KHALEEJ TIMES, Monday, Sep 16, 2019 | Muharram 17, 1441
One Za'abeel reaches key sliding phase of The Link
Emirates:
Ithra Dubai, a leading developer of community-oriented real estate
projects fully-owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai, has announced the
start of the first sliding phase of the world's largest cantilever, or 'The
Link', on its landmark One Za'abeel development.
The commencement of the sliding works took place last week in the presence of
Issam Galadari, chief executive officer and board member of Ithra Dubai, as well
as members from the development and construction teams.
"We are excited to have reached this critical stage on One Za'abeel's
construction. The Link is an incredible feat of engineering that showcases
Dubai's ingenuity and commitment to creating groundbreaking developments,"
Galadari said.
"As the world's largest cantilever, The Link will provide breathtaking
360-degree views of the city, in addition to the project's prime location for
residences, office space and leisure. The sliding phase of The Link is an
incredible achievement that demonstrates Ithra Dubai's talent and ability to
overcome engineering challenges."
One Za'abeel is an iconic, high-rise, mixed-use luxury development currently
under construction in the heart of the city, standing at the gateway of old and
new Dubai. Designed as a destination in its own right that will draw visitors
from the emirate and beyond, the development has now reached a new milestone
with the launch of the sliding phase of the world's largest cantilevered
structure.
Suspended over 100 metres above ground level and measuring 210 metres in length,
The Link is a panoramic sky concourse that connects the two towers of One
Za'abeel. The timeless structure will house a choice of attractions including
Michelin starred-restaurants, observation decks, and an infinity pool as well as
an immersive experience that is now in its final design stages.
Ithra Dubai and its construction partners are building The Link in sections and
have carried out a sliding operation to move it into place, spanning the
Happiness Bridge and linking the two towers, before it is lifted into its final
position 100 metres in the air.
Features of The
Link's construction
Assembly of The Link's main structure is an impressive engineering exploit. The
bridge is constructed of seven steel modules - named Assembly A through G - that
are slid into place before they are lifted to their final position on the
building. After connecting the first assembly to a temporary launching nose, The
Link will then slide from Tower A towards Tower B. I
thra Dubai appointed a sliding and lifting specialist that used heavy-duty
strand jacks capable of generating a pulling force of up to 220 tonnes per jack
to slide both Segment A and the launching nose thirty meters along the temporary
platform to the edge of the podium. This has created space to assemble the next
segment. At 1,742 metric tonnes and 51 metres in length, Assembly A is the
heaviest individual node to be erected.
The primary nodes for each of the bridge's assemblies were constructed off site
and delivered fully fabricated to reduce on-site welding. Transporting these
nodes entailed significant planning, coordination and execution to move the
individual elements to the construction site, with the heaviest weighing in
excess of 45 tonnes.
This latest stage in the building's construction followed the assembly of a
temporary launching nose on top of the retail podium level four in Tower A of
One Za'abeel.