Burj Khalifa: The Tallest Tower in the World

With 163 stories and reaching a height of 2,717 feet, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa is more than twice as tall as the Empire State Building. This book provides a fascinating account of the engineering feats that went into the six-year construction of the world’s tallest human-made structure. Novel techniques, from the unique Y-shaped base designed to protect against high winds to the “sky source cooling” system and a new type of concrete, are described in accessible language. Text boxes address relevant subjects such as “Washing 24,000 Windows,” and the structure’s urban legends. Occasional “Did You Know?” boxes offer interesting tidbits: “Elevators in the Burj Khalifa have the longest travel distance in the world.” Back matter includes a glossary, further reading, suggested Web sites, and an index.