05

SUPER-STRUCTURE
TABLE OF CONTENTS

05.00 SUPER-STRUCTURE ..................................................................................................... 25

05.01 Material Selection.................................................................................................... 25

05.02 Structural Framing.................................................................................................... 25

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 Reinforced/post-tensioned concrete can be used in many different structural arrangements, types
05.00 SUPER-STRUCTURE and configurations. It offers economy, versatility, mouldability, fire resistance, sound attenuation,
thermal capacity and robustness. It can accommodate large and small service holes, fixings for
05.01 Structural Framing suspended services and ceilings, and cladding support details. It is also quick and easy to construct.

The aim of any structural design is for the structure to safely support the loads it will be subjected to Reinforced/post-tensioned construction is widely used in Abu Dhabi and is an attractive option as it
during its lifetime. These loads are due to the self-weight of the structure, occupancy, temperature, offers economy resulting from competitiveness of many local subcontractors and suppliers.
wind, earthquake, water, landscape, etc. Further, the structure must support these loads without
excessive deflection or vibration which might alarm the occupants or interfere with serviceability.
Further, the expertise, technology and materials for procuring and constructing cast-in-place / post-
During normal serviceability, the structure must not show signs of distress due to excessive strain or
tensioned concrete structures are readily available in the local market. There are many concrete
movement.
frame contractors that can undertake this form of construction which should result in competitive
The structural design also needs to be coordinated with other specialty disciplines so to take account tenders for the structural frame.
of functional, aesthetic, the resistance and durability requirements. Building durability, available local
practice and construction techniques also need to be considered. It is critical to meet all these 05.03 Selection of structural system and Material
requirements considering economy and commercial viability.

05.02 Material Selection Minimum material content alone does not necessarily give the best value or most economical
solution in overall terms. Issues such as buildability, repeatability, simplicity, aesthetics, thermal mass
The selection of a preferred structural material for any structure is a complex process that requires a properties and, notably, speed of erection must all be considered. While a super-structure may only
project-specific multidisciplinary approach. It is not an exact science and depends on many non- represent 10% of new build costs, it has a critical influence on the whole construction process and
tangible parameters including experience, various preferences, and even prejudices. ensuing programme. Time-related costs could have a dramatic effect on the relative economics of
a particular type of construction.
05.02.01 Selection Criteria
The selection of a preferred structural option for any scheme is a complex process that requires a
Minimum material content alone does not necessarily give the best value or project specific multidisciplinary approach. It is not an exact science and depends on many non-
most economical solution in overall terms. Issues such as buildability, tangible parameters including experience, various preferences and even prejudices.
repeatability, simplicity, aesthetics, thermal mass properties and, notably, Availability of materials, buildability, integration with other disciplines, experience of contractors and
speed of construction must all be considered. skilled work force and cost are some of the key parameters considered in the selection process.

The Structural Materials buildability, flexibility to integrate with other disciplines During the Concept stage, a number of structural options were presented in order to arrive at the
and critically cost are key parameters important for the selection process. As optimal structural solution for the project including:
such, the choice of construction material for the primary structure will be • Choice of construction material
driven by several criteria including:
• Structural grid
• Appropriateness for type and scale of the building.
• Availability of supply within the local marketplace. • Structural floor system options
• Availability of construction skills within the local marketplace. • Lateral stability system
• Speed of construction.
• Long term durability and maintenance requirements. 05.03.01 Framing Options

In addition to this, the material must allow for flexible structural concepts that Different floor slab and framing systems were considered for review during
the Concept Design stage for each of the areas within the project. The
form building blocks of a changing massing model and phasing driven by
advantages and disadvantages of each type of system were assessed and
creating best value for the development. recommendations for the most appropriate system provided.

The above criteria were assessed during the concept stage and as such the structural design is
progressing based on a cast-in-situ reinforced/post-tensioned concrete construction for the primary
structural system.

