconsciously, they actually prefer more of a normal social interaction, such as family social scenarios or an interacting with culture and nature.”

This data is crucial for a real estate developer like Majid Al Futtaim, Esber says. It allows it to implement these scientific findings and tailor projects and destinations accordingly, so as to create projects with an increased appeal to visitors and residents.

“It’s very exciting. It’s the first-of-its-kind study in the region, and I would say probably the first in the world to go deep into real estate. When it comes to mixed-use, office and residential, there are a lot of benefits, but it can probably be expanded into other sectors as well,” he asserts.

However, he points out that the data has to be used

First in the region The study is the first of its kind in the region and one of the first in the world to go deep into real estate, says Esber.

effectively. Unless it is translated into the planning and design of homes and landscapes, the data is ineffective by itself. By combining it with a cultural activation or marketing layer that can be applied on top of the master plan, a developer can see tangible results.

Esber insists that Majid Al Futtaim is committed to following the scientific path, pointing out that the developer has also undertaken a detailed market segmentation study

that looks at market needs not only by nationality, but also by various age groups.

“We do understand what people need – from toddlers through to six-year-olds, to teenagers, millennials, all the way through to the recently married, the married with children and even people on their way to retirement. Unless you measure this, you cannot really customise your products as per what people want,” he explains.

In fact this commitment goes even further, with the developer announcing in December 2017 that it plans to enhance its advanced analytic capabilities, which will allow the company to gather deeper consumer insights, allowing it to create personalised experiences for customers. By investing in advanced analytics, the developer hopes to be able to understand and predict evolving needs and preferences and deliver experiences that

understanding what people need By combining the data with a cultural activation or marketing layer that can be applied on top of a project’s master plan, Majid Al Futtaim hopes to address the needs of all levels of society.

January 2018 21

In Profile

creating great moments The developer is investing in advanced analytics to allow it to create personalised moments for its customers.

“People consciously claim that they prefer places that have a lot of buzz and activation and animation. But subconsciously, they actually prefer more of a normal social interaction, such as family social interaction or an interaction with culture and nature” create “great moments” for customers on a daily basis.

Majid Al Futtaim has defined four elements for its data analytic transformation: increasing group-wide analytical capabilities, enriching data to maximise group synergies, enabling analytics through state-of-the-art technology, and delivering value from data through advanced analytics. To this end, it is in the midst of a recruitment drive to secure the services of data engineers, scientists and translators, who will be embedded within the group’s business units to harness the power of data.

In June 2017, the developer launched the School of Analytics and Technology, which aims to become a key part of this datadriven culture. Located at the Majid Al Futtaim Leadership Institute in Dubai, the School has already started delivering education programmes to employees, focusing on enhancing their understanding of how analytics can be used to improve the delivery of experiences within the group.

It is also training a select group of employees to become Analytics Translators, whose role will be to act as a bridge between Majid Al 22 January 2018

Futtaim’s businesses and a group of advanced analytics experts. In order to harness all the available data across the business, they will be responsible for mining and analysing data in real time using sophisticated algorithms, then turning the results into simple, actionable insights.

“We are really differentiating ourselves with the way we look at place-making, and by how we really listen to our customers and give them these options and

choices,” says Esber. “In the real estate market, we have been bold always – right from when we brought in the Ski Dubai concept and when we brought in the shopping mall experience to people. We’re at the forefront of this drive to adopt technology and data. We’re talking to international partners, all the way from Korea through to Japan and the USA. We’re also very much in tune with what the UAE government is achieving in terms of smart cities –

marrying data and know-how Majid Al Futtaim aims to marry its knowledge of real estate development to data and analytics, to create a completely new way of project development.

we have a full plan for smart cities, and it is fully in tune with what the government requirements are.”

“Finally, I want to emphasise that the research that we’ve undertaken is very exciting. It’s something that’s not only new to the market, but the thinking behind it is also completely new.

I believe that this is one of the edges that developers should have, in terms of marrying their know-how and art into science,” he concludes.

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Site Visit

24 January 2018

Site Visit

Big Project ME visits the ongoing works at Gate Avenue at DIFC, the new spine of the financial centre which is set to become a retail, leisure and dining hub for workers, residents and visitors

Opening the gate January 2018 25

Site Visit

a

s the heart of the financial district, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has long been considered a vital cog in the city’s infrastructure. Home to banking and capital market firms, wealth and asset management companies, and other professional services providers, DIFC is an ecosystem of its own, with even its own courts to provide independent administration and enforcement of justice.

While it caters primarily to the financial services sector, the area has also grown to be recognised as a hub for art, culture and cuisine. However, these outlets

were very much a secondary feature to the overall master plan for the development, which remained focused on its core offering of being an intermediary between the Middle East markets and the world’s economies.

This is all about to change, though, with the imminent opening of Gate Avenue at DIFC, a new urban retail, leisure and cultural development currently in the final stages of construction at the centre of the district.

Built up over 61,316sqm and running a total of 880m in length, the project will link the podium levels of all the buildings located in the Centre, from the Gate Building through to Central Park Towers.

Divided into three zones – North, South and Central – Gate Avenue will be connected via an outdoor promenade level that will also serve as a community hub for professionals, residents and visitors.

