Advanced wind tunnel tests confirm structural strength of The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour, the new icon by Emaar

Wednesday 27 July 2016

Dubai - MENA Herald: Emaar Properties, the global developer, today announced the successful completion of advanced wind tunnel tests to confirm the structural strength and durability of the iconic new tower in Dubai Creek Harbour, which will define a brand-new skyline for the city.

This marks another milestone in the development of The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour, designed by Spanish-Swiss architect Santiago Calatrava, and located in the heart of the 6 sq km master-planned community set by the historic Dubai Creek and only 10 minutes from the Dubai International Airport.

The smart city of the future is also next-door to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, protected under the UNESCO Ramsar Convention and home to over 67 species of water birds, thus defining a unique residential destination that offers unprecedented and long-term value.

Leveraging its unmatched expertise in high-rise development, Emaar Properties had commissioned a comprehensive array of never-before wind tunnel tests for The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour, which will feature world-class observation decks, luxury accommodation and retail attractions. With wind being a major challenge in the development of high-rises, especially at very high altitudes, these tests are crucial in defining the final height and design aspects.

The successful completion of the wind tunnel tests as well as a comprehensive range of seismic and local climate studies lends further momentum to The Tower’s development to the highest standards of quality and safety.

Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said: “An ambitious project on a never-before scale and design, The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour demands high-precision engineering across all its facets. As a significant value addition to Dubai Creek Harbour, the tower is billed to attract visitors from across the world, and will serve as a beacon of hope and positivity for the city and the region. Pushing the boundaries in high-rise engineering even further, The Tower’s wind tunnel tests are an industry-first of sorts, underlining our commitment to uphold the highest standards of safety.”

Santiago Calatrava Valls said: “From the materials selection to the technology used, every aspect of The Tower has been designed and developed according to the strictest international safety standards. The wind tunnel tests were an important component in the structural design stage, and we have deployed innovative engineering techniques to confirm the strength of the new icon.”

For the wind tunnel testing of The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour, up to 12 different analysis and testing methods were used to ensure that all possible cases are considered, guaranteeing the maximum quality and safety of the structure.

These tests are made for the entirety of the project with a full scaled model, and also on different sections of the project to double-check the behaviour of the building and the wind around it. Since the structure is anchored to the ground with robust cables, some of these tests are innovative and were developed for the first time in this field. Two independent and leading agencies in the world undertake the wind tunnel testing.

Additionally, the rigorous wind climate study of the area covered measurements at different heights including data provided by the weather stations. Different seismic studies were also considered and applied specifically to local ground conditions. To guarantee the maximum safety and stability of the building, the design of The Tower also includes multiple damper systems and shock absorption systems, located at different points and heights.

Offering unprecedented experiences for 360 degree views of the city and beyond, The Tower will feature The Pinnacle Room opening to grand views of the sky, and VIP Observation Garden Decks that recreate the splendour of the ‘Hanging Gardens of Babylon,’ one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Fully glazed rotating balconies extend outward, rotating outside the skin of the tower. The Tower will be in close proximity to a Retail District, one of the largest in the world.

Emaar has unveiled high-end residences in Dubai Creek Harbour including Dubai Creek Residences, Creekside 18, and Harbour Views homes in The Island District, a vibrant lifestyle hub. All homes open to spectacular views. A bustling 4.5 km Creek Boardwalk envelopes the development’s Island District, assuring residents unbeatable lifestyle choices. Among the nearby amenities are event spaces, galleries, fascinating water features and a trendy Vida Hotel that all add to the quality of life.

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