Gulf Construction Online - CH2M plays key role in Burj Al Arab Terrace

UAE Focus

CH2M plays key role in Burj Al Arab Terrace

01 July 2016

CH2M, a global engineering company, said it has played a key role in the construction of a private 10,000-sq-m outdoor beach resort at the iconic Burj Al Arab managed by the luxury hotel company Jumeirah Group.

A member of Dubai Holding, Jumeirah recently celebrated the opening of the Burj Al Arab Terrace, with a ceremony presided over by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

CH2M was hired by Jumeirah as the client’s engineer to deliver Burj Al Arab Terrace, a world-first in marine and off-site construction. The terrace is a 10,000-sq-m outdoor luxury leisure facility that stretches 100 m out into the sea.

CH2M’s maritime experts provided engineering advice and marine modelling, conducted environmental impact assessments and coordinated bathymetric measurements to understand the depth of water at the site. They reviewed the structural, architectural and MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) designs created by the specialist Finnish firm Admares, and provided site supervision services for the construction.

As the client’s engineer, CH2M led the process of obtaining all necessary approvals for the project from various Dubai authorities, said Colin Emmitt, the firm’s project director. The team also conducted frequent visits to Finland to inspect the construction of the 5,000-tonne platform, which was then transported by ship to Dubai to ensure its installation gave only minimal disruption to the hotel and the local marine life, he added.

According to Emmitt, the design also incorporates a 612-sq-m freshwater pool and an 828-sq-m saltwater infinity pool. A staggering 10 million mosaic tiles line the pools, while 1,000 tonnes of white sand was used to create the beach, he added.

Amer Al Akhdar, the director of Capital Projects at Jumeirah Group, said: ““It has been an extremely challenging project and nothing was straightforward. Many aspects of the project were being done for the first time ever, making the Burj Al Arab Terrace a breathtaking feature, both in its concept and execution.”