Working pile cap treatment is 95% complete
Guniting is 100% complete
Concrete protection layer and waterproofing layers, overall is around 85% complete
The steel reinforcement has commenced and around 15% complete

I think all of the above comments are valid, this is not the progress for a tower that will be handed over by End of 2008 but what do I know! No F**** Chance.

Not entirely sure why people are surprised - we know they were lying in their sales material ('walking distance from the Burj Al Arab'!?!) so why wouldn't they state overly-ambitious deadlines?

And all the while peoples' payments keep on rolling in, funding their other developments.

Since DS have made a written statement about 24 hours construction, this can be used legally later on if delivery does not happen on time and it was not actioned. Lets hope they will actually implement the 24 hour construction soon.

24 hours construction? u guys shud know better... summer months are gonna hit soon so u can take off 4 hours from the day .. and soon this area might be hit by the 'no construction after 8 pm' rule.. you'll be lucky if u get 12 hours of work in a day

^^ No construction after 8 rule will be force majeure no doubt :bash:

Still they should be working on it a lot more than they are now.

Some advise for DS to bring the schedule back on track. Make sure you sign up Paul Daniels, David Copperfield(may be not him, he can make it disappear all together) & David Blaine I think Super man is busy with the delay on Infinity and Spider Man said he can’t help until it goes at least 10 floors above ground (Dec 07 / Jan 08).

I spent most of the last few weeks on airports waiting for flights and I managed to read quite a lot of the threads on SSC. It is quite educating, in most of the threads, it starts with hope and wishful thinking, then some sensible guy or two come along and bring some reality into it followed by an attack on the people with realistic views by the people that I think are part of the propaganda machine, then the statements of steady progress / good job, then people accept the delay as it was just a matter of fact and nothing can be done about it, then the looking forward to getting hold of the units despite the bad quality because somebody will come and tell you, well your investment have gone up by ???% so they then accept bad quality also. Amazing how people expectation change over just a couple of years. Thanks to Krazy and others for archiving the threads, great read.

Just back from a few nights in the Grosvenor House. The Torch shuts down real early while the huge site in front of the Habtoor is flat out with 50 plus working all night. TT needs a big influx of labour soon or min 2010.

you missed it, there has been a big influx of labour, from 0 to 10.... :ohno:

I think it would be useful to have a statement from Select Property concerning the size of the labour force and how much it will be increased by. In addition a statement on the number of hours that are worked now and when this will be increased.

Select Property needs to take this more seriously, its a supertall and not a block of flats in Bulgaria. Burj Dubai will take less time than this!

Some advise for DS to bring the schedule back on track. ... I think Super man is busy with the delay on Infinity and Spider Man said he can’t help until it goes at least 10 floors above ground (Dec 07 / Jan 08).

Becouse of contractual obligations, Marvel Superheros (Spider-Man, Action-Man, X-Man, Hulk, Fantastic 4 and co), can't help before the year 2011 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=454237)

You have to do without them for the time being, however we know now what (or who) will be the lit torch (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/7f/Htorch.PNG/250px-Htorch.PNG) :banana:

I had assumed the 'no construction after 8pm' would be applied here as it is near completed properties (Le Reve, Marina Heights, etc.) ... I actually thought this is why progress is slow.

No its seems from reports here that they are working less than 8 hours per day, 6 days per week. Besides the 24hr rule has not been started yet as far as I am aware, so they should be working 24hrs day at the moment. In any case they should be working around 16 hours per day, 7 days per week, in shifts.

Sounds like they're pacing themselves rather trying to complete ASAP then

I wonder what they're waiting for.

Sounds like they're pacing themselves rather trying to complete ASAP then

I wonder what they're waiting for.

A Shared Podium with the site next and front of it perhaps!:)

I am hearing all kind of rumours about that site at present, nothing that can be attributed to a trustworthy source though!

Like everybody else I'm dissappointed with TT progress, however when compared to similar towers such as Mag218 & Princess they all seem to be going at the same slow rate so to be fair this is nothing peculiar to TT........ actually Princess seems even slower than TT !!!
And Pinnacle seems to be rising at a floor a MONTH rather than a floor a week.

And Pinnacle seems to be rising at a floor a MONTH rather than a floor a week.

that's not been true since the tower crossed podium height

Hi Everyone.

I am new here, and have been watching this forum for a few months now, and i must thank all those people in Dubai who post those photos, they really do keep us in touch with what is going on, I would be lost without them.

I would just like to answer this comment from Tractor.

"And all the while peoples' payments keep on rolling in, funding their other developments."

When you agree to buy something, it then becomes there money, and they can do with it what they wish, If I bought a mars bar from my local shop, and then saw the boss had treated himself to a new car, I would'nt go up and tell him he couldn't as the money was still mine.

Alan

^^
Not exactly the same:
It's more like they sell you a "Mars bar", but then you can't eat it for another 4 years, while they are spending the money they got from you.

Hi Everyone.

I am new here, and have been watching this forum for a few months now, and i must thank all those people in Dubai who post those photos, they really do keep us in touch with what is going on, I would be lost without them.

I would just like to answer this comment from Tractor.

"And all the while peoples' payments keep on rolling in, funding their other developments."

When you agree to buy something, it then becomes there money, and they can do with it what they wish, If I bought a mars bar from my local shop, and then saw the boss had treated himself to a new car, I would'nt go up and tell him he couldn't as the money was still mine.

Alan
Hi Alan welcolm. The differance is you would be enjoying your mars bar not waiting 4 or more years for it. I am all for seperate monies for seperate towers. Do you, Ttractor, think that TT monies are funding TP and BC? Let me tell you that I have paid 50% on my purchases on TP and we are still at lowering stages.

I think it is very likely that money from TT payments has allowed Select to buy the other plots, etc.. Unless of course they raised millions in private investment i don't know about.

Lets face it, the payment schedule you are on is WAY in front of money spent on the plot. It doesn't make sense for them to slow things down if they have the money to do it faster ... unless of course they need to replace TT funds spent on other locations by selling more apartments in those newer developments.

Lets not get unnecessarily pessimistic here, construction is progressing well and they are now inserting the steel rods for the concrete slab. For all we know it may well be that the manufacturer producing these can only fabricate so many of them each day and hence when a delivery has been deal with, the workforce have nothing to do until the follow day, hence why we are not seeing 24 hour working yet. It's so easy to criticise when we don't have all the facts about what's actually happening on the ground.

Lets not get unnecessarily pessimistic here, construction is progressing well and they are now inserting the steel rods for the concrete slab. For all we know it may well be that the manufacturer producing these can only fabricate so many of them each day and hence when a delivery has been deal with, the workforce have nothing to do until the follow day, hence why we are not seeing 24 hour working yet. It's so easy to criticise when we don't have all the facts about what's actually happening on the ground.

Morrismarina – don’t take this the wrong way as I think your postings are generally valuable, although on this occasion I’m unclear on what grounds you’re basing your claim that “construction is progressing well”? Speaking for myself and maybe a couple of others, i think it’s difficult NOT to get somewhat pessimistic. Some of the ‘facts’ as we're all aware include:

-The deadline being pushed back (investors only notified after it was so painfully obvious to everyone)

-Promises broken on numerous occasions - the very fact that their most recent promises have been broken despite only being made in Feb doesn’t fill me with great confidence – You'll recall their claim that: "This programme has now been finalised and within the coming weeks you will see the following activity:

• Additional labour force starts on site (isn’t happening yet)
• A 24 hour-a-day construction programme begins (isn’t happening yet)
• Above-ground construction, with a target of 2 floors per week (isn’t happening yet)
• Simultaneous apartment finishing from ground up once floor 15 is reached (too early to tell).

There are loads more: Who remembers the promise about “the development becoming visible above ground in the New Year”? Or what about the promise to “as always” provide ‘regular’ construction updates? What has been provided to date shows little regularity…

Also, your speculation as to why there would be little point workers being on site only draws attention to poor project management I’m afraid...

I’d also add that comparisons to other projects in worse shape, does little to vindicate DS. They should be judged on their performance benchmarked against their promises and deliverables.

As for DS, you need to start maintaining a regular dialogue with your investors (and I don’t mean calls to discuss new investment opportunities…). You have over 70% of most people’s money by now with 20% due very shortly. It’s about time you started to provide your investors with timely information – good or bad.

I am on MorrisMarinas side here, I have bought many off plan properties, and DS are amongst the most informative off them all, just take a look at there web site, there are so many improbables in a huge undertaking of putting a super tower up, you have to give companies a bit of slack, as far as I can see it is going along nicely, and if there is a delay than so be it, it only makes it more valuble when it is built, No I would'nt like to eat a 4 year old mars bar, but we signed for a long term build, and you are knocking it every step of the way, I really dont see a problem with a company spending money I have paid them, to buy something from them to keep there company rolling along.
I also have one in Marinascape, and no one knocks Trident, yet they never tell you whats going on, I think I have had one letter in the last year from them, they are also behind, it is going to be a great tower in a great place, and we should stop being so negative about them.

