Emaar completes ‘sky bridge’ feat in Dubai
At a height of over 220 metres, the 85-metre-long bridge was built with 4,500 tonnes of structural steel
Emaar Properties said it has accomplished the “challenging engineering feat” of designing, constructing and lifting an iconic Sky Bridge that links the new Address Sky View hotel with 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 duplex apartments, and a 70-metre-long infinity pool that overlooks the Burj Khalifa.
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.
Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said: “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. 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 address the construction challenges, the main body of the bridge was divided into five elements, each weighing over 400 tonnes each, Emaar said in a statement.
The fifth element is the MEGA truss in the middle that has a total weight of over 1,500 tonnes. High capacity cranes, not commonly used 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 meters high – on both towers. Laser technology was deployed for precise leveling.
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.
The Sky Bridge has undergone extensive fire proofing and other safety and security tests, Emaar said.
Designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, the architects of Burj Khalifa, Address Sky View has 169 luxurious hotel rooms on 12 levels with amenities including restaurants, lounges, an events venue, meeting rooms, three pools including a rooftop pool and a spa. Address Residences Sky View has 551 serviced residences.
