Location: Dubai, UAE 

Client: The Palm Developers – Dubai

Consultants: Associated Consulting Engineers (ACE)

 

Project Description

 

ACE has been commissioned by The Palm Developers - Dubai to do the feasibility, preliminary and detailed design of the major infrastructure for this ambitious project.

The assignment included the design of 8 bridges (varying in span from 40m to 140m) which are to be constructed over the world's two largest man-made islands just off the coast of the city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

The two palm shaped islands are expected to contribute to the city's position as a tourist destination and will include 120 kilometres of sandy beaches, 2000 villas, 40 hotels and the Middle East's first Marine Park. Due to its immense scale and unique shape the islands will be visible from space!

The project is involving both the Dubai and Beirut offices with completion expected in late 2003 and its main features are as follows:

• The two longest bridges are to be three span cable stayed structures built by balanced cantilever methods.
• The other bridges are a mixture of precast concrete and steel composite types.
• A number of services are to be carried; including 4 x 1.2m diameter cooled water mains on most of the bridges.

Construction of the Islands started in 2001, with both islands taking two years to be completely raised from the sea and a further 2/3 years required to complete the infrastructure and buildings. The islands will be accessible by 300 metre bridges from the mainland or boat to two marinas, while the main causeway will have a monorail system.

 

Consultancy Services

 

Master planning, design, preparation of tender and contract documents, project management and supervision of construction.