De-propping the curved roof of the Abu Dhabi Airport’s Midfield Terminal Building (MTB) began yesterday. Once done the structure is set to look like it is floating on 18 steel arches.
In this first of nine de-props, a team of 45 specialists, with 60 hydraulic jacks, systematically removed 30 temporary supports used for constructing the roof element.
By completing the de-propping process by February 2016, the roof will be a free-standing structure, floating above 18 mega arches, which will feature the world’s longest indoor arch spanning 180m, at a height of 52m, with a weight of around 1000 metric tonnes.
Commenting, H. E. Ali Majed Al Mansoori, chairperson of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “Currently the whole project is 55% complete and it is expected to be 70% complete by the end of 2015.”
H.E. continued: “The MTB is set to become the gateway to the capital city and plays an important role in raising the profile of Abu Dhabi as a world-class transportation hub. It is also contributing to the diversification of the emirate’s economy by fostering growth in other industries through increased connectivity.”
Chief programmes officer, Sulaiman Al Siksek said: “We have an army of 20,000 workers on this 3.5 million sq.m site, supported by a fleet of the latest construction equipment, including 24 tower and mobile cranes.”
