Construction

Addressing the need for fire safety in the built environment

Panel session at Intersec last year. (Image source: Intersec KSA)

The sixth edition of Intersec Saudi Arabia, scheduled to take place from 1-3 October at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC), will underscore the importance of fire safety in the built environment.

This event, recognised as the country’s premier trade fair for security, safety, and fire protection, will feature a significant discussion led by Neil Odin, chief fire officer of the UK National Fire Chiefs Council, who is a prominent figure in fire safety.

Odin, with over three decades of experience in the UK fire service, will share his unique perspectives on the challenges faced by the Middle East during the panel discussion titled "Crisis to Recovery: Strategies for Effective Fire Post-Incident Management," set to take place on the opening day of the Fire Protection & Technology Summit.

A surge in construction activity

According to Mordor Intelligence, Saudi Arabia currently hosts over 5,200 ongoing construction projects, collectively valued at more than US$819bn. These projects, spanning residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure sectors, highlight the pressing need for effective fire-safe design strategies.

"A response strategy cannot stand alone; it must be intricately linked with fire-safe building designs and comprehensive prevention strategies. Understanding the root causes of fire disasters and sharing this knowledge is key to innovating effective solutions," said Odin.

“The Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, holds the potential to lead in global fire management through its focus on designing out risks in new developments,” he added.

The session will delve into the critical phases following a fire, showcasing best practices and innovative approaches to post-incident recovery, with a focus on restoring normality for affected communities, buildings, and emergency responders. Odin will be joined by Jamal Al Ghamdi, corporate process safety director at Sadara Chemical Company, on the panel.

Additional sessions on the first day of the Summit will cover topics such as promoting fire safety awareness and preparedness, fire safety hazards associated with electric vehicles, and lessons learned from past disasters.

The second day of the Summit will feature a full agenda addressing various topics, including the integration of IoT and AI in fire safety systems, the maturity of robotics in firefighting, safeguarding fire safety infrastructure against emerging threats, and fire challenges exacerbated by climate change. These sessions will be led by experts from diverse fields critical to fire safety.

Riham Sedik, show manager—Intersec Saudi Arabia, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said, “Intersec Saudi Arabia has an integral role to play in providing a platform for some of the greatest minds and most experienced individuals to come together from around the world to discuss critical challenges, opportunities, standards & policies, and technology relating to fire safety.

“Our packed agenda ensures Intersec Saudi Arabia remains a key date for all concerned in this field.”

Alongside the Fire Protection and Technology Summit, the event will also host the Future Security and Safety Summit, focusing on the convergence of security thought leadership, innovation, and global expertise. Both summits are part of Intersec Saudi Arabia’s high-level content and conference programme, all of which are CPD-certified.

This year's exhibition will span five product categories: Commercial & Perimeter Security, Cybersecurity, Homeland Security & Policing, Fire and Rescue, and Safety and Health. With unprecedented demand from exhibitors, the show has sold out two months before its opening day, leading to a 34% increase in exhibition space from the previous year, now covering a total of 23,000 sqm across five halls and a dedicated outdoor area.

Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and founder of 1st Arabia Trade Shows & Conferences, said, “I’m delighted to see such a high calibre of experts who will be able to share insights from their many years of experience. This secures our position as a must-attend exhibition.”

Reducing carbon emissions from the concrete industry

Image of concrete being poured into a bucket.

Partanna Concrete pulls CO2 directly from the atmosphere over its lifecycle while avoiding emissions during production. (Image source: Canva)

Materials science company Partanna Global recently partnered with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) to enhance the carbon dioxide removal properties of Partanna’s patented concrete production process.

This initiative, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI), integrates Partanna’s exclusive formula with KAUST’s Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology to maximise the ecological and structural benefits of Partanna’s concrete.

Partanna Concrete pulls CO₂ directly from the atmosphere over its lifecycle while avoiding emissions during production.

