Abstract

This case study is about the Bahrain World Trade Center. This explains how it was
designed, constructed, the problems faced, how those problems were overcome, and
why this building is special from the others. The reason why this topic was chosen
for the case study was because this building is unique from other buildings not
because of its beauty, but because of its green technology. Also, this project
takes an exceptional place in stainable technology. Taking all these factors into
consideration, the topic �Bahrain World Trade Centre� was chosen.

Introduction

The Bahrain world trade centre which is located in Manama, which has two 50-storey
sail shaped towers, which is having a height of 240m and contains three 29m
diameter horizontal axis wind turbines. The towers are placed on top of a three
story podium, which accommodates a new 9600m^2 shopping Centre, FINE HOTELS, food
centers, business Centre, health club spa, and 1800 onsite parking spaces. But what
makes this unique is not its height or beauty but its green technology. Bahrain
world trade center was designed by the south African architect Shaun Killa who is a
specialist in using sustainable design buildings.

DESIGN
Background

The designing and the architecture was completely done by the great architecture
Shaun Killa. A person who is ready to show the concept that Bahrain is not only
interested in fossil fuels it is more towards sustainability. Designing this
structure that is creating massive wind turbines in a building structure is not an
easy task and if it was successful there is a lot of benefits from this project,
and the knowledge of this technology can be shared worldwide
Unique design features of this building

The unique feature of this building is that the electricity is provided for the
entire building using the three wind turbines which is fixed to the building. The
turbine uses the wind energy to make its wings rotate and convert that energy into
electrical energy. So to make this project successful they overcame a lot of
problems.

The shape of the building

The basic design of this building was taken from sail boats. The building is
designed in such such a way as shown in figure 1.1, so that the air is channeled
between the two buildings using the principals of air flow, funneling the onshore
winds between them and creating a negative pressure zone behind, so that it
accelerates the wind velocity between the towers into the path of the turbines. The
towers tapered shape with higher wind speeds at increasing height means that the
three fixed turbines have a nearly constant vertical velocity profile. Within a 45
angle both sides of the central axis, the center of the wind stream is
perpendicular to the turbines.

Figure 1.1. The shape of the building

Design of wind turbines angle and problems faced

The building is being installed with three wind turbines to generate electricity.
Basically the wind turbines are pole mounted and it is facing the direction where
the wind increases the odds of maximum energy. It looks easy to imagine but when it
is applied practically it is really hard, because Bahrain has variable direction
wind climates. Most of the architectural studies regarding building-integrated,
horizontal axis turbines follow the principle of a fixed turbine as in the case of
this tower. Fixing vertical axis wind turbines to the towers are always encouraged
and everyone gets a lot of advantages from it for being sustainable and low cost.
Out of all the design development of this project has proved that using vertical
axis turbines will not be available especially for building purposes.

Fixing a horizontal turbine has some problems like it can only be able to operate
with wind from a limited angle. If problems faced with blade deflections and
stressing or straining through excess air flow are to be avoided. Since the
building has been designed in such a way where the wind can be directed towards the
wind turbine the problem can be resolved.

Wind tunnel modeling that was validated by CFD models. Have shown that the incoming
wind will get deflected by the two towers and have an s shaped streamline flow as
shown if figure 1.2 where the wind speed can be tolerated by the wind turbine.
Engineers have predicted that the turbine can operate for the wind directions from
the angle of 270 and 360. But still prevention measures have been taken and the
angle has been reduced to 285 and 345. The wind turbine has an ability to
automatically adapt to a standby mode when the wind comes from outside the give
range angle. It is now clear that it was not a co incidence that the buildings are
extremely have high power to prevail against wind.

Figure 1.2. The streamline flow of wind towards the building

The wind turbines which is fixed on this project contains the following contents,
Nacelle: which contains enclosure with gearbox, generator, cooling system and
associated control systems, Rotor, Bridge, Control, monitoring and safety systems,
Electrical Building Interface.

Nacelle and Rotor

The nacelle is the term used for the cowling containing the gearbox, brake,
controls, etc. and in addition, there is the rotor.

