The final piece of one of Expo 2020’s most important structures has been successfully put into place, marking a major milestone in the construction of the site.
According to Arabian Business, the Al Wasl dome is nearing completion, and the final piece of the structure has been lifted in to place. The 67.5 metre-tall structure will sit at the heart of the Expo 2020 site, and will play host to major exhibitions, events, concerts and more during the six month exhibition, which begins on October 20 2020.
It’s taller than the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and spans some 130 metres, in what is being described by the Expo 2020 Committee as an architectural and engineering marvel.
“The crowning of the Al Wasl dome is a significant landmark not just for Expo 2020 Dubai but for the whole of Dubai and the UAE,” said Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of the Expo Dubai 2020 Higher Committee.
It is also set to become the world’s largest 360-degree projection surface when it springs to life during the World Expo next year, and when you hear how intricate its construction had to be, you won’t be able to help but be impressed.
Weighing in at some 550 tonnes of steel, the massive 22.5-metre crown had to be carefully lifted into place on top of the dome. Precision was key, with a margin for error of just three millimetres. The construction of the dome took more than a year, with 14-months of work concluding with more than 800 engineers using 18 temporary columns to support the lifting of the huge dome.
“Al Wasl dome will take a lasting place at the very summit of our country’s world-renowned architectural achievements,” said Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum. “My heartfelt congratulations go to everyone involved in successfully completing this amazing engineering feat.”
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