Alan

Latest updates from DS on their website - there are 16 photos from 1st March & 4 photos from 12th March (11 days ago) how much more of an update do you want ?? :ohno:
Perhaps to make you happy DS should provide you with a photo every day then or, perhaps one every hour !!!

Latest updates from DS on their website - there are 16 photos from 1st March & 4 photos from 12th March (11 days ago) how much more of an update do you want ?? :ohno:
Perhaps to make you happy DS should provide you with a photo every day then or, perhaps one every hour !!!

if you think its all about pictures on websites - pictures i might add that are more of the same, i think you've completely missed my point...

if you think its all about pictures on websites - pictures i might add that are more of the same, i think you've completely missed my point...

I fully understand all the points you've made but I was only commenting on your point "what about the promise to “as always” provide ‘regular’ construction updates? "........ and DS are clearly doing this by way of their regular photos.

Latest updates from DS on their website - there are 16 photos from 1st March & 4 photos from 12th March (11 days ago) how much more of an update do you want ?? :ohno:
Perhaps to make you happy DS should provide you with a photo every day then or, perhaps one every hour !!!

To achieve the original programme / schedule, this tower should be 7 to 10 floors above ground by now and not a big hole 5 floors under.

No amount of communication which was part of the deal any way or any comparison to any other badly managed towers can change the fact which is, they are bloody late and will never deliver anytime before 2010 earliest. Nothing is wrong with people asking for some honesty and professionalism or is that too much to expect because other developers don't do it. I wonder about you people and how far you are prepared to lower your standards.

many people can't accept loosing revenue for two years through no fault of their own...........

fair enough... i'm not trying to be negtive about DS - theyve always been very professional towards me - i just want them be a little more cautious before they commit to new promises, otherwise they set themselves up for failure, simply be setting false/impossible expectations.

Latest update from DS website:

Construction Diary
12/03/07 - Working pile cap treatment is 95% complete
12/03/07 - Guniting is 100% complete
12/03/07 - Concrete protection layer and waterproofing layers, overall is around 85% complete
12/03/07 - The steel reinforcement has commenced and around 15% complete

Latest update from DS website:

Construction Diary
12/03/07 - Working pile cap treatment is 95% complete
12/03/07 - Guniting is 100% complete
12/03/07 - Concrete protection layer and waterproofing layers, overall is around 85% complete
12/03/07 - The steel reinforcement has commenced and around 15% complete

do i feel any more updated based on this construction diary? not really... its easy to provide granular detail but not tie it back to where things stand in relation to the overall process.

Also, i'm glad to see your focus is on demonstrating that DS do provide some form of construction updates. i guess its a bit more difficult for you to demonstrate they have kept their promises, and will meet the new deadline of end of 2008.

We need a timeline and a marker to indicate the current progress point.

We need a timeline and a marker to indicate the current progress point.

agree 100%..then we'll all get a real perspective on progress.

This stage of construction always is discouraging. Once the foundation is finally complete, then you can see clear constant progress as the floors rise, but when they are pouring the raft several weeks goes by when it hardly looks like things are happening. Of course if I had bought an apartment in this building I would probably be more antsy....

I am on MorrisMarinas side here, I have bought many off plan properties, and DS are amongst the most informative off them all, just take a look at there web site, there are so many improbables in a huge undertaking of putting a super tower up, you have to give companies a bit of slack, as far as I can see it is going along nicely, and if there is a delay than so be it, it only makes it more valuble when it is built, No I would'nt like to eat a 4 year old mars bar, but we signed for a long term build, and you are knocking it every step of the way, I really dont see a problem with a company spending money I have paid them, to buy something from them to keep there company rolling along.
I also have one in Marinascape, and no one knocks Trident, yet they never tell you whats going on, I think I have had one letter in the last year from them, they are also behind, it is going to be a great tower in a great place, and we should stop being so negative about them.

Alan

On the DS website for TT the last update was on the 5th Feb for the Construction Bulletin and July 06 for the Dubai News !!

Project management tool

Put very simply;

If there are 84 floors in the building and the first floor to be poured is 15% complete then that gives us a progress of 15% of 1/84= 0.18% progress on the structure.

If we exclude piling and excavation, structure commenced Dec 06 and should be complete by Dec 08 (DS estimate) that gives us a duration of 25 months.

0.18% of 25 months = 1.4days !! YES, 1 and a half days progress in 3.5months!!!!!!!!

Of course this is not accurate as the basement floors require more work than the main superstructure floors, but allowing even 8 times longer per basement floor does not improve the figures that much.

This simple project management exercise is used to demonstrate whether the program time alloted is realistic or whether the progress output is sufficient to maintain program. I would suggest that the figures indicate that both are very unrealistic and alarm bells should be ringing.

Nearly forgot,

Time line data;

Program duration = 760 days
Current date = 100 days
Progress to date = 2 days

^^ This analysis will be a lot more useful once they get started on "typical" floors. At this point it is kind of comparing apples and oranges. It is somewhat typical from what I've seen to take a month or two to get from the piling being done to the raft foundation being done, which is what they are working on now. But regular floors usually go up at least one a week. When they get started on regular floors, then we can measure how many days each one takes, and how much time remains on the schedule from that point and decide how far behind they are.

Eggs are eggs and Apples are apples, that is the way of the world, there are some very clever people on here, and I bow to there superior knowledge and expertise when it comes to seeing all those calculations in black and white like that.
Everyone of us gets up in the morning and has to deal with the world at large, I don't know about you, but if 20% happened, of what is said to me or done to me I would be lucky man, the tiler brought the wrong colour tiles, the postman delivered the wrong mail, the UPS parcel from the States didn't turn up, found out the American clerk had filled in my address all wrong, couldn't use my Air Miles on a flight to Budapest, Etc, Etc, and that was just the morning, the afternoon was as bad.
Seriously without being condescending to people, S***t happens, and I take these delays, with a pinch of salt, after a couple heart attacks, and a by-pass, I do not get angry at the world anymore, I am going off thread, but know one knows what DS have had problems with, i.e. in terms of suppliers, and while I personally think, we are all well informed by them, it is not good business sense for any company to diss themselves, by negative press release's.

Alan

DS realised very quickly (probably due to this website) that if they didn't release news (even bad news) investors would start bailing out leaving them with a serious problem.

No-one can say that they are working flat-out and the preparation of the foundations has taken a VERY long time. I also believe Mag218 has significantly overtaken TT in terms of progress although it may have marginally 'simpler' foundations.

TrueBlue knows what he's talking about.

Using the Marina Pinnacle as an example, its foundations were at around the same stage in April 2006. After nearly a year they are at floor 10.

Why would you want to bail out and leave them with a problem!! so they couldn't build it and everyone loses out, I signed a contract to buy, with stage payments over 15 years, and I will honour that, I think DS do not rely on our payments to trade, they probably have a backer, they are after all allowing an escrow account on the Bay Central, buildings, and there investments in other countries take smore money than what they take at the Torch.
By the way isn't everyone in dubai having supply problems? and they are all running late, why would a company put workers on site if there are no materials to build with, may I ask if you have a property there? I do understand the need to get these things built so we can let them, and get them paying there way, just dont understand the negativity of it all.
Alan

^^

My scepticism, I’m sad to say, is based on fact alone. There is a significant time lag in getting information from DS (sorry - i need more than just photos to tell me where this project stands...)

In addition, when they do communicate updates, their is little truth in it, resulting in broken promises (please give me an example where this isn't the case...)

Alan, on one hand you outline how well you think DS keep everyone informed, yet by your own adminssion (where you stated in your first posting) that if it wasn’t for this forum, and the regular updates that get posted, "you'd be lost without it."

If DS were doing such a great job on the communications side, you, like many other people (including myself) wouldn’t be relying on news/updates emerging from this forum and certainly wouldn’t feel lost without this forum…

We can spend the next 2 years continuously making comparisons to other projects but it doesn’t make DS a better developer just because the other ones are worse...

i should also add, in regards to your point about all developers experiencing supply problems in Dubai - this maybe fact, although this is another example where DS tried to take the moral high ground and stated in their Nov bulletin that "Our construction partner, Dubai Civil Engineering, benefits from many competitive advantages over other firms constructing in Dubai, such as unparalleled access to supply chain within the region".

Maybe theyre right - i havent seen confirmation that it is supply related, although, if it is, as some suspect, i guess there is little truth in their claim above???

They're tripping over their own promises...

I'd never suggest that people sell or bail out, but delays should concern everyone ... the reason being the increased cost of your investment and also inflation preventing the developer from making a decent profit.

I believe inflation in Dubai is currently at 8/9% per year? I would imagine cost of labour & materials is going up far faster than that due to the demand.

Each month a development slips, the profit margin for a developer reduces. Its fine when it is a big company like Emaar / Nakheel but for the smaller guys it at least means cost cutting measures and at worst means bankruptcy.

