Wind engineering and building performance expertise to affirm safety and comfort for pedestrians and occupants of a supertall with a unique crown
The Exchange 106 – also referred to as 106 Tower, TRX 106, TRX Tower, and Signature Tower – is a 106-storey, 454m tall building ranking as the second tallest building in Malaysia and the third tallest building in Southeast Asia. The tower is topped with a 12-storey high illuminated crown.
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The Challenge
The tower’s height, combined with the extremely hot temperatures of Kuala Lumpur, presented several challenges as they meant the tower was expected to experience moderately strong stack effect, as well as potential wind load issues. RWDI first tested the Exchange 106 tower in 2015, carrying out a desktop assessment of the structural wind loads and accelerations on the proposed project to determine wind-induced structural responses. After the submission of the initial results, geometry changes to the tower’s design alongside the height meant that the tower required additional testing, this time in a wind tunnel. Thus, the project team once again reached out to RWDI.
Our Approach
Our team of experts:
- Conducted structural wind load studies to predict the wind-induced structural responses for design for strength and occupant comfort
- Identified cladding wind loads for the design of the exterior envelope of the building through wind loading studies on the proposed tower design
- Assessed wind conditions around the development to evaluate pedestrian comfort and safety
- Leveraged wind tunnel testing results to generate mitigation suggestions to provide shade and improve wind and ventilation conditions in stagnant areas
- Conducted stack effect studies to identify risks of potential stack effect issues and presented mitigation strategies to overcome these issues
The Outcome
As a result of RWDI’s testing, Exchange 106 was built to safely withstand wind conditions in the area while maintaining occupant and pedestrian safety and comfort. Construction started in 2016 and was completed 2019.