The process requires zero Portland Cement, a material responsible for 9% of the world’s CO₂ emissions.

Instead, the company uses a binder made from natural and recycled materials available throughout the Kingdom, including brine. This binder is cured at room temperature, avoiding the need for industrial heating.

“Concrete produced using this process can be considered carbon negative and capable of generating carbon credits,” said Mohamed Eddaoudi, a professor of Chemistry at KAUST. “We are excited to accelerate the development of more efficient sustainable construction materials that capture CO₂, showcasing a proactive approach to climate change mitigation.”

This partnership follows Partanna’s successful test-run at SRM, proving the effectiveness of their carbon-negative binder in existing concrete manufacturing processes.

Partanna continues to gain traction in the Gulf region, recently collaborating with ROSHN Group and Diriyah Gate Development Authority.

Click here to read the full article

Rubble Master's foray into the Masdar City project

The RM 90GO! by Rubble Master. (Image source: Rubble Master)

Masdar City, a beacon of sustainability and innovation in urban development in Abu Dhabi, has seen contributions from numerous global construction equipment manufacturers.

Some of these companies showcased their latest advancements at the recent Hillhead event in the UK.

Hillhead is a prominent international exhibition dedicated to the quarrying, construction, and recycling industries. Held biennially at Hillhead Quarry near Buxton, Derbyshire, UK, the event showcases the latest products, services, and technologies from leading global manufacturers and suppliers in the sector.

The exhibition spans a wide range of equipment including large excavators, crushers, screens, and trucks, alongside demonstrations of machinery in action, making it a dynamic experience for attendees.

Hillhead's unique setting in an actual quarry allows for live demonstrations, providing a real-world environment where visitors can see equipment perform under actual working conditions. This aspect sets Hillhead apart from other trade shows and is a key attraction for visitors and exhibitors alike.

The event not only offers insights into the latest innovations and practices but also serves as a valuable networking opportunity for professionals in the industry.

Building sustainable cities

Rubble Master is a company specialising in the development and manufacture of mobile crushing and screening solutions for recycling, demolition, quarrying, mining, and contracting applications.

Founded in Austria in 1991, Rubble Master has established itself as a leader in compact crushing. Their machines are known for their performance, durability, and efficiency, designed to reduce noise and dust emissions while maximising mobility.

This makes them particularly suitable for urban operations and environmentally sensitive projects. Rubble Master's product line includes a variety of crushers and screens that are used to process a range of materials directly on-site.

Read the entire article in Technical Review Middle East's latest issue

Khansaheb Civil Engineering hosts groundbreaking webinar on digital delivery in construction

This webinar is an essential event for professionals in the construction industry. (Image source: ACP)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dubai, UAE – August 27, 2024 – Khansaheb Civil Engineering (KCE), in collaboration with Autodesk, is set to host a webinar that will delve into the transformative effects of adopting a Common Data Environment (CDE) within the construction industry. The webinar will showcase how KCE has revolutionised its construction operations by leveraging digital solutions, significantly improving project efficiency, quality, and client satisfaction.

The webinar, titled “KCE: Revolutionising Construction Operations through Digital Delivery”, is scheduled for 18 September 2024. Participants will gain insights into how KCE utilised Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) as a comprehensive CDE solution across all project phases—from preconstruction to construction. This platform enabled KCE to centralise project data, streamline workflows, and ensure high accuracy in information exchange, ultimately delivering faster and more effective construction outcomes.

During this session, you will learn how KCE:  

* Utilised Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) as a comprehensive solution for CDE needs across all project phases, from preconstruction through to construction, centralising project data in one place, including BIM Coordination, collaboration, and issue management. 

* Streamlined daily tasks such as drawings, material submittals, site inspections, and snag lists, revolutionising workflow. 

* Exchanged vast amounts of information with multiple parties, ensuring high accuracy and speed, delivering the right information at the right time, resulting in faster construction processes, improved quality, greater client satisfaction, and enhanced project outcomes. 

