Steeling itself for the strain

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Within the space of a few years, post-tensioning has become the most popular way to reinforce concrete.

Hugo Berger sets out to learn more.

As the region's construction industry looks to embrace the latest technology, the use of post-tensioning is on the rise.

A decade ago, only a handful of new-builds used the technique, which uses strands of steel to improve the strength of concrete.

But now, the majority of new buildings in the GCC are using post-tensioning.

For construction the method is tried-and-tested and has changed little over the past few decades.

However, as the number of buildings increases, there is an urgent need for infrastructure to support the burgeoning population.

Transport mega-projects, including the Dubai Metro and numerous bridge schemes, are being launched to maintain the growth.

Two firms are leading the way in post-tensioning in the region; VSL and Freyssinet, and both of them agree that it is in bridge construction where innovation is becoming most evident.

VSL was formed in Switzerland about 50 years ago, and has had a presence in the Middle East since the 1970s, establishing a branch office in Dubai in 1996.

Stephen Burke, deputy general manager, VSL says the surge in construction work was leading to new challenges.

"We are quite busy. Like everybody now we are trying to be a little bit selective in the type of projects we take on," he says.

"In Dubai, it's a very hot market so we do have to be very selective about what project we go after."

"We feel it is better to do a limited number of projects well than to spread yourself too thin."

Among the projects VSL has worked on in the region are The Landmark tower and Al Raha Beach resort in Abu Dhabi, Dubai Mall and many of the buildings in Dubai Festival City.

These projects came after VSL had carried out post-tensioning work on some of the world's best-known structures.

These include the CN Tower in Toronto and the Taipai 101 in Taiwan, which was the tallest building in the world until it was overtaken by the Burj Dubai.

VSL is also working on numerous bridge projects in the UAE, including Garhoud Bridge and Interchange 5.5 in Dubai and infrastructure for Sadiyaat Island in Abu Dhabi.

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