Salalah & Muscat International Airports PS World Wide CAD Implements Building Information Modeling (BIM) for Design and Construction of Cargo and Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul (MRO) Facilities at Salalah & Muscat International Airports – MC 12 Facts At-A-Glance Location: Muscat, Oman Area: 352,914 Sq. m Level of Development (LOD): 400 Team Size: 55 BIM Engineers (35 In-house + 20 On-site) Software Used: Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, PDF Viewer Trades Covered: 3D Modeling, Clash Coordination, Constructibility Review, Value Engineering, Shop Drawings
MC-12 is a landmark airport project undertaken by PS World Wide CAD in Salalah and Muscat, Oman. Spanning an area of 352,914 square meters, it encompasses the development of the Cargo Salalah, Cargo Muscat, and the Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul (MRO) facilities at Muscat International Airport. The construction of these new cargo facilities is driven by the goal of enhancing air cargo connectivity in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, as well as Asia and Africa, positioning Oman as a major hub for international cargo transit. Project Facilities and Buildings The MC-12 project includes several major structures, each serving unique functions that are integral to the efficiency of airport operations:
Main Building: Serving as the core administrative and operational area. Central Utility Plant: Ensuring that essential utilities such as power and water are managed effectively. Security Buildings (Areas A, B, C): Providing critical infrastructure for safeguarding cargo and ensuring compliance with security protocols. Live Animal Centre: A dedicated area for handling live animals, equipped to ensure safety and compliance with international standards. Plant Treatment Building: Supporting environmental compliance by treating waste and managing ecological impact. Dangerous and Radioactive Goods Storage: A specialized area ensuring safe handling and containment of hazardous materials. Muscat Cargo Complex: Muscat MRO Complex: Providing facilities for aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul, which are crucial for ensuring airworthiness and safety. Main Building, Pump House, and Guard House: Supporting operations and maintaining facility safety. The entire project presented a unique opportunity for PS World Wide CAD to leverage its expertise in Building Information Modeling (BIM) for complex and large-scale airport infrastructure. The client’s requirements for modern cargo handling, compliance with international aviation standards, and the integration of sophisticated MEPF systems demanded a high level of precision, coordination, and flexibility. The use of BIM technology ensured that every aspect of this complex project could be effectively visualized, analyzed, and coordinated before physical construction commenced.
OThe primary objective of the new Cargo facilities at Muscat International Airport was to support and accommodate the growing demands of the air cargo sector in the GCC region, as well as neighboring continents. The project was also aimed at achieving sustainable growth, minimizing operational bottlenecks, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, which are particularly stringent for airport facilities. With these objectives in mind, PS World Wide CAD undertook the responsibility of delivering a fully coordinated BIM model for the Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection (MEPF) trades, providing a unified solution to manage all components of the design and construction phases. BIM Scope of Work The scope of work undertaken by PS World Wide CAD for the Salalah and Muscat International Airports included creating an accurate and detailed 3D BIM model at Level of Development (LOD) 400 for the MEP and Fire Protection trades. The LOD 400 model represents fabrication-level detail, ensuring that every component of the systems could be visualized and analyzed comprehensively before being translated into the physical structure.
