The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven, graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, said it has signed an agreement with the Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC), that will enable knowledge sharing and advanced research for the sustainable and safe construction of underground tunnels in Abu Dhabi.
The MoU is directly related to Strategic Tunnel Enhancement Program (Step), one of the longest pipeline infrastructure project in the world, remarked Mubarak Obaid Khamis Al Dhaheri, the deputy managing director of ADSSC, after signiong the deal with Dr Behjat Al Yousuf, Interim Provost, Masdar Institute.
Step has successfully laid down 41 km 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.
Dr Al Yousuf 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," he added.
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.