Investigating the Structural System of the Burj Khalifa

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the structural system of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. It begins with an introduction to high-rise buildings and their structural classifications, focusing on rigid frame, bracing frame, tube structure, and post-and-lintel systems. The literature review delves into the structural elements, architectural design, and unique attributes of the Burj Khalifa, emphasizing its bundled tube system and resistance to Dubai's summer temperatures. The methodology section discusses methods to analyze the effects of wind on the structural system, including the application of structural analysis software and various tests. The analysis section examines the shape, size, height, and number of framed tubes, along with a cross-sectional analysis of the building's shape, to assess the effectiveness of the structural system in withstanding lateral and wind loads. The study aims to evaluate the efficiency, viability, and stability of the structural system, considering economic and environmental factors.

Structural system of Burj khalifa

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents.............................................................................................................................2
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................4
1.1 Overview................................................................................................................................4
1.2 Rationale of study..................................................................................................................4
1. 3 Aim and objectives...............................................................................................................5
1.4 History of high raised Building.............................................................................................6
1.5 Classification of structural system........................................................................................6
1.6 Rigid frame structure.............................................................................................................8
1.7 Bracing frame structure system............................................................................................8
1.8 Tube structure system............................................................................................................9
1.9 Post-and-lintel system............................................................................................................9
1.10 Structure of the study...........................................................................................................9
CHAPTER 2: LITERATUE REVIEW..........................................................................................11
2.1 Introduction..........................................................................................................................11
2.2 Structural elements used in high raised building.................................................................11
2.3 Background of Burj Khalifa................................................................................................12
2.4 Architecture of Burj Khalifa................................................................................................13
2.5 Description of structural system..........................................................................................14
2

2.6 Unique attributes of Burj Khalifa........................................................................................17
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY.................................................................................................19
3. 1 Types of method to analyze effects of winds on structural system....................................19
3. 2 Application of structural analysis Software........................................................................20
3.3 Reasons for rejection of alternative methods.......................................................................21
3.4 Types of tests.......................................................................................................................21
CHAPTER 4 – ANALYSIS..........................................................................................................25
4.1 Analysis of structural system of Burj Khalifa..........................................................................25
4.2 Analysis of test 1- The shape of framed tubes in Burj Khalifa................................................26
4.3 Analysis of test 2 – The size of framed tubes in Burj Khalifa.................................................26
4.4 Analysis of test 3 – The height of framed tubes in Burj Khalifa.............................................27
4.5 Analysis of test 4 – The number of framed tubes in Burj Khalifa...........................................28
4.6 Analysis of test 5- The cross-sectional analysis of the shape of the Burj Khalifa...................28
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................30
3

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Overview
Innovation and creativity are two imperative aspect that bring uniqueness in current
world. In current era prices of land is increasing at rapid speed because of changing
circumstances. Similarly, high demand of business and residential space as well as economic
growth tend to affect demand of high-rise building. Present study is based on structural system of
Burj Khalifa, world's tallest building. For this purpose study lays emphasis on efficient height for
each structural system used in constructing buildings (Aldred, 2010). However, development in
construction industry is taking place due to increased population and changing life style of
people as well as technological advancement. The aspect of technology facilitates to meet
expectations of people in term of accommodation, offices, commercial and tourists visit. It shows
that high raised building provides more space in particular area of land which aid to resolve
tension of people for buying expensive land.
In the 20th century main focused was laid on making vertical high raised building so as to
occupy less land. This is because in case horizontal building are made then there will be
requirement of comparatively more portion of land. Study relies of Burj Khalif which is tallest
artificial structure in the world. It was initiated in 2004 and opened in 2010. The primary
structure used while constructing the building was reinforced which was based on government's
decision. For designing this building patterning system of Islamic architecture was followed
which aids to reflect elements of the particular region (Russo, Abagnara and Small, 2013). Here,
for the support of height of building, buttressed core structural system has been used and for
residential and hotel purpose Y-shaped plan is used. Building has cladding system to resist
4

