[BITList] burj dubai - learning experience?

[s14engine]

Bill Baker, the building's structural engineer, who is in Dubai for the inauguration. "It was kind of an exploration. ... A learning experience" ......................................................................doesn't exactly inspire confidence in me!

ct

Dubai to open world's tallest tower Monday; height still a secret
By Adam Schreck (CP) - 1 hour ago

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Dubai is set to open the world's tallest building amid tight security Monday, celebrating the tower as a bold feat on the world stage despite the city state's shaky financial footing.

But the final height of the Burj Dubai - Arabic for Dubai Tower - remained a closely guarded secret on the eve of its opening. At more than 800 metres, it long ago vanquished its nearest rival, the Taipei 101 in Taiwan.

The Burj's record-seeking developers didn't stop there.

The building boasts the most storeys and highest occupied floor of any building in the world, and ranks as the world's tallest structure, beating out a television mast in North Dakota. Its observation deck - on floor 124 - also sets a record.

"We weren't sure how high we could go," said Bill Baker, the building's structural engineer, who is in Dubai for the inauguration. "It was kind of an exploration. ... A learning experience"
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