Construction sites safe from cyclone

Dubai: High-rise buildings under construction in Dubai are at no risk of being affected by the possible effects of cyclone Gonu, and managers say that all construction sites are secure to cope with the rough weather.

Burj Dubai, the tallest structure in the Middle East and Europe that currently has over 120 storeys and is 422.5 metres high, is ready to withstand any rough weather that crosses its path.
"We are monitoring the path of the cyclone, and have good satellite images of where it is passing through so we will be know in advance when it is heading our way," said Dr. Andy Davids, Director of Structures, Burj Dubai Tower.

It is not uncommon for construction at Burj Dubai to halt for a short period of time, according to Davids, who noted that a monitoring device is placed on top of the tower at all times to measure the wind speed.

Construction can be postponed for a few hours up to half a day, and a safety barrier is also placed on the site.

"When the wind speed reaches to 40 knots, the cranes are locked away so that they cannot be in use. It happens fairly often because even on a normal day the wind is quite strong at the top, which is where most of the construction is taking place," he said.

Commenting on the overall construction of high-rise buildings in the Emirate, Davids said that companies are equipped with good warning systems so that they can keep a close watch on the weather.

"Anyone constructing high-rise buildings in the city updates themselves on the weather conditions, particularly now. It is a routine for sites to close down because of the high wind speeds, so it should not come as a shock if sites have to close down for a short while this weekend."

Gopalakrishna, General Manager, ETA Star Property Developers said that it was too early to tell whether construction sites will close down because it depends on the intensity of the weather condition.

"I do not think the cyclone will affect the construction. If any rain occurs, we will follow our regular procedures by pumping out the water pool, which might cause us some delays.

“There will be plenty of caution with sites near the waterfront, and as a construction company we will take all safety precautions," he said, noting that projects currently under construction include The World and Palm Deira.

Chris O'Donnel, Chief Executive Officer at Nakheel said that safety precautions are always taken and an alert has been sent out to all sites to take caution.

"We sent out a high wind alert to all our construction sites so that all loose items will be made secure on the site. By sending out the alert, everyone involved will be aware that strong winds may occur soon, and we are keeping a close watch on the developments," he said.