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Four Engineering Breakthroughs Changing the Skyscraper Race

Published on: January 11, 2008

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As the world’s tallest buildings reach toward the 3000 ft. mark and beyond, the pursuit of height might give way to practicality. From Dubai to Taipei and Chicago to Boston, the engineers of budding superstructures get plenty of attention for the tale of the tape. But as some of the field’s leaders tell PM, they are also beginning to install new technology that will increase safety in skyscrapers currently on the rise.

It’s not all about civic virtue, either. “In order to be economical in designing buildings at these extreme heights, you have to look at the constructability, controlling the wind forces and the structural efficiency,” says William Baker, the lead engineer for the Burj Dubai tower (pictured above) at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP.

Those demands have already translated into new construction designs and next-gen materials that, however unheralded, will help keep future megatowers safe during construction, everyday use and disaster.



Reader Comments
3. RE: Four Engineering Breakthroughs Changing the Skyscraper Race
Website: http://securityco-op.com/
Who knew skyscrapers can be even taller. I always think these tall buildings will collapse from a strong wind or earthquake, still this has never happened.

2. RE: Four Engineering Breakthroughs Changing the Skyscraper Race
i have ben in construction for 35 yrs the new inventions are mind boggleing bigger is better

1. RE: Four Engineering Breakthroughs Changing the Skyscraper Race
i hope engineers/scientist will continue to develop more for the future of engineering. more power

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