Dow Corning reaches new heights

Dow Corning silicones helps to protect the Burj Khalifa super skyscraper from the harsh desert climate and promote its energy efficiency.
 
The Burj Khalifa, formerly called Burj Dubai, soars to 828m (more than a half mile) above ground level and is visible from a distance of 95km in all directions. Among the features planned in this 160-level building, are the world’s highest mosque on the 158th floor and highest swimming pool on the 78th floor.
 
The Burj Khalifa set the record for the tallest installation of an aluminium, silicone and glass facade, and required record-breaking quantities of steel bars and concrete for its construction.

With a total of more than 24,000 cladding panels over a total curtain-wall area of 132,000m2, the Burj Khalifa’s shimmering facade minimizes heat transmission and saves energy. The cladding materials were specially made using advanced engineering techniques and include high-performances reflective glazing, silicone sealants and structural adhesives, aluminium mullions and textured steel spandrels with vertical stainless steel tubular fins.
 
“We’ve been involved in many of the landmark buildings around the world for more than 60 years, through curtain wall structural glazing, assembly and weather proofing, insulating glass assembly and interior sealing. That experience and the proven performance of our silicone technologies played a critical role in this project,” said Ron Fillmore, global executive director for Dow Corning's Construction Industry.
 
The project was unique in all its dimensions: size, complexity, and the global industry cooperation.  The harsh environment offered yet another unique challenge since the construction materials have to withstand the test of time in an often scorching desert.
 
“We love these sorts of challenges at Dow Corning.  They’re perfectly aligned with the properties of our silicones, which are incredibly durable and ideal for such a demanding environment,” said Jean-Paul Hautekeer, global marketing manager for Building Projects.  The solutions for the Burj Khalifa Tower included Dow Corning’s global project support services, which are now marketed as a fully client-focused and integrated program called Quality Bond.
 
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