Middle East and Africa
Empire Tower, Reem Island, Abu Dhabi
A wind tunnel study of the structural loads and building motion was undertaken for this twisting and leaning 60-storey tower structure. WINDTECH Consultants used its published technique to accurately account for the effect of the structure’s complex/coupled dynamic response, which is different to conventional wind tunnel analysis techniques.
This structure is certainly not amenable to code-based predictions of the structural loads and occupant comfort under building motion due to its height, not to mention its unusual, twisted form. The wind tunnel study identified an unusual amount of torsional loads acting on the structure, which was found to be due to the form of the building structure.
Other studies were carried out including a façade pressure study and a wind environment study. It should be noted that the façade pressure study resulted in a 12% saving in the cost of the façade package for this building.