PROJECT DETAILS Project Contract Value: $133 million Main Contractor: HLG Contracting Client: Dubai International Financial Centre Project Commencement: 2016 Project Completion: H1 2018 Built-up area: 61,316sqm Length: 880m

This expansion comes at a time when the free zone is pursuing a strategy that will see the number of registered firms double by 2024, compared to 2014. Along with the $49 million Exchange Building, also under construction, the $133 million Gate Avenue will be the cornerstone of these efforts.

Nabil AlKindi, chief real estate officer of DIFC Authority, says there has been substantial completion of the project’s first phase, and it is on track to be finished in the first half of 2018. A significant number of retail units have been handed over to tenants for design and fit-out works, he adds, speaking during a media tour of the site.

Once complete, the flagship development will enhance DIFC’s position as a destination for more than just financial services, offering more than 200 dining, boutique, retail and entertainment options, along with a mosque that

Spine of the development The project will run for a total of 880m through the centre of the DIFC area, linking the podium levels of all the buildings located in the Centre.

“DIFC has built an international name as a sophisticated high-end financial district, and it is vital that this development and all future development contribute in the same manner” 26 January 2018

Site Visit

getting the right contractor Following a lengthy tendering process, HLG was brought on board for the project due to its extensive knowledge and capabilities.

AlKindi calls “state-of-the-art”.

Following the completion of the tour, AlKindi sat down exclusively with Big Project ME to discuss the project in greater detail, starting with an update on the current status of construction works.

“We have phased the work on Gate Avenue at DIFC, one of the biggest property projects in Dubai, into four main areas of work. We are now into the final finishing stages of the first phase, with the marble installation and final MEP fixing underway, as part of our planning for the first authority inspections.

“Furthermore, the concrete structure is now more than 95%, with 40,000m3 of concrete poured to date. Blockwork installation on the project is 80% complete, with 45,000m3 of concrete blocks installed; meanwhile, stone paving and planting of the soft cape is also well underway, while 140,000 linear metres of cables, wires and trays have already been put into place.

“The concrete and structural steel work is also ongoing at the DIFC mosque. It’s an exciting time in the construction phase, as we get to witness the full process of such complex projects in a single status snapshot.”

The plan is that Gate Avenue will not be a standard retail mall development, but rather a “premium urban retail, leisure and cultural development”, he says, adding that it will “aesthetically and

artistically link with all building podiums within the DIFC”.

“When designed, we needed to ensure that the external oasis of greenery was captured, in order to bring life to the urban context and also benefit and recognise the multinational partners and firms we have within the greater DIFC area.

So you will find design inspiration from New York, London and Hong Kong linking together the fabric of our community and stitching the master plan of DIFC together as one integrated destination.”

Given these lofty aims, the DIFC Authority team knew it had

to have the right main contractor.

To that end, following a lengthy tendering process, Dubai contractor HLG was brought on board.

“Gate Avenue was competitively tendered to the market place in 2016, involving all the region’s grade A contractors. Following months of negotiations and evaluations, DIFC was given the chance to partner with HLG in delivering this extremely significant development,” AlKindi relates.

“HLG’s performance speaks for itself when we look back at photos from just one year ago, when we only had concrete columns standing

in a place where we recently witnessed the planting of our first trees on the development.”

Despite having such an accomplished contractor leading the project, the various challenges posed meant the DIFC Authority had to also play an important leadership role during day-to-day operations.

“DIFC Authority has managed and been an integral part of every decision and direction on the project, helping to ensure that not only our financial interests were met, but also that the overall vision of the Centre [was followed].

DIFC has built an international name as a sophisticated high-end financial district, and it is vital that this development and all future development contribute in the same manner and maintain DIFC as the place to be for businesses around the world,” he asserts, pointing out that the DIFC Real Estate and Development team comprises a strong group of market experts with a wealth of experience in developing master plans and mega projects for the UAE. “From its original inception, Gate Avenue was always seen as the link

Reshaping the area Once complete, Gate Avenue will change the make-up of DIFC, turning it into a hub for retail, leisure and entertainment.

January 2018 27

Site Visit

for the DIFC master development and a thread of greenery that will serve the synergy of such an ambitious financial district. As the market and workplace has changed over the past 15 years, it is really a testament to the original designers that they were so forward thinking in having the integration of a green oasis and offering more than 21,000 professionals who work in the district a space where they can step away and enjoy a walk along our planted podium, or a stroll through the highlyappointed interior,” he continues.

HLG was awarded the contract in 2016, with works programmed to be completed within 18 months, plus a 12-month maintenance period. However, it soon became apparent that this project would be a distinctive challenge for the contractor, due to the pre-existing infrastructure around the project.

Tasked with building on the existing DIFC Truck and Service Tunnel, the contractor faced several engineering problems right off the bat, AlKindi recollects.

“Due to the fact of the existing truck tunnel being fully operational

engineering challenges Gate Avenue has been built on the existing DIFC Truck and Service Tunnel, posing several engineering challenges to the contractor, HLG.

below the project and servicing the whole of DIFC, it presented many engineering challenges in how the new concrete structure would be built without impact on any of the DIFC’s built assets, and just as important, all of the MEP interfaces and integration that has been required throughout the duration of the works.

“Since Gate Avenue at DIFC is not only servicing its own retail needs but also assisting in linking all of the greater DIFC master plan, the integration of systems, security and building management has been vital in order to achieve

a development that enhances the entire development.”

He adds that because the development is being built on a narrow slice of land that cuts through the backyard of all the DIFC’s important partners, construction needed to be extremely wary of the logistical issues that could be raised.

