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EXPO 2020: Duplomatic group engineering in action for guaranteed motion control
Duplomatic MS has been selected to create and supply the motion system for the roof structure of the United Arab Emirates pavilion at EXPO 2020. The company was chosen for its expertise in engineering solutions to complex motion control problems, as a specialist in the hydraulics industry.
The symbolic falcon that inspired Starchitect Santiago Calatrava’s design for the main EXPO 2020 building has to “spread its wings”, and Duplomatic MS has been assigned this important responsibility.
The pavilion designed by the Spanish architect takes the form of a falcon, which is symbolic of the host country. The roof is covered with 28 huge composite and steel elements composing the wings, each between 30 and 65 metres in length and weighing up to 18 tonnes.
“Calatrava’s design involves the harmonious, synchronised opening of the wings” explains engineer Paolo Leutenegger, Director of Duplomatic’s R&D division and the Turnkey Projects business unit, dedicated to special projects, and Head of Duplomatic Middle East, with headquarters in Dubai, the company created specifically for all EXPO 2020 works phases and subsequent maintenance of the installation.
Hydraulic systems are the only solutions capable of supporting elements of this size: this is why Duplomatic MS has been called upon. “The pavilion contractor came knocking on our door. This was an incredible opportunity for us and we have made the most of it” affirms Paolo Leutenegger.
Duplomatic MS presented a different solution to Calatrava compared to its predecessors, which was accepted for its superiority. “Our system is formed of a hydraulic power unit with around 1 MW of installed capacity, a tank containing 20,000 litres of oil, and a system composed of 46 hydraulic cylinders positioned under the 28 wing elements, along with almost 2.5 km of high-pressure piping” continues Mr Leutenegger.
Once completed, it will be “the largest hydraulic system of its type ever created”. One key aspect is that its motion must be perfect in terms of aesthetics, and this is supported by the control electronics, including nine computers for monitoring, 46 control-board units and large amounts of software to manage over 2000 control points distributed across the pavilion.
Success is an integral part of the engineering process: mistakes are not an option for any project. This is why everything is analysed and verified down to the smallest detail, initially using digital models and simulations, before then going through various testing and validation phases, until final commissioning at the end of the on-site construction phase. Fortunately, digital technology simplifies a large part of the checks in initial project phases, contributing to efficiency and cost control during development.
The works, slowed by the world health emergency and the need to guarantee the safety of the entire workforce and all technical personnel involved, are now making up time. The deadline is near and we want to be certain that the host country's pavilion is perfect for the opening ceremony, right down the very last detail.
Stay tuned for more updates soon!
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