Reddy Kancharla Looks Back at Capital Gate Tower

The UAE capital of Abu Dhabi has undoubtedly been on the rise in the past years, with modern buildings popping up left and right. One iconic building that undoubtedly stands out is the Capital Gate Tower, the Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi. This skyscraper's signature 18-degree west incline is a testament to human efforts and technological advancements in engineering.

Engineer Reddy Kancharla explains that the secret to this marvelous feat is its design and construction. The Capital Gate Tower's unique structure includes a concrete core with steel cables that support and suspend the building's upper floors. This approach enabled the structure to lean safely and securely without compromising its integrity. With its unprecedented leaning angle and modern design, the Capital Gate Tower has become a prominent feature of Abu Dhabi's skyline, and it remains a testament to the UAE's commitment to innovation and development.

Capital Gate Tower is over 520 ft (160 meters) tall. It has 35 stories with over 170,000 sq ft (16,000 sq m) of usable office space. According to Reddy Kancharla, it is one of the tallest buildings in Abu Dhabi. It is owned and developed by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) and is the focal point of the Capital Center.

The Capital Gate Tower was designed by British architectural design firm RMJM and was completed in 2011. One of the building's remarkable features is the "diagrid," specially designed for wind forces, seismic loading, and its gradient. Other iconic buildings that use the diagrid include London's 30 St Mary Axe (Gherkin) and Hearst Tower in New York, as well as the National Stadium in Beijing.

Reddy Kancharla explains that this steel-truss diagrid system surrounds a post-tensioned concrete core responsible for the Capital Gate Tower's twisted and leaning form. Because of this, two diagrid systems have been required: first, for the external shape of the tower, and second, to support the central core. Horizontal outriggers join the building core and the external bracing together.

Reddy Kancharla has more than 25 years of experience in construction and civil engineering works, which also includes 10 years in senior management. He obtained his degree in civil engineering in Hyderabad, India, and his master's from Texas Tech University in Lubbock. For more updates, visit this page.