summer temperature of Dubai. Thus, current study focuses on positive and negative aspect of
each structural system used in construction of high raised buildings. Similarly, comparison of
each structural system is done so as to assess effectiveness of of the same in construction
industry.
1.2 Rationale of study
Current study is being done to assess different structural system by focusing on height of
building along with specification of particular system. However, main focus is on bundled
structure system while making taller buildings. Further, investigation has been done on viability
and stability of each structure system used in skyscraper. Also, study shed light on economic and
environment factors associated with use of different structural system. In addition to this, study is
done to assess role of cross sectional share of each element of bundled tube system. It leads to
assess effectiveness of buildings used at longer height. On the other part, by conducting the
present study researcher intend to analyze the effectiveness of system in the light of lateral and
wind load.
1. 3 Aim and objectives
The aim and objectives for the current study are formulated as follows.
Aim-An investigation of structural system of Burj khalifa
Present study covers investigation on different structural system used in high raised
building along with advantages and disadvantages of each system.
Objectives
The current dissertation lays emphasis on number of objectives in order to reach at the
aim of the study. Objectives covered in the study are listed as follows-
5

 To asses the most efficiency and viable structure system
 To analyze the effectiveness of bundled tube system against wind load
 To design structure element which support buildings
 To study different structural system
 To understand the structural and structural material behavior
 To assess the role of environmental and economic factors on structure of high raised
buildings
6

1.4 History of high raised Building
Mankind has always been fascinated by Skyscrapers through their specific structure
systems. This systems assists the high raised buildings in withstanding various natural causes.
These include the wind and gravity force which influence the structure (Acuto, 2010). It is the
responsibility of the structural engineers to design the various elements of the structure of high
raised buildings. These include column, beam, roof as well as flooring. In this way, the
responsibility of structural design and structural building rests on engineers.
Even before the industrialization period, high raised buildings stretched over 100 meters
into the sky. There are various examples of architectural structure. These include the Khufu
Pyramid and the Pharos of Alexandria. The Khufu Pyramid which dates back from 2620 to 2500
BC is 139 meter high. The height of the Pharos of Alexandria is 140 meters. In earlier times,
high rise structures were made for residential purposes as well as for religious and civic purposes
(Shin, 2010). For example, there were a number of high rise buildings in Egyptian, Greece and
Roman Empires.
The key factors for the rapid increase in the number of high rise buildings are the
migration of people into cities as well as the advancements and developments made during
industrial revolution. As the cities became overpopulated, the engineers were compelled to
invent new technologies. This gave a push to the industrial revolution which resulted into
construction of very tall buildings. In the history of modern skyscrapers, the first country which
commenced the construction of skyscrapers was America (Jani and Patel, 2013). This was in the
19 century when America built modern skyscraper for general accommodation. However, it was
limited to 10 stories. The main construction material that was used for this were Bricks. It was at
7

the end of 19 century that there was adoption of new construction techniques such as electrical
lift.
1.5 Classification of structural system
There are some common interconnected elements in various types of engineering
structures. Bridges, residential buildings, railways, non residential buildings etc. all comprise of
beam, wall, floor, slab, and columns (Soong and Costantinou, 2014). All these structural
elements are responsible for transferring the internal and external load to the ground. Civil
engineering is essentially required to use efficient structural system. This is specially required in
the high raise buildings so as to withstand earthquakes, wind loading etc. With the help of new
computer technologies and design concepts, the civil engineers are able to increase the height of
the building, which was earlier not possible (Rozvany, 2012). This has also been aided by new
structural systems and novel materials.
On the basis of type and material, buildings can be classified into three types. These include steel
made building, reinforced building and composite material building. Steel is used for making
majority of the high raised buildings. This is because it helps in providing high ration to weight.
Steel is easier to assemble and enables easy installation as well. It also has more advantages over
other materials such as easy transport to construction site, strength and fire protection (Xin-zheng
and Lie-ping, 2010).
There is another way of classifying structures. This is on the basis of use of structural system. In
this regard, classification of structure is done as follows:
 Using shear wall and brace system
 Using rigid frame
8

