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Burj Dubai Fountain
The musical fountain located next the tallest tower in the world, The Burj Dubai
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Burj Dubai - downtown, dancing fountains
Burj Dubai Construction elevator
Going from ground level to 115 on the world tallest building in the construction elevator...up the outside of the building!
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Megabuildres Burj Dubai - Discovery Channel Show
Inside the Burj Dubai - World's tallest building
Fact Sheet - Burj Dubai
Currently the worlds tallest building and tallest man-made structure, Burj Dubai is at the centre of Downtown Burj Dubai, the flagship mega-project of Emaar Properties in Dubai. The final height of the tower will be revealed on its completion in 2009.
With a development value of over US$1 billion, Burj Dubai, when completed, will fulfil all the criteria of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), which ranks the worlds tallest buildings on the basis of spire height, the highest occupied floor, roof height and pinnacle height.
At a current height of over 800 metres (2,625 ft), Burj Dubai has now also scaled over 160 levels, the most number of storeys in any building in the world. Burj Dubai has already surpassed the height of the KVLY-TV mast in North Dakota, USA - 628.8 metres (2,063 ft), which held the distinction of being the worlds tallest man-made structure. Burj Dubai is taller than Taipei 101 in Taiwan, which at 508 metres (1,667 ft) has held the tallest-building-in-the-world title since it opened in 2004. The tower also surpassed the 31-year-old record of CN Tower, which at 553.33 metres (1,815.5 ft) has been the worlds tallest free-standing structure on land since 1976.
Leveraging on the advancements in construction engineering, Burj Dubai undertook height enhancement in 2008 and is also upgrading its interior finishes. International designers from California have revisited the designs to make the residences more attractive and functionally superior.
In just 1,325 days since excavation work started in January, 2004, Burj Dubai became the tallest free-standing structure in the world. More than 11,000 consultants and skilled construction workers are employed on site, and the worlds fastest high-capacity construction hoists, with a speed of up to 2 m/sec (120 metres/min), were used to move men and materials.
When completed, the tower will have used 330,000 cubic meters of concrete, 39,000 metric tons of steel rebar and 142,000 sq m of glass and 22 million man hours.
The design inspiration for Burj Dubai is drawn from the desert flower, Hymenocalis, and incorporates patterning systems that are embodied in Islamic architecture. The tower is designed as three petals arranged around a central core. As the tower rises from the flat base, the petals setback in an upward-spiraling pattern.
Burj Dubais structure has employed the latest advances in wind engineering, structural engineering, structural systems, construction materials and construction methods. It will have a high performance exterior cladding system to withstand the harsh summer temperatures.
A mixed-use tower, Burj Dubai features 2 million sq ft of residential and over 220,000 sq ft of prime business space, in addition to the Armani Hotel Dubai, and Armani Residences Dubai, luxury hospitality ventures by Emaar in association with haute couture major Giorgio Armani S.p.A.
The tower offers recreational facilities and entertainment venues including four luxurious pools and a cigar club, a library, exclusive residents lounge, serviced residences, fitness facilities and an observatory deck on level 124, At The Top opening to impressive views of Dubai. The tower will also have a large Office Annexure.
Quick Facts:
Final Height: Unrevealed
No of floors: Unrevealed
Estimated population upon completion: 35,000
Developer: Emaar Properties PJSC
Architects and Engineers: Chicago-based Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM)
Designer: Adrian Smith
Main Contractor: South Koreas Samsung Corporation
Project and Construction Manager: Turner International
Built-up area: 5 million sq ft
No of lifts to be installed: 54
Construction Schedule:
Excavation started: January 2004
Piling started: March 2004
Superstructure started: March 2005
Level 50: June 2006
Level 100: January 2007
Level 110 (tallest structure in the Middle East and Europe): March 2007
Level 120: April 2007
Level 130: May 2007
Level 141 (worlds tallest building): July 2007
Level 150 (worlds tallest free-standing structure): September 2007
Level 160 (worlds tallest man-made structure): April 2008
Cladding competed: September 2009
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Amazing view from the top of Burj Dubai Spire.
Enjoy the amazing view from the top of Burj Dubai Spire.
