“Nodes of mass transportation like airports and Metros are the first impression a visitor gets of a country. It is of upmost importance that the design should leave a lasting impression to the user,” George Philip, Area Marketing Director – Area MMA (Mediterranean, Middle East & Africa) DORMA.
Dubai Metro has, since its launch, placed UAE on the world map with an accolade of being the longest driverless metro line with a Guinness world record. Since inception of the project, it was a clear direction from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Makhtoum to make Dubai Metro the best in the world with cutting-edge technology in the rail industry.
When construction was mid way, WS Atkins, the consultants for Dubai Metro, and Aedas, who worked on the designs, were saddled with a challenge of having bi-parting doors both entry and exit to have break out in the direction of exit in case of alarms. Unfortunately, there was no space to have both these pairs of doors in line with each other as the tunnels were already dug and the external structures were already built. It was then, DORMA PMT (Project Management Team) was invited, to look into the escape routes and propose the best solution in compliance with the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) and local codes. The requirement was for two pairs of sliding doors which would serve as dedicated entry and exit points to each station. The openings were intended to serve as exit routes in case of emergencies and would have to have a break out function for the leaves, in the direction of exit, to leave a clear opening for escape. On the contrary, the total space of the two openings placed in line, exceeded the total width of the tunnel itself.
We were at a dead end (so to speak!). Thinking out of the box, and having in-depth knowledge of worldwide codes, helped DORMA PMT to look at similar solutions DORMA had executed in other parts of the world. DORMA worked with the consultants, contractors and the fire authorities to bring in the new generation of Dual Drive ES 200 2D operators with features comprising double protected control system, an extra powerful motor and additional coil for emergencies, which are approved for exit routes as per German standards. Additional reliability is ensured by a continuous self-monitoring function covering the entire system. It is mandatory in Europe that all emergency exit routes have to conform to EN 18650 and prEN 12650 regulations concerning the use of automatic sliding doors in escape routes.
Reinforcing the above statements, Christoph Jacob, DORMA Area President, Area MMA stated that DORMA is not selling a product. We are selling a seamless experience of pre-sales to sales to aftersales, creating not just a satisfied customer, but a Brand Ambassador of DORMA for life.”
The intensive involvement of the DORMA PMT team in understanding the site limitations, codes, safety regulations and local laws resulted in up-selling from a simple ES 200 door operator to ES 200 2D complete door solution including Glass & Door panels. Unlike many other projects wherein the clients buy only the operator, and the door panels are made locally, in Dubai Metro project the clients, Road Transport Authority, Dubai insisted on the complete system including the door panels from DORMA. This meant that the doors were supplied with 20mm double glazing, secured with ISO profiles giving the right match of slender profiles with the best thermal efficiency. Also the mating elements of the profiles ensures that the gaps between the moving panels and the fixed panels is reduced to 4-8mm, with seals on all sides, avoiding any chance of fingers getting trapped. With thousands of commuters using the Metro every day, this is one less worry to think about when one passes through these doors in and out of Dubai Metro. In total, DORMA has supplied and installed 152 doors for Red Line and 96 doors for Green Line routes.
DORMA is also maintaining the door systems, with an annual maintenance contract with Dubai Metro ensuring system reliability with proactive maintenance practices.
