What Happens if Burj Khalifa's Spire Is Removed?
Channel: Audible Universe
Date: 20/08/2023

Explore the shocking facts about what would happen if the Burj Khalifa's spire were to be removed in this captivating video! Standing as the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa's spire plays a crucial role in ensuring the strength of the entire structure. Crafted from an incredible 4,000 tons of steel, this 244-meter tall spire includes a top antenna that weighs a staggering 350 tons. Removing the spire would result in a shocking 30% reduction in the building's height, leaving it at 585 meters.

But why is the spire so important? Not only does it help maintain the structure's stability, but it also serves as a device that protects Dubai from dangerous thunderstorms. Positioned at the pinnacle of the building, the spire acts as a lightning arrester, safeguarding all the buildings in Dubai from billions of volts of current. With Dubai's frequent sandstorms and strong winds, reaching speeds of over 100 kilometers per hour, the spire's ability to move around six feet during strong winds is not a flaw, but rather an advanced feature that helps absorb wind pressure and protect the 164th floor.

Discover the ingenious design by American structural engineer William Becker, who devised a concept that actively confuses the winds and mitigates their impact. By strategically positioning the decks of the Burj Khalifa at different levels, each floor creates unique vortices that don't align with the tower, effectively baffling strong winds. This design ensures the stability of the building, regardless of the wind's direction.

Uncover the fascinating history of the Burj Khalifa's construction, from the initial uncertain height to the surprising reveal upon completion. The tower's height remained a secret throughout the construction phase, with different projected heights being announced each year. This ambiguity not only prevented other projects from surpassing its height but also posed financial challenges for Emaar Properties, the initial proposer. However, with the support of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nayan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi, the construction continued, and the tower was renamed Burj Khalifa.

As the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa has become an iconic symbol of Dubai's economic boom, attracting thousands of tourists daily and generating over one billion dollars in ticket sales alone. Despite attempts by other countries to claim the title of the tallest building, it seems unlikely that Dubai will be surpassed anytime soon, as other projects such as the Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia and Burj Mubarak in Kuwait remain halted.

Don't miss this eye-opening video that reveals the shocking consequences of removing the Burj Khalifa's spire and dives deep into the engineering marvels that make it an architectural icon. Join us as we explore the awe-inspiring world of Burj Khalifa and uncover the astonishing facts that keep this towering masterpiece standing tall.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Introduction and significance of Burj Khalifa
00:21 - Construction and engineering of the spire
01:00 - Movement of the spire and its purpose
01:41 - Protection against thunderstorms, lightning, sandstorms, and strong winds
03:29 - Engineering flaw in Citigroup Center and its solution
04:39 - William Becker's design for Burj Khalifa's stability
05:31 - Uncertainty and decision-making about the tower's height
06:25 - Funding and continuation of the construction
07:12 - Impact, legacy, economic benefits, and tourism revenue generated by the tower