Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Dubai Tower

dubai-tower.jpg

Dubai tower:

Dubai tower or Burj Khalifa is the largest structure in the world. It is about 2625 feet high and has more than 160 stories. It took five years to complete the construction of this building (from September 2004 to October 2009). It was opened on 4th January 2010. It is the exquisite masterpiece of Downtown Burj Dubai. It is surrounded by various shopping centers and hotels. It stands as a marvelous example of Dubai’s role in the changing world.

Burj Khalifa was designed by Louis Skidmore, Nathaniel Owings and John Merril of Chicago. More than 110,000 tons of concrete were used to construct this building. The total cost for completing this project was about $1.5 billion. It achieved a world record for installing the highest façade made up of aluminum and glass. It has the highest outdoor observation deck, which is located on level 124 of the tower.

Dubai tower is supported by a strong concrete mat, which is supported by reinforced piles made of concrete. A high density concrete was used in the foundations and cathodic protection system was used under the mat to reduce the harmful effects from the corrosive chemicals in the ground water.

The exterior cladding of the tower is made with aluminum and textured stainless steel panels. Nearly 26,000 hand cut glass panels were used in the exterior cladding. It is specially designed to withstand the extreme hot weather in Dubai.

The mechanical floors in Burj Khalifa abode the electrical sub stations, air handling units and water tanks, which are indispensable for the operation of the tower. The telescopic spire is the most important attraction of this tower. It comprises of more than 4000 tons of steel. It was built from inside the structure. It houses communication equipment and offers an overwhelming appearance to the tower.

The structural core of Burj Khalifa was designed in Y shape to reduce the wind forces on the tower. The central core of the tower provides resistance against torsion. The corridor walls resist the wind shears. A beautiful park of greenery and water features serve as an outdoor living space and entry to the Dubai tower.

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