Lamar Towers Jeddah

Salama Structural Engineers retained Buro Happold to support a value engineering review of twin 80 story residential towers in Jeddah.  Assaad Salama requested Chris Bakkala to evaluate tower performance based on first principles.

Chris Bakkala conducted parametric model studies using the component element stiffness approach he has developed over the course of many years.  Using this approach, a battery of simple model studies permit rapid evaluation of alternative designs.

For this project, torsional issues were apparent from wind tunnel report and  the parametric studies focused from an early stage on movement performance improvements combined with material cost reductions.  A simple construction solution was realised through elimination of movement joints, permitting rationalisation of vertical structures, substantially improved torsional response, satisfaction of Client comfort criteria, and over $12 million in structural material cost reduction.