EBS brings first-of-its-kind steel brace innovation to region; signs MoU with US-based CoreBrace

• Demand for new technology to exceed AED 20 million in the first year; 50% annual growth anticipated over the next 5 years
• New Buckling-Restrained Braces innovation offers buildings the resistance against seismic risks and other demanding loads

Dubai, February 3, 2015: In a step that is set to revolutionize the safety and resistance of buildings against any possible seismic risks and other demanding loads, Emirates Building Systems [EBS] – a subsidiary of Dubai Investments PJSC, has announced the launch of the first-of-its-kind Buckling-Restrained Braces [BRB] innovation in the entire Middle East.

The Buckling-Restrained Braces are produced by CoreBrace LLC – EBS’ associates in the United States and one of the leading names in the braces sector. EBS, a regional pioneer in design, fabrication and construction of steel structures, recently signed a MoU with CoreBrace LLC to formalize the cooperation on testing and installation of BRBs across the region.

According to market estimates, the demand for this one-of-its-kind technology is expected to exceed AED 20 million in the first year itself, and this is expected to grow 50% year-on-year over the next five years. The braces, to be initially sourced from CoreBrace facility in the US, will be produced at EBS’ state-of-the-art manufacturing unit in DIP effective second quarter of 2015.

The new steel braces technology will go a long way in further elevating the safety guidelines in buildings, both new and existing, across the region – which is currently witnessing unparalleled construction. According to MEED, almost $2.5 trillion worth of contracts are planned or under way in the GCC. A further $500 billion worth of projects are at a similar stage in Iraq. For MENA region as a whole, more than $4 trillion worth of projects are planned or under way.

Mr. Abdulaziz Bin Yagub Al Serkal, General Manager of Dubai Investments, said: “Since its inception, Emirates Building Systems has always set new standards in innovation and excellence with its steel structures and engineering design projects across the region. With our MoU with CoreBrace, we have taken innovation to new levels by bringing this world-class technology to the Middle East for the first time.”

Samir Akra, General Manager of EBS, said: “The new technology opens the doors for shifts in the architecture of buildings, creating new opportunities for never-before-seen structures – and we are among the first to use in structural engineering in the region. We see a huge potential for growth, especially given the regional’s adherence to safety and quality parameters. The highly ductile BRBs have been implemented in hundreds of buildings for seismic risk mitigation in the US and across the globe.”

Dieter Klohn, President of CoreBrace, said: “We are thrilled to partner with EBS across the Middle East – the fastest growing region in the construction sector. Our BRBs offer new standards in design and safety and we see huge potential in this region. With EBS, we will work closely with owners, architects, engineers, fabricators, and erectors to meet specific design and construction requirements here.”

With CoreBrace knowhow, EBS targets to take this new steel brace technology across the Gulf, the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. The company has already supplied a major order using the new technology for the Folkart Towers in Izmir, Turkey.

The BRBs are steel braces that consist of an outer steel casing, an inner steel core and intermediate concrete matrix – the inner steel core resists against tensile and compressive axial loads and is restrained from buckling by the concrete in the outer steel casing. The EBS-CoreBrace BRBs cover all ranges to resist loads of all magnitudes.

Among other projects, the CoreBrace technology has been used in strategic projects across the United States, Haiti, New Zealand, Guam, Turkey, Mexico and Chile.

EBS has achieved commendable milestones as pioneers in steel structure fabrication since its inception. The company holds a proven track record in providing end-to-end steel building solutions for several of the region’s prestigious steel structure landmarks. In addition to having the capability to fabricate almost any steel structure, the company can provide engineering design and detailing as well as erection services at the site.

PHOTO CAPTION: Mr Abdulaziz Bin Yagub Al Serkal and Mr Dieter Klohn sign the MoU between EBS and CoreBrace LLC. Mr Samir Akra is on the extreme right of the photograph.