Engineering Projects of the Coming Age, What a Transformation!

One Za'abeel, located in the heart of Dubai next to the World Trade Centre, is an ode to a city that has been pushing the frontiers of engineering to bring bold leadership ideals to life.

WSP, one of the world's leading engineering consultancy services businesses, has been collaborating with various stakeholders to bring this project to fruition.

"In addition to being the Architect of Record, our role in One Za'abeel includes design and supervision services for geotechnical engineering, building structures, building services, specialist services, sustainability, vertical transportation, roads, and infrastructure," says Dr. Mohamed Hegazy, Senior Technical Director of WSP's Middle East business, who is responsible for the delivery of the One Za'abeel development, leading the WSP and Nikken Sekkei integrated multi-disciplinary team. The most prominent element of One Za'abeel is the 'The Link' structure that unites the two buildings, adding to Dubai's already magnificent skyline.

The Link structure is almost as long as the London Bridge at 230 meters and weighs over 23,000 tonnes after fit-outs, with structural steel alone weighing more than the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

This distinctive feature is an engineering marvel, with all of the hurdles surmounted as a monument to the WSP Middle East team's engineering prowess.

The Link uses a diagrid tube construction to counteract the effects of twist and vertical deflection while also allowing for a column-free area. All of these design considerations were considered throughout the building stage of The Link bridge's lift.

"The Link's construction and lifting to its current location serve as a case study for future engineering initiatives," Dr. Hegazy explains. "Connecting the two vertical skyscrapers with a horizontal one was a tremendous design challenge, especially as The Link rises 87 meters above a four-lane elevated roadway that connects Sheikh Rashid Road and the Dubai Financial Centre District."

The Link was built in sections along the elevated highway above the podium roof and slid in place with the use of a bridge launching device. We then erected a strand jacking mechanism at both towers, which allowed us to pull The Link into place, which was a huge accomplishment in itself. We overcame the obstacles by following a strict design and construction schedule.

Our cutting-edge design techniques and engineering solutions allowed us to determine the building's movement, guaranteeing that construction in the towers could continue and The Link could be installed. During the building phase, both towers were erected off-camber. After The Link was hoisted and fully welded into place, the two towers were aligned into their original intended locations. During the lifting procedure, over 600 sensors were deployed throughout the towers and The Link to assure safety and precision," adds Dr. Hegazy.

The Link's parts are also connected to one other and to the two towers, which is a notable feature. "Bolts were not used to connect The Link. Instead, all of the steel elements are fully welded, with thicknesses ranging from 10 to 150mm, utilising a deep penetration welding procedure to ensure the structure is completely linked," he says.

The Link will feature four levels when completed, with a 130-meter infinity pool, Michelin-starred restaurants, entertainment events, a 360-degree viewing deck, and the world's longest-occupied cantilevered structure.

WSP Middle East has been collaborating with their global offices as well as over 30 consultants and local governments, including the Dubai Municipality and the Roads and Transport Authority. "The authorities in Dubai have been tremendously helpful and are working with us ahead of schedule to ensure the smooth completion of this historic project," Dr. Hegazy continues.

Features that ensure safety

"We have integrated unique solutions for fire and life safety systems, methods of egress, and overall safety measures for guests and occupants of One Za'abeel," Dr. Hegazy said of safety. We've also used high-end materials to ensure the highest level of safety and protection."

During the COVID-19 epidemic, WSP was a strong advocate for health and safety, ensuring that world-class health and safety frameworks were implemented in conformity with local government rules and legislation. This aided in maintaining construction continuity as well as ensuring the safety of everyone involved during the project's completion.

Sustainability

Ithra Dubai adhered to the highest worldwide sustainability standards when designing One Za'abeel, which is also in line with WSP's global Strategic Action Plan for assisting customers in achieving net-zero carbon emissions. One Za'abeel aspires to use natural resources efficiently by pursuing USGBC LEED Gold certification and implementing sustainable practices.

Within the unique design and construction of One Za'abeel, this entails including essential components such as Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency, Health & well-being, Amenities & Transportation, Operational Excellence, and Green Construction.

"We exceeded the required points for the design phase, and we're now working on the building phase submission to finish the remaining points and get LEED Gold certification for One Za'abeel," adds Dr. Hegazy.

One Za’abeel at a glance

One Za’abeel consists of two plots separated by an elevated four-lane highway

‚ 7 — Number of basements in each tower

‚ 4 — Number of podiums in each tower ‚ 67 — Number of floors in Tower A, a mixed-use building with offices, luxury and ultra-luxury hotel components, and branded apartments ‚ 57 —Number of floors in Tower B, a residential tower ‚ One and Only — The Operator of the luxury and ultra-luxury hotels at Tower A ‚ 9,400 tonnes — The weight of ‘The

Link’ steel structure that connects the two towers ‚ 2 — Number of private electrical substations in each Tower ‚ 70 — Elevators within the development, including double-deckers and high-speed ‚ Q3 2023 — Time when the development will be fully operational.