Architect: Skidmore, Owings and Merrill
Main contractors: Samsung Eng. & Construction/Besix/Arabtec
Consulting engineers: Hyder Consulting and GHD
Steel subcontractor: Eversendai Engineering
Decking system: ComFlor® 80

The challenge

Standing at a height of 828m Burj Khalifa in Dubai is, by a considerable margin, the tallest structure ever made by man. Built by Emaar Properties, the completed structure contains an Armani hotel and 900 residences. It is surrounded by a stunning 1.2 million sq.ft. man-made park, overlooking six beautiful water features.

In total, 330,000m³ of concrete and 39,000 tonnes of steel rebar were used in constructing Burj Khalifa. The very top of the 828m spiral structure required a deck that was both high quality and which would be suitable for installation at such a height.

The solution

More than 4,000m² of the composite flooring system ComFlor® 80 was installed at the top of Burj Khalifa. The original plans specified a 76mm deep deck but, once acquainted with the benefits of ComFlor® 80, the client changed the specification. In addition to its high quality, the long span capabilities of ComFlor® 80 generates savings in the overall construction cost by reducing the number of structural steel components required.

Haydar Ibrahim, General Manager of Business Development and Technical Marketing at Tata Steel Middle East, explains how a close working relationship with the fabricators (Eversendai Engineering) and the consulting engineers ensured that the ambitious decking arrangements could be realised:

“Imaginative design solutions were produced that enabled the installer to start laying the decking, floor by floor, at such a considerable height. We are delighted to have played a part in such an iconic project.”