I'm sure this won't happen, but I am just illustrating why investors will always be concerned by delays.

From day one, do you remember the Dubaiselect team saying the following on this very forum:

17th May 05.
Completion end 2007. Emaar building in front of the Tower has planning for 12 storeys eventually.Architects and Main contractors are Khatib and Alami.

Front of the building and the right hand side that faces the shopping mall and Marina Heights will have the best views (in my opinion). These will be direct Marina views.

All the 6,7 and 8 apartments Marina facing have now sold out. Still have 04 and 05 at the moment. (another lie, I bought two over a year later on original floors).

19th May 05.

The 2 beds on floors 6-21 no.12 unit have a clear sea view. There is a huge space between the towers. This will also apply to the no.1 and no.8 Unit on floors 23- 53.

On the Torch we do not have a g'teed rental scheme, however Dubai Select LLC will be looking after the rentals.

9th June 05

Groundwork starts July.

14th June 05

Oh...and while I'm here....all the 1 Beds are now sold out!

19th June 05

The Views to the Sea will be good from that height.
When you think 30 floors is over half the height of the next tower-Marina Heights, you get an idea of the views from that level.

GilesBeswick 18th Nov 05

Once again I must emphasise that the contractual anticipated completion date of the tower remains on target and has never changed.

@Morris, do you remember this (sorry mate, could not resist this one)

Nov 13th 05

Dubai Select only have this one development to look after, unlike Damac, Naheel etc. and other large developers so they can fully concentrate on getting this one right. Also it’s going to be their “show piece” and they surely want it to be finished to the highest standards with no hitches along the way as the success of the Torch will govern their ability to take on any other future developments.

In any case there probably isn't any delay at all, they have 2.5 years to build and seems about on track to me. I hear that the Mag 218 tower is to be finished about the same time as the Torch and Nakheel have just awarded their piling contract as well so timescales seem OK to me.

:) :) :)

From day one, do you remember the Dubaiselect team saying the following on this very forum:

17th May 05.
Completion end 2007. Emaar building in front of the Tower has planning for 12 storeys eventually.Architects and Main contractors are Khatib and Alami.



i'm glad to see i wasnt the only one told this project would complete end of 2007 (maybe 'glad' is the wrong word to use!). for those of us who signed up from the very beginining, as opposed to buying recently, i think its understandable to be concerned, given how far over it wil end up being from the 'original' completion date.

its of some value that DS recognise theyre delayed, and want to do something about it - they just need to convert their words into actions, and at the same time ensure their PR machiine is not further overpromising.

Hi Joannes
I do look at the DS site, but it is a whole lot easier and I can see all my investments in one place on this Forum, is what I meant, plus the photos on here are brilliant, so here is where I go, my comparison is with my Marinescape apartment, Trident don't seem to give updates at all, except a letter in October saying it might me ready in June, but dont hold them to that, yet that is late as well, I also have an Office space in Dubai Silicon Oasis, agin this is the best place for information, also it is more in depth on here, and from people who are more qualified than me, on construction issues, if you look at the majority of threads, I was reading the Dammac one and boy do they get run down, in fact there is not many that escape, my dealings with DS have been extremely efficent, as to lying about other apartments coming along, when they said they were sold, did they not release a couple of floors when they moved some plant, it might also have been a cancellation, that come back on to the market, we don't know the facts.

Alan

Has there been one single project that has been built on time? The problem seems to be that it's the norm for Dubai to give totally unrealistic dates for completion and then foreign investors get irate because the timetable is not achieved. Realistically, anyone who has purchased within the last 18 months should have done enough due diligence to know that delays were more than likely. For those who purchased really early on and who couldn't have realised that such delays were likely, yes it's annoying but the profit margins are superb for early purchasers. I've got a flame-proof jacket on, now shoot me down!

^^

Your point is well made, although i should clarify - my issues aren’t solely related to delays (and the subsequent impact on return), which as you state affects all developers in Dubai.

DS tried and still continue to portray themselves as better than the other developers for one reason or another, when in fact they’re no different, aside the fact that DS have probably less experience; Everything for them is unchartered territory. In 2005, as the new player in the market, maybe DS should have carried out due diligence before making their false claims and promises?

All i expect is a timeframe from DS that's based on something solid, rather than their aspirations, so in turn, i can plan around it. They have most of funds by now, so its time for a bit of pragmatism and honesty - good or bad.

Oh I think they are different, they offered the 15 year payment plan on the Torch, and an Escow account for Bay Central, that's unheard of I think, by any developer, and extremely safe way of doing business.
we all where new players sometime in our life, if you are so unhappy with them, have you asked for your money back, or tried to sell your property on?

Alan

^^


offering finance deals might make them different, although doesnt mean theyre a good developer...anyway, is it so unreasonable for one to ask to have a timeframe based on something solid, rather than aspirations alone? is that such an odd request that your first reaction is to use that old line of 'if youre so unhappy, why dont you sell?'

Alan - its clear that youre a very easy person to keep happy - an ideal cutomer it seems, at least from the developers perspective, one who'll accept anything he is told...

The extent to which some of you will compromise your standards is worrying...

At the risk of boring you further and being accused (by the funniest guy on this forum) of cry baby on Air and which ever way you look at it and what ever management tool you use to evaluate. Whether you are of the school of thinking that 50% of the building is done during the middle third of the project with 2 x 25% done on either side of that, or if you think that the piling& excavation represent 10%, basement 10%, rest of the building 45% and the interiors 35%, and without even considering any manhrs or supply chain issues, just to keep it simple. This project at present is between 11 to 12 % progress and it should be between 25 to 30% if it is to come any where near the end of 2008. Forget about the 2 floors per week and 24 hrs working B*****ks as it will not happen, this is the reality of the situation.

The average age on this forum I would guest is between 24 to 27 years old (note the word average) and to tell young entrepreneurs that when you wake up you would be lucky to achieve 20% of what you have planned for the day and you should chill out and be happy other wise you would have a heart attack is laughable. Nations progress and visions / dreams get achieve by people with a drive and not by people with the shit happens attitude. Every team needs the likes of Trueblue, Tractor, Mackie and others and I hope that they don’t get put off by the over optimistic and sometimes propaganda machine.

My main issues with DS are the lies, the overselling and the insistence of being confidant that the date would be achieved, on two or three occasions face to face despite voicing exactly why it will not happen. They claimed to be better than other developers. Asking for a refund was not an option, we have already tried this one, and as for selling on, you should read some of the agents replies to my emails about taking them on.

These Guys are extremely nice and I would love them to do really well but I am afraid they expanded too fast in very short time and I don’t believe they are fully in control.

Off to enjoy my mars bar that I have paid for just 5 minutes ago and apologies if you found this boring. May be they could sign up Zippy the clown also to keep cry babies like me entertained.

:guns1: :guns1: :guns1: :guns1: :guns1:

Shoot them down Mackie

Something interesting, for us construction heads, about to happen at the Torch.

The pour for the main pile raft is about to happen. I don't know how many sections it will be poured in. After the lift pit is placed, the main pile raft could be poured in one section. I guestimate that it will take around 5000 cubic metres of concrete to cast. Concrete is delivered in 6m3 and 8m3 truck mixers, so that gives you an idea of the size of the task.

If they attempt it in one pour it will tie up atleast 4 batching plants and require atleast 6 placing pumps. This would give them a flat out placing rate of about 300m3 per hour. The pour would be done in 20 hours. The best day to go for would be Friday when the roads are quiet and there is less likelyhood of the whole operation being jeopordised by a traffic calamity.

There are other problems to watch for with mass pours, for example, plastic shrinkage, cracking, thermal stress, cold joints, early set and others. Most of these can be eliminated by using retarding agents and cold water.

Would be a good event to catch on pictures for the scrap book.

Mackie, Instead of going around in endless circles discussing this, why not look at the compensation clause that you signed in the contract to see if it will be applicable or not should delivery be late. Unfortunately I do not think anyone here got the contract read by a lawyer before signing so will find out that there is no compensation due to the force majeure clause.

Something interesting, for us construction heads, about to happen at the Torch.

The pour for the main pile raft is about to happen. I don't know how many sections it will be poured in. After the lift pit is placed, the main pile raft could be poured in one section. I guestimate that it will take around 5000 cubic metres of concrete to cast. Concrete is delivered in 6m3 and 8m3 truck mixers, so that gives you an idea of the size of the task.

If they attempt it in one pour it will tie up atleast 4 batching plants and require atleast 6 placing pumps. This would give them a flat out placing rate of about 300m3 per hour. The pour would be done in 20 hours. The best day to go for would be Friday when the roads are quiet and there is less likelyhood of the whole operation being jeopordised by a traffic calamity.

There are other problems to watch for with mass pours, for example, plastic shrinkage, cracking, thermal stress, cold joints, early set and others. Most of these can be eliminated by using retarding agents and cold water.

Would be a good event to catch on pictures for the scrap book.

Many thanks for the info True Blue, much appreciated. Didn't realise how much concrete was being used that's incredible.

