UPG Engineering is pleased to announce that installation works of the GRP (Glass-fibre Reinforced Plastics) façade at Doha Metro Gold Line stations are done. Along with our clients Doha Extraco, Italiana Costruzioni-Como and ALYSJ, we developed design of façade cladding elements made from the GRP and the supporting steel structure, based on the tender drawings and base architectural models, although some remodelling and base architecture adjustments were also performed. Glass-fibre Reinforced Plastics (also called fiber-reinforced polymer) is an exciting new composite material that achieves great structural strengths while being light.
Stations façade design, as the most visually attractive part of the metro system, is derived from the local historic Islamic architecture and aims to integrate Qatari culture with modern developments. The design is called “Vaulted Spaces” and was selected for the attractive exterior shape of the stations, with an idea of using bright materials simulating the interior of an oyster. UPG Engineering designed façade of three stations, National Museum of Qatar, Bin Mahmoud and Ras Bu Abboud, with 6 station buildings in total.
Façade units were casted as a double-curved panels supported on a complex steel structure. As a major challenge, we developed a versatile and adjustable fixation system that enables greater site workability, adjustments and independent units’ installation. We strived to utilize full advantages of BIM modelling, so entire facades were modelled and coordinated in Revit, while the steel structure was modelled and drafted in Tekla. Other than being able to design such a complex shapes at all, this approach greatly helped to streamline design and construction process.
We are proud to have had an opportunity to contribute to such an iconic project as the Doha Metro is. It was a great experience and we’re looking forward to the next challenge.
