Silicone Sealants Help Global Architectural Projects Reach Unprecedented Heights

Today, at least 36 occupied buildings tower more than 1,000 feet, a height generally considered super-tall, and dozens more are under construction or being planned. Some of the most iconic super-tall buildings are testaments not only to the architects and engineers that design and build them, but also to the versatile silicone sealants used in their construction.

"Architects often specify silicone sealants for their projects because they accommodate the integration of a wide range of materials into their designs and allow for greater overall design flexibility," says Ricky Neoh, global building projects major market leader for Dow Corning Corp. Silicone sealants are designed to perform well under the stress of UV radiation, extreme heat and cold, and acid rain, as well as natural disasters or even security threats.

Currently, a number of iconic super-tall buildings are being built with Dow Corning silicone sealants including Burj Dubai in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Already the tallest man-made structure on the planet, Burj Dubai's design is inspired by Islamic architecture and a native lily plant. Its glass exterior will measure nearly 900,000 square feet and is being bonded to the building's frame with Dow Corning structural glazing sealant. Throughout this project, Dow Corning has worked with its structural engineers to ensure the building can withstand the region's high winds, one of the biggest challenges for super-tall buildings.

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