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The floor-plate of the Tower is designed based on geometric patterns common in architecture of Islamic heritage. It is composed of two rotated and superimposed squares with small circular infills. These geometric figures have been described by architects as symbolising unity, harmony, stability and rationality - all important principles of Islam.
Like the exterior design, the Towers' entrance design was also inspired by the country's cultural heritage, incorporating contemporary Malaysian motifs adapted from traditional handicrafts such as songket and timber carvings. The overall character of the building is high-tech and international but distinctively Malaysian. |
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At the podium level, the PETRONAS Twin Towers feature the following :
- The 864-seat Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, a venue of architectural and acoustic distinction. It is also home to the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.
- A reference library on energy, petroleum, petrochemical and related industries.
The Towers were topped-out in March 1996 and occupation began in early 1997. Tower One is currently being occupied by PETRONAS, the state-owned petroleum corporation. Tower Two is being occupied by PETRONAS' associate companies while the remaining space is being leased out to multinationals.
The PETRONAS Twin Towers are located on the northern boundry of the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) and has state-of-the-art communication facilities. MSC is the launching pad to propel Malaysia into the frontline of the information age
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Skybridge |
The skybridge is an essential functional component linking the Twin Towers to facilitate movement between the two towers.
The 58.4 meters double-decked skybridge is located at levels 41 and 42 joining the sky lobbies situated in both towers. |
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Engineering Design The structural system selected utilises a 'two-hinge arch' springing from supports at level 29 and rising at 63 degrees to support a pair of parallel two-span continuous bridge girders at Level 41.
The structure of the two-level bridge is conventional framing constructed of structural steel with beams moment-connected to columns which bear on the level 41 continuous girders. The bridge is 58.4 m long and weighs about 750 tonnes. The two-hinge arch supporting the bridge has rotational pins (spherical bearings) at the end of each leg or 'spring point' and at the top or 'crown' of the arch (bearings). The main bridge girders have a rotational (centering) pin directly over the arch crown to permit the crown to rise and fall as the Towers move closer or further apart.
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The arch is a centering device, equalising joint movement at both Towers. As the Towers move together or apart, the legs change slope, the spherical bearings rotate at spring points and the legs flex at their top end. The bridge mid-point sinks or rises, flexing the two main girders.
The girders are pinned on the arch crown, which stays centered between the Towers, while both girder and blocks slide on pads. The mid-span centering pin and two girder slip pads accommodate this movement.
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Continuous expansion joints provided through the level 42 and 43 structure, facade and roof to each side of the bridge mid point. Providing expansion joints at mid-point reduces the effect of girder flexure on bridge glazing, as window panel movement is then limited to each half-span rather than cumulating over the whole girder length.
When the Towers move side-to-side in opposite directions, or when they 'twist', the arch spring points twist on the spherical bearings and bridge end bearings slide in opposing directions guided by 'sliding keeper' blocks on bridge centreline.
In the event that it loses its arch support, the bridge structure would not collapse but deflect and stay in position.
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Assembly of Skybridge
Fabrication
The skybridge was fabricated and shop assembled by Samsung Heavy Industries of South Korea. The fabrication works complied with some of the most stringent industry standards and codes such as those maintained by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), British Standard (BS), and American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC).
The fully assembled bridge was then dismantled and shipped to Kuala Lumpur in 493 pieces (452.64 tonnes).
To facilitate putting it into place, the skybridge was pre-assembled into five main components comprising the two legs, two end blocks and the centre section.
Centre Section
The 307 parts of the frame for the centre section of the skybridge were fully assembled and bolted. The centre section of the skybridge frame, measuring 41 metres in length, over 5 metres in width and nine metres in height, was assembled at the concourse level.
The centre section's internal floors and roof at level 41, 42 and 43 were constructed in metal decking.
After the roof level concrete slab was placed, the whole assembly was painted and the external building maintenance equipment for the legs installed.
Skybridge Legs
The two inclined legs are approximately 42.6 metres long and weigh about 60 tonnes each.
The five sections of each set of legs were completely assembled and checks on the whole dimension, camber and alignment were made before bolting. Tuned mass dampers have been engineered for the legs.
These dampers have been designed after a complete wind tunnel test to accommodate the comfort level by dampening any effects of unusual wind conditions and possible long term fatigue due to resonance of the legs. These pendulum operated dampers were field tested and inserted to the centre section of the legs just prior to final assembly.
End Blocks
Both end blocks of the skybridge were assembled at concourse level with main girders, cross beams and horizontal bracing. The two end blocks are approximately 8.3 metres long and weigh about 30 tonnes each. After the whole dimension and alignment of the end blocks were checked, they were ready to be lifted.
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