Table 1.1. Components used and their performances

Nominal electrical power generated

225kw
Power regulation
stall
Rotor diameter
29m
Rotor speed at full load
38rpm
Air brake
Centrifugally activated feathering tips
Maximium wind speed for blades
80m/s (any direction)
High speed mechanical brake
Fail safe type disc brake
Low speed mechanical brake
Caliper type
Generator
Closed 4 pole asynchronous induction 50Hz
Yaw system
Fixed yaw
Cut in wind speed
4m/s
Cut out wind speed
20m/s (5minute rolling average)

The machine of the turbine is designed to fixed on the top rather than into the
bridge so that it is easy to provide its functions easily to the turbine. The
designed turbine is simple and reliable it can be controlled easily. Then the
turbine rotor blades are bolted into the hub and then it is fixed in the desired
angle to make sure that it makes the maximum use of the wind. The wind creates
turbulence on the front side of the blade hence the power output will always be the
maximum output.

The maximum power which is about 225W will be reached when the speed is at 15 to
20m/s but it might change according to the wind density and other factors. When
there is conditions like high speed wind, the wind turbine which is operating or in
standby mode the tip of it extends by the centrifugal force and then it rotates to
act as it has self-working brake and exerts drag force and finally it makes the
turbine stop.

Bridges

The main parts of this unique design is the loads on the rotor, through the nacelle
and then onto the key part of the design, such as bridges and the tower. Hence
the structure should be analyzed for strength and other properties. Calculations
regarding the load and all for this project have been made by the bridge designers
and in conjunction with the wind turbine manufacturers where they use a specially
adopted version to become the best wind turbine design. This machine which was
designed for this purpose has the ability to take note of the influences of the
buildings, bridges and fans.199 different types of load cases has been applied for
creating this model of turbine and validating calculations or operational processes
prepared to theatrically demonstrate that the turbine and the bridge has the
capacity for excessive pressure and load. At the early stages of construction
adjustments were made to theoretical value and experimental values were considered
so that the energy yield could be increased or decreased.

The bridges have been designed aerodynamically and the structure is complex as
shown in figure 1.3, because it maintains free bearings where they connect to the
buildings to allow the two towers 0.5m relatively. Moreover the bridges which is
317m long have been designed to support a nacelle with a mass of 11 tones have been
designed to withstand the vibration and vibrations created by the all three wind
turbine. The bridges have been analyzed by the bridge designer to estimate the
natural frequency of the bridge and to ensure it is safe even when it is having
high vibrations due to itself of by the building. Further precautions have been
taken in the design like the bridge has been damped, so that it won�t be
problematic anymore during commissioning. Another precaution taken was adding
spoilers to the bridge and mass damper is tuned and adjusted.

Figure 1.3. Shape of the bridge

The bridge is designed in a shallow V shape in an angle of 173 degrees to prevent

blade deflection during extreme conditions and to afford enough clearance and to
prevent blade strikes to the building. Moreover under all these conditions, blade
clearance to the bridge which is 1.12m is achieved. The worst part was the blade
tips was extended giving a factor-ratio of 1.35 safety margin, and under all these
conditions adequate clearance was given to do. Moreover a laser blade is fixed
where it monitors the system that will set the turbine to stand steady if the
deflection becomes excess.
Turbine speed control design

The wind turbine control system is a quality control system that is specially being
designed to control and monitor functions of the turbine. The design is trustable
and reliable because it is able to shut down turbines safely when there is a huge
change in the climatic condition or due to other factors which will threaten safety
of human life or the building. Moreover the system is designed online so it can be
accessed from anywhere and it can be controlled under the grants of the appropriate
organizations. There is another machine fixed inside the turbine where it is
independent which comes to a standby mode if there is any real emergency like fire
or hurricane etc.

CONSTRUCTION

Planning

As the building was designed the hardest part begins now that is the construction
of it. So since Shaun Killa proposed the design, the construction started as
proposed in the design, bull dozers started to clear the places and the work began.
At the same time Shaun Killa started to search for the turbine manufactures and
bridge engineers. But the problem he faced was other turbine engineers didn�t share
his visions. They thought it might be dangerous for human life because the turbine
which is in the middle of the tower is inches away from the building so there are
chances for accidents.