1. 3D BIM Modeling and LOD 400 Creation The first step in the project was to create a 3D BIM model of all the MEPF components, including: Mechanical Systems: Chilled water supply, ductwork for HVAC, and the cooling system. Plumbing Systems: Drainage and water supply systems. Electrical Systems: Including lighting, power distribution, fire alarm systems, and cable containment. Fire Protection Systems: Sprinkler systems, hydrants, and other safety measures. The LOD 400 model contained fabrication-level details, meaning every component, down to individual pipes, conduits, and fittings, was accurately modeled to reflect real-world dimensions. This level of detail was essential for eliminating uncertainties that typically arise in traditional construction projects, where ambiguities can lead to costly errors and rework. 2. Value Engineering The use of BIM enabled PS World Wide CAD to conduct thorough value engineering on the design and construction elements of the cargo and MRO facilities. By using the BIM model, the team was able to: Optimize Material Usage: Reducing wastage by accurately calculating material quantities and specifying exact dimensions for components. Improve Energy Efficiency: Designing efficient HVAC and lighting systems, which not only reduced the building's operational costs but also supported the project’s sustainability objectives. Space Optimization: Ensuring that all services fit within designated spatial constraints without causing conflicts or requiring costly adjustments. 3. Shop Drawings Creation To facilitate on-site construction, PS World Wide CAD generated detailed shop drawings for all the major systems: Mechanical (CHW & Duct Work) Plumbing (Drainage & Water Supply) Electrical (Lighting, Power, Fire Alarm & Containment) Fire Protection & Builder Work (Slab & Wall Penetrations) These shop drawings provided contractors with clear and accurate representations of what needed to be installed, including exact locations, dimensions, and specifications. The accuracy of these drawings played a critical role in minimizing on-site errors and reducing the potential for construction delays. 4. Coordination and Clash Detection Using Navisworks The complex nature of the MEPF systems in an airport environment requires effective coordination to avoid clashes between different trades. Using Navisworks, PS World Wide CAD developed a fully coordinated 3D model of the cargo and MRO facilities, allowing the team to: Detect Clashes: Identifying conflicts between various systems, such as a duct intersecting with a structural beam or an electrical conduit crossing a water pipe. Mitigate Clashes: Adjusting component placement and re-routing services to ensure smooth installation without compromising system efficiency. The coordinated model also provided stakeholders with a clear visual representation of the project, enabling informed decision-making and fostering collaboration between architects, engineers, and contractors. 5. Constructibility Review A thorough constructibility review was carried out to ensure that all components of the design could be realistically and efficiently constructed. This review involved: Model Updation: Updating the model to reflect any changes resulting from design adjustments, RFIs, or construction sequencing changes. Generation and Updation of RFIs: Identifying potential construction issues and communicating these with the client to find appropriate solutions before they could impact the project timeline. Challenges and Solutions The complexity and scale of the MC-12 project presented several unique challenges, each requiring innovative solutions to ensure the successful completion of the project within the stipulated time frame.
The complexity and scale of the MC-12 project presented several unique challenges, each requiring innovative solutions to ensure the successful completion of the project within the stipulated time frame. Challenge 1: Large Project Volume with Complex MEPF Services The project involved integrating a wide range of MEPF services, including: Sheet Metal & Ducting for HVAC Systems Chilled Water Supply System Smoke Control and Management System Water Supply and Refrigerant Pipe System Domestic Hot Water and Cold Water Systems Fire Protection System, including Sprinklers and Hydrants Low Voltage (LV) and Medium Voltage (MV) Supply Systems Lighting Control System & Emergency Lighting Earthing and Lightning Protection Systems Fire Alarm and Detection Systems Paging, Security, Telecom, and Structured Cabling Systems Building Management System (BMS) In addition to the broad range of services, the project's timeline was highly aggressive, with a completion deadline of 12 months. Solution: PS World Wide CAD mobilized a large team of more than 50 engineers, working both off-site and on-site. The project was divided into multiple sub-groups, each consisting of 6-8 engineers with clearly defined targets and responsibilities. This approach allowed for parallel workstreams, significantly accelerating the pace of project delivery. To meet the aggressive construction schedule, PS World Wide CAD coordinated closely with the client's casting schedule, ensuring that all BIM deliverables were completed in alignment with the casting program. This close coordination prevented delays and ensured that each phase of construction could proceed without hindrance. Challenge 2: Implementation of Unique DASO Standards Unlike other similar projects, the MC-12 project required adherence to the unique DASO (Development of Airport in the Sultanate of Oman) standards for MEP modeling and shop drawing creation, which differed from the more commonly used international standards. Solution: To address this challenge, PS World Wide CAD deployed an expert in DASO standards at the project site. This individual was responsible for training the entire team on the specific requirements and intricacies of DASO standards, ensuring that every model and drawing complied with these specifications. Additionally, this on-site expert acted as a direct link between the client and the PS World Wide CAD team in India, facilitating effective communication and quick resolution of any