Week 4: Day 2

Monday June 8, 2010

Today we was split into two site/office visits; first to the Dubai Sports City Wastewater Treatment Plant then to Al-Bonian International, an electromechanical contractor.

Dubai Sports City Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP)

Before heading to the WWTP, we were told about the plant and the processes that are involved. The fully enclosed plant can handle 25,000 cubic meters of waste per day. The plant treats both the waste from Dubai Sports City and other wastes that are trucked in from other locations. A membrane bioreactor (MBR), as well as other anaerobic processes, is used to treat the waste.  The MBR uses a smaller footprint, which is essential for the fully enclosed plant. The treated water is used for urban irrigation but does not meet standards for drinking water, although some students tried the water and felt fine. 

Albonian International (MEP)

General description:

Albonian is an electromechanical contracting company that started its operations in 1987 in Tripoli, Lebanon.

After 22 years, Albonian has grown into an international group with its headquarters located in Dubai and more than 2500 employees.

Albonian International is the main MEP subcontractor for DCC, and they have done many projects together like 014 Tower, Rolex Tower, Ariyana (2Y) Tower and Code building.

MEP lecture:
The lecture was divided into four major parts:

·        Introduction to electric works:

o       Given by Mr. Nizar Maalouf

o       Low voltage systems: phases (primary, intermediate, and final distribution) and components (generator, cabling, etc...)

o       Low current systems: fire alarm systems, access control systems, etc…

·        Introduction to mechanical and plumbing works

o       By Mr. Jamil Kanafani

o       Plumbing systems: drainage and vent systems, and water supply systems.

o       Fire protection systems: standpipes, automatic sprinklers, etc…

o       HVAC systems: heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

·        MEP work process in a project

o       By Mr. Jamil Kanafani

o       Work planning, materials and drawings approval, material and manpower requisition, Authorities approvals, and execution of works (health and safety, work process, etc…)

·        Green buildings

o       By Mr. Anthony Raj Job

o       What is, and why do we need green buildings.

o       Direct and Indirect emissions in buildings

o       Some solutions and suggestions.

After the lecture, Mr. Ahmad Zahabi took us in a tour inside the company’s offices.

This visit was very interesting, and educational, and it gave us an overview of MEP works and importance in any project.