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05.03.01.01 TYPICAL Residential Floors Grids and Vertical elements

The building consists of two sets of typical floors, separated by a The current grids in the main building are generally governed by proposed
technical level at L14. The first set of typical floors ranges from L2 apartment layouts at simplex and duplex floors with approx. maximum grids
to L13, while the second set spans from L15 to L22. Duplex units spacing of 12.00 x 9.50m.
are located between Levels L20-L21 and penthouse L22-L23.
To ensure the most efficient structural framing for the proposed building and
The typical floor slab edges vary to suit the architectural design the car park floors below, the vertical elements (columns and walls) are
intent. The terrace areas of the typical residential floors offer maintained possibly continuous from the foundation level to the roof.
amenities such as plunge pools, landscaping, and post-fix However, few branching columns from the main columns are planned at
outdoor jacuzzi units. These amenities are planned along the Amenity roof level/ L14 to support the extended slab edges. There are few
terrace perimeter, or slab edge, with cantilever projections core walls that intersect with the driveways at the podium levels, which may
varying from 3.5 to 4.8 meters. Beam framing is proposed to require special consideration or design adjustments.
support these perimeter amenities.

BIM Model Images (Arch. Typical floor layout + 3D image)

Arch. Typical floor layout - Final coordinated Layout

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Selected Option – PT Flat Slab with Drop panels Typical floors arrangement L15-L22 (PT Flat slab with drop panels)

Based on the above parameters and advantages and disadvantages

associated with each option, described in the Concept design report, post-
tensioned concrete flat slab with drop panels has been selected as the
primary structural floor system for the typical floors of the building.

The post-tensioned flat slab solution provides the minimum slab thickness and
structural zone without drop beams that would impact MEP services
distribution whilst providing the maximum floor to floor heights within the
building.

The minimal slab thickness also reduces the dead load of the structure which
reduces the load on the supporting columns and foundations.

Based upon above studies, Preliminary analysis has indicated a PT slab

thickness of 300mm would be required for the typical floor slabs to satisfy
stress and deflection criteria, with 400/550mm drop panels would be required
at each column location.

STRUCTURAL FRAMING - TYPICAL FLOOR 05.03.02 Ground Floor– Car Park + Entrance Lobby+ MEP Spaces
+driveway + Facility rooms

The proposed space planning of ground floor is mainly covered by entrance

lobby, MEP spaces, building maintenance offices along with driveways and
limited parking spaces. The basement extent is lesser than the ground floor
extent. The foundation level for columns outside basement envelope will be
minimum @1.2m to 1.5m below the ground level. The entire ground floor slab
will be designed as suspended slab. This will allow to avoid potential joint at
the interface of basement perimeter. The floor-to-floor height in Basement
and ground floor & ground floor to P1 is fixed at 4.2m.

Typical floors arrangement L2-L13 (PT Flat slab with drop panels)

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SECTION NO.05 – FIG 6 ARCHITECTURAL LAYOUT- GROUND FLOOR

GROUND FLOOR -RC FLAT SLAB WITH DROP PANELS

Selected Option – RC Concrete Flat Slab with Drop panels

Based on the above parameters and advantages and disadvantages

associated with each option as described in the concept stage & the usage
& specified grids as per the current Architectural drawings (12.0 x 9.50m)
within building footprint and max. about (12.0x6.5m) outside building
footprint (extended podium area), with further consideration for economy,
simplicity and speed of construction RC concrete flat slab with Drop has been
PART SECTION -BASEMENT, GROUND & PARKING LEVELS (P1, P2 & P3) selected as the primary structural floor system for ground floor.

Considering the diverse space planning at ground floor RC flat slab option is
selected over PT slab option. The heavy MEP spaces, landscape along with
driveways are part of ground floor. In the view of future flexibilities and
anticipated floor recess, RC flat slab is suitable for the ground floor.

The RC flat slab with Drop panels solution provides the optimum structural
zone /slab thickness without drop beams that would impact MEP services
distribution whilst providing the maximum floor to floor heights within the
Basement floor. Drop panels are to be provided at each column location
due to punching shear requirements with services routed between the
panels.

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The optimum slab thickness also reduces the dead load of the structure
which reduces the load on the supporting columns and foundations whilst SECTION NO.05 – FIG 10 Podium Level-PT flat slab with drop panel
also reducing the building mass.

Preliminary analysis has indicated a RC slab thickness of 250mm/350mm

would be required for ground floor level to satisfy stress and deflection criteria
with 500/550mm drop panels would be required at required column location.

