Rawlplug supports the construction of one of the world’s most iconic hotels – Burj Al Arab!

Burj al-Arab is a symbol of Dubai’s modern architecture and one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. Situated on an artificial island, 280 meters off the Jumeirah Beach shoreline, it is connected to the mainland by a private bridge. The majestic sail-shaped structure is an outstanding achievement in architecture and engineering, offering breathtaking views from its helipad, located 210 meters above ground.

Unique architecture and engineering of Burj Al Arab

Designed by a team from Atkins, led by architect Tom Wright, co-founder of WKK Architects, Burj al-Arab captivates with its distinctive spinnaker sail-inspired silhouette. The project and construction were overseen by Canadian engineer Rick Gregory from WS Atkins. Rising 321 meters, the building consists of two wings forming a V-shape, enclosing a spectacular atrium soaring 180 meters high, making it one of the tallest hotel atriums in the world.

The construction was carried out by Murray & Roberts and Al Habtoor Engineering. One of the biggest challenges was securing the foundations, which involved driving 40-meter-long concrete piles into the sand and draining the site before construction began. A honeycomb-like structural system surrounding the foundation protects it from erosion. The sheer scale of the project is emphasized by the use of over 70,000 m³ of concrete and 9,000 tons of steel. The entire process, including both the creation of the island and the construction of the hotel, took six years to complete.

Rawlplug’s role in the construction of Burj al-Arab

During the development of this monumental project, Rawlplug played a significant role, supplying advanced anchoring solutions. Extensive research was conducted on facade anchoring, and throughout the structure, over 10,000 Rawlplug R-SPT-A4 stainless steel anchors (the predecessor of R-HPTII-A4) and R-KEM chemical resin fixings (the predecessor of R-KEM-II) were installed. These solutions ensured the stability and durability of the cladding and structural elements. The use of Rawlplug’s high-performance anchors contributes to the long-term resilience of the building’s façade, which must withstand harsh environmental conditions, including salt exposure and extreme temperatures.

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