The Aldar Headquarters building in Abu Dhabi was commissioned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who envisioned a unique structure that would attract international tourists. The building was designed to resemble a shell, with a round shape and 25 floors, and was constructed on artificial land above the sea. The construction team faced numerous challenges, including creating an artificial land, dealing with sea water seepage, and designing a unique steel frame that would support the building's shape.
Despite these challenges, the team was able to complete the building in just 30 months, using innovative techniques such as pre-fabricated steel structures and glass panels. The building was designed to be self-sustaining, with its own power generation and water conservation systems.
The construction process was not without its setbacks, including a delay in the delivery of pre-fabricated washroom units and a section of the steel frame sinking six inches. However, the team was able to overcome these issues and complete the building on time.
The Aldar Headquarters building is a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the construction team, and its unique design and innovative features make it a notable achievement in the field of engineering and architecture.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The engineering team was building a building shaped like a seal in Abu Dhabi.
2. The steel frame of the building was leaning down on one side, which meant it was more than the order and the structure needed to be rebuilt.
3. The Formula One Grand Prix event was going to be held in Abu Dhabi, leaving little time to prepare.
4. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the world's fourth richest person in terms of wealth.
5. The Sheikh of Dhabi provided financial help to Dubai to complete the construction of the Burj Dubai, which was later renamed Burj Khalifa.
6. The Burj Khalifa was initially named Burj Dubai but was renamed after the Sheikh of Dhabi provided financial help to complete its construction.
7. Sheikh Khalifa had a dream to attract international tourists in Abu Dhabi.
8. The Aldar Headquarters was designed to be the headquarter of Aldar Properties and a unique building in the world.
9. The building was to be 25 floors high with a roundabout and edge sea buildings, and its size was to be bigger than the Statue of Liberty.
10. The construction team had to work with a new thinking to build the unique shape of the building.
11. An artificial land was created by adding thirty million cubic meters of sand.
12. A diaphragm ball was inserted 16 meters deep in the sand to prevent sea water from entering the hole.
13. Two thousand trucks filled with concrete were used in the construction.
14. The engineers had to test the building's design in a wind tunnel to determine how much wind could affect the building.
15. 40 steel piles were installed at Aldar Headquarters.
16. The steel frame of the building was made in pieces with pinpoint accuracy and had to be connected to each other on the site.
17. 25,000 glass panels were installed on the steel frame, with a total size of more than fifty-two basketball courts.
18. The glass panels were manufactured from triangular-shaped cup class panels.
19. 85 washroom units weighing 12 tons were installed in the building.
20. The construction team had to reopen and readjust several fans at the bottom of the steel frame, but this was not possible under any circumstances.
21. A load-bearing wall was built above the course to lift the stuck steel frame.
22. The structure of Aldar Headquarters was fully completed just a few weeks before Abu Dhabi's first Formula One event.
23. The engineering team completed the building in a limited time of just 30 months.