The Marwa Bridge project, located within the heart of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, stands as a testament to the power of modern construction technology. As one of the most complex and significant projects we've undertaken, it demanded precision, safety, and innovation at every stage.
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Project Details
Situated in the bustling center of the Grand Mosque, the Marwa Bridge is part of the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz expansion project. This initiative aimed to facilitate the performance of rituals for pilgrims and Umrah performers. The project expanded the total width of the Sa'i from 20 meters to 40 meters, creating four floors with a total area exceeding 87,000 square meters.
Challenges
The project presented several unique challenges. The location, constantly crowded with worshipers, required meticulous planning and execution. The project also involved working with rare materials, such as a steel plate with different thicknesses between 100 - 150 mm, which had to be imported from abroad, where a 3D reach model was essential for accurate steel part estimations.
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Solutions
Tekla Structures software was instrumental in overcoming these challenges. It allowed us to design with high precision, incorporating detailed elements into the design and providing clear drawings. The software also helped us to clarify the locations of the paint in the model itself as requested and how to implement it, ensuring the process of fixing the screws in the bridge with solid durability.
We used the Tekla API to create specialized programs, which facilitated the design process and met the client's request in the required form. This approach saved significant design time and allowed us to keep up with the many required changes or modifications during the project.
"It is hard for me to imagine how previous generations managed their work without Tekla structures. I believe Tekla saved millions of hours and countless efforts in achieving such projects, and architects now have the option to dream and see their dreams become a reality through programs such a BIM software." Hossam Hamdy, Senior Steel Detailing Engineer at AFCO Steel
Results
Despite the challenges, the project was successfully completed. The bridge now plays a crucial role in reducing congestion and facilitating the entry and exit of worshipers from the Grand Mosque. The project has improved conditions for worshipers and ensured their safety, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Grand Mosque.
The Marwa Bridge project underscores the transformative power of technology in construction. Tekla Structures not only enabled us to design an attractive 3D architectural design but also to implement it in the required form and overcome the challenges of one of the most complex projects. As we look to the future, we are confident that such technology will continue to shape the landscape of construction, allowing us to build more efficiently and effectively.
