Design conditions for bridge and tunnel construction in Qatar

The Sharq Crossing is a 12.5 km infrastructure project in Doha Bay, Qatar, connecting the Cultural District and the Municipal Centre at West Bay with the airport. The connection consists of three bridges, several tunnels, and a marine interchange. The iconic design has been prepared by the famous architect Calatrava. Royal HaskoningDHV (as a part of TEC, a joint venture of Royal HaskoningDHV and Witteveen&Bos) validated the conceptual design. To that extent, and in preparation for the D&B procurement, Royal HaskoningDHV implemented extensive hydrographic studies to determine the daily and extreme design conditions (a.o weather windows), and the impact of construction works on water quality and water circulation in Doha Bay.

One-year long measurements of water levels, currents (ADCP), sediment concentration, salinity, water density, and water temperature were carried out by FUGRO under supervision and according to the specifications prepared by Royal HaskoningDHV. These measurements were used for detailed calibration of hydrodynamic and wave models (Delft3D, SWAN). These models were applied in detailed studies to determine flow and wave conditions in the Doha Bay. Statistical analysis of measured and simulated parameters was carried out to establish design waves, water levels, currents, and water density. To avoid excessive overtopping into the tunnel, different solutions were tested with detailed overtopping simulations/calculations.