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How the world’s tallest skyscraper was built – Alex Gendler

TED-Ed

1.1M views 5 years ago

Warm-up Questions

What do you already know about the Burj Khalifa or other very tall skyscrapers?
Why do you think countries and cities compete to build the world’s tallest building?
What problems do you imagine engineers face when a building gets extremely tall?

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How the world’s tallest skyscraper was built – Alex Gendler

The problem with taller skyscrapers (00:00 – 01:48)

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1. By the end of the 20th century, what happened to the race to build the tallest skyscraper?

It moved entirely to underground buildings
It ended because skyscrapers were banned
It stopped making progress for a while
It became much faster than before

2. What was one drawback of early tall buildings with thick masonry at the base?

They were easy to build quickly
They could not include windows
They were too light to stand up
They were substantially more expensive

3. Why were tall steel skyscrapers vulnerable to strong winds?

Their surfaces were larger and less dense
Steel cannot be used above 50 floors
Their foundations were always too shallow
Wind only affects buildings made of concrete

How the world’s tallest skyscraper was built – Alex Gendler

Tubular designs: a new philosophy (01:48 – 03:02)

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1. Where did Fazlur Rahman Khan believe tall structures should bear their weight?

Only in the basement
On the roof using heavy machinery
On the outside where they were widest and most stable
In the middle of the building

2. What did Khan propose replacing the internal grid of steel beams with?

A wooden frame with metal nails
A network of ropes and cables
A steel and concrete exoskeleton
A glass shell with no supports

3. One result of exterior walls bearing the bulk of the load was that internal supporting columns could be removed to do what?

Prevent elevators from working
Make the building shorter but wider
Reduce the number of floors
Maximize space

How the world’s tallest skyscraper was built – Alex Gendler

Burj Khalifa: buttressed core, wind strategy, and human cost (03:02 – 06:08)

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1. What is the name of the design that lets the structure work as a single load-bearing unit?

Floating foundation
Tubular design
Suspension lattice
Buttressed core

2. How does the Burj Khalifa’s spiral pattern of setbacks help with wind?

It disperses air currents, turning extreme winds into harmless gusts
It increases wind pressure to stabilize the base
It blocks all wind from reaching the building
It makes the building heavier so it cannot move

3. What action was taken against some workers who tried to quit or return home?

They were offered shorter shifts
They were promoted to supervisors immediately
Their paychecks and passports were withheld
They were given a bonus and a free flight

How the world’s tallest skyscraper was built – Alex Gendler

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1. What is the main engineering idea that made much taller skyscrapers possible in this video?

Avoiding elevators to reduce weight
Using only thicker masonry at the base
Building only in locations with no wind
Moving structural support outward through new structural systems

2. Why is wind a major problem for extremely tall buildings?

It removes the building’s electricity
It makes concrete impossible to mix
It can cause swaying and structural damage
It prevents sunlight from reaching windows

3. Besides engineering achievements, what other theme does the video emphasize near the end?

The human cost and worker protection issues
How to invest in real estate
The importance of interior decoration
The history of Dubai’s tourism industry

Discussion Questions

Discuss the ideas from this video

How the world’s tallest skyscraper was built – Alex Gendler

Do you think building the world’s tallest skyscraper is worth the money and effort? Why or why not?
Which solution sounds more effective to you for tall buildings: an exoskeleton/tubular design or a buttressed core? Explain in your own words.
What responsibilities should governments and construction companies have to protect migrant workers on major projects?
If you could redesign a city skyline, what would you prioritize: height, safety, sustainability, cost, or something else?