Perhaps Imre can keep a watch and run down with his camera when he sees a cement mixer arrive, would be great to see some pics of this. :)

Sounds verry interesting, i think i have seen it been done before without realy knowing what was going on.

Juvenile comment : can someone please get a photo of the ' retarding agent':nuts:

Something interesting, for us construction heads, about to happen at the Torch.

The pour for the main pile raft is about to happen. I don't know how many sections it will be poured in. After the lift pit is placed, the main pile raft could be poured in one section. I guestimate that it will take around 5000 cubic metres of concrete to cast. Concrete is delivered in 6m3 and 8m3 truck mixers, so that gives you an idea of the size of the task.

If they attempt it in one pour it will tie up atleast 4 batching plants and require atleast 6 placing pumps. This would give them a flat out placing rate of about 300m3 per hour. The pour would be done in 20 hours. The best day to go for would be Friday when the roads are quiet and there is less likelyhood of the whole operation being jeopordised by a traffic calamity.

There are other problems to watch for with mass pours, for example, plastic shrinkage, cracking, thermal stress, cold joints, early set and others. Most of these can be eliminated by using retarding agents and cold water.

Would be a good event to catch on pictures for the scrap book.


I've seen the process several times in Dubai, the latest being pouring in of the concrete on Al Durrah's site in SZR just last weekend.

I can concour that usually it start on Thursday late afternoon and it continues till Saturday morning. There are alot of pumps used so the number 6matches what I've seen. There are some 10 ready-mix concrete trucks on the site at every time, some dissposing of their load, the others waiting their turn to do the same.

However I don't expect a pouring this weekend. I don't think they are ready yet.

I'm just an observer, but I enjoy your technical talk, providing I understand most of the terms used. It reminds me of my favourite subject on Uni: Hydro Power Stations's Damns. :cheers:

Thanks Altin, your observations have just cheered me up. It just proves that engineering is not all technical, it involves planning the job also. You are spot on, starting the concrete pour on Thursday night maximises the off peak traffic time available.

"Plan what you do, then do what you planned", one of the terms I use to encourage and assist young engineers.

It is interesting that you enjoyed Hydro schemes. (Here goes another ego trip) When I worked for a Consulting Engineers in Glasgow 25 years ago, I did the original feasability study for the Illisu Dam and hydro scheme in Turkey.

What happens if their is a major traffic jam, [which their intrasparingly is] half way through the job? resulting in no deliveries for 3 hours or so?

do they have to smash it all up and start again, or just carry on and hope it still works? being dubai i would expect the latter.

i just got an email from Dubai Select just now in response to an email i sent asking about the details of the 24 hour construction.

The woman who responded assured me that 24 hour construction already started. She said:

"I spoke to one of my colleagues from the Dubai office yesterday who assured me that 24 hour construction programme started 4 weeks ago on the Torch"

and

"I am aware that late at night there is only limited amount of work they can do, because they have to keep the noise down."

and

"The 24 hour construction programme started at the beginning of March but I am surprised that you were not aware of this having recently visited Dubai."


my question to the group is can anyone confirm this - that 24 hour cnstruction already started at the beginning of March?

on a positive note, they also said:

"We will be updating the log in area in the next week or so with new photographs and an update."

...It is interesting that you enjoyed Hydro schemes. ...

It was a short course, but it was a releaf from all those crazy formulas, year after year, that I really hated.

I'm a bachelor of Electrical Enginering, graduated 12 years ago, but I never worked on that field. Do I call those 5 years of Uni gone lost: NO WAY!!!

i just got an email from Dubai Select just now in response to an email i sent asking about the details of the 24 hour construction.

The woman who responded assured me that 24 hour construction already started. She said:

"I spoke to one of my colleagues from the Dubai office yesterday who assured me that 24 hour construction programme started 4 weeks ago on the Torch"

and

"I am aware that late at night there is only limited amount of work they can do, because they have to keep the noise down."

and

"The 24 hour construction programme started at the beginning of March but I am surprised that you were not aware of this having recently visited Dubai."


my question to the group is can anyone confirm this - that 24 hour cnstruction already started at the beginning of March?

on a positive note, they also said:

"We will be updating the log in area in the next week or so with new photographs and an update."


Hi Londoner. DS are telling you lies. I was there last week and the week befor. No nightwork. That is one big black hole after about 6pm. Welcolm to the forum.

What happens if their is a major traffic jam, [which their intrasparingly is] half way through the job? resulting in no deliveries for 3 hours or so?

do they have to smash it all up and start again, or just carry on and hope it still works? being dubai i would expect the latter.

It's back to using retarding agents (chemical additives mixed into the concrete) which delay the initial set long enough to allow the concrete to flow together. You can dicate the time delay from 4 hours to 48 hours. If they did not use it they would have two main problems. Some of the concrete would be set before the next lot was placed causing a cold joint. The second being heat build up caused by the chemical reaction of cement and water. This excess heat causes thermal stress in the reinforcement and the concrete.

In the summer in Dubai they mix concrete with iced water to keep the heat of hydration down. In Scotland we have to preheat the water before mixing or the concrete becomes frozen.

Concrete technology is big business in modern days. Before we had fancy chemical additives, they used to have to lay hose pipes in mass pours and run cold water through them to keep the concrete cool. Anyone see the documentary program on the Hoover Dam?

“At the risk of boring you further and being accused (by the funniest guy on this forum) of cry baby on Air and which ever way you look at it and what ever management tool you use to evaluate. Whether you are of the school of thinking that 50% of the building is done during the middle third of the project with 2 x 25% done on either side of that, or if you think that the piling& excavation represent 10%, basement 10%, rest of the building 45% and the interiors 35%, and without even considering any manhrs or supply chain issues, just to keep it simple. This project at present is between 11 to 12 % progress and it should be between 25 to 30% if it is to come any where near the end of 2008. Forget about the 2 floors per week and 24 hrs working B*****ks as it will not happen, this is the reality of the situation.”


Hi Mackie1964

With all due respect to you, you seem to have contradicted yourself, in this paragraph
About young people doing well and how an old fart like me, should curl up with his Mars Bar, If only I had all my teeth I would, :lol:


“The average age on this forum I would guest is between 24 to 27 years old (note the word average) and to tell young entrepreneurs that when you wake up you would be lucky to achieve 20% of what you have planned for the day and you should chill out and be happy other wise you would have a heart attack is laughable. Nations progress and visions / dreams get achieve by people with a drive and not by people with the shit happens attitude. Every team needs the likes of Trueblue, Tractor, Mackie and others and I hope that they don’t get put off by the over optimistic and sometimes propaganda machine.”

“These Guys are extremely nice and I would love them to do really well but I am afraid they expanded too fast in very short time and I don’t believe they are fully in control”.


And not in control in this one, I believe the owner of DS is a Mike Stott, a young chap in his late twenties, Thirties, the age you say we should nurture, and I agree I would like to see organic growth, but hey this is Dubai, plus I suspect there is normally a huge backer involved when they move fast like this.


“My main issues with DS are the lies, the overselling and the insistence of being confidant that the date would be achieved, on two or three occasions face to face despite voicing exactly why it will not happen. They claimed to be better than other developers. Asking for a refund was not an option, we have already tried this one, and as for selling on, you should read some of the agents replies to my emails about taking them on.”


But they all do this, I was at that Dammac bash in London the other night, they where selling “Lakeside” my word there where some lies being told there.

If they gave you a date you would probably would not believe it, I am really sorry for you if it’s hurting you financially, but if you can hang on it will be a great building, and we will be neighbours after all, I will invite you round for Mars Bar or two, as long as you bring the teeth.

Off to enjoy my mars bar that I have paid for just 5 minutes ago and apologies if you found this boring. May be they could sign up Zippy the clown also to keep cry babies like me entertained.



Alan - it’s clear that you’re a very easy person to keep happy - an ideal customer it seems, at least from the developer’s perspective, one who'll accept anything he is told...

The extent to which some of you will compromise your standards is worrying...

Hi Joannides

I am an easy person, perhaps a real sucker, I used to be a mover and shaker, but found out that the compromise approach can work, not on my standards though, I have been through this many times before, I have some places in the USA, same old sales pitches, nothing as promised, never told us about a whole heap of things, they even have the same kind of Forum, same kind of people pulling there hair out, very worried about there investment. 2 years on, the resort has mainly come on stream, rentals have started to come in, and now most are smiling, and most of the problems have gone away.

I tried to post this last night so it was in some kind of order with what was said, but the site seemed to be down, anyways I don’t like going off thread, and I would prefer to stay friends, so as Mackie says “at the risk off boring you further, I wont post anymore, and lets agree to disagree and shake hands. :cheers:

Alan

However I don't expect a pouring this weekend. I don't think they are ready yet.



Agreed. But, maybe MAG218 will do their pour this weekend as they are closer. It would be pretty cool if someone could get lots of photos of the raft pour for one of these towers (the pour might happen before Imre gets back but maybe not). I wish I were there to do it myself :)

there seems to be a lot of negativity about this project, although its progress seems on a par with equivalent projects. why is that?

