The Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge also popularly known as the Pearl Bridge, has the longest central span of any suspension bridge. The central span is staggering 1,991 metres (6,532 ft) making it a truly marvelous civil engineer wonder. Located in Japan, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge was completed in 1998 with the purpose of linking the city of Kobe on the mainland of Honsho to Iwaya on Awaji Island by crossing the busy Akashi Strait.

Construction Details
Central span – 1,991 metres (6,532 ft)
Steel – 181,000 tonnes ( It is said that total stell cable used in this bridge could encircle the entire world 7 times.)
Workers – 2 Million
Time- 10 years
Concrete – 1.4 million cubic metres

The bridge is constructed by using two main cables which strech between two towers. The road is supported by other cables which are eventually tied up with main cables. Two large anchor blocks on either end support this gigantic structure.

On 4th Jan 2010, the biggest civil engineering marvel was inaugurated with a spectacular display of water, sound, light, and fireworks.

The biggest marvel which has amazed one and all has been in minds of not only civil engineers but also in the minds of common people. The world’s tallest building is being unveiled in the middle of the a huge financial crises but this has not marred the spirit of Dubai.

The inauguration show consisted of a pre-show and three themed acts – From the Desert Flower to Burj Dubai, Heart Beat, and From Dubai ‘&’ the UAE to the World.

People of Dubai can watch this much awaited inauguration ceremony from the Waterfront Promenade close to The Dubai Mall.

As per Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director, UAE, Emaar Properties,
“Just as Burj Dubai leaves an indelible impression on the mind’s eye, so the performance dedicated to the tower’s inauguration on January 4 will be a memory to cherish.”

Burj Dubai is the tallest man-made structure with a staggering height of 824.55 m (2,705 ft). This ambitious project began on 21 September 2004 and is now opened exactly on schedule.

Here is the chronological overview of the project

In January 2004 the excavation of the area is started and piling work commenced in February 2004. The construction work was given to Emaar contractors in September 2004

The real structure began to rise in March 2005 and after 15months in June 2006 50th level is reached. Then came 2007 when all the records began to shatter as in February 2007, it surpassed The Sears Tower as the building with the most floors.Then on 13 May 2007 it sets a record for vertical concrete pumping on any building at 452 m (1,483 ft), shadowing the current record of Taipei 101 at 449.2 m (1,474 ft). Then on 21 July 2007, it minnowed Taipei 101 and reached level 141. Then till the year end, Burj Dubai had surpassed Sears Tower antenna and CN tower and reached 150 level.

In 2008, it became the the tallest man-made structure at level 160. On 1 September 2008 its height tops 688 m (2,257 ft), making it the tallest man-made structure ever built, surpassing the previous record-holder, the Warsaw Radio Mast in Konstantynów, Poland.

In 2009, it reached a breath taking height of 818 m (2,684 ft) and in Oct Emaar announced that it has completed the exterior and it will be opened in Jan 2010.

Watch the opening ceremony of Burj Dubai

Tirol-Adria-Project (Tyrol-Adriatic Sea-Project) was filed at the EU-commission in Brussels (head office Energy and Traffic) and at governments of Berlin, Vienna, Rome, Munich, Innsbruck, Bozen and Trento and consists of the following proposals:

A: Tyrol-Adriatic Sea hydropower stations based on the deviation Inn-Etsch; Capacity of 3.500 MW, pumping capacity 2.000 MW.

B: Danube-Tyrol-Adriatic Sea-Waterway, the waterway Passau-Venice has a distance of 700 kilometres and is at the Po Valley already navigable.

Plus the following project conceptions, which add themselves up due to the building of the canal tunnel:

C: Maglev Train Munich-Verona (330 kilometres).

D: High-Voltage-DC-feed conduit on the maglev’s line Munich-Verona through the Alps-canal-tunnel. This line could also function as part of the solar power-bridge Africa-Europe (distance: 1.000 kilometres), as the hydropower stations on the Alps’ southside can be embedded as regulating power stations.

The detailled project can be found on www.tirol-adria.com.

Main Concept
Fulfillment of human needs for:
· Safe and clean environment
· Food & Shelter,
· Education,
· Arts
· Culture,
· Useful and satisfying employment

Objectives
The Concept of GIFT is based on the following objectives :
· To develop a new format for globally benchmarked Integrated City.
· To propose a road map for fast track development and implementation.
· To make the city scalable in each & every aspect for a distant future.
· To derive the city format from fast changing lifestyles & new technologies.
· To achieve an image of Global city, that keeps pace with modern technologies.
Urban Planning
GIFT promises to be a Central Business Hub, not just for India but also for the rest of the  world. Bestowed with world class infrastructure, it is poised to set a new paradigm of Urban  Planning.  The development of GIFT offers a significant opportunity to be a testbed  to drive reforms  and innovation in various fields including in delivery systems, local government, physical
planning, infrastructure development, environmental protection and so on. Getting these  foundation principles right is crucial to plan and execute the development strategies.


