GHD provided Independent Verification, Testing and Audit (IVTA)
durability assurance for concrete and structural steel for
construction of a spectacular skyscraper in Dubai.
GHD was initially appointed in 2004 to
design and review the installation of a cathodic protection system
to protect the reinforced concrete piles and raft foundation, as
well as to provide advice on securing the long-term durability of
the foundations for Burj Dubai.
For the full four years of duration of
construction, the team has been fulfilling the critical role of
independent Verification and Testing Agency (IVTA) to the
developer, EMAAR Properties, during the construction of this 160+
storey mixed-use tower, which is nearing completion and currently
stands at over 65 metres above grade.
The GHD Materials Technology team
provided concrete and structural steel materials support direct to
EMAAR.
Construction has established new
ground in the vertical pumping of concrete. The concrete section
has reached 600 metres of the over 700-metre full height and is the
first time that concrete has been used and pumped to this
level.
Construction of the Spire above Level
156 is a complex steel structure with a variety of columns, beams
and bracing that are either welded or bolted in place. Running
through the centre of the Spire is a welded steel Pinnacle, which
will be jacked up after completion of the Spire to reach the
Tower’s final height.
Structural welding at this height has
never been attempted before, which leads to the new challenges for
acceptable QA/QC procedures and demands special safety measures for
each person, including a full body harness and a steel cable.
The team provided input into the
welding of structural steel, welding of a variety of decorative and
operational piping and corrosion prevention measures.
As the building approaches its final
stunning height, we can perhaps accept GHD staff observation that,
"It can be a bit disconcerting looking down on the helicopters that
frequently fly past, but the view from the top is worth the
climb."