The use of vibration solutions is essential for the development of towers, Salah Hirmas, managing director of Getzner Middle East told Construction Week during the Big 5.
The use of vibration solutions such as tuned mass dampers (TMD), as supplied by Getzner’s partner company Gerb, helps to protect against wind influence and to counter the effect of vibrations, Hirmas explained.
While most contractors in the region are aware of the importance of installing vibrations solutions, it is sometimes difficult to convince them to invest in them.
“We have problems with some consultants and contractors. We try to convince them thar this is a risk,” he said.
TMDs are used in three types of applications: tall, freestanding structures; smaller bridges and tribunes; and structures that may have machine-induced vibrations.
Gerb’s TMDs are equipped with helical compression springs and Viscodampers to protect against vertical vibrations, and leaf springs and Viscodampers for protection against horizontal and torsonial vibrations.
Projects in the region using Gerb’s TMDs include the Burj Al Arab hotel, 21st Century Tower and Emirates Towers in Dubai, as well as Doha City Tower in Qatar.
One of Gerb’s best-known projects outside of the region is its work on the Millennium Bridge in London, which was originally known as the ‘wobbly bridge’ because of its oscillating structure. Gerb helped to fortify the bridge with its supply of horizontal and vertical TMDs.
Austrian company Getzner specialises in the manufacturing and supply of material used for protection against vibration and structure-borne noise.
Getzner has had a presence in the region, through its office in Amman, Jordan for a number of years. It also has representatives in Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Qatar and Saudi Arabia as well as partners in the UAE.
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