^^ Becouse there are more buyers in The Torch who post on this forum (not me), then in any other building. However I don't think the level of negativity here is anything special, more of buyer's frustration.

thanks

There is a new photo update on DS website, can somebody upload it.

https://mydubai.dubaiselect.com/media/img/torch/fullsize/2007-3-22%20Image-1.jpg

https://mydubai.dubaiselect.com/media/img/torch/fullsize/2007-3-22%20Image-2.jpg


https://mydubai.dubaiselect.com/media/img/torch/fullsize/2007-3-22%20Image-4.jpg

https://mydubai.dubaiselect.com/media/img/torch/fullsize/2007-3-22%20Image-3.jpg

https://mydubai.dubaiselect.com/media/img/torch/fullsize/2007-3-22%20Image-5.jpg

:eek2: :eek2: :eek2: :eek2: :eek2: :eek2:

WOW, a 3.5 meter thick raft foundation. :eek:

That's a lot of steel!

Nice to see a busy site, plenty of Labour to be seen. The uniforms have changed does this mean the main contractor has taken over?

Mackie, Instead of going around in endless circles discussing this, why not look at the compensation clause that you signed in the contract to see if it will be applicable or not should delivery be late. Unfortunately I do not think anyone here got the contract read by a lawyer before signing so will find out that there is no compensation due to the force majeure clause.

I am on the case, let us wait and see. The right step at the right time!!


The concrete pour is set to take place towards the end of next week beginning of the week after I am told.

Can somebody in Dubai check these points, only report facts please:

24 hrs working in progress
On average, there are approximately 300 workers on site during the day.
This is reduced to 80-100 workers or so through the night.


Please ensure that you post facts so we can keep on top of this. I think Imre has gone home for a few weeks.

^^The numbers seem a lot less than what you mention either day or night. The night work seems very sparse--a few people, a little activity. The night lighting is really quite dim. I don't see how anyone can work well under such conditions.

To clarify, I was just at the sight tonight, about 10 pm. Didn't count the workers but my guess would be a dozen or so.

Many thanks.

Any chance you or some body else of taking some photos, may be at different times. The figures mentioned above were emailed to me by DS along with some other statements yesterday.

amazing progress, have never tought that the'll be so fast

Nice to see a busy site, plenty of Labour to be seen. The uniforms have changed does this mean the main contractor has taken over?


Not really, perhaps they've just been given updated uniforms. As far as I am still aware DCE are still the contractor.

Anybody know how many days the "slab" takes to set so that it can be built upon ??

^^ Pop over to the MAG218 thread. The torch is probably 3-4 weeks behind. They did the Slab last week and are already working on the next floor.
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=163733&page=22

Hope that helps

wow that's amazing
so much steel and cement

http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/9049/50357521iw3.jpg

A LONG WAY TO GO TO GET TO THIS POINT.
IT'S GOING TO BE BEAUTIFUL:)

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/999/togr5.jpg

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/2179/torch1hs4.jpg

http://img473.imageshack.us/img473/5563/torch2my3.jpg

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/8958/torch3gf5.jpg

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/7852/torch4rc6.jpg

Wow! Amazing stuff, nice work!

great job malec, thx :okay:

That's incredible, Malec. Would I be exageraitng to say that it's going to be New York, Hong Kong and then Dubai when it comes to super high-rise clusters? Thanks for that... and whenever we figure out what DM Phase 2 will actually be like, we'll be able to see a skyline still more impressive.

^^ Well, as far as im concerned, its Dubai no.1 as far as supertall clusters is concerned.

^^ let's wait for dubai to deliver before boasting.. remember more than half of the "tallest block" is not even off the ground yet

^^ OK sorry, saw Malec's renders and for a brief moment, confused CGI with reality.:D

Impressive, Malec.

Had an email from Select Property confirming that the 24 hour program had started and the lift pit had been poured on the 1st April. Also nice to see Emaar is lending access to the plot next door.

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/3623/liftfilltorchapriluk1.jpg

http://img458.imageshack.us/img458/936/liftfilltorchapril2lo0.jpg

Up Up and away !
(I'll get my coat!)

Tallest block is now entering a new phase :)

I think there is a Torch update on the dubaiselect website. Could someone with a login please upload the pictures here.

Thanks.

Construction Diary

01-04-07 – The Torch Lift Pour
01-04-07 – 900 cubic meters of cement was poured in, using 3 pumps and 90 cement trucks.
02-04-07 – Work has now started on the drainage of the car park levels.
02-04-07 – Over 45% of the cage is complete.


There are loads of photos but I dont have time to upload right now - maybe someone else can...

Uploading pics on here sucks. I wish there was an easier way.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-44.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-43.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-42.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-40.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-39.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-38.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-37.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-36.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-35.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-34.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-33.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-32.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-31.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-30.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-29.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-28.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-27.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-26.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-25.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-24.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-23.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-22.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-21.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-19.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-18.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-17.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-16.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-15.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-14.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-13.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-12.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-11.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-10.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-9.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-8.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-7.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-6.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-5.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-4.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-3.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-2.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Dubai_Steve/2007-4-320Image-1.jpg

stunning update, thank you

And there's half the bandwidth of North America taken! :D Great pics though. Good see a lot of activity. Here's hoping for no more delays and hiccups.

Good job Dubai Steve.

Can't wait for the big one in about 2 weeks time. The down pour of rain on monday should have helped with the curing.

Thanks Dubai Steve
Looks like they have hit the launch button. Lets hope the momentum continues.

Uploading pics on here sucks. I wish there was an easier way.

What sucks is your lazy bum, becouse uploading pictures on here, is same as in any other internet forum. :banana:

What sucks is your lazy bum, becouse uploading pictures on here, is same as in any other internet forum. :banana:

I know its the same on all forums as most use the same proprietory software. But it's a shit process is all im saying...although I have actually seen 1 or 2 forums where you can directly upload images as you are typing messages. That would be much better. Pics are what make this forum what it is..and I was just saying i think there should be a quicker and easier way. New people are always asking how to upload pics, so im right! [wink] [frown] [smile] [going to get coffee]

Yes that would be easier, but then the forum server alone must store all the photos and supply the bandwidth. I used flock photobucket, was not too bad. Drag & drop the photos then it auto generates the [IMG] tags.

Thanks for the tip Dubai Steve

Night construction continues...

http://i12.tinypic.com/3z7sae1

SO IN DUBAI CONSTRUCTION IS 24/7 JUST LIKE IN LAS VEGAS ?
IF SO THAT'S COOL.

I think the slab maybe be ready to pour over the weekend 21st/22nd April.

^^ I doubt that, there's still to much work to be completed before.

From the DS website:

The detailed waterproofing works was completed approximately two weeks ago resulting in the generation of a greater number of ‘workable’ areas. The main contractors’ site staffing levels are ranging between 170-260 people at any given time, currently efforts are focused on preparing the steel reinforcement for the main raft. Due to the diameter of the reinforcement and layout, it has been necessary to incorporate a threaded connection between reinforcement bars. Therefore, to speed up progress the main contractor is threading reinforcement bars during night shift working in preparation for day shift steel-fixers.

The reinforcement at the base of the lift area was completed, Dubai Municipality granted approval on the 1st April 07 to pour concrete in this area. Pouring work began on the 1st April and concluded on the 2nd April. The bottom main raft layer steel work can now be finalised around the top of the lift area, it is envisaged all steel work will be finished towards the end of this month. Completion of the steel will allow the pouring of the main raft to begin (end of April).

Casting of the main raft is a major milestone and marks a step-change for the works progress. The slip-form work will commence on the base starter bars and the building core will begin to emerge from the base raft.

Conclusion

Pouring of concrete in the lift area signals the commencement of the building structure and now, - ‘the only way is up’.

Site team spirits are good with a lot of co-operation, progress is going well and the main contractor is preparing for a substantial increase in labour and material requirements for the coming months.

Night construction continues...



indeed

http://i12.tinypic.com/2yuc7iu.jpg

http://i18.tinypic.com/302cqoh.jpg

13/April/2007

The Torch

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/5915/photo071wj7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/9865/photo072gd8.th.jpg (http://img224.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo072gd8.jpg)http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/92/photo073ff1.th.jpg (http://img245.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo073ff1.jpg)http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/179/photo074gn7.th.jpg (http://img149.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo074gn7.jpg)http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/3424/photo075ts5.th.jpg (http://img149.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo075ts5.jpg)http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/7082/photo076gu3.th.jpg (http://img157.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo076gu3.jpg)http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/2367/photo077kh5.th.jpg (http://img245.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo077kh5.jpg)
http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/2778/photo088kp6.th.jpg (http://img149.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo088kp6.jpg)http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/9815/photo089kc5.th.jpg (http://img216.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo089kc5.jpg)http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/5589/photo090cz9.th.jpg (http://img157.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo090cz9.jpg)

how long do people think before this thing rises?