discrepancies. Challenge 3: Inconsistencies in IFC Design Documents The Issued for Construction (IFC) design documents presented several inconsistencies that needed to be resolved before the modeling could commence. These inconsistencies included discrepancies in system capacities, structural integration, and service routings. Solution: To overcome these issues, engineers conducted a meticulous cross-checking process of the IFC design documents. This involved: Recalculating Necessary Data: Ensuring that all critical parameters were accurate and reflected in the modeling process. Raising RFIs: More than 166 Requests for Information (RFIs) and over 500 queries were generated and submitted to the client for clarification, addressing issues such as inconsistencies in FCU capacity across plans, schedules, and riser diagrams. This proactive approach not only resolved inconsistencies but also strengthened the working relationship with the client, fostering an environment of collaboration and trust. Challenge 4: Coordination Among Multiple Services The complex structure of the airport posed significant challenges in coordinating various services. The design included numerous restricted areas, such as beams and walls, leading to limited space between false ceilings and true ceilings. Solution: PS World Wide CAD's BIM modelers implemented a rigorous process for optimizing the routing of pipes and ducts. Where clashes were unavoidable due to design constraints, new openings were substantiated with detailed plans and sections, ensuring compliance with building codes and regulations. The team raised RFIs to propose lowering false ceiling heights in specific areas to accommodate necessary services, thus facilitating seamless integration of all systems without compromising aesthetics or functionality. Challenge 5: Frequent Design Changes The client frequently revised design elements, requiring substantial modifications to the MEP model, coordination, and shop drawings. Such changes posed a risk of extensive rework, potentially jeopardizing the project timeline. Solution: To mitigate the impact of design changes, PS World Wide CAD adopted a disciplined approach to shop drawing generation. The team focused on producing shop drawings only after receiving model approval. This strategy ensured that the drawings were accurate and reflective of the latest design specifications, thereby minimizing the need for rework. The team also established a clear documentation process to track revisions and updates. By maintaining additional hours sheets for approval, PS World Wide CAD effectively managed the volume of information, RFIs, and revisions, allowing for efficient workflow management while ensuring that project milestones were met. Value Addition and Summary The implementation of BIM played a transformative role in the planning, execution, and delivery of the MC-12 project. Here are some of the key benefits realized through the application of BIM technology: 1. Enhanced Visualization and Communication BIM allowed PS World Wide CAD to create detailed and accurate visualizations of the MEPF systems, which facilitated effective communication among all stakeholders. The ability to visualize complex systems in a 3D environment improved collaboration among architects, engineers, contractors, and clients, enabling them to make informed decisions based on accurate representations of the project. 2. Improved Coordination and Clash Resolution The comprehensive 3D BIM model enabled the early detection of clashes between systems, significantly reducing the risk of costly rework and delays during construction. By addressing clashes before construction began, PS World Wide CAD ensured that the project could proceed smoothly without the disruptions typically associated with construction conflicts. 3. Streamlined Construction Processes The precise and coordinated nature of the shop drawings produced by PS World Wide CAD minimized on-site errors and enhanced construction efficiency. Contractors had clear and accurate instructions, leading to faster installation times and reducing the likelihood of mistakes that could lead to costly delays. 4. Time and Cost Savings Through effective value engineering, optimization of materials, and careful planning, PS World Wide CAD was able to deliver the project within the aggressive timeline while adhering to the client’s budget. The proactive approach to addressing design inconsistencies and frequent changes further contributed to significant time and cost savings throughout the project lifecycle. 5. Commitment to Quality and Standards The rigorous adherence to DASO standards and the comprehensive constructibility reviews ensured that the project met the highest quality and safety standards. The commitment to delivering a fully coordinated and compliant solution enhanced PS World Wide CAD’s reputation as a reliable partner for large-scale infrastructure projects. Conclusion The Salalah and Muscat International Airports project stands as a testament to the power of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in modern construction practices. By embracing advanced technologies and innovative solutions, PS World Wide CAD was able to navigate the complexities of a significant infrastructure project, overcoming challenges and delivering high-quality outcomes. The successful execution of this project not only reinforces the importance of BIM in large-scale infrastructure development but also highlights PS World Wide CAD's commitment to excellence, efficiency, and client satisfaction. As air cargo continues to grow, projects like MC-12 will play a vital role in enhancing global connectivity and supporting economic growth in the region. This case study serves as an exemplary model for future infrastructure projects, illustrating the significant advantages of utilizing BIM and the importance of collaboration, coordination, and proactive problem-solving in achieving project success. Certainly! Let’s delve deeper into various aspects of the MC-12 project, including detailed insights into each phase, the role of technology, team dynamics, and the impact of the project on the local economy and infrastructure.
