DAMAC Tower, part of the Nine Elms complex in London received the Highly Commended accolade at the Concrete Society’s 2023 Awards.
The DAMAC Tower, often referred to as the ‘Jenga’ tower due to its unique building silhouette, is a residential development on South Bank consisting of a 50-storey North Tower and a 24-storey South Tower.
Freyssinet acted as concrete post-tensioning specialist on the high rise development. Working with Project Engineer WSP, Developer DAMAC Properties and Main Contractor Multiplex, Freyssinet was commissioned by frame contractor Byrne Bros to provide the design, supply and installation of post-tensioned slabs and the additional design and detailing for the traditionally reinforced horizontal elements.
The slabs were post-tensioned using the Freyssinet 4B13 bonded flat-slab system, with tendons spaced at an average 1.2M centres in each direction.
The judge’s commented:
“Although the use of high-strength concrete was nothing new, it was the only material capable to achieve the vision of the designers. The hanging concrete soffit that contained the spa pool had to be kept within the confines of the south block.
The cantilevered sections at height were able to exploit the space above in proximity to the live rail track. The bridge not only spans the buildings but also at the front is cantilevered forward. Large steel tendons proprietary and traditional were embedded into the concrete frame to receive the steel and simplify interfaces.
The complexity behind this build is easily appreciated. The cost per square metre for project development was quoted as being approximately 80% of other developments across at the main Nine Elms project site”.