However after reaching six months that is when the building was reaching its fifth
floor, two engineers from Danish respond. Earnest sungill who designs turbines and
laas torback engineers bridges. The two engineers did several experiments with
models and they found the design can be successfully applied and constructed on the
building. But before that they overcame a lot of problems. One of it was how strong
the components need to be, so the engineers took 20 years of wind data from Bahrain
airport and they found how strong it should be hence the turbines were
manufactured.

Materials used during the construction

During construction a lot of materials were used, and most of them were renewable
or recyclable. Some of the materials which were used are given in table 2.1.all the
materials were bought to the construction site through heavy vehicles like huge
trucks to save time and money.

Table 2.1. Materials used during the construction

Concrete
4000cubic meter
Steel reinforcement
730 tonnes
Cement
1600 tonnes
Stone and sand
7400 tonnes
Water
1600 litre

Construction of the building

As according to the design and the plan the work stated with the foundation. The
foundation used was deep foundation. The main problem the engineers were facing
during construction was building the correct shape as planned and designed. Since
the most sides of the building were curved, it was really hard to achieve that
task. The window glasses was fiber glasses which is really strong enough to
withstand some force.

Figure 2.1. Construction progress

Manufacturing the wind turbines

Once again the engineers undergo a lot of problems that is manufacturing. For
factories it is really small orders and it was hard to make. But finally they got
that done from a factory from eastern Denmark. This blade is the largest blade ever
constructed. Another problem they faced was installing the bridges as specified in
the design.

Installations of the bridges

After two and a half years the building construction it finally reaches 240m as
designed. Now the installation of bridges begins. This is most dangerous task they
faced in this project. Each of the bridges were carried up and installed. But the
process was really hard. Each bridge was weighing 68 tones and lifting them up is
act of an absolute precision. Since the bridge is shaped aerodynamic this is like
airplane wings, so hanging on cables makes its sleek shape difficult to control in
high wind. The bridge was carried up at 11m/h. once the bridge is taken up only one
side was bolted and the other side was placed on solid steel rollers.

Installations of turbine and the propellers

The next task of the construction is installing them and the group was given only
seven days to complete the task. But still again a lot of problems was faced. After
installing two generators the wind increases it reaches 50km/h where lifting it
would be risky hence they lost a lot of time but then they installed it when the
wind speed was 32km/h. after the turbines were taken up 18 bolts which is 27mm
thick was used to fix the turbines to the bridge. But the strenuous challenge was
raising aerodynamic blades designed to accelerate wind has to be raised between the
two towers. They came across another problem as well there was storm which was
preventing them from carrying up. Basically the three blades were fixed to the
central hub and were ready to be raised. Each blade contains 50 layers of fiber
glass glued together around wood reinforcements. Hence, it is really hard to
control their movement while installing so they used longer ropes to maintain the
balance and to prevent colliding with the building. Finally the 4.2 tone turbine
was raised to the top and bolted, where the first one is fixed at 61m height. Then
all three was installed successfully.

Recommendation

The Bahrain world trade center is showing us that the world is running out of non-
renewable resources. So we should come up with something where it is renewable,
sustainable and cost effective. This is just one of the examples but the human
society will be facing loads of sustainable engineering wonders very soon.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Introduction

Project management is very important in the construction of a building for it to be

successful. It involves team leadership and coordination, diligent project planning
and effective oversight of the delivery process. This section offers guidance for
the entire team to effectively carry out a high performance building project since
it is critical to satisfy client and end user needs.
Value for the money in construction requires the completion of a project on time,
on budget and to a level of quality that meets the predetermined needs. Project
management ensures that the project will be well-programmed and will continue to
provide value and meet user needs throughout its lifetime as well as contribute
positively to the environment in which it is located with a wide range of both
social and economic benefits.

Early investment in planning, programming and design can help deliver these
benefits without unnecessary costs and delays but the responsibility for delivering
high-quality products rests with the entire team.

When the project is being planned, the whole-life value should be considered not
just initial capital costs. The building should have performing facilities during
its whole lifetime. Hence planning by the client, design and construction teams can
have enormous benefits to the project value and make the job easier.