 System with frame tube
 using bundled tube system
 using brace tube system
 Using outrigger system
When a structure is to be designed for a specific function for public use, it is important
for the engineer to account for its safety, serviceability and aesthetic value (Jani and Patel, 2013).
Along with these, economic and environmental aspects of structure are also to be taken into
account. Before deciding the appropriate structure form to be used in a structure, different
options need to be studied independently. The design process is creative as well as technical. For
analyzing the structure appropriately, there is need of fundamental knowledge.
Tubular design system is a type of structural form which is used for making high raised
buildings. This was introduced by Fazul Khan who was a structural engineer and architect
(Kattke, Braun and Goldin, 2011). Willis tower, which is renowned as the second tallest building
in the US was design by him. He also designed the John Hancock center which comprised of 100
stories. This idea was used for interior as well as exterior structures.
For interior, the following aspects were considered:
 Using Outrigger structural system
 Structure with hinged frame
 Using brace and shear wall
 Structure using rigid frame Rigid frame
9

However, for interior structures, Tube, diagrid, super frame and space truss were used.
There are various aspects that are to be considered while designing skyscraper for commercial
and residential purposes (Gonen, 2011). These are the following:
 Variation in the cladding choice
 Proper planning for the building height
 Proper storage of material used in construction
 Time period of construction to prevent delays
 Large span for more usable space
 Management of the building services and strategy
 Investigation and proper foundation system in place
Considering the costs of the structure, it is found that it comprises of only 10 per cent of the total
cost of the building. The stability of a structure is influenced by height of the building as well as
the structural system (Soong and Costantinou, 2014). Hence, for the height of 8 story building,
steel structure is regarded as a suitable system for provision of stability. Similarly, braced steel
method or concrete is considered as a viable system for stability.
1.6 Rigid frame structure
This kind of structure is load resisting and interconnected through rigid connection. It
facilitates to prohibit movement caused by joints of members. It is based on two common
assumption which are ; free rotation of beams at their connections, interconnection of its
members help to prevent change under load (Hao and et.al., 2011). It is helpful in reflecting
architectural shape of the building. Furthermore, this type of structure is most suitable for 20 to
storey structure.
10

1.7 Bracing frame structure system
It is one of the common types of structure in civil engineering which aid to connect beam
and column. It facilitates to improve structure stability by resisting vertical and horizontal loads
(Roke, 2010). Here, the main focus is laid on use addition of trusses in order to improve
efficiency of building.
1.8 Tube structure system
Tube structure system is helpful in resisting lateral loads related to seismic and wind. It
facilitates to develop mixed-use buildings like office, apartment and housing purpose. Here,
buildings could look like sculpture due to use of bundled tube (Ge and et.al., 2012) This aspect
contribute towards allowing wider column space so as to provide different shapes for
architectural planning.
1.9 Post-and-lintel system
This is ancient structure of constructing building under which upright members hold
horizontal members. It helps to support the weight of structure in order to bring efficiency in
construction with regards to opening of windows, bearing walls and doors.
1.10 Structure of the study
The current dissertation basically consists of five chapter which provide detail overview
regarding each one. This structure helps readers to understand the scenario and reach at the
conclusion of the study in an effectual manner. It has been explained as follows- Chapter 1 Introduction-This is the first chapter of study which provide detail overview
related to topic under investigation. This also includes aim and objectives of study so that
accordingly researcher can conduct the study.
11

 Chapter 2 Literature review-After completion of first chapter of introduction, the next
chapter begins which provides information related to structural system of Burj khalifa. In
this regard several sources of information are accessed. Chapter 3 Methodology-Under this chapter, researcher provides detail overview related
to tools and techniques applied in the study. It helps to collect and analyze the data
effectively. Chapter 4 Data analysis-This is the most important chapter of study under which scholar
analyze the collected data by using suitable method. Chapter 5 Discussion- After competing the chapter of data analysis researcher discuss
the results. It is discussed in the light of research aim and objectives.
 Chapter 6 Conclusion and recommendations- It is the last chapter of study that includes
detail information related to conclusion on the basis of findings. Also, accordingly
recommendation are also provided.
12