ARCONCEL, APPLE M.
BSCE 4C
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTARY NO. 1: BURJ KHALIFA
Link 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCfr7gS53kc
Link 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AK_YYdfNEhc
GUIDE QUESTIONS
Answer the following questions below. Output may be handwritten or computer-written
(Arial 11) in a short bond paper. Upload your output in the google drive below:
Drive:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1CQSFsGyMm39jZDvCxEiDZLHa6235txq?usp=s
haring
File Name: Last Name, First Name, Middle Name BSCE (Yr and Sec) _ACT 02
File Type: PDF
1. What was the main purpose of building the Burj Khalifa?
The Burj Khalifa was built to show the world what human engineering and innovation
could achieve. It was also designed to make Dubai a global attraction for tourism and
business.
2. Who designed the Burj Khalifa, and what company managed its construction?
The Burj Khalifa was designed by architect Adrian Smith while working with the
architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). The construction was managed by
Emaar Properties and built by the South Korean company Samsung C&T.
3. What inspired the design of the Burj Khalifa?
The tower’s design was inspired by Islamic architecture, specifically the Hymenocallis
flower, which has a three-lobed structure. This shape helps reduce wind resistance and
adds to its stability.
4. What were the major engineering challenges faced during construction?
The main challenges were:
"The taller you build, the more people have to walk ever further to get to safety. On
09:11, the difficulties become tangible. You would think that walking downstairs would
be, a lot easier than walking up the stairs, but it it's not." This highlights one major
challenge with evacuation difficulties in super-tall buildings.
"The Burj Dubai has built-in fire protection as its concrete backbone is naturally fire
resistant. But it's expected to be nearly twice as tall as the Twin Towers." This suggests
challenges with fire safety and height-related risks.
5. What materials were primarily used in building the Burj Khalifa?
The building is made of reinforced concrete, steel, and glass. The core structure is
mostly concrete, which is naturally fire-resistant.
6. How did engineers ensure the stability and safety of the building against wind and
earthquakes?
Engineers ensured stability and safety by using a strong concrete core, a spiral shape to
reduce wind pressure, and advanced damping systems to handle vibrations and
earthquakes.
7. What construction techniques were used to build such a tall structure?
The tower was built using a buttressed core system to evenly distribute weight, along
with high-strength concrete to support the height.
8. What special technology was used to pump concrete to extreme heights?
Engineers used high-pressure pumps to push concrete up.
9. How does the Burj Khalifa handle water supply and waste management for such a
tall structure?
The building has a complex plumbing system that pumps water to different levels. It also
has advanced drainage to remove wastewater efficiently.
10. What cooling and ventilation systems are in place to deal with Dubai’s hot
climate?
To handle Dubai’s extreme heat, the Burj Khalifa uses high-powered air conditioning,
heat-resistant glass to minimize heat absorption, and a smoke ventilation system to
maintain airflow.
11. What controversies or criticisms, if any, surrounded its construction?
The construction faced controversies, particularly over poor labor conditions for workers
and the high costs of the project.
12. What aspect of the construction did you find most impressive?
The most impressive aspect of the construction is the fireproof refuge rooms, which offer
a safe space for occupants in emergencies by withstanding fire for up to two hours.
13. If you were an engineer, what improvements or changes would you make to the
design?
If I were an engineer, I would add more high-speed elevators to improve evacuation and
include vertical gardens to enhance sustainability.
14. What lessons can be learned from the construction of the Burj Khalifa in terms of
innovation and sustainability?
The Burj Khalifa teaches valuable lessons about innovation, particularly in fire safety,
wind resistance, and the constant evolution of skyscraper engineering.
