Week of 13 November
1. Mohammed VI Tower wins SCIA User Contest 2023 (Morocco)
The SCIA User Contest recently drew 126 international civil engineering and structural projects, with the Mohammed VI Tower securing victory in the category for buildings exceeding 6,000 m².
The jury was notably impressed by the exceptional projects powered by SCIA Engineer, a structural analysis design software. Each entry showcased originality, precision, and a strong emphasis on sustainability and BIM application.
Particularly, two key features allowed the Mohammed VI Tower to stand out:
- The interaction between the concrete core and the steel structure around.
- The use of the software to calculate and justify the structure’s ability to withstand strong winds, seismic events, and potential flooding from the neighbouring Bouregreg River.
The tower's strength comes from a 70 % reinforced concrete core and a 30 % Vierendeel steel structure in the facade. The foundation consists of a 3.5-metre-thick raft and 104 deep "barrettes" foundations, while the 26,650 m² reinforced concrete podium is supported by 1,800 piles.
Congratulations to the Mohammed VI project team for this beautiful recognition of their amazing work! And special thanks to Ney & Partners, BESIX’s structural engineering office on site, for introducing the project into the competition.
2. Grand Théâtre Verviers renovation contract awarded to Wust (Belgium)
The renovation and extension project of the Grand Théâtre de Verviers has been entrusted to Wust, in collaboration with Denys. The partnership will oversee the execution of key tasks, including general contracting and extension of the second performance hall, as well as the meticulous restoration of the sets, the entrance, performance, and reception halls.
Starting in 2024, this magnificent building from 1892 will be restored to its original architecture while meeting new standards related to accessibility, safety, and acoustics. In addition, an extension will introduce a touch of modernity to the project.
Well done, Wust!
3. EU Commissioner for Energy meets BuildUp (Belgium)
On November 10, the BuildUp factory in Aarschot, in the Province of Flemish Brabant, welcomed Kadri Simson, the European Commissioner for Energy, and her Cabinet. The significance of EU policy in hastening industrial and innovative approaches to energy-efficient renovation was a focal point of discussion. Indeed, BuildUp offsite construction products serve as a prime example of how the construction industry can optimise retrofits and energy efficiency, with digitalisation playing a pivotal role in their processes.
Great job, BuildUp for contributing to building a more sustainable and energy-efficient Europe!
Oh and have you cast your vote yet for BuildUp’s CEO Hélène de Troostembergh, who has been nominated "Young Construction Personality of the Year 2023" for the Belgian Construction Awards? Let’s help her transform her nomination into an award, by voting for her here!
4. Ajman high officials visit pioneering Sludge-to-Energy plant (UAE)
Last week, our colleague Elias Sfeir, general manager, welcomed the Chairman of Ajman Municipality, Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, and the Minister of Climate Change and Environment, H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Al Muhairi, at the Ajman Sludge-to-Energy facility.
Designed and built by BESIX Middle East for Ajman Sewerage Ltd (ASPCL), the facility transforms what was previously considered a waste stream – sewage sludge – into a valuable source of sustainable energy. The facility, the first of its kind in the United Arab Emirates, digests the sludge to produce biogas, which is then used to generate heat and electricity that is used in the nearby wastewater treatment plant, thanks to two power generators with a combined capacity of 2.4 MWe. This on-site production of green energy covers up to 50 percent of the electricity consumption of the wastewater treatment plant.
Minister Mariam hailed the project as an ideal model for sustainability, emphasizing its dynamic waste management and commitment to the circular economy. Acknowledging the sewage plant’s continuous efforts in waste reduction and environmental sustainability, the success of the Sludge-to-Energy project reinforces the importance of sustainable practices and acts as a catalyst for the transition to renewable energy and innovative waste management solutions in Ajman.
And then this... BYC party
On October 20 the BYC drew around 100 BESIX colleagues at La Kabann in Watermael-Boitsfort (near Brussels). To make the evening even more memorable, the attendees were challenged to take the funniest team picture in the photo booth, and then vote for their favourite. Rumour has it, that the winners won a pretty cool prize!
The BESIX Young Community, or BYC, brings together BESIX employees under the age of 36, in particular through the organisation of activities aimed at creating a network and a community. Such communities exist in several countries where the Group is active.