Phase 1: Initiation and Planning The MC-12 project began with a thorough analysis of the requirements set forth by the client, which included assessing existing infrastructure, understanding regional aviation needs, and defining project objectives. Stakeholder Engagement Engaging with various stakeholders—government officials, airport authorities, and contractors—was crucial in understanding the broader vision for the airports. Regular meetings ensured alignment on project goals, timelines, and budget considerations. Defining Project Scope and Objectives The scope of work was articulated clearly, emphasizing the need for robust cargo facilities and MRO services to support Muscat’s strategic position as a logistics hub in the GCC region. Risk Assessment A detailed risk assessment was conducted to identify potential obstacles that could affect project execution. Factors such as environmental regulations, labor availability, and logistical challenges were evaluated. Strategies to mitigate these risks were developed early on, which played a significant role in the project's eventual success. Phase 2: Design and Modeling Once the project scope was established, the next phase involved intricate design work: Collaborative Design Workshops Workshops with architects, engineers, and construction teams fostered a collaborative atmosphere, allowing for input and expertise from various disciplines. These sessions were integral in conceptualizing the layout of the facilities, ensuring functional efficiency while also addressing aesthetic and operational requirements. Development of the BIM Model PS World Wide CAD’s team initiated the development of the comprehensive BIM model. The model included detailed representations of: - Structural components - MEPF systems - Site layouts Each element was meticulously defined to ensure accuracy and clarity, utilizing software tools such as Revit for 3D modeling and Navisworks for clash detection and coordination. Continuous Feedback Loop Regular feedback from stakeholders was encouraged throughout the design process. This iterative approach allowed for continuous improvements and adjustments, enhancing the model's accuracy and functionality. Phase 3: Construction and Execution The construction phase marked the transition from planning and design to physical execution: On-Site Coordination With a dedicated team on-site, including BIM experts and project managers, PS World Wide CAD ensured that all construction activities were in sync with the BIM model. This level of coordination was vital for maintaining the schedule and preventing delays due to miscommunication. Material Procurement and Logistics Efficient procurement strategies were implemented to source materials required for the project. The proximity of local suppliers in Oman aided in reducing lead times and transportation costs. Just-in-time delivery methods were adopted to minimize storage needs on-site. Quality Assurance and Control Rigorous quality assurance protocols were established, ensuring that all work was completed to the highest standards. Regular inspections were conducted to verify compliance with project specifications, and any deviations were promptly addressed. Health and Safety Measures Given the scale of the project, health and safety were paramount. A comprehensive health and safety plan was executed, which included: - Regular safety training sessions for all workers - The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Implementation of safety protocols for machinery and hazardous materials Real-Time Progress Monitoring Utilizing advanced project management tools, PS World Wide CAD implemented a system for real-time monitoring of project progress. This allowed the management team to identify issues quickly, adjust schedules, and allocate resources more effectively. Phase 4: Finalization and Handover As construction neared completion, the final phase involved meticulous planning for the handover of the project: Commissioning and Testing Each system within the facilities underwent comprehensive testing and commissioning to ensure optimal performance. This included HVAC systems, electrical systems, fire protection systems, and plumbing installations. Training and Support Training sessions for the airport staff on operating and maintaining the newly installed systems were conducted. PS World Wide CAD provided detailed manuals and documentation to support ongoing operations and maintenance. Final Inspections and Approvals The final inspections involved collaboration with local authorities and airport management to ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards. Upon satisfactory completion of inspections, official approvals were granted. Project Handover A formal handover ceremony was organized, marking