KAUST Solar Tower

Description

The Solar Towers are a unique system for climate control on the new King Abudullah University (KAUST) campus in Saudi Arabia. The extreme temperatures of the climate require extensive cooling systems, and the design team has developed an innovative low-energy solution. Comprised of a double-glazed skin and supported by a post-tensioned, precast concrete diagrid, the towers are chimneys that convert the sun’s energy into air movement, by creating a Venturi effect in the atrium space between buildings. The architecture and structural design was performed by HOK in the USA, while construction methods and concrete production were managed by OGER International.

GT worked with OGER International to develop an execution level-of-detail model, permitting the construction methods team to resolve and validate the details of the project in advance of shop drawing production. Comprised of all steel inserts, precast components, post-tension tendons and fixing bolts, the execution model contains all concrete details to be built onsite. In addition, the cladding system was incorporated into the model to verify the integration of these two complex systems.

On validation of both steel and concrete details, our team produced the execution documents per OGER International’s specification. 2D profiles from the digital model were used to fabricate the steel components with CNC cutting tools. The moulds for the precast components were developed and detailed in the 3D model as well. After fabrication, quality control measures were performed on the components to compare as-fabricated to as-designed; measurements from the 3D model were used to validate, and where necessary modify, the steel components before delivery to site.