“This was and continues to be the main challenge for us, especially when it comes to servicing the project with materials, machines and, most importantly, the 1,600 construction workers that are on the site every day. Nevertheless,

Working according to a plan Due to the scale of the development, the DIFC Authority has a fully engaged and organised logistics team, as well as a thorough plan for all the construction and logistical work.

28 January 2018

thanks to our logistics team, the work is progressing smoothly and well on schedule. When your development is 850 metres in length, there is a great need for a highly engaged logistics team that is orchestrating the daily activities.”

Given the scale of the development, having a fully engaged and organised logistics team as well as a thorough plan for all the construction and logistical work has been crucial, he explains.

“We have developed this prior to the project even starting, and we have also tested and assessed the plans over a period of two months to ensure accuracy. I must say that our DIFC Authority Property Management team and DIFC Authority Partners were of great support from the initial planning stages, allowing us to put on an orchestra of construction activities.

At the peak of the concrete works and when the project peaked at just over 2,000 construction workers effective on-site, this is when for me the show was in perfect harmony.”

A major reason for the smooth operation over the course of the project was HLG’s use of BIM, AlKindi says, pointing out that the technology has played a vital role in ensuring that all stakeholders know exactly what is happening at all times.

“From day one of appointing HLG as our contractor for the project, they have worked tirelessly

Site Visit

on building the BIM model from scratch. This involved the 3D scanning of existing services and spaces within the truck tunnel, deciphering and piecing together the thousands of structural, architectural and MEP drawings, and all the while still ensuring that the tight deadlines of the project were maintained. The outcome will be a fully modelled development within BIM which will, at the end, be transferred and used by our DIFC Authority Facilities Management team.”

Now that retailers are moving into their spaces, having a clear and organised plan for the project is increasingly crucial, given that retailers will be bringing in their own fit-out teams and designers.

As such, work has already begun to ensure that all the teams maintain a clear channel of communication and coordination

Maintainin g standards Nabil AlKindi says that the DIFC Authority and HLG are working with retailers to ensure that the overall look and feel of Gate Avenue is maintained, in line with the DIFC brand.

“You will find design inspiration from New York, London and Hong Kong linking together the fabric of our community and stitching the master plan of DIFC together as one integrated destination”

with the DFIC and HLG project teams, thereby ensuring that standards are maintained, in line with what is expected of DIFC. “With any retail development, the true importance and measure of success is the final retail and F&B tenants and the respective fit-outs,” AlKindi says. “With this, we have already begun the close coordination meetings and designs for a large number of our leased units, in order to guarantee a smooth transition from the main construction into the fit-out works.”

“Another important point is to also ensure that each and every brand present in at Gate Avenue is also of the same quality and sophistication as the DIFC brand.

Our first tenants are planned to commence their fit-out in January 2018, in anticipation of our upcoming opening in 2018,” he concludes.

January 2018 29

Case Study

Regeneration project As part of the $2 billion Elephant and Castle regeneration project in London, Metsec provided its SFS infill walling products to the first phase of the project.

32 January 2018

Case Study

Fast tRacking constRuction

Voestalpine Metsec provides a case study that examines steel framing systems installed in residential blocks as part of the Elephant and Castle regeneration project

When working on major construction projects, steel is the ideal building option due to its versatile nature and as a result, in the UK and other parts of the world, steel framing systems (SFS) are now the prominent building material used in external wall construction.

Steel frame is a fasttrack modern method of construction providing contractors with a solution that is considerably lighter, faster, sustainable, more costeffective and environmentally friendlier, compared to other traditional building methods such as blockwork.

Despite the number of benefits that SFS offers in comparison to blockwork, many projects within the UAE still do not specify steel framing systems, suggesting a reluctance to embrace this build method up to now. However there is reason to be optimistic, according to Robert Marsh, commercial manager for voestalpine Metsec Middle East division.

“The demand from architects and engineering consultancies for our Lunch and Learn CPD on SFS has grown steadily over the last 12 months, and so has the number of projects in which Metsec SFS has been specified in lieu of blockwork,” Marsh says.

“Speed of build and sustainability are just two of

the main reasons specifiers and developers are looking for a better alternative to blockwork.”

As the UK’s largest specialist cold roll-forming company, voestalpine Metsec leads the market in the design and manufacture of light gauge structural steel framing systems and can offer a variety of value-engineering solutions.

Manufactured from lightweight galvanised steel to form stud and track sections, SFS can be used in any type of construction project and nearly every type of external façade system.

While the most common application within Metsec’s SFS range is infill walling, continuous walling, high bay separating walls and complete load-bearing structures are also available.

The Metsec SFS infill walling forms a secondary structure that is fixed between the slab and the soffit of the primary frame. Slotted head tracks are used to allow for deflection in the primary structure.

Continuous walling is designed so that it oversails the edge of the primary structure to maximise internal floor space. The SFS is fixed back to each slab edge using cleats that are slotted to allow for vertical movement in the primary structure.

High bay walls are similar to infill walls, except they are

used internally to provide high separating walls for factory units or atriums. As they are often constructed within hot rolled steel portal frames, the amount of primary frame deflection that needs to be accommodated can be much greater than required for infill panels, and bespoke details are typically provided to suit project requirements.

Metsec high-bay walls can be constructed up to 20m high, and because of their lightweight construction there is rarely any need to provide additional foundations underneath the wall.