^^ Pace of the cage assembly is good, I think the slab may be poured first or second weekend of May. After that progress should be more visible.

HTH

Hi, We were told that slab will be poured by end of April, podium to be completed by end of June.

Cool, so then they'll have 18 months to complete the rest of the tower to be on schedule! :lol:

Hi All,

Concrete pour for the raft is scheduled for this weekend. In theory the biggest concrete pour to take place in Dubai to date - 11,900m3.

from HOMES OVERSEAS MAY 2007 edition: "dubai is still the undisputed leisure and pleasure hub of the middle east, and the torch is a good base for family exploration.."

Concrete pour for the raft is scheduled for this weekend. In theory the biggest concrete pour to take place in Dubai to date - 11,900m3.


Wow, there won't be many other sites getting concrete delivered this weekend!!

Just to put things in perspective, that is ONE MILLION DOLLARS worth of concrete. I wonder if they asked for payment up front :lol:

Amazing.

IMRE can you take some photos of Dubai's biggest ever concrete pour.

^^ ... apart Burj Dubai. ;)

I'm still wondering; isn't the slab too thick for just 345 (or 360) meters tall tower? The one in the 395 meters tall 23Marina, wasn't that much and I doubt The Torch piles are shallow. :dunno:

Got a lot to do with the pile spacing and punching shear resistance. Like a bed of nails, the more nails (piles) the less chance of them piercing the slab. If less piles are used spaced out more, then it will require a thicker slab to resist the punching shear. Also helps with lowering the centre of gravity and damping the tower to reduce sway.

Any pictures of the pour would be much appreciated! Maybe the neighbours in Marina Heights can help?

Got a lot to do with the pile spacing and punching shear resistance. Like a bed of nails, the more nails (piles) the less chance of them piercing the slab. If less piles are used spaced out more, then it will require a thicker slab to resist the punching shear. Also helps with lowering the centre of gravity and damping the tower to reduce sway.

Simple physics :)

However I don't think the Torch has less piles then ordinary, and if I well remember they were quite big in diameter as well. I would speculate more on the sway reduction.

^^ i also think so, the torch seemed to have as many piles as 23 marina (relatively in comparison the piled area) in total, but as far as the diameter is concerned, they appeared to be thicker as well?

it is simply great to have an experienced engineer sitting in our middle :D

^^ Yes it is, but being a humble person I must point out that the "experienced engineer" is NOT me ... in case someone might thought otherwise.



I'm a totally inexperienced Engineer!!! :bash: :lol:

FYI the piles here were 1500mm 1200mm and 900mm hope that is usefull to someone.

A million dollers of concrete, that is amazing. The trucks will be queing up back to the hard rock. Hope it all goes well for you guys.

http://i17.tinypic.com/405scia.jpg
http://i13.tinypic.com/35jbark.jpg
http://i13.tinypic.com/2myrmkh.jpg

..

26/April/2007

The Torch ,

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/9383/imresolt52ou1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/8587/imresolt53gw4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Is this happening tonight? Imre can't see your pictures!

Wow, amazing pics! Thanks Scoot. A serious operation going on there!!!

that looks awesome :D

wow, looks like aliens have landed there :D

http://i17.tinypic.com/405scia.jpg

Big preparations for the massive concrete pour !

Must be going to start tonight once the rush hour traffic eases.

http://i15.tinypic.com/30xa17b.jpg

http://i19.tinypic.com/2n7qsjt.jpg
http://i18.tinypic.com/490h536.jpg
http://i14.tinypic.com/479dw6g.jpg

^^ Awesome Scoot ! Keep it up. Much appreciated.

Scoot,
If you are ever at street level over the weekend a quick snap of the queue of cement trucks would be great for the scrap book.

Great photos Scoot, what a great guy. Where is a webcam when you need one:) :cheers:

Wish I was there!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Imagine how much more difficult this would have been if the neighbours did not give the access.

That pano shot is just awesome. :applause:

wow cool photos scoot. now the aliens have really landed! Must be great to watch from marina heights.

http://i15.tinypic.com/30xa17b.jpg

Now empty your fat bellies ... biatches :carrot:

Ya boy, the photo's cannot capture what it's like when your standing there. I might pop down for closer look...

^^ Great, take a closer look - but don't fall in!!! :lol:

What happened to scoot, I guess he got too close and fell in the cement or decided to stagger over to the Hard Rock Cafe for a drink instead. Or maybe the other way round.

^^ :lol:

maybe he is staying and watching and is going to post a full night long story.. :D

or he is indeed at the hard rock.. is he british?

Now empty your fat bellies ... biatches :carrot:

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

this looks indeed awesome though , some serious construction going on there, just massive.

:lol: Sorry, camera needed charging and I still haven't found my charger!

http://i15.tinypic.com/30xa17b.jpg

that looks like a scene from command and conquer!

27.04.2007

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/9013/imresolt064bm0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/8377/imresolt057oc5.th.jpg (http://img84.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imresolt057oc5.jpg)http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/2408/imresolt058um7.th.jpg (http://img156.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imresolt058um7.jpg)http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/2208/imresolt059cy4.th.jpg (http://img300.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imresolt059cy4.jpg)http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/8100/imresolt060fq1.th.jpg (http://img84.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imresolt060fq1.jpg)http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/3193/imresolt061sp0.th.jpg (http://img84.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imresolt061sp0.jpg)http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/3794/imresolt062wa4.th.jpg (http://img156.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imresolt062wa4.jpg)http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/6117/imresolt063cb5.th.jpg (http://img300.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imresolt063cb5.jpg)

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/4619/imresolt065eb2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/7934/imresolt066an5.th.jpg (http://img100.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imresolt066an5.jpg)http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/576/imresolt067rf5.th.jpg (http://img84.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imresolt067rf5.jpg)http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/859/imresolt068uy2.th.jpg (http://img84.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imresolt068uy2.jpg)
http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/8206/imresolt069aj3.th.jpg (http://img223.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imresolt069aj3.jpg)http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/4149/imresolt072fc0.th.jpg (http://img100.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imresolt072fc0.jpg)http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/2189/imresolt073lg0.th.jpg (http://img84.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imresolt073lg0.jpg)http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/4610/imresolt074hm9.th.jpg (http://img224.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imresolt074hm9.jpg)

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/1466/imresolt071tg4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/5029/imresolt070cu2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/9083/imresolt076kp1.th.jpg (http://img223.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imresolt076kp1.jpg)http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/9213/imresolt080we7.th.jpg (http://img84.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imresolt080we7.jpg)http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/4567/imresolt081se3.th.jpg (http://img223.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imresolt081se3.jpg)http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/439/imresolt082zt3.th.jpg (http://img224.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imresolt082zt3.jpg)
http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/9430/imresolt083db9.th.jpg (http://img223.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imresolt083db9.jpg)http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/3237/imresolt084se4.th.jpg (http://img224.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imresolt084se4.jpg)

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/2040/imresolt085lm3.th.jpg (http://img84.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imresolt085lm3.jpg)

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/9671/imresolt086nk4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Uber-massive! Great pics.

[QUOTE=dubaiflo;12862653]^^ :lol:

maybe he is staying and watching and is going to post a full night long story.. :D

or he is indeed at the hard rock.. is he british?

Kiwi :cheers:

beautiful beautiful pictures.
thanks to all.

Where did all the concrete deliveries go to, may be they have run out of aggregates!
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/2408/imresolt058um7.jpg


This is where we wash down after delivering the concrete. Boy the neighbours are going to be pissed.
http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/3237/imresolt084se4.jpg


You know if you go down there with a learning remote control, you could take control of the pumps and have a great laugh :lol:
http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/5029/imresolt070cu2.jpg


Imagine the look on their faces when the pumps come to life themselves. :rofl:
http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/2208/imresolt059cy4.jpg


Another great job Imre. :applause:

Are they still pouring? Where are you Scoot??

[QUOTE=dubaiflo;12862653]^^ :lol:

maybe he is staying and watching and is going to post a full night long story.. :D

or he is indeed at the hard rock.. is he british?

Kiwi :cheers:

Flo,

Kiwi = From New Zealand in case you were wondering and couldn't decifre.

... which reminded me of the latest Bond villain "Le Cifre" being Albanian math and chess prodigy. :rofl:

Is anyone able to confirm if the slab is now in place?

^^ Slab was poured in record time. 29 Hours! previous record was 35 hours for a 10,000m3 slab. Good going!

any more pictures?

^^ I will contact Select Property and see if I can get some. Else we may have to wait for the famous Imre Update on Friday.

^^ Slab was poured in record time. 29 Hours! previous record was 35 hours for a 10,000m3 slab. Good going!

How do you guys know these things. There are hundreds of towers all over Dubai. Did you survey everyone and find out how long their pour times were!

^^ yes we do :nuts:

How do you guys know these things. There are hundreds of towers all over Dubai. Did you survey everyone and find out how long their pour times were!