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World' tallest building Burj Dubai Facts and Figures
Mechaical Systems
Chilled Water Cooling SystemAt the Peak cooling times, the tower will require approximately 10,000 tons of
cooling per hour, which is equivalent to the capacity provided by 10,000 tons(22.4
million lbs, or 10.2 million kg) of melting ice in one day.
Water Supply System
The Tower's water system will supply an average of about 946,000 liters (250,000gallons) of water per day.
Electrical System
The tower's peak electricity demand is estimated at 36 MVA, equivalent to roughly360,000 100-qatt light bulbs all operating at the same time
Condensate Collection System
Hot and humid outside air, combines with cooling requirements of the building, will
result in a significant amount of condensation of moisture from the air. This
condensed water will be collected and drained in a seperate piping system down to a
holding tank located i the basement car park. This water will be pumped into the
site irrigation system for use on the tower's landscape plantings. this system will
provide about 15 million gallons of supplemental water per year, equivalent to
nearly 20 olympic-sized swimming pools.
Observatory Elevators
Double deck cabs have a capacity for 21 persons on each deck and will have theworld's longest travel distance from lowest to highest stop. These elevators will be
worlds fastedt at 18 m/sec (40 mph)
Building Service/Fire Elevator
The building service/fireman's elevator will have a capacity of 5500 kg and will bethe world's tallest service elevator.
Spire Maintenance Elevator
The Burj Dubai will contain the world's highest elevator installation.Controlled Evacuation
The Burj Dubai will be the first mega-high rise in which certain elevators will beprogrammed to permit controlled evacuation for certain fire or security events
Structural Components
Safety Considerations
The Burj Dubai has been designed and engineered to maximize occupant comfort andsafety. Extensive wind tunnel testing enables the building to resist high wind loads
while minimizing vibration.
The tower's structural system is designed for seismic conditions (similar to a
Uniform Building Code zone 2A). Reinforced concrete slabs and corridor walls provide
an inherently high resistance to fires.
Fire Safety
A major factor in designing the tower was fire safety and speed of evacuation. Whendoing calculations, designers assumed the tower contained 35,000 people - although
in reality the number is likely to be less than half this. Concrete surrounds all
stairs and there is a 5,500kg capacity elevator for firefighters and building
service work." People cannot be expected to walk down 160 floors, so there are
pressurized air-conditioned refuge areas approximately every 25 floors where they
could wait safely or rest on the way down" says' architect Eric Tomich. Emaar have
looked at different scenarios and the focus is on ensuring people can leave safely
and easily.
Concrete
230,000 m^3 = (300,000 cyds) which includes tower, podium and office annex; excludesfoundations. This is equivalent to:
- A solid cube of concrete 61 meters (200 ft) on a side
- A sidewalk 1,900 kilometers long (1,200 miles) (equivalent to the distance from
Dubai, U.A.E. to Dubai, Saudi Arabia)
- The weight of 100,000 elephants
Curtain wall
Approximate areas:Glass: 83,600 sq.m (20.7 acres)
Metal: 27,900 sq.m (6.8 acres)
Total: 111,500 sq.m (27.5 acres)
Equivalent to 17 football (soccer) fields or 25 American football fields
Concrete Mixes
Many different concrete mixtures will be used in the Burj Dubai. Various admixtures- chemical or physical additives - are put into the basic mix to produce different
types. Certain concrete types resist heat, hydration or cracking, while some mixes
flow better in pipes so it can be pumped easily throughout the building process.
Some concrete will be pumped up to 500 meters and it must retain its properties
while it is being transported.
Rebar
31,400 metric tons, which includes tower, podium and office annex; excludes foundationsLaid end to end this would extend over a quarter of the way around the world.
Facade Maintenance
Facade Fact
The tower's primary window washing and facade maintenance system consists of three
permanently-installed, track-mounted, telescopic building maintenance machines
located in internal "garage" positions on uppermost levels. The manned cleaning
cradle for each machine is capable of serving the entire facade from its garage
level downward to level 7. Each machine's jib arm, when fully extended, will have a
reach of over 36 meters with an overall length of about 45 meters. When collapsed
into its parking position, the arms will measure about 15 meters. Under normal
conditions, with all three units in operation, it will take three to four months to
clean the entire building once.
Tower Spire
There is a separate system for the tower spire consisting of two track-mounted,telescopic lifting arm machines; several permanently fixed outrigger arms; and
internal and external ladder access systems.