Alternatively, Metsec’s SFS load-bearing structures make use of the axial capacity of the Metsec SFS studs, with studs designed as a series of columns to provide complete load-bearing wall panels. Floors and roofs are then able to be constructed making use of the SFS as joists.

The flexibility of load-bearing structures makes them ideally suited to penthouses or highlevel inset structures where it is important to keep the loads to a minimum. As part of the $2 billion Elephant and Castle regeneration project in London, Metsec has provided its SFS infill walling products to the first phase of the project, MP1 (Masterplan Phase 1). Metsec joined the project in 2015 and phase 1 was completed in 2017. The overall project will include nearly 3,000 homes,

January 2018 33

Case Study

organisational challenge A major challenge on the project was ensuring that the large amount of framing material being used was delivered on time to the multiple blocks in an organised and clear manner.

over 50 shops and restaurants, as well as a brand-new park for the community to enjoy.

The SFS infill walling is being used across the 11 apartment blocks that make up South Gardens, which is part of the larger Elephant Park. Metsec used its market leading design expertise to ensure that the SFS system it supplied suited the requirements of the project.

“We decided to use Metsec on the MP1 development because we know we will continuously get an excellent service from the beginning of the project through to its completion,” says Tibor Nagy, design manager at S&R London.

“MP1 proved to be a challenge on the design front, not necessarily due to complexity, but because of the sheer size of the project and the never-ending flow of information and design

34 January 2018

“MP1 proved to be a challenge on the design front, not necessarily due to complexity, but because of the sheer size of the project and the neverending flow of information and design changes”

changes. To be able to keep up with these changes, we needed the full support of the Metsec design and engineering team way beyond what was originally planned.

“The other challenge is to ensure that the large amount of framing material being used on the project is delivered on time to the multiple blocks in an organised and clear manner.

We knew that we can rely on Metsec to provide us with a great service that gives us a chance to plan and complete site works on programme.”

The Elephant and Castle regeneration scheme is one of 18 founding projects across the world in the Climate Positive Development Programme, and aims to be net carbon negative by 2020. As part of the scheme’s focus on sustainability, the homes will feature the latest environmental building practices

and innovations. As part of this, the homes will include water saving technology, with a particular focus on urban nature, which will include green roofs and green walls.

Some of the other sustainable initiatives that the project will incorporate include an on-site combined heat and energy centre; an extensive biodiversity strategy across the development to heal and restore nature on-site and ultimately help improve inner city air quality; a strong focus on keeping residents active by creating walking and cycling facilities, as well as ensuring use of public transport and charge points for electric vehicles.

Metsec is committed to undertaking its activities in an efficient and sustainable manner in line with environmental best practice and has been awarded a number of sustainability certifications. including ISO 14001 – Environmental Management, BES 6001 – Framework Standard for the Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products, BCSA Steel Construction Sustainability Charter – Gold Standard, and Sandwell Business Environmental Charter – Platinum Plus Level 2. This means its SFS products fit well with the other sustainable features being used on the project.

“Our SFS products have proven to increase sustainability performance and significantly improve cost efficiency, as well as offering a greater speed of build. Our range can offer a quick watertight date, and for those larger scale projects such as MP1 Elephant and Castle, speed is particularly important. All of these benefits marry particularly well with this project as it meets the objectives of the build, particularly its sustainability aspirations,” Marsh concludes.

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Case Study

Providing a single solution

Hadley Steel Framing provides an in-depth look at how it provided 30,000sqm of external wall framing for one of the world’s most sustainable developments, Masdar Neighbourhood One Residences

reducing time on-site The use of Hadley Steel Framing products and systems reduced the overall build programme significantly by providing a sealed envelope at an early stage of the project, allowing internal works to commence much earlier than planned.

The Masdar Neighbourhood One Residences (N1R) project consists of 500 residential units comprising 75 one- and 425 two-bedroom apartments.

Masdar City is one of the world’s most sustainable urban developments, with the neighbourhood section being its biggest area of expansion.

Hadley Steel Framing supplied 30,000sqm of external wall framing to support an insulated render façade system.

We omitted the need for blockwork to the external wall.

Architects, specifiers and

36 January 2018

contractors associated with the project trusted Hadley Steel Framing to deliver industry standard and bespoke solutions on this high-profile project.

Expert technical, structural and design ability allied to international cold roll-formed manufacturing capability ensured that Hadley Steel Framing could provide a single solution from concept to completion.

All designs produced were covered by professional indemnity insurance and our products are BBA-certified with insurance-backed warranties.

Hadley Steel Framing products are manufactured from recyclable steel as per the project requirements.

Hadley Steel Framing reduced the overall build programme significantly by providing a sealed envelope at an early stage of the project, allowing internal works to commence much earlier than planned.

This was achieved by bespoke design and detailing as well as sections manufactured to length and delivered to site for quick installation, ready to receive external finishes. Hadley Steel

Framing’s light gauge sections also provided column-free interior space and delivered flexibility to layout requirements.

Our light gauge galvanised steel structural sections were supplied as individual components, manufactured to meet specific sizing requirements, cut to length and screwed together on-site with self-drilling fixings to ensure absolute precision and accommodate tolerances in the structure’s primary frame.

Dry wall linings and insulation were subsequently

Case Study

Meeting specifications Hadley provided systems with two-hour fire performance, while also meeting enormous acoustic performance requirements.

effective installation With accurate profiles, the steel framing systems were delivered to meet the challenging build schedule, with fast installation and less waste generated.

fixed to the system in order to achieve thermal, acoustic and fire resistance performance.

