Natural hazards

Although the earth beneath Dubai is seismically active, earthquakes – caused by the collision of the Arabian and Eurasian Plates – have only ever occurred on the Iranian side of the Persian Gulf. The Burj is of earthquake-resistant design, taking into account the seismic indicators in the vertical and horizontal load cases for the foundations and the growing structure.

It is not threatened by windstorm, stormy sea, or precipitation of any significance. The shamal (a sandstorm typical of this area) is predictable and relatively easy to forecast. Dangerous turbulence only occurs up to a height of about 300 m above the ground.

Nevertheless, even normal winds are strong. The spire at the top of the Burj is designed for a maximum excursion of ±12 m. Wind tunnel tests were carried out up to a building height of 900 m. The tower has a Y-shaped structure core and three wings with numerous airframe-like reinforcements, particularly on the lower storeys to ensure a high level of torsional stiffness. The building sections end in such a way that the tower tapers in an upward spiral. This irregular shape deflects wind forces away from the high-rise structure and thus prevents wind from accumulating.

Moreover, the construction risks are increased by extremely high temperatures (of up to 50°C) and the humidity in summer. Construction procedures must meet special demands (cf. Growing structure).