The Midfield Terminal Building (MTB) at Abu Dhabi International Airport represents a significant milestone in the United Arab Emirates’ aviation infrastructure. Scheduled to open in 2023, this state-of-the-art terminal is poised to accommodate up to 45 million passengers annually, offering an array of amenities while prioritizing energy efficiency and sustainability. However, the immense scale of the terminal presented a critical challenge: the risk of lightning strikes. Recognizing the potential structural, electrical, and safety hazards posed by lightning, GreyMatters undertook a Lightning Protection Study to ensure the terminal’s robust protection against such events. In this case study, we delve into the complexities of designing effective lightning protection for the MTB, highlighting GreyMatters’ pivotal role in resolving technical disputes and delivering a secure solution that upholds the highest standards of safety and compliance.
Midfield Terminal Building (MTB) is a new terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport in the United Arab Emirates.
It has the capacity to handle up to 45 million passengers per year, and features a range of amenities such as duty-free shopping, dining options, and lounges. The terminal is being built to be energy efficient and environmentally friendly, with features such as solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system.
The enormous collection area of the MTB terminal building created a very real risk of being struck by lightning and getting the lightning protection, and earthing design right is key. The risks of an airport being struck by lightning are:
