Great Dubai Wheel

De constructieve haalbaarheid van 's werelds eerst multifunctionele spaakloze reuzenrad

Master thesis (2008)

Contributors

A. Romeijn (mentor)
K.C. Terwel (mentor)
Department
Design and Construction (CEG) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2008 Bolleboom, J.A.N.
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Published Date

04-11-2008

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Faculty

Civil Engineering and Geosciences

Department

Design and Construction

Abstract

In 2003 the master plan Dubailand was presented. One of the eye-catchers of Dubailand will be the Great Dubai Wheel, a multifunctional Ferris wheel with a diameter of 185 meters. In contrast with the existing Ferris Wheels this wheel does not have any spokes. Furthermore, being supported by the entrance building, the wheel will be used not only as an observation wheel, but also as a slowly rotating hotel. Research: Removing the spokes will have great influence on the structural behavior. To understand the structural behavior of this centre less Ferris wheel the structure and loads of the current design, were modeled and analyzed using the finite element program SCIA ESA PT. Using this model the strength, stiffness and stability of the basic design were analyzed. The feasibility was checked using the Dutch NEN code. Conclusion: By leaving out the spokes the structural behavior of the wheel will change considerably. Where the stiffness and the global stability of the structure are sufficient, the strength of the current structure will be insufficient. The distribution of the forces shows a peak above the highest support. The peak, which is caused by the restriction of the deformation by the support construction, will have a negative influence on the static and the fatigue strength of the wheel. To create a feasible structure the peak should be reduced by adjusting the design of the Wheel, the support structure, or both.