05.03.03 Parking Podium Levels (P1, P2 & P3)

The proposed space planning of parking podium floors is mainly

covered by driveways & parking spaces. However, dedicated
areas of P3 level are allocated for HVAC and pool plant rooms.
The parking floors perimeter are housing the landscape planters.
The floor-to-floor height between P1 to P2 and P2 to P3 is fixed 3.1m
whereas P3 to L1 is 4.2m.

Podium (P1, P2, P3) Level

Selected Option – PT Flat Slab with Drop panels

Based on the above parameters and advantages and disadvantages associated with each option
as described in the concept stage post-tensioned concrete flat slab with drop panels as the primary
structural floor system for parking podium floors (P1, P2 & P3).

The post-tensioned flat slab solution provides the minimum slab thickness and structural zone without
drop beams that would impact MEP services distribution whilst providing the maximum floor to floor
heights within the building.

The minimal slab thickness also reduces the dead load of the structure which reduces the load on
the supporting columns and foundations.

Preliminary analysis has indicated a PT slab thickness of 240mm would be required for Podium floor
levels to satisfy stress and deflection criteria with 500mm drop panels would be required at each
column location.

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05.03.04 Technical Floor (L14)
SECTION NO.05 – FIG 12 Technical Floor -safe image
The proposed technical floor, planned at 82.00 meters above
ground level, is dedicated to MEP services and landscaping. This
floor will feature landscape planters with depths ranging from 0.6
meters to 1.2 meters. The design aims to create a dense forest
experience for Eywa-2 residents and provide a pleasant view for
the adjacent Eywa-1 residences, whose apartments face the
Eywa-2 technical level. The proposed floor to floor height between
L14 and L15 is 12.5m.

This approach provides several benefits:

• Separation of Services: Having a dedicated technical floor for

MEP systems ensures that these essential services are well-
organized and easily accessible for maintenance.

• Enhanced Aesthetics and Living Experience: The integration of

dense landscaping at this level offers a visually appealing
environment and a natural, forest-like experience for residents,
improving their quality of life.

SECTION NO.05 – FIG 11 Technical Floor Selected Option – RC Flat Slab with Drop panels

Based on the above parameters and advantages and disadvantages associated with each option
as described in the concept stage Reinforced concrete flat slab with drop panels, has been selected
as the primary structural floor system for the L14 technical level.

This floor will be subjected to heavy landscape and MEP loading. There will be considerable floor
opening requirements for MEP services. To provide the flexibility in accommodating future changes
to services & Landscaping. Hence, PT slab option is not considered.

The RC flat slab solution provides the minimum slab thickness and structural zone without drop beams
that would impact MEP services distribution whilst providing the maximum floor to floor heights within
the building.

The minimal slab thickness also reduces the dead load of the structure which reduces the load on
the supporting columns and foundations.

Preliminary analysis has indicated a RC slab thickness of 400mm would be required for L14 floor levels
to satisfy stress and deflection criteria with 600mm drop panels would be required at each column
location.

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SECTION NO. 05 – FIG 14 Amenity roof floor Plan
05.03.05 Amenity floors (L01 & L1.2)

The proposed amenity floor is strategically designed to enhance

the quality of life for residents by providing a range of facilities and
services that cater to their lifestyle and recreational needs.
Located at a prominent level within the building, the amenity floor
serves as a central hub for social, fitness, and leisure activities.

The amenity floor is an integral part of the building’s offering,

designed to provide a holistic living experience that caters to the
diverse needs of residents. By combining luxurious facilities, social
spaces, and sustainable design, the amenity floor enhances the
overall appeal of the building and fosters a vibrant, connected
community.

The proposed amenity facilities are thoughtfully distributed across

two levels: L01 and L1.2. This strategic design provides residents with
ample space and varied environments to enhance their living
experience, forming a 17-meter floor height between the amenity
floors and the first residential level at L2.