* Managed to have one-click access to drawings, models, and Microsoft Office files, and handled file version control, comparison, and change management, all within a single platform. 

This webinar is an essential event for professionals in the construction industry who are looking to enhance their operations through digital solutions. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from experts at KCE and Autodesk about the practical applications and benefits of using a Common Data Environment.

Registration: The webinar is free to attend, but spaces are limited. To secure your spot, please register at https://alaincharlestraining.com/webinar2/kce-autodesk-webinar

For more information, please contact:

Imran Uddin
Project Manager - Events
Technical Review Middle East
Alain Charles Publishing
+44 (0) 20 78347676
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About Khansaheb Civil Engineering:
Khansaheb Civil Engineering is a leading construction company in the UAE, committed to delivering high-quality construction services through innovation and excellence. With a focus on sustainability and client satisfaction, KCE continues to be at the forefront of the construction industry.

About Autodesk UAE:
Autodesk is a global leader in design and make technology, providing innovative solutions for industries including architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and media and entertainment. Autodesk supports the region's construction industry with advanced digital tools and platforms.

-ENDS-

How digital twins are changing the face of the construction industry

Ibrahim Imam, co-founder and CEO for MENA + APAC at PlanRadar. (Image source: PlanRadar)

Ibrahim Imam, co-founder and CEO for MENA + APAC at PlanRadar, pens a piece for Technical Review Middle East. Read on:

Digital twins - virtual replicas of physical assets that leverage real-time data to mirror the state, condition, and behaviour of their real-world counterparts - have been gaining traction across various global industries, such as manufacturing and urban planning, due to its ability to provide detailed insights and predictive analytics. In construction, digital twins are revolutionising traditional practices by enhancing project efficiency, reducing costs, and improving overall outcomes.

Creating efficient systems

By integrating real-time data, digital twins enable accurate planning, streamlined project management, and early detection of potential issues. Digital twins are not only transforming how construction projects are designed and executed, but are paving the way for more sustainable and resilient built environments.

What are the key benefits of implementing digital twins for construction?

Implementing digital twins in construction offers key benefits that enhance the entire project lifecycle. Improved planning, precision and design are among the foremost advantages, as digital twins enable more accurate design processes by creating detailed virtual models that reflect real-world conditions.

Enhanced project management is another significant benefit, as data from digital twins aids in monitoring and managing projects, leading to improved resource allocation and time management. This data-driven approach helps identify potential issues early, reducing the need for rework and minimising material waste.

Digital twins also support sustainability in construction by reducing environmental impact. By providing insights into the most efficient ways to use materials and energy, digital twins create more sustainable construction practices, leading to greener and more resilient infrastructure.

Challenges and considerations for digital twin implementation in the MENA region

Implementing digital twin technology involves several key challenges. Data security and privacy are critical, as the vast amounts of real-time data generated must be protected through robust encryption, secure storage, and stringent access controls. Integration and interoperability also pose significant challenges since digital twins must seamlessly interface with existing systems. Additionally, investing in training programs and educational initiatives is essential to build a technically-capable workforce; deploying and operating digital twin systems require expertise in data analytics, machine learning, and IoT technologies.

The future outlook of digital twins in construction

Future developments in digital twin technology are set to significantly impact the MENA region, with advancements to include enhanced real-time data integration, more sophisticated AI-driven analytics, and greater use of IoT devices for comprehensive monitoring of construction projects. These technological improvements will drive increased efficiency, better predictive maintenance, and more accurate forecasting in the construction sector.

We are increasingly seeing a clear trend of increased adoption of digital twins globally, driven by their benefits in improving project outcomes, reducing costs, and enhancing sustainability. This global trend is likely to influence the MENA region as industry stakeholders recognize the value of digital twins, and leverage them to stay competitive and meet the demands of modern construction projects.