^^ We don't need to survey everyone. Dubai is a relativly small place. Even though there are hundreds of towers going up there are only a few dozen mainstream construction companies. Just like the developers like to build bigger, designers like to design better, the guys on ground zero like to do things better. The construction engineers keep tabs on what is going on where and how there counterparts are doing.

Also there is normally only one pour of this magnitude happening at any given time in Dubai so not too difficult to keep an eye on things.

BTW AFAIK the previous record was held by ACC. :cheers:

Having said that I may have incorrect information so please correct me if I am wrong. :dunno:

http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/504/imresolt049vg2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

^^ Did DUBAI spill his extra large strawberry milkshake in the Torch plot ?

^^ haha something like that :lol:
Actually it's thermal isolation material made of polystyreen (EPS). They've put a layer of it on the concrete foundation. I saw the same thing happen at 23 Marina in one of Imre's shots :)

^^ The Grosvenour House was all covered in that before they painted it brown.

If there is going to be a tower next to that retaining wall in front of the torch and emirates tower, how far away will it be usually ? If the base of a tower there is quite close to that wall then should there still be a marina view for those on the side of the tower closest to the sea?

^^ Is really difficult to say anything at this stage since the layout of the aerea is very assymetric and not knowing exactly what Emaar has in store for the aerea, doesn't help either.

Some facts for you guys:

1) Total concrete used 10,840m3 making it the biggest single pour ever in Dubai. Even bigger than the Burj Dubai.
2) Total of 1355 truck loads
3) Raft foundation is 4 metres thick, Burj Dubai is 3.8m??

Also I am told the construction manager on the Torch is only 29 years old amazing feat for someone so young.

^^ Burj Dubai's foundation is 3.7 m thick, however the pour was much bigger there, if I well remember somewhere to 14k. It is logical though, considering how big the base of BD is, compared to that of the Torch.

I'll check the Burj Dubai thread (it was posted the figure there less then a month ago) and if found, will post the number here.

Advice: Never take for granted anything said about the biggest or best, unless you see some numbers to compare. ;)

^^ Burj Dubai's foundation is 3.7 m thick, however the pour was much bigger there, if I well remember somewhere to 14k. It is logical though, considering how big the base of BD is, compared to that of the Torch.

I'll check the Burj Dubai thread (it was posted the figure there less then a month ago) and if found, will post the number here.

Advice: Never take for granted anything said about the biggest or best, unless you see some numbers to compare. ;)

^^ AltinD Advice: Read the sentence properly ;)

The Burj Dubai raft is much much bigger than the Torch. 18k cubic metres I think but I believe it was poured in 3/4 sections. The Torch is the biggest SINGLE pour :cheers:

^^ and were did you get that info from saying the Torch is the biggest single pour ?

^^ Did DUBAI spill his extra large strawberry milkshake in the Torch plot ?

http://www.londonpostcard.co.uk/images/kp/kp5109.jpg

^^ and were did you get that info from saying the Torch is the biggest single pour ?

^^ Multiple sources. Dubai Select (I understand they might be biased), personally from the construction manager over seeing the pour, someone who works for Ready Mix, Khaleej times...........................do I need to go on?

With respect, can we please put the lid on this 'biggest single pour' debate, on the basis that it just doesn't matter...

http://www.londonpostcard.co.uk/images/kp/kp5109.jpg

:lol: I thought you won this in the McDonalds Monopoly Game :D

http://www.junkfoodnews.net/largestmilkshake.jpg

:lol: I thought you won this in the McDonalds Monopoly Game :D

http://www.junkfoodnews.net/largestmilkshake.jpg

^^ I'd love to see the fries that go with that!

http://i13.tinypic.com/4raal9g.jpg

http://i14.tinypic.com/6cwp5dj.jpg

Canvas is laid on the concrete of the raft with then a layer of polythene and then the pink Polystyrene boards for insulation. The Polythene keeps the concrete cool to prevent the concrete from curing too quickly and the pink polystyrene is used as insulation to keep the concrete cool from the sun again preventing premature curing.

The dewatering is turned off slightly to allow some water to overspill onto the concrete for again the same purpose.

The main concrete pour was completed over a week ago I am told with exclusive access to 5 concrete plants, supplying 1,600 trucks over 24 hours for 3 consecutive days.

tnx for the update mackie! do you know if the insulation that is layed will be temporary or that it will stay there?

tnx for the update mackie! do you know if the insulation that is layed will be temporary or that it will stay there?

Photo taken: 06 May 2007, 5pm.

http://i11.tinypic.com/5x4rgpz.jpg

^^ Naz doesn't mind the alignment of that picture, he's happy

http://www.ecu.edu/oehs/ERGOPAge/Image6.gif

Ahhhh that's better........looks like some action happening down there.

http://i16.tinypic.com/5zpaosl.jpg

^^ Naz doesn't mind the alignment of that picture, he's happy

http://www.ecu.edu/oehs/ERGOPAge/Image6.gif


^^ is that you Krazy ? now i know Altin,Flo,Tom,Imre,smussuw, and now you

we should make a member gallery thred :lol: :lol: :lol:

^^ hell no that's not me. :lol:

show us a picture of you :)

That's you Krazy...for sure

Trust me guys, that's not me! I'm not even white! That's Naz.. that's the exact expression of content on his face everytime he sees the Torch hole.

^^ is that you Krazy ? now i know Altin,Flo,Tom,Imre,smussuw, and now you

we should make a member gallery thred :lol: :lol: :lol:

If you're based on Flo's pictures that I can say that you might think you know me, but you dont. :D

... BTW I think that guy is actually Steve before he "started" collecting coupons by McD. :runaway:

Date: 09 May 2007, 10am.

http://i12.tinypic.com/6extel2.jpg

Thanks for the updates 'HateTorch' :) Keep them comming.

You can now see the border between the base and the tower which will give you an extra bit of sea view from marina heights. At least you can see Atlantis and probably look into the glass roof of the new shopping arcade. (if this is going ahead?)

Great update Mr. 'HateTorch' :D:D:D:D:D

Looks like it'll be a while before this moves up another level - they're working on the interior walls again?!

Thanks for the updates 'HateTorch' :) Keep them comming.

You can now see the border between the base and the tower which will give you an extra bit of sea view from marina heights. At least you can see Atlantis and probably look into the glass roof of the new shopping arcade. (if this is going ahead?)

So not many reasons to hate the Torch afterall. :D

Thanks for the updates 'HateTorch' :) Keep them comming.

You can now see the border between the base and the tower which will give you an extra bit of sea view from marina heights. At least you can see Atlantis and probably look into the glass roof of the new shopping arcade. (if this is going ahead?)

The Atlantis is much clearer with the naked eye, than with the pic taken by my N95. I did not use zoom, because that zoom is digital, not true optical.

I stay on the low floors at Heights, so taking these pics are relatively easy. And I know there's a lot ot interest in the torch. And from the discussions here, I can also learn much of the construction domain from the civil engineers gurus here.

I do not hate torch, just grumbling that my "sea view" will be blocked by this building by year end ...

Rgds.

:master: N95 :master: i will get mine in a few days inshallah..

btw compare the size of the basement/hole of TT to Princess :cheers:

massive

what does inshallah mean?

^^ God Willing

Oh, and soon I'll get my N95 as well.

^^ is that german efficiency at work. Not tempted by the iphone ?

tnx hatetorch for the pictures! it's great to see the progress. they're now working on the inner walls so I expect they'll start working on the torch's first basement floor somewhere next week (installing the plates where the concrete for the floor will be poured on and laying some steel)

:cheers:

^^ No iPhone for me ... and (the N95) is FINISH quality, nothing to do with ze Germans and/or their alleged "efficiency".

Talking about effiency, will the speed be faster than 1 floor per week after it reaches ground level ? I think this will be necessary in order to make the December 08 deadline. Did'nt emirates crown grow at 2 floors per week using a jump platform ?

Yup I imagine it will, as will most of the others like princess and 23 marina which have simple floorplates. Others like infinity, ocean heights and pentominium will probably rise more slowly

Did'nt emirates crown grow at 2 floors per week using a jump platform ?

I dont recall any tower in Dubai growing at that rate other than BD and Attar and Rose at some point

^^ Actually none has done except BD. The fastest Al Attar did was the 4 days cycle.

^^ it depends. i think EC might have been faster (average) if you consider floors 10 -55 only.
of course basement and top are a different thing.

edit. i noticed you were talking about TWO Floors/week. No tower has other than Burj Dubai. at no point.

anyway the N95 is AWESOME!! it just would have needed optical zoom (would have been bigger than, so this solution is probably better) and support bigger miniSD cards..

Speed had more to do with the precast floor planks than jump form on EC. I don't think Torch is using precast.

What about rose rotana? That really shot up

^^ even rose rotana did not have an average of two floors/week. more like two floors every 9 days i'd say. however it might have been that fast for a very short period.