Separate systems, including a mobile aerial work platform, will access the podium
levels and entry pavilions at the base of the tower
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Burj Dubai skyscraper Articles and Interviews
Interview with Assistant Director: Greg Sang
How many workers are on site now?
Currently 3,000 workers, this will increase to 5,000 at the peak of construction.
How many contracting companies are on site?
Over 30
How many cranes have been engaged?
At present there are 10 cranes on the Burj Dubai site.
Safety: Any casualty so far?
Emaar and its contractors follow a strict international standards guide.
What engineering method has been employed?
As for any tall building, wind forces dominate the structural design. Extensive wind tunnel testing, modeling the actual winds the Burj Dubai will experience during its lifetime, has been carried out. The preliminary design was fine tuned in response to the results of the wind tunnel tests.
Typically, what is the life of such a tall building?
Not typical for tall buildings, but the Burj Dubai has been designed to last for at least 100 years.
Can you comment on how life would be "on top of the world"? What sort of people will live in the world's tallest tower?
How do you feel, to be associated with the world's tallest tower, while it is in the making or History Rising?
"It is an honour to be working on a record breaking project and global icon. I am proud to be a part of history in the making and being part of a team that is setting new benchmarks for architecture, pushing engineering and science to new limits and achieving what no other development has."
Interview with the chief engineer
What are the challenges of building such a structure?
How were these challenges addressed?
Extensive analysis, research and tests were carried out at every stage of the project.
What are some of the technical difficulties in building the tallest tower?
In terms of construction of the Burj Dubai, what will happen?
The core was built first using a cantilever system to build out. The core will employ a self-climbing system, allowing the three luffing-jib tower cranes to attend to other picks. As for the spire, a jacking method (similar to the one used on Petronas towers) will be used.
What about safety?
We follow standard international safety regulations necessary for any construction site in addition to any local UAE requirements. In Dubai, the main contractor is required to establish a safety program in line with such requirements and also specifically address issues and implement systems for working on heights, perimeter protection, use of cranes, fire safety and emergency evacuation and so on.
Structural System
The structural system of the Burj Dubai utilizes high performance concrete as its primary material. The tower's lateral load resisting system provides resistance to wind and seismic forces. It is comprised of high-performance, reinforced concrete core walls linked to the exterior columns through a series of reinforced concrete shear wall panels at the mechanical levels.
The typical floor system consists of a reinforced concrete flat plate.
The building's foundation is a thick high performance reinforced concrete mat supported on piles. At the top of the tower, a spire (with occupied space inside) makes the building the tallest tower in the world. The lateral load resisting system of the upper steel structure consists of a structural steel mega-bracing system that is founded on the top of the reinforced concrete core wall.
Article - A Skyscraper in every sense
There has been much speculation with regards to the height of The Burj Dubai, all we haven't announced the official height. At Emaar we view the Tower as an inspiration for each one of us.
Samsung Corporation from South Korea is the main building contractor.
The estimated building cost is US$1billion. The whole Downtown Burj Dubai development will cost circa US$20billion and offer 30,000 homesand the world's largest shopping mall, The Dubai Mall
Many of the tower floors will be occupied by the 175 room Armani Hotel, the first to open. In addition there will be 144 luxury residential suites designed by Giorgio Armani and kitted out with his home furnishing line.
Floors 17 to 108 will have 800 private apartments.
Most of the higher floors will be offices and private suites.
An observatory 442 meters above ground on the 124th floor will be open to the public - the highest publicly accessible observation desk in the world.
There will be a Club on floors 144 to 146
The Tower will be built of glass, aluminum, concrete and steel
The external surface is made of unitized panels made of aluminum, glass and various brackets, they interlock on site and are up to two storeys tall. They improve the quality and speed up building work.
The tip of the spire will be visible 60 miles away.
The rods that reinforce the structure weight a total of 31,400 tonnes and laid end to end would stretch more than a quarter of the way around the world.
The water system will supply about 250,000 gallons per day.
The Tower's external surface is the size of 17 football fields.
The concrete used is equivalent to a solid cube of concrete 61 meters in size or a 1.5 meter wide pavement. 1,200 miles long. It weighs the same as 100,000 elephants
Peak electricity demand of the tower is the same as 360,000 100 watt light bulbs.
