When the first phase (Red Line) of the elevated Dubai Metro (one section is underground) is opened later this year, it will comprise 28 stations over a distance of 32.3 miles and radically change the city’s way of life. Haulotte Group is supplying the project with telescopic platforms of various sizes.
The major construction works are virtually completed and the finishing touches are being applied to various structures.
The height of the elevated track various as it weaves through the tower blocks of the city. Fighting for space with the high volume of cars using the roads, the contactors are under pressure to keep disruption to a minimum, which means limited space in which to work.
United Equipment Rentals said that working on the various stations are more than 80 Haulotte machines. One of the most popular sizes for the works is the Haulotte H16TPX wheeled telescopic access platform, which is proving to be extremely adaptable for painting the Metro ramps.
The H16TPX has a maximum working height of 50.5 feet, so can reach the highest parts of the typical structures. A 40.4-foot forward reach allows the workers to gradually extend the boom as they work, without having to travel. With 140 degrees of movement (-70 degrees / +70 degrees), the articulating fly jib enables the workers to follow the profile of the ramps precisely for safer, more productive working. The flexibility allows them access to all areas and having a width of just 7.5 feet, the compact 14,991-pound H16TPX is ideal for applications such as this, where space is very restricted.
When the machine needs to be moved, this can be done from within the 5.9-foot x 2.6-foot platform, which has a capacity for two people with their equipment — lift capacity is 507 pounds.
Some of the more elevated sections, where it passes over major highway junctions, the larger HA32PX with a maximum height of 105 feet is being used.
Work started in 2006 and the first phases is on schedule for handover in September 2009. The driverless trains will travel at speeds of up to 31 mph and the Dubai authorities believe that the speed, reliability and convenience of the Metro system will result in a significant reduction in traffic congestion that can be extremely sever at peak times.
Main contractors for the Dubai Metro are Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Corp., Obayashi Corp., Kajima Corp. and Yapi Merkezi Joint Venture.
United Equipment Rentals LLC, supported by Haulotte Middle East, has been successful in placing Haulotte access solution in projects throughout Dubai. “In the access platform market, Dubai is very competitive but Haulotte is gaining market share and are now a common sight on projects including the new Jebal Ali International Airport, major hospitals projects in Silicon Oasis and in the very heart of Dubai,” said Arthur Danelian, managing director, Haulotte Middle East.
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