Date: 10-May-2007, 9am

The towering height of the nearby Heights tower provide good shade for the workers from the morning sun. It is not clear in the pic, but they are using the pink foam for sleep and rest ...

http://i1.tinypic.com/4r10by0.jpg

Date: 10-May-2007, 9am

... It is not clear in the pic, but they are using the pink foam for sleep and rest ...



:lol: pretty smart, insulation material lays great and you don't feel the heat from the ground. btw you've got a great view from your room:cheers:

^^ Hope it is nothing like the insulation we have in our lofts here in the UK. It ends up in your nostrils :ohno:

^^ even rose rotana did not have an average of two floors/week. more like two floors every 9 days i'd say. however it might have been that fast for a very short period.

^^ According to a source within the construction company they will be aiming for 2floors per 10 days. He also said completion would be approx 2 years from now i.e. Mid 2009 rather than end 2008 however that was just his opinion not an offcial statement. I will contact him to find out when the next floor will go in :cheers:

^^ A 5 days per floor cycle sounds about right.

Can anyone in Marina Heights tell me how much a DSL internet connection costs and how long it takes to install? Do they have data limits on uploads? Can they provide fixed IP addresses (not critical)?

I am considering sponsoring a live webcam pointing towards the Torch, Emaar plot and Princess and see them rise.

If you have invested in the Torch and are interested in sponsoring please send me a PM. If we get enough people interested it shouldn't cost more than around £1-£2 per month per person.

I would also like to hear from anyone with an aparment on the Torch facing side of Marina Heights (about half way up would be nice) and would be happy to have a webcam pointing out of their window. In return they will get free use of the internet connection.

It is only a thought at this stage so don't get too excited :cheers:

(Will copy this to the MH thread also)

^^ wonderfull idea!!! maybe you can also contact the developer (Dubaiselect) of the Torch, he could be interrested in sponsoring the cam too :cheers:

Dubaiselect have promised a webcam but not sure if it will materialise:ohno:

A great idea to put a webcam on marina heights even if DS add one, as we can have a higher perspective and include the emaar development also. So long as you take it down when I am swimming in the pool after completion :D

Can anyone in Marina Heights tell me how much a DSL internet connection costs and how long it takes to install? Do they have data limits on uploads? Can they provide fixed IP addresses (not critical)?
--- snip ---
I would also like to hear from anyone with an aparment on the Torch facing side of Marina Heights (about half way up would be nice) and would be happy to have a webcam pointing out of their window. In return they will get free use of the internet connection.
--- snip ---
(Will copy this to the MH thread also)

Internet access: http://www.etisalat.ae/index.jsp?lang=en&type=service&contentid=50e6a665f221b010VgnVCM1000000c24a8c0RCRD&currentid=875059ecfb01a010VgnVCM1000003c05000a____
Fixed IP can be provided. Note that owner may also charge you for electricity bills, and they can ask for any ridiculous amount.

I believe most residents are not Net-savvy, and most are not even aware of this website. Not even most real-estate agents here are aware of discussion forums !!
With current technology of webcams over xDSL, u cannot get much zoom if the webcam is mounted at high floor, and the video response is TERRIBILY pathetic. And you might (read: I am not sure here) get complains if survelliance equipments (eg webcams) are mounted illegally or without authorizations outdoors.

Even static pictures can get extremely boring if you see the same stuffs everytime, ie no visible progress ...

Rgds.

^^ --- snip ---
He also said completion would be approx 2 years from now i.e. Mid 2009 rather than end 2008 however that was just his opinion not an offcial statement.
--- snip --- n :cheers:

For obvious selfish reason, I am happy to hear that :banana:
The longer it is , the better ... hahaha :lol:

No offence to all folks.

You really hate it, don't you :lol:

Dubaiselect have promised a webcam but not sure if it will materialise:ohno:

This webcam (10x optical zoom) can be considered.
Looks good (based on some Internet reviews), but I have never tried it.

http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=0&pid=411

Looks good but what if the Emaar development consists of a tower between MH and the torch, the view of the torch may not last for very long in that case. Then you will need to change your name to HateEmaar :D

ps: I can't believe the prices for the internet connection. That must be the most expensive broadband service in the entire world.

^^ Crappy speed as well. Never as it was supposed to be and you're paying for.

The "broadband" services in the UAE are pathetic (relative to its resources). And how come they force Norton Antivirus on you? (of course you dont have to install it but you still pay for it).
They should invest more in infrastructure, and not only the kind that is a minimum of 30 meters wide and preferably at least five meters above groundlevel.
Seriously, i think we can all agree that the internet is an extremely vital part of communication and business today. Without any hands on experience with the UAE broadbandissue i can state that i believe it would be good for the UAE to invest in that area.

Is it even viable to distibute HD-TV in the UAE yet?

Anyhow something positive:

http://www.vonmag-digital.com/vonmag/200607/?pg=43

He will be my neighbour also!

Well 100,000 Mbps is going to be possible with Internet2 so Dubai will have to do something about its crappy (2 Mbps max and only if it works) internet services or it will be left behind in the ecommerce world where instant HD video streaming etc. will be the norm very soon. Business will not want to be located in Dubai anymore!

^^ Keep in mind that businesses pay DOUBLE the price of the residential users and have data transfering cap.

Believe it or not, I'm so sceptic to the broadband that I don't use. I don't consider it worth the money. It's true ... I'm so 20th century boy :bash:

I think Internet services in UAE are probably where UK was 3-5 years ago. They should prioritise upgrading their exchanges, these days it is not very expensive to upgrade exchanges to ADSL 2 (ADSL MAX). Considering the amount they are spending on other sh*t it is peanuts!

^^ Keep in mind that businesses pay DOUBLE the price of the residential users and have data transfering cap.

Believe it or not, I'm so sceptic to the broadband that I don't use. I don't consider it worth the money. It's true ... I'm so 20th century boy :bash:

For business, I work in DIC, so maybe I do not feel the slowness.

At home, my Internet is FREE.
That's because maybe some kind neighbour(s) did not turn on encryption for their wireless broadband. So I simply tap on it :lol:
The access is very responsive; I have no complains.
I downloaded a file of size 30Mb , and it is done in around 10-15min. Happy.
Shh .. do not tell this to anyone.. esp my neighbour ...

According to http://www.speedtest.net, my bandwidth is 283kbps downstream, 93kbps upstream. I guess the neighbour must have bought a 512kbps package.

Rgds.

^^ problem is that you may cause him to go over his monthly limit, tell him to upgrade to unlimited :D

Yeah show him how caring neighbour you are. :D

Date: 00:36, GMT+4, 11-May-2007.

I was drying my clothes, when I notice that the Torch folks are still working overtime, and I have not tested N95 night time capabilities yet ... so ...

http://i2.tinypic.com/5yrzqt0.jpg

Date: 00:36, GMT+4, 11-May-2007.
For those staying facing towards the Marina, you are very lucky.
You will get a BETTER view than the below ...

http://i8.tinypic.com/4u47vip.jpg

Thanks for the great photos! Good to see they are working at night. N95 seems to work quite well at night.

I wonder what colour the second Grosvenor House lights will be ? Also Infinity will look great at night.

@Hatetorch; Great photos, many thanks.

How many people would you say are working at night and are they working all night? How many do you think during the day? Approx figures are OK.

Cheers

Mackie

What do they eat for lunch ??

:lol: maybe the 10 x Zoom will help answer such questions.

^^ You really are serious about this aren't you Dubai_Steve:)

^^ He always is. Afterall he's neighbour with Naz. :lol:

He will be my neighbour also!

Yes, I will be holding a party at the Torch for AltinD's 40th :D so not too long to wait.

@Hatetorch; Great photos, many thanks.

How many people would you say are working at night and are they working all night? How many do you think during the day? Approx figures are OK.

Cheers

Mackie

Hi,
They are NOT working throughout the night. Yesterday they stop at around 1:30am. The "central square" has no people, so I guess the work are relatively minor compared to the daytime.
Few days back, they did some concete pouring on the right hand side area during night time.
I am not sure whether night-time work is a constant practice for them or not.
And no one works here on Friday.

Rgds.

Hi,
--- snip ---
And no one works here on Friday.

Rgds.

To give credit, some still work on Fridays (holiday here).
Date: 10:19, GMT+4, 11-May-2007
Using N95 digital zoom.

http://i8.tinypic.com/4u9jig6.jpg

Date: 10:19, GMT+4, 11-May-2007
Using N95 digital zoom.

http://i1.tinypic.com/52ban40.jpg

Quote: HateTorch.
' I believe most residents are not Net-savvy, and most are not even aware of this website. Not even most real-estate agents here are aware of discussion forums !!'
^^
MarinaHeightsGroup now has 43 members and all are aware of this forum. If you are tapping into your neighbours wireless you may want to keep that info to yourself :)

http://groups.google.com/group/marinaheightsdubai

( Invites have yet to be delivered to floors 16 and down )

wow HateTorch it's really cool that you post a picture every day! many thanks! :cheers: