Towers in the clouds

Dubai, Hong Kong, Toronto… VSL has provided its expertise in the construction of skyscrapers on a global scale. A look at some breathtaking examples.

Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE – 828 m high

Since 2010, the Burj Khalifa has held the record for the world’s tallest skyscraper. VSL Heavy Lifting played a leading role in installing the tower’s pinnacle, a 143-m structure weighing 450 tonnes.

CN Tower, Toronto, Canada – 550 m high

Before the Burj Khalifa broke all records, the CN Tower was for a long time the world’s tallest tower. At the beginning of the 1970s, VSL took part in the construction of Toronto’s iconic skyscraper, laying its foundations and installing the post-tensioning system.

International Commerce Centre, Hong-Kong – 484 m high

The ICC is Hong-Kong’s tallest building. Its foundations were built by Intrafor, VSL’s subsidiary specializing in ground engineering. To support this imposing structure, the project team sank a 70-m deep shaft, with diaphragm walls (a retaining structure), as well as 287 barrettes (foundation element). Today, the top of the tower houses one of the highest bars in the world.

MahaNakhon Tower, Bangkok, Thailand – 314 m high

MahaNakhon, whose delivery is scheduled for 2016, will be Thailand’s tallest skyscraper. VSL provided its expertise in the post-tensioning field for Bouygues-Thai, the main contractor in charge of the construction of this residential tower.

ADNEC Capital Gate Tower, Abu Dhabi, UAE – 160 m high

This building may look small in comparison to the Burj Khalifa; it has, however, another record as being one of the world’s most leaning towers. VSL took part in this project, carrying out post-tensioning work essential for stabilizing the building’s atypical design.