Doha Metro
Design verification engineer for the Doha Metro Red Line South Underground
With about 100 stations and more than 219 km of rail line, the Doha Metro is one of the largest infrastructure developments in Qatar and one of world’s largest metro systems.
We were appointed in 2013 as the design verification engineer on the Red Line South Underground section, which is one of the six sections that make up this mega project.
It covers 16 km of twin-bored tunnels, with multiple cross passages, five underground stations, and the same number of switchboxes and emergency exit shafts. It links with other lines in the network, including the Red Line North, Green Line and Gold Line.
The consultancy services included numerous elements, including bored tunnels, and geotechnical, structural and architectural work, as well as reviewing all mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) work, and reviewing the fire and life safety elements of the design.
The geotechnical work required special attention, as all concrete elements in the construction had to conform to strict local standards, with durability requirements typically above those of other regions. For instance, Doha’s high salt levels in the air and water meant that construction materials had to be assessed for their detrimental effect.
Coordination was vital too. With such a large-scale system being constructed simultaneously, a variety of project management companies, engineering consultants and contractors had to collaborate closely to ensure work proceeds to schedule.
As Qatar Rail was also driving consistency across the design, work had to be regularly reviewed and realigned to meet the latest requirements. To ensure it satisfied the client’s needs, regular workshops to discuss changes and maintain the professional integrity of the development were held.
With about 100 stations and more than 219 km of rail line, the Doha Metro is one of the largest infrastructure developments in Qatar and one of world’s largest metro systems.
Close collaboration between stakeholders and accelerated turnarounds were essential to the project’s success.
According to David Moore, a project leader on this section, close collaboration between stakeholders and accelerated turnarounds were essential to the project’s success. He added that the metro is also a unique development in terms of its appearance, particularly its interior.
The branding architecture on the project was also very specific and of a high standard. Architecturally, the stations reflected the heritage of the country, with a vaulted-spaces design inspired by traditional Bedouin tents, giving the rail network its striking finished appearance. As David explains, every metro station around the world has a familiar aesthetic, based primarily on function. With the Doha Metro, the government in Qatar created not only a functional transport network, but something truly unique.
The Doha Metro will be a vital transportation network for Qatar to accommodate the fans for the 2022 FIFA World Cup™. It will link the Doha’s major hubs and provide a fast link to the airport. The metro will also facilitate the development of several new hubs or districts planned for the city.
*The Aurecon Africa business has been officially renamed Zutari as at 21 July 2020. Zutari acquired Aurecon Middle East on 20 November 2020.