SECTION NO.05 – FIG 13 Amenity Floor Plan -L01

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Grids and Vertical Elements STRUCTURAL FRAMING

The current grids in the main building are generally governed by proposed The Amenity floor structural framing is influenced not only by the spaces but
apartment layouts at simplex and duplex floors with approx. maximum grids also by the structural slab level (SSL) and the finish floor level (FFL). The proposed
spacing of 12.00 x 9.50m. swimming pools have following depths- 900mm, 1200mm, and 1400mm. The
shallow pool depth is less than 300mm. The architectural design creatively
To ensure the most efficient structural framing for the proposed building and connects the shallow and deep pools in an artistic way to achieve an infinity
the car park floors below, the vertical elements (columns and walls) are pool effect. The heavy landscape zones around the pools are additional
maintained continuously from the foundation level to the roof. features. As per the preliminary inputs, the landscape planter depths are
varying from 600mm to 1500mm. The maximum depth planters are placed
In continuation to the 50% CD inputs, 9E carried out various structural study within the deep pools to form an island effect, whereas shallow depth planters
proposals to determine the optimum dimensions for the vertical elements are planned around the floor perimeter.
(columns and walls) to span 20 meters. Based on the preliminary study, all the
columns require lateral ties at the Amenity roof level. As per latest architectural
drawings the noted floor-to-floor height between L01 and the Amenity roof is
varying between 4.1/4.8/6.6 meters. Selected Option – RC FLAT SLAB WITH DROP PANELS

Based on the above parameters and advantages and disadvantages associated with each option
as described in the concept stage RC concrete flat slab with drop panels has been selected as the
Study Summary – Amenity level Column and shear wall study primary structural floor system for the Amenity and Amenity roof floor level.
Sr. No. Options Required column Remarks
The RC flat slab solution provides the optimum slab thickness and structural zone without drop beams
dimension
that would impact MEP services distribution whilst providing the maximum floor to floor heights within
Case-A Amenity floor height 20.0m 1900mm Dia. With Composite column the building.
25mm thick steel tube
Case-B Amenity floor height 12.0m 1500mm Dia. RC column As highlighted above, the level differences are expected at the Amenity floor. This will be achieved
by RC slab fold (depth of fold will be treated as beams or if required additional depth of beam will
Case-C Amenity floor height 6.0m 1500mm Dia. RC column
be considered). For the proper load path flow, the fold line will be planned over columns.
Case-D** Amenity floor height 17.0m 1800mm Dia. RC column
The amenity roof floor will have different SSL/FFL’s. This floor covers predominantly heavy landscaping,
(Threshold size for and kids play area.
composite column)
Case-E* Amenity floor height 20.0m 1800mm Dia. RC column The optimum slab thickness also reduces the dead load of the structure which reduces the load on
with a tie at 17.0m the supporting columns and foundations. Preliminary analysis has indicated a RC slab thickness of
325-350mm would be required for the floor slabs to satisfy stress and deflection criteria, with
*- Based upon the coordination meetings discussion with wider project team, 500/600mm drop panels would be required at each column location.
client and subsequent cost evaluation, the study Case- E is accepted. It is
important to note that the 17.0 m column ties are in addition to Amenity roof
level ties. The tie coordination will be expected in next stage of project.

- **As per latest architectural drawings, the proposed amenity floor height is
revised to 17.0m. Hence, study Case-D will be applicable. It is important to note
that even with change in amenity floor height from 20m to 17m, the column
must require the ties at amenity roof level.

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STRUCTURAL FRAMING
05.03.06 Duplex upper Floor- L21
In principle typical floor framing will be followed for the duplex upper levels.
Among the two sets of typical floors (L2 to L13 /L15 to L22), However, the slab edges and floor openings will be restrained by floor
duplex units are located between Levels L20-L21. The upper beams.
floor of duplex unit L21 is having slab edge profile different than
the respective set of typical floors. Preliminary review observations along with GA drawings are shared with
architects for further coordination. The slab edge refinement, ties for
SECTION NO. 05 – FIG 15 DUPLEX UPPER LEVEL -L21 freestanding columns will be further coordinated in detail in the 100% SD
stage of the project.

05.03.07 L23 and L24-Roof

The floor L22 and L23 forms the penthouse floors. The L23 as
cover of L22 planned as recreation floor. L23 floor is planned for
swimming pool surrounded by landscaping, yoga platform,
outdoor seating.

The level L23 is having a reduced slab edge compared to

typical L22 level. Due to this reason some of the RC columns
starting from foundation are terminated at L22. The L22 living
and dining area is planned with double height. However, the
reaming floor area of L23 is following L22 slab edge profile.

