The exit ramp is being built using a decking and backfilling method, while the entrance ramp is being constructed using a scaffolding technique.

Awji says that the use of precast on the car parks gives a much better finish.

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On time: precast gives ACC desired finish

There is a sense of symmetry with the Emirates HQ building, currently nearing completion on Airport Road. When it opens it will represent a transport hub in every sense; a building for an airline company, a new metro system, and a connection to Dubai International Airport via an underground tunnel beneath one of Dubai's busiest roads.

Two 11-storey car parks on either side of the building will provide parking for 2,400 cars. And a walkway from the building will eventually link directly to an above ground metro station. The HQ's will accommodate a range of Emirates crew processing facilities and managerial offices, and a baggage handling system.
The project is a challenging one, not just because of the range of construction techniques being practiced, or that it is taking place in the shadow of a major international airport, but also for the numerous contractors working on site. However, despite a small delay of three months - due to the late naming of sub-contractors - work is due to be completed in June of this year.

The main contractor for the site is ACC - in a contract worth US $144 million (AED530 million) - while WJ&P is the main contractor for the underground tunnel that will link the HQ building to the airport. Dubai Rapid Link Consortium is responsible for the work on the metro and Arcon is the main consultant. Together with a raft of subcontractors, there is an average of 1,250 people working on site.

Construction efforts are currently being focussed on the marble work for the ground and first floor, waterproofing of the roof, and completion of the cladding sections of the main building. The bridges for entry and exit to the building are also currently under construction, and due for completion in June. These ramps are being built using differing techniques.

According to Ziad Awji, project manager, ACC, the exit ramp is being built using a decking and backfilling method, while the entrance ramp is a conventional scaffolding technique. While Awji explains that backfilling is the preferred technique for the entrance ramp, as it is 50% quicker, the ramp up is located over the basement and the loads would have been too high. The road system will enable buses to drive from Airport Road up to the second floor of the building via ramp ways. This involves building approximately 500m of single-lane roadways up to 8m high.

Awji says that ACC is currently waiting on delivery of specially constructed building pads from Italy, which should be arriving this week. The fourteen pieces, which weigh 700kg each, will be fitted to alleviate vibration between the pier and the road. Once the pads are fixed, which should take two weeks, stressing will begin for the post-tension. The post-tensioning designer is MEPS.

Awji explains that the original design called for the car parks and main building to be built using post-tension, but it was recognised that precast would be a more suitable approach to take, and would take three months off the build schedule. This also had an added aesthetic benefit: "In the car park we changed to precast; it is easier for the finishing. I don't like to do concrete and plaster from the outside - with precast you get a much better finish," he says. As construction for the car parks was delayed, this re-design was possible. But the main building remained the same, since there was no time to redesign it and get permission from Dubai Municipality.

No redesign would have allowed the building to be any higher, however, due to its proximity to the airport. "We wouldn't make it taller, you cannot go one centimetre more. It is very strict because we are close to the airport."

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