Architecture and civil engineering go hand in hand with technological advances. Over time, man has developed mechanisms and machines capable of building structures in a shorter time and with greater efficiency. Such is the case of the Burj Khalifa building located in Dubai.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
That's right, this city located on the Arabian peninsula is part of the United Arab Emirates, a nation divided into several autonomous territories or emirates. In this city the most risky engineering project of the 21st century was executed: "Build the tallest building in the world". A project that would start on September 21, 2004 and end on January 4, 2010.
Arabian Desert
To begin the work was not easy, because the climatic conditions were a very disturbing factor for both workers and the structure itself. In addition the costs and the procedure to build the building. And most importantly, create a structure that supports any storm, do not fall or wobble.
Comparison of the Tallest Buildings
That is why the engineers and architects got down to work on the project, taking into account every detail to avoid a disaster. However, the structure had to have a modern and sophisticated way to overcome its rivals, as is the case of the buildings Taipei 101 and Sears Tower.
Building Design
After several revisions of the terrain it was decided to build the building with a height of 828 meters. The budget established was 4,000 million dollars and increased to 20,000 million dollars. The construction was financed by the family of Emir Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE's prime minister.
Burj Khalifa Construction
The Burj Khalifa consists of 163 floors and 58 elevators. For the construction, 330,000 m³ of concrete were used in the structure and 39,000 tons of steel bars. From the ground floor to the 124th floor the building is made of concrete, while the 125th to 163rd floor is built with steel bars, to make it lighter.
May 5, 2005
October 10, 2005
February 1, 2006
August 29, 2006
March 21, 2007
July 15, 2007
December 7, 2007
December 10, 2007
Burj Khalifa Records
• Tallest building in the world, surpassing Taipei 101.
• Building with more number of floors, surpassing the International Commerce Center.
• Tallest building to the last occupied floor, surpassing the Taipei 101.
• Building with the highest balcony-terrace, surpassing the Empire State Building.
• Building with the elevator that travels the greatest distance in the world.
• Highest service elevator in the world.
• Tallest building to the roof, beating the Taipei 101.
• Higher building up to the structural top, surpassing the Taipei 101.
• Tallest building with antennas, surpassing the Willis Tower.
• Higher building without facade (at construction time), surpassing Ryugyong Hotel.
• The pool located higher (floor 76).
• The shadow projected by a longest building in the world, with a length of 2 467 m, surpassing the Jin Mao tower in Shanghai, with a length of 1 117 m.