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SECTION NO. 05 – FIG 17 Roof- L24-Roof & Upper Roof floor plan

SECTION NO. 05 – FIG 16 L23 FLOOR PLAN & SECTION

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STRUCTURAL FRAMING AND FLOOR SYSTEM ALLOWANCES
STRUCTURAL FRAMING
Structural Allowances
The level L23 is having a reduced slab edge compared to typical L22 level. Element Rebar Allowance (kg/m3) Note
Due to this reason some of the RC columns starting from foundation are
Bored piles 275
terminated at L22. The L22 living and dining area is planned with double
height. However, the reaming floor area of L23 is following L22 slab edge Pile caps 250
profile. The area around swimming pool will form the deck and isolating from Raft 160
the rest of floor. The landscape zones are planned around the swimming pool
Retaining walls 150
area. The raised level will be achieved by light weight martial filling.
Maintaining the floor slab SSL at uniform level will ease formwork and columns 300 Kindly refer appendix for
construction. amenity level 20 m column
options and allowances

Selected Option – PT Flat Slab with Drop panels + Metal Deck slab RC Beams 250
Upstand walls for Ramp 100
Based on the above parameters and advantages and disadvantages
associated with each option as described in the concept stage PT concrete Core walls 175 Lateral stability elements
flat slab with drop panels has been selected as the primary structural floor Suspended slab 150
system for L23 level. However, some part of the L23 will be planned as
Post Tensioned slab (PT) Rebar-90kg/m3 & 5.5kg/m2
concrete slab on metal deck & structural steel beams. (Tendon density)

The PT flat slab solution provides the minimum slab thickness and structural Post Tensioned beams Rebar-150kg/m3 & 15 kg/m2
zone without drop beams that would impact MEP services distribution whilst (Tendon density)
providing the maximum floor to floor heights within the building. Ramp 150

The minimum slab thickness also reduces the dead load of the structure Concrete stair 120
which reduces the load on the supporting columns and foundations. Drop panels 120

Preliminary analysis has indicated a PT slab thickness of 325-350mm would be Transfer beams 300
required for the L23 floor slabs to satisfy stress and deflection criteria, with Foundation level tie beams 165
500/600mm drop panels would be required at each column location.
Water tank walls 150
The Roof slab (L24) - 9E recommends providing concrete slab on metal
deck & structural steel beams.

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05.02.03 MISCELANEOUS DETAILS SECTION NO. 05 – FIG 19 L14 column transition

Column Transitions

The shape of the columns is a key architectural design parameter. As

confirmed by the architects, the circular shape of the columns is preferred to
express the architectural design intent. Within building footprint, except for a
couple of exceptions, most of the columns will follow a circular shape from
the foundation to the roof of the structure. However, rectangular columns
are proposed for the parking floors (outside the tower footprint) to avoid
impacting the parking layouts.

The column positions are mainly driven by the architectural space planning.
There are following few cases –

o sloping column- For the below indicated column, uniform position is not
suitable between parking levels. To address this situation column is
profiled gradually from and back to original position

SECTION NO. 05 – FIG 18 Parking column transition

SECTION NO. 05 – FIG 20 column branching

o Branching column- where the slab edge of typical floor is extending

further than the lower level of typical floor, columns is planned as
branching from the main column at Amenity /L14 level.

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o The rectangular columns within the building footprint are NEST STRUCTURE
intended to be circular for the Amenity and technical levels.
This transition will be achieved with locally thickened slab o The building terraces feature a nest structure, as highlighted in
sections. Throughout this transition, attention will be paid to the image below. These nests are arranged along the slab
achieving a uniform centre of load path. edges to blend seamlessly with the edge landscaping,
enhancing the elevation beauty. The slab edges are profiled
SECTION NO. 05 – FIG 21 Column Transition Model in 3D (Rectangular to circle) according to the nest positions at the respective floor levels.
The nest framing will be constructed with structural steel.

SECTION NO. 05 – FIG 23 Nest details and concept arrangement

o Consequently, it will be necessary to provide column transitions

in the locations where the section size changes to ensure a fluid
transfer of loads and to assist in the detailing and construction.
This will be achieved discreetly at the high level of L01 & L12.

SECTION NO. 05 – FIG 22 Column Transition Model in 3D (circle to circle)

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