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Hyundai E&C’s Handy <Construction Knowledge TMI Encyclopedia>

25 Aug 2025 7min 39sec

Terms like “caisson,” “rahmen structure,” and “curtain wall” often pop up in the news, but try explaining them, and it still gets tricky! They sound familiar, but you’re still not sure what they mean? No need to worry. Hyundai E&C breaks it all down with clear explanations and real examples straight from our construction projects. Here is the <Construction Knowledge TMI Encyclopedia>, construction terms by business areas, explained through Hyundai E&C’s real projects.



#1. Civil Engineering Caisson [Noun] A large concrete box structure used to build foundations in deep sea or riverbed locations. It is hollow inside, filled with water to sink, then packed with sand or gravel to serve as a foundation for breakwaters or harbor walls. Analogy A giant LEGO block assembled atop the sea. TMI Used in constructing deep marine structures such as ports, reclamation projects, and sea bridges. Manufactured on land in sizes ranging from tens to hundreds of tons, then towed by tugboats and sunk at the construction site


Construction site of Tuas Terminal Finger 3, Singapore

The Tuas Finger 3 Project is a major port development on Singapore’s western coast, and the country’s largest land reclamation project covering an area approximately 1.33 times the size of Yeouido, Seoul. In the challenging environment of deep waters and complex construction conditions, Hyundai E&C led the fabrication and installation of the caissons. A total of 227 massive caissons, each measuring 30 to 36 meters in height - the equivalent of a 12-story apartment building - were deployed to build a stable inner wall. When connected end to end, the total length of these caissons reaches 9.1 kilometers, taller than Mount Everest. 



#2. Civil Engineering TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) [Noun] A large cylindrical boring machine used to excavate tunnels underground. Its rotating cutter head cuts through bedrock and soil, while simultaneously installing the structural lining of the tunnel wall. Analogy Like a “mole” tunneling through the earth, this machine crafts underground passageways. TMI It generates minimal noise and vibration, suitable for construction in urban centers and residential areas. Widely used in building diverse underground infrastructure such as subways in city centers, high-speed rails, and sewage pipelines.


Gimpo–Paju Expressway (Route 400), Section 2: Han River Subaqueous Tunnel Using Korea’s Largest-Diameter TBM 

The Han River subaqueous tunnel connecting Gimpo and Paju spans a total length of 2.98 km and employs Korea’s largest TBM with a diameter of 14 m, enabling precise and stable excavation. Despite challenging construction conditions such as high-water pressure and complex ground formations, the use of the TBM method known for low noise and low vibration has ensured both high quality and safety. This project is widely regarded as a landmark case that demonstrates a significant advancement in Korea’s TBM technology.



#3. Architecture Curtain Wall [Noun] A method of construction where the building’s columns and beams remain exposed, while the exterior is finished by wrapping it in glass or aluminum panels. It doesn’t bear structural loads, but serves to enhance the building’s appearance, insulation, waterproofing, and natural lighting. Analogy Like putting on a light and stylish “glass coat” instead of a thick wall! TMI Curtain walls are commonly used in high-rise buildings, luxury residences, and iconic architectural landmarks. Recently, they’ve evolved into high-performance curtain walls with enhanced insulation and airtightness, as well as “curtain wall look” designs that replicate the visual effect without functioning as actual curtain walls.


Bitexco Financial Tower: A Modern Architectural Landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The Bitexco Financial Tower is a 68-story skyscraper rising to a height of 262 meters, standing as a landmark in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Its curved design, inspired by the lotus flower, beautifully blends Vietnam’s traditional and contemporary aesthetics. The exterior was constructed using the curtain wall method, involving the precise installation of thousands of curved glass panels, which is an overly complex undertaking. Thanks to its sophisticated design and construction technology, it has become a symbolic architectural landmark of the Ho Chi Minh City skyline.



# 4. Architecture Cantilever [Noun] A structural form where one end is securely fixed to the structure, while the rest extends outward into the air without any supporting columns. Boasts maximizing space usage and enhancing visual design. Analogy Like a gymnast hanging by one arm from a bar, stretching out into the air — the horizontal bar star of structural design! TMI Often used to open up the line of sight or highlight structural beauty. Typical applications include balconies, stadium roofs, and monorail platforms.


Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang: A 3D Automotive Showroom

Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang is a multi-purpose cultural space where visitors can experience the brand’s philosophy and emotion. Its cantilever structure, projecting more than five meters, is a symbolic example of architectural design expressing the speed and dynamism of automobiles.

With its wide, flexible showcase space free of columns, the showroom is designed to allow visitors to view the vehicles from various angles. It stands as a symbol of Hyundai Motor’s identity and creativity, embodying the “aesthetics of mobility.”



#5. Housing Rigid Frame Structure [Noun] A structural framework where columns and beams are rigidly connected to share and support loads together. The columns and beams are connected at right angles, often in Korean alphabets ㄷ·ㅁ shaped formations, allowing the entire structure to function as a unified body. Analogy The perfect team play where all parts hold together as one, just like puzzle blocks! TMI Efficient in load distribution and ideal for creating wide, open spaces without walls. Used as a fundamental structure in various modern buildings such as office towers, apartment complexes and large commercial facilities.


H Silent Lab: A New Standard for PC Rahmen Structures

H Silent Lab is the first in Korea’s construction industry to receive certification for structural precast (PC) Rahmen frame technology. By manufacturing columns and beams in a factory and assembling them on-site, the method enhances quality while accelerating construction speed.

