Sky Bridge is Dubai's newest architectural landmark

Dubai - To execute the seamless lifting of the Sky Bridge, each element was assembled on ground.

Dubai has a new architectural landmark to its name, with the completion of an iconic Sky Bridge linking the new Address Sky View hotel and the Address Residences Sky View in Downtown Dubai.
Rising at a height of over 220 metres, the 85-metre-long Sky Bridge, with a height of 22 metres and maximum width of 30 metres, has three storeys and will feature eight units of luxurious Sky Collection Duplexes and a 70-metre-long infinity pool that overlooks Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain. 
The Sky Bridge was fabricated using 4,500 tonnes of structural steel, and was lifted in position using Strand Jacking Technology, customised for the project. A team of global experts from five different entities worked on the project that was completed in around 365 days by over 300 professionals and skilled workers. 
"Building and lifting the Sky Bridge is the result of the hard work and collaboration of some of the best international experts in the field, who addressed various challenges through their innovative and creative approach," said Mohamed Alabbar, chairman of Emaar Properties. "They have accomplished a remarkable engineering feat that will serve as a referral point in modern construction. Sky Bridge is an added value to Downtown Dubai, and contributes to the pride of our nation."
To build the Sky Bridge, a number of design challenges had to be overcome, given the extensive loads of steel and concrete, as well as the loads related to the infinity pool, pool deck and façade. The ambient temperature difference was also considered during the design stage to ensure that it suits the region's climate. A steel frame with three levels was designed to hold the huge loads transferred to the core walls of the two towers it links.
To address the construction challenges, the main body of the bridge was divided into five elements, each weighing over 400 tonnes each. The fifth element is the Mega truss in the middle that has a total weight of over 1,500 tonnes. High capacity cranes - which are not common in the region - were deployed to lift the huge weights. Special high-capacity hydraulic jacks were also imported from Switzerland.
Another challenge was designing eight custom-made Boom and Derrick systems that had to be assembled at level 50 ­- about 200 metres high - on both towers. Laser technology was deployed for precise levelling.
To execute the seamless lifting of the Sky Bridge, each element was assembled on ground. They were then lifted using the Strand Jacking Technology over a period of four months from November 2016 to February 2017. The Mega truss, the heaviest component, was lifted to the height of 220 metres using the high-capacity hydraulic jacks and cables.
Given the proximity to Burj Khalifa Metro Station and the Metro Link, elaborate safety measures have been put in place, and a clearly structured logistics plan was followed through close cooperation with government authorities.
The super-lifting of the Sky Bridge also required tremendous planning, team work and technological perfection, especially given wind speeds of up to 80kmph.
Know the new icon of Dubai
> Sky Bridge links the new Address Sky View hotel and the Address Residences Sky View in Downtown Dubai
> The 85-metre-long Sky Bridge has a height of 22 metres and maximum width of 30 metres, with three storeys
> It features eight units of luxurious Sky Collection Duplexes and a 70-metre-long infinity pool that overlooks Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain
> It was fabricated using 4,500 tonnes of structural steel
> The project was completed in around 365 days by over 300 professionals and skilled workers
reporters@khaleejtimes.com
 
 

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