Life and Livability/Ecological Integrity
Propelled by a competitive economy anchored on commerce and related industry, GIFT,  envisaged as an EcoCity,  will serve as the Vibrant Hub of Western India and as a habitat  showcasing business oriented, environmentally sensitive growth with equity. The fundamental principles of life and livability lays the foundation for the city.

Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
Transit oriented development (TOD) shall be concentrated near transit nodes to make travel  convenient for people and serve as multimodal transport. Each transit node also offers hotel &  office with commercial facilities. It shall enhance walk to work concept.

Here is the proposed plan:
1. Diamond Tower
The tallest tower is located in splendid isolation on the beautiful Fortune Island surrounded by beautiful landscape. The Diamond Tower symbolizes Gujarat’s flourishing diamond industry. Designed to portray the elegant edges of diamond facets, each floor of the tower is different and yet uniquely forming one large diamond.
Plot Area (Sq.Mt) – 28,628
Total Area(Sq.Ft) – 4,286,056
Above Ground – 2,721,372
Below Ground – 1,564,684
Max. Height (in meter) – 410
Max. No. Floors – 84

2. The two Gateway Towers
The tall archways of the Gateway Towers frame the majestic Diamond tower and create a picture perfect setting. Astride the main avenue of the city, the Gateway Towers have elaborate terrace gardens and rooftop restaurant. The Gateway Towers draw this design inspiration from Buland Darwaja and herald India’s arrival in the new millennium.
Plot Area (Sq.Mt) – 39,864
Total Area(Sq.Ft) – 7,682,282
Above Ground – 5,356,978
Below Ground – 1,827,624
Max. Height (in meter) – 350
Max. No. Floors – 83

3. Cocoon Tower (Package T)

A city within a city. One Big organism is what the design metaphorically represents. The design inculcates the notion of a micro system existing in the macro system. The analogy of human body with all its various system of substance the organs, blood vessels, breathing and metabolism system has been interpreted to device the system for the “City Life Body” of blocks.
Area – 14.43 Acres
Height – 220 m
Floor -  56

4. Naga Tower (package O)
The Guardian of the city. Naga a powerful symbol in India finds a re-interpretation in these buildings. Truly a magnificent first in the world.
Area – 10.6 Acres
Height – 230 m
Floor – 54

5. Convention Center
It has several halls, auditorium and an opera with sitting capacity exceeding 10,000. It’s design is inspired by Salt Crystals and Dandi March. It will also have Eight museums showcasing the history, art, culture and socio economic life of Gujarat.
Plot Area (Sq.Mt) – 214,550
Total Area(Sq.Ft) – 6,938,554
Above Ground – 3,606,348
Below Ground – 2,997,165
Max. Height (in meter) – 65
Max. No. Floors – 16

We are thankful to Mr Aakar Shah who contributed this informative article to this website.

Dubai – The Astonishing Place For Civil Engineers

To amaze the engineering fraternity, Dubai is back with a project which would test the engineering limits. As per some news, Trident International Holdings have given a project to Arabian Construction Company to build world’’s tallest residential tower the ”Pentominium” in Dubai Marina.

The estimated cost of this project is staggering  400 million dollars and the builders believe that once this will finish, Dubai would again prove his superiority in civil engineering field. Professionals all over the world are really looking forward for this project as it would change the way people think about residential buildings.

Salient features of Pentominium
1. It would be second tallest building[124 floor] in world after Burj Dubai.

2. The height of this building would be 618 metres.

3. The total built-up area will be 170,000 square metres.

4. Construction duration is expected to take 48 months.

5. The Pentominium will be the tallest all-residential building.

6. It is designed by architects Aedas.

7. Each living space will have its own foyer and smart biometric access control.

8. Every apartment will consist of either a half or a whole floor (more than 600 m²)

If the builders are to be believed, then these would be the most luxurious apartments in the world having 24*7 butler service, option to use high end luxury vehicles on rent, sailing trips on Yachts and all the accessories you can think of too have a king size life. The top floors will have private theater, cigar lounge, sky lounge, business center, sky pool, health clubs, squash courts and a banqueting hall.