With accurate profiles, delivered to meet the challenging build schedule, the installation was fast and generated less waste, allowed a shorter build time, reduced costs and accelerated cash flow.

Due to the nature of the project, the eternal wall had to meet stringent U-value requirements of 0.015, which was achieved through insulating the cavity of the stud and utilising 85mm of EPS to the outer face.

We also provided twohour fire performance and met enormous acoustic performance requirements.

The project was delivered on time and was recently named Sustainable Project of the Year at a regional construction award ceremony.

The system was designed and engineered by Hadley to ASTM code, and was covered by our in-house professional indemnity insurance.

In line with the UAE government and specifically Masdar’s objective,

“We reduced the overall build programme significantly by providing a sealed envelope at an early stage of the project�

environmentally we are committed to ensuring the most efficient use of resources possible, reducing our carbon footprint as well as manufacturing sustainable solutions.

Economically, we are dedicated to growing the business in a responsible manner, operating with fairness and integrity.

Socially, we are proactive about making a difference within the communities in which we work through interaction, support, the raising of aspirations and the creation of new opportunities for future generations.

January 2018 37

Construction Technology

protecting the piles

Big Project ME visits Al Hamra Marina in Ras Al Khaimah to learn how Ecocoast Contracting is using the refurbishment of the marina piles to make a case for its new sleeve protection technology

rapid installation The installation of the UHMW pile sleeves can take place within a couple of hours if conditions permit, using a small team of three to four people, Zutic says.

38 January 2018

In the midst of the real estate development boom that has swept across the UAE over the last two decades, the tiny northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has been making quietly significant strides in its own development, as it looks to become a weekend destination in its own right.

One of the leaders of the emirate’s development drive is the Al Hamra Group, a local real estate development

Construction Technology

and investment company with a focus on lifestyle and leisure destinations. Ever since it was formed in 2003, it has played a crucial role in shaping the real estate landscape in Ras Al Khaimah.

While it owns and operates assets ranging from a shopping mall to a golf club, the developer’s biggest asset is perhaps the Al Hamra Marina and Yacht Club, a facility that

consists of 200 wet berths and caters to motor boats and yachts measuring anywhere from 3.5m up to 30m in length.

Furthermore, its all tide access offers a shelter of ease to boat owners, with boats able to execute manoeuvres at the docks themselves. However, having been in operation for several years, there has been considerable wear and tear on the facilities, especially on the docking pontoons, which have had to deal with strong wave conditions and constant wear and tear.

As a result, two years ago the management decided to begin a complete renovation of the marina, says James Roy, marina manager of Al Hamra Marina and Yacht Club. This included the upgrading and refurbishment of crucial infrastructure, such as the pontoons, the MEP systems and, most critically, the marine piles that secure the docks in place.

“The piles are critical because they hold everything in place,” Roy tells Big Project ME. “The previous piles, the condition they were in when we started [this process] was terrible. They were very rusted and towards the end of their lifespan. Usually, piles are meant to last 20 to 30 years, but because of the wave conditions in the marina, they had been well worn out and there had been no previous maintenance work done on them for many years.”

Although Al Hamra Group owned the marina, it had leased it to an independent operator. Four years ago, the facility was taken by the group and work started in terms of planning its refurbishment.

“We thought of extending the lifespan of the piles and fixing their condition in a number of ways – either we could replace them completely, or we could

“We knew it would be difficult to convince clients and owners to use that material, rather than materials that have been used for ages.

At the end, we didn’t manage to finish convincing everybody, but we strongly believe that UHMW is the future for sleeving”

just sandblast and paint them, or going to the next stage, which is putting the covering on as well.

We really liked that idea because it’s a new technology and, to be honest, there’s a nicer feel to the pile. It looks very professional as well, with the white cap. It made business sense for us to extend the lifespan of the piles.”

When the project was put out to tender, Roy says Ecocoast Contracting was chosen off the back of its extensive experience in marine infrastructure projects.

The specialist contractor came on board at the beginning of September 2017, with the mandate of refurbishing the piles and prolonging their lifespan, while also keeping disruption of the day-to-day workings of the marina to a minimum.

“There were a lot of logistics between us and Al Hamra to manage the yachts and vessels inside the marina, to plan out when we’ll have the low tide so that they could clear a space for us, so that we could work during that time on the lower parts of the piles,” recollects Nikola Zutic, technical engineer for Ecocoast Contracting, and one of the leaders of the project.

“Basically, the main challenge was the fight with the tides.

The specifications for the project were to refurbish the piles down to 3.2m, but during high tide you only have 1.5m above the waterline. During low tide, it depends – if you get a really low tide then you’ll hit 3.2m, or you’ll have 2-2.5m.”

Due to the size of the marina, both agree that the logistics of moving the vessels was relatively smooth, but one factor was noise levels around the site. While the installation of the sleeves is relatively noiseless, sandblasting the piles meant the team had to work within a few parameters.

January 2018 39

Construction Technology

“We were very much governed by how much noise was made as well,” says Roy. “We can’t work 24 hours a day with noise because it’s a residential area as well. We had to work within the parameters, as and when people were at work or awake, and all that. Typically we worked from 8am through to 6pm, but if there was no noise, then the team could work as long as they wanted to.”

