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Collaboration to Contribute to Advanced Research Needed to Develop and Manage Sustainable and Safe Tunneling Projects in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven, graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, and the Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will enable knowledge sharing and advanced research to ensure the sustainable and safe construction of underground tunnels in Abu Dhabi.
The MoU is directly related (STEP), which is one of the longest pipeline infrastructure project in the world. STEP has successfully laid down 41 kilometers of deep sewer tunnels in Abu Dhabi. The completed tunnels will have the capacity to accommodate a flow of 1.7 million cubic meters of wastewater per day by 2030.
The MoU was signed by HE Mubarak Obaid Khamis Al Dhaheri, Deputy Managing Director, ADSSC, and Dr. Behjat Al Yousuf, Interim Provost, Masdar Institute.
Dr. Al Yousuf of Masdar Institute said: “Rapid urbanization in the UAE demands the development of more underground infrastructure like pipelines. However, the environmental impact of underground construction, including tunnels, is substantial. That is why it is important to develop a robust knowledge base to ensure that underground infrastructure projects are developed in a way that balances between meeting growing infrastructure needs and preserving the environment.” to ADSSC’s Strategic Tunnel Enhancement Program
Al Dhaheri of ADSSC said: “This collaboration with Masdar Institute supports the ADSSC’s goal to proactively coordinate with relevant authorities in order to deliver infrastructure to the highest standards while enhancing sustainability.”
This collaboration will enable Masdar Institute students to receive hands-on training in the field, with access to ADSSC project sites like the STEP site, which will in turn support the development of a cadre of highly-skilled tunneling experts who will be critically needed as rapid urbanization will place greater demand on underground infrastructure.
Speaking about Masdar Institute’s relevant and practical research experience in the field of underground tunneling, Dr. Rita Sousa, Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, said: “We have already developed a novel software program in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which is composed of different tools that allows optimal planning, design and construction of tunnels while considering different sources of uncertainties that are inherent when dealing with the underground. The integrated set of tools allows one to simulate tunnel construction and determine cost and times of construction, including uncertainties associated with geology and construction, which helps optimize the 3D alignment of the infrastructures.”
Dr. Sousa, an expert in geotechnical engineering, is using ADSSC’s STEP as a case study for her work. The MoU signed between Masdar Institute and ADSSC directly supports collaborative information and knowledge sharing about the project.
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About Masdar Institute
The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (Masdar Institute) was established by the government of Abu Dhabi as a not-for-profit, private graduate university to develop indigenous R&D capacity in Abu Dhabi addressing issues of importance to the region.
In collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masdar Institute has developed an academic and research platform that articulates its mission and vision according to critical energy and sustainability challenges.
An important characteristic of Masdar Institute is its focus on complex real-world problems that require a multidisciplinary approach for the development of solutions from an integrated technology, systems and policy perspective. This multi-interdisciplinary and integrated approach is supported by the structure of its academic programs and by the emphasis placed on engaging external partners from industry, government, and other academic institutions in collaborative activities.
Serving as a key pillar of innovation and human capital, Masdar Institute remains fundamental to Masdar’s core objectives of developing Abu Dhabi’s knowledge economy and finding solutions to humanity’s toughest challenges such as climate change.
Masdar Institute integrates theory and practice to incubate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, working to develop the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow. With its world-class faculty and top-tier students, the Institute is committed to finding solutions to the challenges of clean energy and climate change through education and research.
Masdar Institute offers degrees in:
- ● MSc Engineering Systems and Management
- ● MSc Computing and Information Science
- ● MSc Materials Science and Engineering
- ● MSc Mechanical Engineering
- ● MSc Water and Environmental Engineering
- ● MSc Microsystems Engineering
- ● MSc Electrical Power Engineering
- ● MSc Chemical Engineering
- ● MSc Sustainable Critical Infrastructure
- ● PhD in Interdisciplinary Engineering
Please visit our website http://www.masdar.ac.ae/
For more information contact:
Name: Shaima Al Jarman
Director – Marketing & Communications
Public Affairs Department
Email: saljarman@masdar.ac.ae
Phone: +971 02 810 9365
© Press Release 2017