People Involved:

Table 3.1. People involved in the construction

Engineering and design consultancy
Atkins
Architect and Design director
Shaun Killa, Atkins Middle East
Management
Atkins
Ramboll
Managing Partner
Ole Sangill, Norwin A/S
Main Contractor
Norwin A/S
Elsam Engineering
Senior Section Manager
Simon Hill, Murray and Roberts

Country Manager and Director of leasing and managing agents

Bob Addison

Project director
Lars Thorbek, Ramboll Danmark A/S

Progress of construction:

Location: Manama, Bahrain

Total costs: USD $ 150 millions

Table 3.2. Progress of the construction

Year construction started
2004

Year construction ended

2008
Total duration of construction
4 years

Time taken for twin towers to reach 5th floor

6 months

Time taken for twin towers to reach 240m/ 50th floor

2.5 years

Time taken to install bridges, generators and turbines

7 days

Time taken to install turbines and blades

3 days
Time taken for building to be completed
Approx. 44 months

The lowest wind turbine was tested eight months after it had been installed has
while the other two were tested ten months after they had been installed.

Figure 3.1. The testing of the turbines

Difficulties encountered:

Design stage

Problem 1: The first difficulty encountered was to figure out where the wind
turbines should go. It was finally decided that they would be part of the building
on horizontal bridges between the two towers stacked on each other but the major
problem was that wind turbines are normally mounted on vertical poles and can turn
to face winds in different directions so that they can receive uninterrupted wind
coming at them so as to send it to a generator which converts it into energy. The
wind turbines of the building would however be on a horizontal axis fixed into
position unable to turn into the changing winds. Also since wind speed increases
with height, the uppermost turbine would rotate more quickly creating more power
while the lowermost one which receives less wind power will create less power. The
three turbines needed to rotate at the same speed so that one does not wear off
before the other.

Figure 3.2. The design of the turbine on a horizontal bridge

Solution 1: To counter this, the building was designed in such a way that it
resembled the sails of a boat. This particular shaped would cause the wind to be
funneled and would cause the bottom turbine to rotate more quickly while making the
top one rotate less quickly as well as receive uninterrupted wind flow.

Problem 2: Temperatures in Bahrain can reach up to 48�C, much heat would be

absorbed into the Bahrain World Trade Center. Hence, maintaining a cool temperature
inside the building would be more costly

Solution 2: the windows would have to be tinted and double glazed so as to reduce
85% of the heat which would have otherwise been absorbed into the building.

Construction stage

Problem 1: The construction was already under way and neither turbine manufacturers
nor bridge engineers were interested in his project since there was the risk of
blade failure and the machine could topple over and if it happened in a commercial
center where there are people inside the building only inches away from the blade,
then the possibility of the getting hurt is possible. All the turbine manufacturers
and power providers were turning down the project. The construction was still going
on past six months and had reached the fifth floor when a Danish company, Norwin
A/S, responded to the offer.

Problem 2: Blade manufacturers were not interested in this project as they were
used to receiving orders to a large scale and this building only required three
wind turbines and three wind generators. It was then finally decided that a pre-
existing blade model would be used but the safety features would have to be
enhanced since the blades will be spinning above a shopping mall

Problem 3: The lifting of the bridges was a very difficult task since each one
weighed about 68 tonnes, hanging on cables, their particular shape made it
difficult to control in high wind. The crane operators had to lift the bridges
slowly at a speed of only 11 metres per hour. The workers bolted only one side of
each bridge to the tower while the other ends were placed onto solid steel rollers.

Problem 4: On the day that the first set of blades were to be installed, the wind
was blowing at more than 85km per hour and it was impossible to lift the blades
since each one was strong, flexible and aerodynamic; it would be prone to rotate in
the blowing wind therefore making it difficult to control during its ascent. It was
finally in the afternoon that the speed of the wind finally decreased to about 21km
per hour. Ropes were used on each blade by the ground crew while they were being
lifted to prevent them from rotating due to the wind hence ensuring that the towers
the blades did not collide with the tower. It was also a difficult task to dock the
blades to the turbines as the wind was blowing in the opposite direction hence
causing the blades to move away from the bridge. The blades had to be tied in
position to the bridge using ropes and bolted so as to maintain it in place.

Problem 5: Ground crew members had much difficulty in controlling the last set of
blades as the wind speed was higher than the cut off speed they had decided and the
angle at which the blades were being lifted was much steeper. They took longer than
planned to complete the installation of the last set of blades.