Case Study

Advanced waterproofing for the gateway to Qatar

Unusual roof lines and a vital road tunnel challenged BMI Group to find reliable waterproofing solutions for the new Hamad International Airport in Qatar.

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Challenge

Providing weatherproof protection for major airport

Qatar’s new Hamad International Airport sees 24 million passengers pass through its doors each year, as well as hosting an ever-growing fleet of aircraft, including the latest A380. The ambitious redevelopment of the former Doha International Airport opened in 2014, with elegantly designed buildings that echo the seashore location.

It was essential to provide reliable weatherproof protection, not only on the sail-ship-structured Emiri terminal and the wave-shaped passenger terminal and aircraft maintenance hangar, but also for travellers through a road tunnel that connects the airport to the city.

Solution

Working closely with Bechtel and EPCM, the respected global engineering, construction and project management contractors in charge of the work, BMI Group designed bespoke solutions for each individual structure. The 80,000 square metres of unusually shaped roof were waterproofed using the dependable BMI Siplast Paradiene and Parafor systems. A BMI Siplast Paradial S grey aluminium-foil protective membrane further heightens the aesthetic appeal of the Emiri Terminal.

The 12-metre-deep road tunnel is a mere 200 metres from the shore, and we selected our BMI Siplast Teranap 431 TP geomembrane to provide the extensive strength and durability that was needed for such a key infrastructure project. This double-layer high-elasticity bitumen compound has proven credentials in underground works in Middle East conditions and was used to cover an area of around 100,000 square metres. Bridges and ramps were treated with our BMI Siplast Parafor Ponts elastomeric bitumen single-layer system and primer, totalling some 40,000 square metres of protective, highly resistant coverage.

Results

The New Hamad International Airport is now one of the largest transport hubs in the Gulf region, providing passing shelter for travellers from all over the globe and helping to move 750,000 metric tons of cargo each year.

BMI Group’s expertise in both complex civil engineering and intricate roof designs meant that lasting solutions could be found from a single source.