Article - Engineering the Structure of the World's Tallest Building
By William F. Baker, C.E., S.E., P.E., FASCE - Structural Engineering Partner (SOM)
The Burj Dubai structure represents the state-of-the-art in tall building design. Once completed, it will be not only the world's tallest building but the tallest man-made structure ever created. From the project's initial concept design through construction, the combination of several important technological innovations results in a building of unprecedented height. The following is a description of some of the innovative structural design methods which enable the creation of a superstructure that is both efficient and robust.
"Designing the Wind"
The primary concern in the engineering of tall buildings is the effect of the wind on the building's structure. The shape of the Burj Dubai is the result of deliberate cooperation between SOM's architects and engineers to vary the shape of the building along its height, thereby minimizing wind forces on the building. In effect, each uniquely-shaped section of the tower causes the wind to behave differently, preventing it from becoming organized and minimizing lateral movement of the structure.
The modular, Y-shaped structure, with setbacks along each of the three wings, was part of the original concept design entered in an invited design competition at the beginning of the project. From this starting point, the SOM team refined the tower's shape over several months of extensive wind tunnel tests. Through these tests, the team determined the harmonic frequency of wind gusts and eddies under various wind conditions. This information was used to set targets for the building's natural frequencies, thereby "tuning" it to minimize the effects of the wind.
Concurrent with the wind tunnel studies, the team performed a detailed climatic study which considered the unique meteorological conditions of the Dubai wind climate. These studies considered both frequently occurring and rare wind events to address occupant comfort and building strength. Together, the wind tunnel testing and climatic studies resulted in a highly engineered solution that is appropriate for the Dubai wind climate.
"Buttressed Core" System
As a residential tower, the Burj Dubai requires floor plates with shallow lease spans that maximize the amount of exterior window area (and therefore natural light) in the living spaces. As a very tall tower, it requires a wide footprint to provide sufficient stability to resist high wind loads. The Y-shaped arrangement of reinforced concrete shear walls around a central hexagonal reinforced concrete core satisfies both of these requirements. The resulting "buttressed core" is an extremely efficient solution to the potentially conflicting structural requirements of a super tall residential tower.
Core walls in each wing are arranged in a 9-meter module that matches the setbacks of the tower. This allows the building to be shaped without transfers; the columns in the nose of each setback sit directly on the walls below. The result is an easily constructed system that is significantly less expensive to build than one requiring transfers.
The perimeter columns on the sides of each wing match the width of the adjacent shear walls, thus permitting them to be engaged by infill walls at each mechanical level. This engagement of the perimeter columns leads to high levels of structural efficiency in resisting loads as well as a high degree of redundancy.
High Performance Materials and Construction Methods
The specified material and the configuration of the structural elements utilize the high performance concrete and formwork systems readily available in Dubai. Very strong, high density concrete composed of Portland cement in combination with silica fume, fly ash, and ground granulated slag is available and results in a structure which is stiff, strong and highly constructible.
Foundations
The superstructure is supported by a large reinforced concrete mat, which is in turn supported by bored reinforced concrete piles. The design of these elements is based on extensive geotechnical and seismic investigations and analysis. The high density and low permeability of the concrete used for the foundations minimize the detrimental effects of high chlorides and sulphate content in the local ground water. The foundations are further protected by waterproofing and cathodic protection systems.
The expected effects of a seismic event on the tower are modest. As is the case with most tall buildings, the long vibration period of the Burj Dubai is quite different from the high frequency vibrations of an earthquake and therefore the structure will not generate large forces in a seismic event.
Extensive Peer Review Process
The Burj Dubai represents a groundbreaking design of an extremely important building. For this reason, the team implemented an extensive program of peer reviews. All major technical aspects of the project were examined by experts in tall building design to confirm the safety and effectiveness of the structural systems. This extensive program included three separate peer review programs on the project's geotechnical engineering, wind engineering/testing and structural engineering.
The Structure of the Burj Dubai
The Burj Dubai structure represents the state-of-the-art in super tall buildings. It capitalizes on the latest advances in wind engineering, structural engineering, structural systems, construction materials and construction methods to result in a structure that goes beyond anything that has been achieved before. The tallest structure ever built, it realizes the aspirations of mankind to reach to the sky.
Article - Designers Skidmore, Owings and Merrill
Design and engineering firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM) is no stranger to the creation of skyscrapers, having produced America's tallest building, the Sears Tower in Chicago.