“We were also very conscious about pollution as well – when we were sandblasting, we had a recovery system in place so that we wouldn’t pour materials into the sea. We obviously had to think about the green side of things as well.”

“It was specified in the tender document that we had to be very careful with the environment and control the pollution,” Zutic adds. “That’s why we proposed vacuum blasting of the piles, a process that collects all the particles and the blasting materials directly, with nothing falling

“The previous piles were very rusted and towards the end of their lifespan.

Usually, piles are meant to last 20 to 30 years, but because of the wave conditions in the marina, they had been well worn out and there had been no previous maintenance work done on them for years”

into the water. This allowed us to control the pollution.”

Roy adds that since Al Hamra Marina is regarded as a flagship member of Ras Al Khaimah’s waste management and recycling project, it was vital to set a standard in the emirate.

“We have a delicate ecosystem and we very much take a stand on it. Al Hamra Marina was picked as a flagship project and a test project for other places in Ras Al Khaimah. Recycling and all of that is very important to us, and purely because of that, in good conscience we couldn’t do anything that maybe would have been bearable somewhere else, but here we had very strict tolerances.”

Given that work is scheduled to finish by the end of December 2017, Zutic points out that Ecocoast’s operations are now in full swing. Having started with two teams of three or four people, the crew on-site has swelled to 15 people, with more added according to the

taking precautions Ecocoast Contracting has been careful to implement measures to ensure that no damage is done to the surrounding marine ecosystem.

40 January 2018

situation and work ongoing.

Their task has been made easier thanks to the use of a new type of material for the pile sleeves, one far more durable and usable than its predecessor, he says. Having previously used the familiar HDPE pile sleeves on the Al Hamra Marina piles, the Ecocoast team convinced its client to switch to ultra high molecule weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) pile sleeves.

“At the moment, it’s one of the strongest plastics in the market. We started to communicate with suppliers back in the US about the technical data and to see if this was something that could be used in this environment, because of the temperature and all that.

We came to the conclusion that this was something that could be used here.

“However, it’s a totally new product here, so we knew it would be difficult to convince clients and owners to use that material, rather than materials that have been used for ages.

At the end, we didn’t manage to finish convincing everybody, but we strongly believe that UHMW is the future for sleeving,” Zutic asserts.

One of the major advantages of the new material is its thinness – it is only 3mm thick but still much stronger than the old material.

“If you’re using the oldschool HDPE pipes, which are 25mm thick, then you need to have at least two or three centimetres gap between the pile and the pipe. By the end, you have a pile that’s 500mm or 600mm thick, which in turn leads to more costs and pressure on the structures.”

Furthermore, the installation process is much quicker, with

Construction Technology

taking the heat To ensure the material shrinks to the correct size and doesn’t leave any gaps for air or water to get trapped, the team heats the sleeve and ensures it sticks tightly to the pile, creating a totally vacuum-closed area.

“You need to clean all the rusted areas, do the chemical cleans of the surface and then reapply all the epoxy coats that are being used for the additional prevention of corrosion, and then put the sleeves on” each pile taking one to two hours, depending on the access the team has to the pile.

“The installation process for the HDPE pipes means that you’re sealing the pipes, and you’ll then need to pour the grout in so you can make the connection between pipe and pile.

“For the UHMW, it’s totally different technology – we’re fabricating the sleeves at a slightly bigger diameter than the piles. This diameter

is based on the shrinking ratio of the material itself, due to the heat applied.”

Zutic explains that the UHMW sleeve is installed by heating it, causing it to shrink tightly to the pile, removing any voids (of air or water) in the space between the sleeve and the steel pile. By having a totally vacuum-closed area, corrosion will be prevented.

“Usually with UHMW, they can be installed both above and under the waterline, but

there’s different set-ups for both. Basically, you can install them from the top of the pile all the way down to the seabed without any problems.

There’s no need to have dry access or anything like that.

“You can just sleeve it and then shrink it up to the water level with one set-up, and then use neoprene steam jackets in another set-up for below the water level. That way, you can steam UHMW underwater without any problems, you

just need divers to control it. You’ll need to have two or three passes to sleeve it well.

“To install the sleeve, you need to sandblast it all. If you sleeve the pile with rust already in there, then you’re not doing anything. You need to clean all the rusted areas, do the chemical cleans of the surface and reapply all the epoxy coats that are being used for the additional prevention of corrosion, and then put the sleeves on,” he concludes.

January 2018 41

Show Review

The Big 5 To reTurn in 2018 wiTh expanded plaTform

Middle East’s largest construction event to be co-located with new HVACR Expo, Urban Design and Landscaping Expo, and second edition of The Big 5 Solar expanding focus The 2018 edition of The Big 5 will have new colocated events focusing on HVAC, urban design and solar power, organisers have said.

Against the backdrop of a successful 38th edition of The Big 5 in Dubai, organisers DMG Events Middle East, Asia & Africa announced the expansion of the show with new co-located events in 2018. The largest construction event in the Middle East will further broaden its offer with the addition of the new HVACR Expo, the Urban Design & Landscaping Expo and the second edition of The Big 5 Solar.

“Meeting the evolving demand of construction professionals is our number one priority. For this reason, recognising the outstanding performance of the dedicated HVACR Hall during the last edition of the show and the growing demand for energy-efficient and technologically advanced heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in the region, we’re pleased to announce the launch of HVACR Expo in 2018,” said Josine Heijmans, portfolio 42 January 2018

event director of The Big 5.

