Expo. Procesos Constructivos Burj Al Arab - LJCE
Expo. Procesos Constructivos Burj Al Arab - LJCE
The foundation of the Burj Al Arab employed innovative construction techniques, including the use of 250 steel-reinforced concrete piles driven 40 meters into the sand. The piles rely on surface friction for support since solid rock was not found at expected depths. Furthermore, low permeability concrete was used to protect against chemical erosion by seawater, while engineers created a compacted and calcified sand layer around the piles to enhance stability. An outer layer of large rocks was also placed to guard against erosion caused by ocean currents .
The Dyneon fabric used in the Burj Al Arab's facade serves multiple purposes, enhancing both the building's functionality and aesthetics. It is a two-layer material coated with Teflon, which protects against harsh environmental elements like desert heat, dust, and wind. The fabric's translucency allows diffused natural light into the atrium while maintaining cooling efficiency, highlighting its role in both energy performance and maintaining the iconic aesthetic of a wind-filled sail .
The construction of the Burj Al Arab challenged traditional engineering practices through its use of groundbreaking methods for foundation in marine conditions, such as the implementation of concrete piles driven into sand instead of bedrock due to the lack of rock layer. The building’s unique exoskeletal structure required precise alignment under thermal expansion conditions. Additionally, the hotel’s architecture demanded a novel synthesis of material science, like the two-layer Dyneon fabric, for durability against extreme desert weather .
The Burj Al Arab is designed to maximize its iconic status by being situated on an artificial island 300 meters offshore, making it a focal point visible from both land and sea. This positioning prevents it from casting shadows on Dubai's beaches, while its sail-like silhouette elegantly captures the maritime culture of the region. The unique design ensures that it is instantly recognizable and directly associated with Dubai, embodying its innovative spirit and luxurious lifestyle .
The steel girders play a crucial role in the structural integrity of the Burj Al Arab's sky restaurant, Al Muntaha. These girders, arranged radially from the central concrete column, provide a stable base that supports the cantilevered structure extending 30 meters from each side. This design allows the restaurant to balance aesthetically while withstanding significant wind loads, as the girders distribute these forces evenly through the central support structure .
To protect the Burj Al Arab from corrosive marine elements, engineers utilized concrete with low permeability and high density to resist chemical corrosion in the foundation. This was essential due to the presence of seawater. Furthermore, the use of external cladding materials like the Dyneon fabric, which is Teflon-coated, provides an additional protective layer against the harsh desert and marine environment, ensuring long-term durability .
Tom Wright's vision of an iconic building is reflected in the Burj Al Arab's simple yet unique form, resembling a billowing sail, which is instantly recognizable. The building's sleek silhouette when viewed from a distance helps it serve as both a symbol of Dubai and a marker of its location. Wright believed that a building becomes iconic when it can be depicted with simple sketches, emphasizing both simplicity and distinctiveness in the architectural form .
The exoskeleton of the Burj Al Arab avoids compromising its aerodynamic aesthetics by integrating large diagonal trusses within the curved design that serves both structural and aesthetic functions. These trusses, while heavy enough to ensure stability, are arranged in a visually appealing V shape. The structure is further complemented by a sophisticated system of steel tension cables and the lightweight Dyneon fabric on its facade, which minimizes visual weight while enhancing the aerodynamic appearance .
The Burj Al Arab ensures stability against wind forces through a combination of its unique aerodynamic design and advanced structural elements. The building features an exoskeletal structure with diagonally braced metallic frames that act like a sail, supported by two large curving side trusses and a large central concrete core. Additionally, a tuned mass damper helps absorb vibrations caused by wind. The radial steel girders at the base of the Al Muntaha restaurant also provide significant structural support .
Engineers addressed potential seismic concerns in the Burj Al Arab by ensuring the sandy ground around the piles was compacted and calcified. This compaction prevents sand liquefaction during an earthquake, thereby maintaining the building’s structural integrity. Additionally, the reinforced concrete piles provide flexibility and strength in the event of seismic activity, helping to distribute and dissipate seismic forces .