The new RX8 and RX54 units will be used in demanding applications within the programme of infrastructure projects culminating in Qatar’s hosting of the IAAF World Athletics Championship in 2019 and World Cup in 2022.
An integrated road and rail network and new drainage systems, plus the new Hamad Port and the expansion of Hamad International Airport, are all part of scheduled upgrades to accommodate the anticipated vast increase in tourists and passengers in and around Doha.
“Many of these critical projects have benefited from enhanced government spending to ensure they are delivered on time,” says As Shaukat Ali, chief operations officer for RFC in Doha.
RX breakers have already been used on excavation operations along a 47km stretch of Qatar’s GTC 600 project that is connecting four mega reservoirs with the aim of irrigating the northern half of the country. RFC used a combination of RX26, RX46 and RX54 breakers to excavate to a width of 6-10m and depth of 4-10m, and has successfully completed 2.2 million m³ of earthworks in a record 16 months.
It has also deployed RX breakers on the New Orbital Highway-3 (NOH3) project, which will lead to the construction of a 56km super highway comprising of six light lanes for cars and three heavy lanes for trucks, as part of the development programme for the 2022 World Cup.
“RX breakers have helped us reach daily production levels of 8,000m³ and will be in operation until the end of the project in 2018,” says As Shaukat Ali.
RFC’s latest order called for two RX8 light hydraulic breakers, primarily for road construction applications, plus two of Chicago Pneumatics’ largest heavy duty units, the RX54, which features a service weight of 4,200kg, fits carrier weights up to 70tonnes and can deliver an impact rate of up to 800bpm, making it ideal for heavy demolition, rock excavation and quarry applications.