It significantly reduces noise and vibration, making it a key technology in achieving “serene construction. “Combining efficiency with on-site safety, this technology is emerging as an innovative solution for various buildings such as residential, educational, and office facilities, where improvements to the construction environment are essential.



#6 Housing RCS (Rail Climbing System) [Noun] A method in which the formwork climbs step by step along fixed rails while concrete is poured continuously. This high-rise construction method enhances safety for work at height and reduces reliance on tower cranes. Analogy Like a rock climber at a construction site, ascending along rails. TMI Widely used in vertical structure construction and highly effective in shortening the construction period. Ensures worker safety during high-elevation tasks and allows stable construction without shaking, even in fierce winds. 

HILLSTATE SONGDO THE SKY: 59-Story Super High-Rise Landmark 

Hillstate Songdo The Sky is a 59-story, 200-meter-tall super high-rise residential complex that is reshaping the skyline of Songdo. The project adopted the RCS method, allowing the formwork to automatically climb along fixed rails, enabling high-rise construction without the use of tower cranes. Even under the windy coastal conditions, the project maintained both safety and precision while keeping the construction progress on track.



#7 Plant FEED (Front End Engineering Design) [Noun] The basic design phase conducted before the start of plant construction which is an early-stage engineering process that establishes overall project strategies for process planning, cost, and business feasibility. It improves design accuracy, reduces risks, and lays the groundwork for subsequent detailed design and construction phases. Analogy Like a scriptwriter planning the entire scenario for a massive production involving thousands of people! TMI A solid FEED is essential to minimizing budget overruns and design changes during the EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) phase. It is a key evaluation criterion in global projects and is often commissioned directly by the client.


Papua LNG Project: Tackling Challenging Conditions Through Design

The Papua LNG Project is a large-scale liquefied natural gas development project underway in the southern region of Papua New Guinea. Hyundai E&C participated from the FEED stage, conducting optimal designs that considered the terrain, climate, and local conditions. Despite the hot and humid tropical climate and the demands for ecosystem protection, the company established a solid project foundation by applying technical solutions that considered both constructability and operational stability. This has enabled Hyundai E&C to prove its robust design capabilities and technical reliability, providing a competitive edge in future EPC contract bids.



#8. Plant O&M (Operating & Maintenance) [Noun] A holistic operation and maintenance service that begins after plant completion, covering facility and equipment operation and maintenance. Ensures continuous, stable operation of the plant as designed by maintaining operational efficiency, safety, and productivity. Analogy Like a guitar tuner of the plant world, fine-tuning performance every single day. TMI Goes beyond simple maintenance to optimize facility operation, extend facility and equipment lifespan, and improve energy efficiency.


Karbala Refinery Project, Iraq: A Key Refining and Petrochemical Facility in the Middle East

The Karbala Refinery in Iraq is a representative global plant project where Hyundai E&C is managing not only EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) but also O&M (Operation and Maintenance). The refinery, with a processing capacity of 140,000 barrels per day, has established itself as a strategic hub driving Iraq’s oil industry toward self-sufficiency and economic recovery. Hyundai E&C has built a stable operational framework by overseeing a wide range of tasks including maintenance, workforce development, and technology transfer. Even in a highly challenging environment, the company has demonstrated its O&M capabilities by maintaining a high availability ratio and ensuring equipment reliability.



#9. New Energy Insulator [Noun] Keeps high-voltage wires from touching towers or structures A critical role in preventing electrical accidents such as electric shock, short circuits, and fires by blocking current leakage Analogy Blocks high-voltage surges like a bulletproof vest TMI Made of high-insulation materials like porcelain, glass, and resin Essential for power lines, grids, railways, and telecom towers


Madinah 500kV HVDC Transmission Line, Saudi Arabia: The First HVDC Project in the Middle East

In all transmission line construction sites, including the Madinah site in Saudi Arabia, insulators are essential safety components. These devices insulate the wires from the steel towers, preventing electric shocks, fires, and power loss, acting as the first line of defense in electrical safety. They must withstand tens of thousands of volts while maintaining stable performance under harsh conditions such as heavy rain, salt damage, and high winds. Though small, these powerful devices are the unsung guardians that protect every beginning and end of the power infrastructure.



#10. New Energy Water electrolysis [Noun] Water electrolysis is a technology that uses electrical energy to split water into oxygen and hydrogen. Analogy Like cutting water with an “electric pair of scissors”, it is a clean separation method that extracts only hydrogen. TMI Water electrolysis is a clean hydrogen production method that extracts hydrogen from water without burning fossil fuels. The main types include PEM (fast response), Alkaline (stable), and SOEC (high efficiency).


Buan Water Electrolysis-Based Hydrogen Production Facility: A Regional Hub for Hydrogen Production 

Located in Jeollabuk-do Province, the Buan Water Electrolysis-Based Hydrogen Production Facility is the first commercial-scale hydrogen production site in Korea based on water electrolysis.

This facility produces hydrogen by using electricity to split water and is designed to store and supply the hydrogen it generates. It aims to produce over one ton of hydrogen per day going forward. Hyundai E&C oversees the entire project, from overall design and equipment procurement to construction, playing a key role in laying the foundation for building a sustainable hydrogen ecosystem.


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