The engineers of CM Engineering Consultants (CMECS) have comprehensive experience in the design and construction of any kind of structures. At the early stages of concept design development, they are able to give guidance on structural options and layouts that enable the project team to define their architectural intent. In any project this knowledge is essential, as well thought-out and efficient structural layouts reduce capital construction costs and timescales, whilst increasing net let-able area and interior layout flexibility.
The basis for this expertise comes from a thorough understanding of building structural behaviour, conventional RC and post-tensioned concrete design and high-rise construction techniques in both Structural Steel and Reinforced Concrete. Together with the back-up of our external specialists in Facade Engineering, Fire Engineering, Building Physics and Infrastructures, CM Engineering Consultants (CMECS) has the skills to meet and exceed client expectations in high-rise structural engineering design.
CMECS prides itself on this front-end approach to design and innovation. It gives contractors the ability to work efficiently and effectively, and clients the opportunity to minimize programming and delivery risks.
Image credit to Aedas
Back in 2005, Chris Magadia performed value engineering and third party review works for a twin 60-storey mixed-use development located in Trade Center First along Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. Chris was the lead structural engineer for Whitby & Bird.
Chris was able to save substantial concrete volume by balancing the stiffness of the structure for serviceability and ultimate demands while maintaining good level of human comfort against wind induced acceleration. The technique of balancing the stiffness requires knowledge of structural behaviour and mode of failure. With the help of wind tunnel testing and different structural permutations Chris was able to optimize the structural system while meeting SLS and ULS requirements.
Chris has, over the years, been involved with a number of value engineering works in and around the Middle East region. He was also involved in a number of value engineering projects while working previously in the Philippines.
by Chris Magadia for Whitby & Bird Dubai
2006 - 2010
The structural design of Ocean Heights 2 project was completed in 2010 while I was working as an Associate for Whitby & Bird in Dubai. The stability of the tower was carefully thought of to balance stiffness requirements for both ULS and SLS design criteria. For the original height of 460m the balancing of stiffness resulted in the tower not requiring tuned mass dampers to control wind induced accelerations that will affect human comfort at the top of the building.
Ocean Heights 2 Project (Damac Heights) – Concept Design by Aedas Architect
While working for Whitbybird (Dubai), WME (Dubai), TJEG (Dubai), Beca (NZ)
Ubora Tower in Business Bay, Dubai – Architectural Design by Aedas Architect
Chris Magadia (Middle) at Level 42 of Ubora Tower during one of the structural inspection and deflection monitoring visit at site in 2009
Chris was the design manager and lead structural engineer for the design and construction supervision of the 60-storey Empire Tower project in Reem Island, Abu Dhabi while he was working for Whitby & Bird in Dubai. The design requires close coordination with the architects and services engineers due to the complex geometry. The balancing of stiffness resulted in optimum and cost effective structural solution for the Client.
Chris was also asked to lead the site supervision team during the construction phase of the project in 2009-2010.
Empire Tower in Reem Island, Abu Dhabi – Architectural Design by Aedas Architect
Empire Tower in Reem Island, Abu Dhabi - During Construction
Chris was the lead structural engineer responsible for the concept structural design of the proposed
90-storey Volante Tower in Dubai Marina
while working previously with Whitby & Bird in 2005.
Proposed Volante Tower in Dubai Marina – Architectural Concept Design by Xtreme Vision Architects
Proposed Volante Tower in Dubai Marina – Architectural Concept Design by Xtreme Vision Architects
Chris was the lead structural engineer responsible for the third party review of the structural design carried out by a leading structural consultant in the Philippines. Chris was able to suggest structural solutions to remove torsional irregularities in the structure which is critical for buildings located in high seismic countries like the Philippines.
Citibank Manila (The Fort, BGC) – Third Party Structural Review for BECA in New Zealand
Sample Seismic Displacements Comparative Study Before and After the Third Party Structural Review