“Outdoor-specific design and build projects are also on the rise in the GCC, boosted by an explicit change in lifestyle and a strong call for more authentic public spaces,” explained Heijmans. “The Urban Design & Landscaping Expo will thus perfectly complement The Big 5 exhibition, providing industry professionals from around the globe an enhanced platform to source the latest solutions for the construction and maintenance of urban and green spaces, sports grounds and playgrounds.”

Running 26-29 November 2018 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the 39th edition of The Big 5 will provide 360-degree building solutions for both indoor and outdoor spaces, with a strong focus on technology and sustainability.

The second edition of The Big 5 Solar will run alongside the major construction event, showcasing the

most advanced solar technologies to meet the growing demand for environmentally sustainable solutions in the Middle East.

Commenting on the latest edition of the event, Heijmans said: “The record international participation at The Big 5 2017 established the event as a leading platform and a point of reference for the future of the construction industry, not only in the MENA region but at a global level.” The event, which welcomed over 65,000 participants and more than 2,600 exhibitors from 64 countries, was recognised as the most successful edition to date.

One of the speakers at The Big 5 Talks (the complimentary CPDcertified workshops offered at the event), Michael John Lawrence, Director of Insite, reflected: “The Big 5 offers a unique opportunity to meet and network with a range of suppliers, contractors, consultants

and clients from the construction industry. It also keeps me abreast of the latest developments, particularly with regard to sustainability and technology.”

The continued expansion of construction activities in the GCC region attracted industry professionals from over 140 countries at The Big 5 2017, 26-29 November at the Dubai World Trade Centre. According to the latest statistics released by The Big 5’s intelligence partner BNC Network, in 2017 the number of active construction projects in the UAE increased by 17.4% compared to 2016, reaching a total value of $818 billion.

Organised by dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa, the 39th edition of The Big 5 will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre, 26-29 November 2018.

For more information about the event, visit www.thebig5.ae.

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Top tenders Hessa al Mubarak Mixeduse developMent project budget $5,000,000,000 project number WPR1298-K territory Kuwait client Kuwait Projects Company (KIPCO) city Safat 13100 phone (+965) 2480 5885 Fax (+965) 2243 5790 email kipco@uggi.com Website www.kipcogp.com description Development of a comprehensive mixed-use scheme comprising 82 plots for residential buildings, serviced apartments, commercial activities, retail and food and beverage (F&B) outlets period 2020 status New Tender

tender categories Agriculture & Irrigation, Construction & Contracting, Leisure & Entertainment, Prestige Buildings tender products Mixed-use Developments, Residential Buildings, Retail Developments

email hmansour@mpa.gov.kw description Construction of a road spanning a length of 37km, including nine intersections, six lanes and a bridge period 2020 status Current Project tender categories Roads, Bridges & Infrastructure tender products Bridges Construction, Roads Construction

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budget $560,000,000 project number MPR1540-K territory Kuwait client Ministry of Public Works (Kuwait) address Ministry of Public Works Bldg, 3rd Floor, 6th Ring Road city Safat 13001 phone (+965) 2538 5520 Fax (+965) 2538 5219 / 2538 5234

budget $213,300,000 project number WPR2731-U territory Dubai client Dar Al Arkan Properties LLC (Dubai) address Conrad Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, opposite World Trade Centre phone (+971-4) 4365352 Fax (+971-4) 436 5309

email info@alarkan.com Website www.daralarkan.com description Construction of a 38-storey residential building period 2021 status New Tender tender categories Prestige Buildings tender products High-rise Towers

ibri poultry Facility project budget $256,000,000 project number WPR2508-O territory Oman client Al Namaa Poultry SAOC (Oman) description Construction of a poultry facility period 2019 status New Tender tender categories Industrial & Special Projects

GHadeer residences & coMMunity Hub project – al Mouj Muscat budget $20,000,000 project number WPR2623-O territory Oman client Al Mouj Muscat (Oman) city Muscat PC 118 phone (+968) 2453 4400 Fax (+968) 2453 4401 email info@almouj.com Website www.almouj.com description Construction of a residential complex with facilities such as a kindergarten and a multipurpose hall period 2019 status Current Project tender categories Construction & Contracting tender products Residential Buildings

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44 January 2018

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orGan transplant centre project project number WPR2690-B territory Bahrain client Ministry of Health (Bahrain) city Manama phone (+973-17) 288 888 Fax (+973-17) 246 245 Website www.moh.gov.bh description Construction of a medical building comprising a

ground floor and 3 additional floors, which upon completion will serve as an organ transplant centre period 2019 status New Tender Mep consultant Mohammad Abdul Aziz Electro-Mechanical Engineering Bureau (Bahrain) design consultant Al Jazeera Engineering (Bahrain) tender categories Construction & Contracting, Medical & Healthcare tender products Hospital Construction

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project number WPR2737-U territory United Arab Emirates client Damac Properties (Dubai) address 4th floor, Al Moosa Tower II, Sheikh Zayed Road city Dubai phone (+971-4) 332 2005 / 373 1000 / 515 6111 Fax (+971-4) 332 1874 email info@damacgroup.com Website www.damacgroup.com description Construction of a villa complex comprising 925 villas status New Tender design consultant Engineering Consortium Consulting Engineers (Dubai) tender categories Construction & Contracting tender products Villas Construction

nMc Hospital expansion project – al naHda 2 project number WPR2668-U territory United Arab Emirates client New Medical Centre Group – NMC (Abu Dhabi) address Madinat Zayed city Abu Dhabi phone (+971-2) 633 2255 Fax (+971-2) 633 2256 / 631 7303 email hospitalauh@nmc.ae Website www.nmcgroup.net description Construction of an extension building, as part of expansion of an existing hospital budget $5,000,000 period 2018 status Current Project Main consultant Architectural

