High-Performance Concrete Construction-Burj Khalifa—A New High for High-Performance SCC (PDF)

Burj Khalifa—A New High for High-Performance SCC (PDF)

Pdf Summary

The document provides a detailed overview of the construction and technical specifications of the Burj Khalifa, focusing on its use of high-performance self-consolidating concrete (SCC). The Burj Khalifa, renowned as the world's tallest building, utilizes different grades of concrete for its foundations, raft, and tower, with compressive strengths ranging from 60 MPa to 80 MPa depending on the building height.<br /><br />The tower employs a reinforced concrete core wall system with a pile-supported raft foundation, allowing it to achieve its remarkable height. The mix design for the raft considers temperature and durability, incorporating materials like cement, fly ash, and silica fume alongside aggregates and sand with precise proportions. These components are crucial for maintaining the necessary strength and consistency of the concrete.<br /><br />Key measurements during the construction included slump flow consistency, temperature monitoring, compressive strength tests, and permeability assessments. Automated temperature monitoring was integral to managing the temperature rise within the tower's foundation, which was crucial for maintaining structural integrity.<br /><br />The document also details the methodology used in pumping trials, including changes in slump flow and temperatures of concrete during trials conducted with varying pipe lengths and concrete grades. The trials emphasized the impact of pumping on fresh concrete properties and highlighted the importance of cohesive slurry to maintain uninterrupted pumping and prevent segregation or blockages.<br /><br />The conclusions drawn from the document assert that concrete, particularly SCC, has become the material of choice over steel for constructing supertall buildings. Effective quality control and maintaining consistent concrete properties are emphasized as vital factors for ensuring successful, high-pressure, long-distance concrete pumping needed in such ambitious construction projects.

Keywords

Burj Khalifa

self-consolidating concrete

high-performance concrete

compressive strength

reinforced concrete core

raft foundation

temperature monitoring

pumping trials

construction methodology

supertall buildings