CAPITAL GATE

LOCATION : ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

ARCHITECT : RMJM
COMPLETED : 2011
FLOORS: 35
HEIGHT : 160 m

The main building’s form is meant to symbolize a swirling spiral of sand, while the curved canopy, known as
the “splash,”is meant to represent the waves in the sea. It creates a wave-like effect, reflecting the building’s
proximity to the water and the city’s seafaring heritage.

INTERNAL + EXTERNAL DIAGRID INTERNAL GRID GLASS FACADE

Given the 18° lean of the building, the construction required two diagrid systems: an external diagrid defining
the tower's shape and an internal diagrid linked to the central core by eight unique, pin-jointed structural
members. The external diagrid comprises 720 sections of varying shapes, as it is based on the direction in
which the tower leans. The external grid carries the weight of the floor while the internal diagrid connects with
the external and transfers the load to the core, thereby eliminating the need for columns in the floor.

WIND STRATEGIES

The structure consists of a The diagram shows how the

post tensioned concrete core funnel shape of the tower
surrounded by two steel truss responds aerodynamically to
systems (diagrid system). the predominant winds

● Steel beams support con-

crete floor & run throughout
the diagrid system horizon-
tally at the node intervals.

● Outrigger are horizontal

trusses used to connect the
building core to the exterior
bracing system

LOAD DISTRIBUTION

LOADS TRANSFERRED
From internal diagrid to core
at 17th floor

CANTILEVERED
Pool deck and sky ● The core was pre cambered
lobby braced back to meaning it was initially tilted
core at 10th floor away from the overhang of the
building and was straightened
by the dead load of the build-
COUNTERBALANCES ing.
The overturning moments on
ACCENTUATES the underhanging side of the ● The core was built using the
The overturning moment on tower technique called jump forming.
the overhanging side

DIAGRID

DIAMOND SHAPED DIAGRID

HORIZONTAL TIE BEAM

DIAGRID NODE The interlocking part of the cruciform is

called the diagrid node, and an hori-
The Diagrid was made up of steel cross sections zontal tie beam connect all nodes
called cruciforms. together horizontally through the A composite floor system is used, spanning from the main core to internal
circumference and external diagrids.

30
46 degrees 23 degrees
degrees

The facade consists of the steel diagonal framing system Interioir view of the facades
(diagrid), and diamond shaped glass modules. Double skin facade system