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Overview
Reaching for the sky
In 2009, a new world’s tallest building will be completed in Dubai. Already an icon, Burj Dubai stands at an awe striking 800 meters and, in so doing, sets a new height standard for buildings.
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Services
- Wind climate
- Cladding loads
- Structural loads
- Thermal comfort
- Pedestrian comfort
- Structural fatigue
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Benefits
Improved knowledge of local wind conditions: At ground and upper levels, played key role in helping orient the building and consequently reduce wind loads.
Optimized cladding design performance: Limitations of applicable building codes were overcome through wind tunnel testing.
Substantial reduction in wind forces: An aerodynamically refined shape was developed that literally “confused the wind”.
Eliminated need for supplementary damping: Combination of refined shape and building orientation produced accelerations within normal comfort criteria.
Reduced risk: Spire fatigue analysis confirmed that wind induced loading would not impact the spire negatively.
Improved thermal comfort: Recommendations made for shade structures at various ground level locations.
Pedestrian comfort improved: Screens, parapets and trellises were developed to improve pedestrian comfort at various outdoor terrace levels.
User safety increased: Wind tracking equipment was recommended to allow owners of units opening to a terrace to have actual wind information to warn of high wind speeds. Motor assisted terrace doors recommended to limit wind impacts.
Consulting in the science of buildings, structures and environment