the transition of the project from PS World Wide CAD to the airport authorities. This event highlighted the collaboration and achievements of all stakeholders involved in the project. Technological Innovations and Their Impact The MC-12 project saw the integration of various technological innovations that not only enhanced efficiency but also set a benchmark for future airport projects in the region: Integration of Advanced Software Tools The use of Revit, Navisworks, and other advanced software allowed for comprehensive modeling and coordination. The flexibility and capabilities of these tools enabled quick adaptations to design changes, improving overall project responsiveness. Cloud-Based Collaboration By utilizing cloud-based platforms, project teams could share information in real time, regardless of location. This facilitated instant updates, feedback, and collaboration among team members, reducing delays associated with traditional communication methods. Data Analytics for Decision-Making Data analytics played a critical role in monitoring construction progress and performance metrics. The use of dashboards and analytical tools enabled the project team to make informed decisions, predict potential issues, and implement corrective measures proactively.
A project of this magnitude required a highly coordinated team effort: 1. Multidisciplinary Team The MC-12 project involved a diverse group of professionals, including architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, and contractors. Each member brought their expertise, fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation. 2. Regular Team Meetings Weekly meetings were held to discuss progress, address challenges, and share insights. These meetings promoted open communication and ensured that everyone was aligned with project goals and timelines. 3. Encouraging a Culture of Continuous Learning The project team was encouraged to engage in continuous learning and professional development. Training sessions, workshops, and knowledge-sharing forums were organized to enhance skills and keep the team abreast of the latest industry trends and technologies. Impact on the Local Economy and Infrastructure The completion of the MC-12 project had a significant positive impact on the local economy and infrastructure: 1. Job Creation The project created numerous job opportunities, both directly and indirectly, contributing to the local workforce's skill development. Local contractors, suppliers, and service providers benefited from the influx of work associated with the project. 2. Boosting Local Businesses The increase in airport cargo capacity is expected to enhance trade and commerce in the region, benefiting local businesses and attracting further investments. 3. Improved Infrastructure The new cargo and MRO facilities enhance the overall infrastructure of Muscat International Airport, facilitating smoother operations and better service delivery for cargo handling. 4. Strategic Economic Growth By positioning Oman as a key logistics hub in the GCC, the project is expected to attract additional air cargo traffic, stimulating economic growth and increasing the country’s competitiveness in global trade.
1. Adoption of BIM in Future Projects The success of the MC-12 project has reinforced the importance of BIM in construction projects. Future infrastructure developments in Oman and beyond are likely to adopt similar approaches, leveraging BIM for enhanced coordination, efficiency, and sustainability. 2. Emphasis on Sustainable Practices As global awareness of environmental sustainability grows, future projects will need to prioritize sustainable design and construction practices. The lessons learned from MC-12 regarding energy efficiency and material optimization will guide future initiatives. 3. Strengthening Local Collaborations Building strong partnerships with local suppliers and contractors will be essential for future projects. Engaging local expertise not only supports the economy but also fosters a sense of community ownership and commitment to project success. 4. Continuous Improvement in Communication and Coordination The challenges faced during the MC-12 project underscored the need for robust communication and coordination strategies. Future projects will benefit from implementing more streamlined processes and technologies that enhance collaboration across teams. In summary, the MC-12 project at Salalah and Muscat International Airports exemplifies the transformative power of innovative construction practices and collaborative approaches in delivering complex infrastructure projects. The project not only enhances regional connectivity and economic development but also sets a precedent for future endeavors in the aviation sector.