DM seminar discusses measures to reduce construction costs in high-rises

The seminar has shed light on wind-induced behaviour of structures and buffeting responses of buildings, spires, bridges and antennae using specific examples of wind tunnel testing.

Causes and effects of structural motion were also covered from serviceability point of view.

Two experts from Canada-based RWDI Consulting Engineers and Scientists, Jamieson Robinson and Sudeesh Kala, delivered lectures in the seminar which was attended by over 150 participants mostly consulting engineers, architects, developers, project managers from the public sector as well as private firms from the construction industry.

According to Dr. Boualem Tiliouine, Specialist at Building Department of Dubai Municipality, advances in material technology and structural efficiency have made it possible for building professionals to deliver world-class structures that are lighter, more slender and more architecturally innovative.

"To control wind induced vibrations of these sensitive structures and ensure comfortable conditions for occupants, building professionals are turning more and more to damping systems. In the process, they may often save millions of dollars in costs, reduce structural material and affect the carbon footprint of the development. This is in line with the initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on how best to drive forward green building technologies," he said.

He added that the main objective of the seminar was essentially presenting a state of the art overview of the main issues and solution strategies as well as the latest developments in the key areas of Building Motion and Dampers Technology from a Wind Engineering perspective.

Jamieson Robinson listed in his lecture the causes and effects of structural motion from a serviceability standpoint. Vortex-shedding and buffeting response of buildings, spires, antennae and bridges were covered using case studies and lessons learnt from Wind Tunnel Testing.

Motion perception and Comfort criteria as suggested by various Building Codes and lessons learnt through research and experience were also discussed.

In the second lecture, Sudeesh Kala shed light on key subjects of damping systems for better performance in tall buildings and complex non-building structures.

In addition, various solution strategies and the benefits of supplementary damping systems for reducing structural motions, building costs, and enhancing sustainability as well as applications of these systems in real case studies were presented.