Dow Corning Construction Silicones Used on Burj Khalifa Tower
January 11, 2010

Dow Corning silicones were used to help protect the Burj Khalifa Tower in Dubai from the harsh desert climate and also to promote its energy efficiency. The Burj Khalifa, formerly called Burj Dubai, soars to 828 meters (more than a half mile) above ground level and is visible from a distance of 95 km in all directions (CLICK HERE for related article).

The Burj Khalifa set the record for the tallest installation of an aluminum, silicone and glass façade, 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 curtainwall area of 132,000 square meters, the Burj Khalifa's shimmering façade was created to help minimize heat transmission and save energy. The cladding materials were specially made using advanced engineering techniques and include high-performance reflective glazing, silicone sealants and structural adhesives, aluminum 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 curtainwall 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," says Ron Fillmore, global executive director for Dow Corning's Construction Industry.

The harsh environment offered a unique challenge since the construction materials had 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," says 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®.

"Dow Corning® Quality Bond lifts silicone bonding and sealing to a new level through the introduction of a collection of services and commitments, which are relevant to all members in the construction project specification chain. They offer guaranteed performance and peace of mind," says Tim Efthimiady, Construction Industry commercial director for Europe and the Middle East. "The Burj Khalifa was the ideal opportunity to offer our Quality Bond program to the various companies involved in the project from the curtainwall and glass contractor to the main contractor, architect and consultant."

Need more info and analysis about the issues?
CLICK HERE to subscribe to USGlass magazine.