Project
The USD 160 million Dhirubhai Ambani International Convention & Exhibition Centre (CEC) is an 8-million-square-foot complex that includes a 2,000-seat theater, exhibition halls, high-end retail spaces, offices, and premium residences. Developed by Reliance Industries Ltd., the center will provide a world-class convention and exhibition venue in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Sterling Engineering Consultancy Services was appointed as principal structural consultant for this project. The project team was required to connect the structural steel superstructure to the reinforced cement concrete ground floor and substructure, as well as successfully transfer loads, within a short, strict five-year timeframe. While the organization has been involved with some of the most challenging projects in India, this project was especially difficult due to its location. The project site is close to the two airports and a crowded urban area, making it difficult to conduct structural analysis for the design.
Solution
To meet these requirements, as well as all the project objectives, Sterling Engineering implemented innovative drawing production, design, and analysis workflows. The team chose a structural design application to analyze the project’s structural steel components. Analysis of the structure was key, and using the software helped the team differentiate lateral frame members from gravity members. Concrete analysis allowed Sterling Engineering to achieve stiff targets for the project’s footings, columns, beams, and slabs while easily managing drawing delivery. The team was able to easily produce design drawings and bills of quantities, sharing data with stakeholders to keep them informed.
Outcome
By using structural design software for the project, Sterling Engineering developed an innovative design that included 1,000 footings, 1,000 columns, 8,500 beams, and 1,500 slabs across 14 floors and basement levels. The team was able to reduce modeling time by three months, at a cost savings of USD 35,000. Concrete analysis saved 15 months in design, detailing, and production time, which saved USD 75,000. Overall, Sterling completed work on the CEC structure, residential, and commercial areas seven months ahead of schedule.
Software
RAM was used to design and detail the structural steel. It helped model the CEC and theatre structure and simulate geometry and member sizes. The team was able to produce construction and fabrication drawings based on the final design model. STAAD (RCDC) helped produce the design, drawings, reports, and quantities of design elements throughout the entire project.
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