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46 January 2018

Tenders

Engineering Consultants (Abu Dhabi) Main contractor National Wheel Joannou & Paraskevaides LLC (Dubai) tender categories Construction & Contracting, Medical & Healthcare tender products Hospital Construction

Saudi Arabia MarFa Mall project project number WPR2502-SA territory Saudi Arabia client Abdullah Al Othaim Real Estate (Saudi Arabia) city Riyadh 11437 phone (+966-11) 2540000 Website www.othaimholding.com description Construction of a new shopping mall budget $5,000,000 period 2019 status Current Project Main consultant Engineering Consultants Group – ECG (Saudi Arabia) Main contractor Revolution Construction Contracting Establishment (Saudi Arabia) tender categories Construction & Contracting, Leisure & Entertainment tender products Retail Developments

email jundoman@mod.gov.om Website www.mod.gov.om description Construction of a shooting complex period 2020 status New Tender Mep consultant STI Engineering LLC (Oman) design consultant Renardet SA & Partners Consulting Engineers LLC (Oman) tender categories Construction & Contracting, Leisure & Entertainment tender products Sports Complexes

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client Municipality of Burj Hammoud (Lebanon) address Armenia Street, Burj Hammoud city Beirut phone (+961-1) 260 155 Fax (+961-1) 260 156 email info@bourjhammoud.com Website www.burjhammoud.gov.lb description Construction of three residential buildings, shops and a multi-level parking facility period 2019 status Current Project Main consultant Vazken Chekijian Architect (Lebanon) Main contractor Kfoury Engineering & Contracting sarl (Lebanon) tender categories Construction & Contracting, Leisure & Entertainment tender products Residential Buildings, Retail Developments

Egypt levana villas & toWnHouses project – uptoWn cairo project number WPR2665-E territory Egypt client Emaar Misr for Development (Egypt) address Mokattam city Cairo phone (+20-2) 16116 Website www.emaar.com description Construction of villas and townhouses period 2019 status Current Project Main contractor Al Shafar General Contracting – ASGC (Egypt) tender categories Construction & Contracting tender products Villas Construction

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January 2018 47

Last Word

The Challenges Facing 3D Printing Big Project ME speaks to Dr Anthony F Bentivegna, laboratory manager – Materials Testing and Analysis for CTL Group, during the fifth International Conference for Sustainable Construction Materials in Dubai How viable is Dubai’s plan to have 25% of its buildings 3D printed by 2030?

We need to focus on durability and the structural integrity of 3D printed buildings.

This requires further evaluation, as 3D printed concrete hasn’t yet incorporated steel reinforcement successfully in a consistent manner in order to make it more structurally sound.

Slag and fly ash are supplementary cementitious materials.

These are good for sustainability, as there is less cement and it improves the durability of the concrete.

Essentially, these are waste products from other industries. Fly ash is derived from burning coal in power generation. Slag is a waste product from the steel industry, and is available in this region.

There are a lot of misconceptions about how 3D printing will actually work on construction

48 January 2018

“I think the goal of the industry is to make it so that the material can be deposited quickly, and we are not there yet in that we can do it quicker than conventional construction”

system that comes off the back of a truck. A system under research in Germany looks like a concrete pump truck.

There will be a lot of development still, and things will change as better delivery systems are found.

For example, we saw in a recent NASA competition that the delivery system will differ drastically from those found in typical construction, as it will comprise high-end robotic arms and movable robots.

Even 2030 is just around the corner. My impression is that with the current state of technology it would be too timeconsuming and convoluted to print a building structure, compared to just pouring the concrete using formwork.

sites. How would you

From a cost and efficiency

explain the technology,

perspective, would it

so as to clear them up?

not be better to print the

I have seen many variations of what it could look like.

The US Army Corps of Engineers has a deployable

formwork instead and still pour the concrete?

A lot of people are looking at that approach. There

are mainly two different approaches to 3D printing.

I think the goal of the industry is to make it so that the material can be deposited quickly, and we are not there yet in that we can do it quicker than conventional construction.

What you need to understand with traditional construction and formwork is the long erection time.

Then you place the concrete and remove the formwork.

All of this is a very labourintense and time-consuming process that has to be taken into account when contemplating using a 3D concrete printer.

What are the limitations of 3D concrete printing?

I think some of the main limitations relate to testing methods and safety.

We have not yet determined what test methods are applicable, and how best to test that printed concrete has the necessary strength to prevent any structural collapses.

We really want to ensure

we develop comprehensive test methods so that we are confident that the materials can deliver the required design parameters.

That is where the focus needs to be, and is what the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is doing in North America.

Do you see areas where 3D concrete printing can complement existing construction methods?

I believe so. In North America, we see many companies focusing on single-family, onestorey houses.

Here, 3D printing can reduce the construction cost and speed up the build time. That is likely to come into its own sooner than high-rise applications.

Another niche application is following a natural disaster, where there is a great need to build temporary structures rapidly without having access to lots of different materials and machinery.