Post-haste

Structural Systems' projects: Ajman One and Borouge 2.

“Traditionally walls would be supported by anchors, but when you have buildings which are very close together, the client won’t allow you to drill on another’s land, so in that case you can’t have a ground anchor support,” he explains.

MEPS is distinctive in the Middle East by offering this service of reinforcing underground walls, also known as diaphragm walling. In each case, the walls can be made thinner than with traditional methods.

“The strand acts as a stay cable as if for a bridge,” explains Thomas.

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“It’s also quite a fast process too, and there is less concrete needed. For example, for the wall for Dubai Marina, where the concrete blocks could be as wide as eight metres, the thickness can be cut down, as well as the added benefit of better finishes and higher durability.”

VSL, the engineering giant that has post-tensioning as its core business, also conducts diaphragm walling but through its foundation subsidiary Hong Kong Intrafor.

For standard post-tensioning, its recent projects in the area include the Saadiyat Road Link, one of the UAE’s largest civil infrastructure projects, which sees VSL provide strands for seven bridges with a total deck length of 1.6km.

VSL was also involved with the Adnec Capital Gate Tower, a 35-floor mixed-use development with a total area of 50,000m², and completed post-tensioning works, as well anchorage sets, for the Palm Jumeirah’s Trunk Spine Bridge, in Dubai.

Expansion seems to be the key for all post-tensioning engineers, and the education of the industry must continue. Ironmonger adds that relatively strong demand in Dubai should not affect the drive into surrounding markets.

“There is definitely a need to scour adjoining emirates and GCC countries for infrastructure opportunities, as no significant bridge projects such as the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse Development Access Bridges and the Al Qudra Bridge both recently completed by Structural Systems, are currently being tendered by the RTA in Dubai.”