Burj Khalifa is a magnificent skyscraper that stands tall at 828 meters (2,716 feet) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Completed in 2010, the building has broken numerous world records, including being the tallest building in the world. Burj Khalifa is an architectural wonder that has captivated the world with its sheer size and grandeur. However, there is more to this building than its height and beauty. In this article, we will explore the mysteries surrounding Burj Khalifa.
The Design of Burj Khalifa
The design of Burj Khalifa is a marvel of engineering and architecture. The building is designed in the shape of a Y, with three wings that emerge from a central core. The shape of the building is meant to reduce wind loads on the structure and improve its stability. The building’s exterior is made up of aluminum and reflective glass, which gives it a stunning appearance and also helps to reduce heat gain.
The Elevators of Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa has the world’s fastest elevators, which can travel at a speed of 10 meters per second (33 feet per second). The elevators are specially designed to reduce the effect of air pressure changes as they travel up and down the building. Burj Khalifa has a total of 57 elevators and eight escalators, making it one of the most efficient buildings in the world.
The Mystery of the Tilt
One of the most intriguing mysteries surrounding Burj Khalifa is its slight tilt. Many people have noticed that the building appears to lean slightly to one side. However, this is not a defect or a structural issue. The tilt is intentional and was designed to prevent the building from swaying in the wind. The slight tilt helps to reduce the wind loads on the building and improve its stability.
The Observatory Deck
The Observatory Deck of Burj Khalifa is located on the 124th floor of the building and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dubai. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the deck, which is 452 meters (1,483 feet) above the ground. The deck also features a high-tech telescope that allows visitors to see the city in incredible detail.
The Mystery of the Moving Shadows
Another mystery surrounding Burj Khalifa is the moving shadows that appear on the building’s exterior. The shadows move throughout the day and are caused by the sun reflecting off the building’s reflective glass. The shadows create a mesmerizing effect that has captivated people around the world.
The Fountain Show
Burj Khalifa is also home to the world’s largest choreographed fountain system. The fountain is located in the man-made lake at the base of the building and features over 6,600 lights and 50 color projectors. The fountain puts on a stunning show every evening, with water shooting up to 150 meters (490 feet) in the air, accompanied by music and lights.
The Mystery of the Construction
The construction of Burj Khalifa was a massive undertaking that took over six years to complete. The building’s foundation is made up of over 192 piles, which were driven over 50 meters (164 feet) deep into the ground. The construction team used over 330,000 cubic meters (11.6 million cubic feet) of concrete and 55,000 tons of steel to build the structure.
The Mystery of the Maintenance
Maintaining a building as tall and complex as Burj Khalifa is a monumental task. The building requires constant upkeep and cleaning, which is done by a team of highly trained professionals. The exterior of the building is cleaned using a special machine that is suspended from the top of the building. The machine is equipped with high-pressure water jets and brushes to remove dirt and grime from the building’s exterior.
The Conclusion
Burj Khalifa is not just a building; it is a testament to human ingenuity and innovation. The mysteries surrounding the building add to its allure and intrigue, making it one of the most fascinating structures in the world. From its unique design to its sustainable features, Burj Khalifa is a marvel that continues to captivate people around the world.
FAQs
- How tall is Burj Khalifa?
- Burj Khalifa is 828 meters (2,716 feet) tall.
- What is the purpose of the tilt in Burj Khalifa?
- The slight tilt in Burj Khalifa is designed to improve the building’s stability and reduce wind loads.
- How fast do the elevators in Burj Khalifa travel?
- The elevators in Burj Khalifa can travel at a speed of 10 meters per second (33 feet per second).
- How long did it take to build Burj Khalifa?
- It took over six years to build Burj Khalifa.
- What is the sustainable feature of Burj Khalifa?
- Burj Khalifa features a state-of-the-art cooling system that uses condensate water from the air conditioning to irrigate the landscaping.