The company also created the 100 storey John Hancock Tower in Chicago and the Bank of America headquarters in San Francisco.
Since its foundation in 1936, the firm has completed more than 10,000 architecture, engineering, interior design and planning projects in over 50 countries.
More than 800 design awards have been given to the practice - more than any other American design firm.
The firm has offices in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Washington DC, Los Angeles, London, Hong Kong and Shanghai. The Chicago office carried out most of the design work on the Burj Dubai.
Article - Designing for Strong Winds
An important consideration in design was reducing the effect of strong winds, soon after winning the contest to design the Tower, Skidmore, Owings and Merrill experts went into the wind tunnel and reshaped the structure many times. It is designed to withstand the worst storm that could be expected in Dubai in a 100 year period.
William Barker, SOM's partner in charge of structural engineering, explained "When the wind blows past something, it creates whirlwinds that make the building go from side to side. If those movements happen at the natural frequency of the tower, you can get very large forces. We try to break up the natural frequency".
Because the Tower has many different surfaces the wind gets confused so the forces it exerts on the building are reduced. As a result, people inside the tower will not be able to detect any side to side movement.
The Burj Dubai development will single handedly shift Dubai's centre of gravity and become home to more than 100 nationalities and feature some of the world's finest residential, leisure, dining and entertainment options.
Some comments on the safety and security aspect on site, as well as post-handover maintenance.
Given the prominence of the tower, both locally and internationally, it is our intention that the tower be a showpiece, not just when it is completed, but also during its construction. That said, the highest safety standards are in place and are effectively being implemented. We are following the standard international safety regulations necessary for any construction site.
In Dubai, the main contractor is required to establish a safety program in line with such requirements and also specifically address issues and implement systems for working on heights, perimeter protection, use of cranes, working in elevator hoist-ways and service shafts, fire safety and emergency evacuation. We also have an on-site paramedic staffed first aid facilities office.
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Burj Dubai upclose. Tallest building in the World!
Tallest builing in the world the "Burj Dubai" filmed from the foot. It will measure around 818 meters. It will count 160 floors and have the worlds fastest elevators (40m/ph). They will be dubble decks elevators, meaning two floors each with a 21 persons capacity. In case of a fire, people will not be evactuated. They will be led into "save rooms". (Fire proof rooms). Dubai has also plans on building a 1200 meter Building!
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Burj Dubai observation deck
An observation deck on level 124 of Burj Dubai, scheduled to open January 4, 2010, will provide visitors a bird's eye view of Dubai and an interactive and educational experience, said developer Emaar. The facility, which is slated to be one of the world's highest public observation decks, will be accessible through a high-speed lift ride lasting one minute and also involves an interactive journey through the history and evolution of Dubai and Burj Dubai.
Thomas Dempsey, General Manager, Burj Dubai, said: "The entire journey – starting from the welcome lobby at The Dubai Mall through a 65-metre travelator, to the vertical travel in a double-deck elevator to finally watching the world below from the 124th storey – educational, inspirational, compelling and thoroughly fulfilling.
"The 'at the top' experience will be the high point for anyone visiting Dubai once we open doors later this year."
While a typical 'at the top' journey can be completed in approximately 45 minutes, visitors can also view several interactive features charting the evolution of modern Dubai and how Burj Dubai alters the city skyline, he said.
Abdulla Lahej, Executive Director, Dubai Project Management, Emaar Properties, said: "Burj Dubai is a once-in-a-lifetime project. With the 'at the top' experience, we are celebrating Burj Dubai's iconic status and providing the world an opportunity to partake in this celebration."
A 10-part journey, 'At the top' will start at The Dubai Mall, where visitors can buy tickets at a welcome area with LED displays and a largescale model of Burj Dubai detailing its various components. The travelator will transport them from the mall into Burj Dubai. The travelator journey is titled "Dubai now and then" – an audio-visual tour through time, from the earliest days of Dubai to the present – and will pause at a viewing point called the 'Burj Dubai Skylight' where visitors will get a close-up view of the full structure through a skylight.
'From the vision to reality' is the next leg of the journey that leads visitors to the elevators. Along this area will be showcased the making of Burj Dubai while visitors wait for the elevator ride to level 124.
Travelling at a speed of 10 metres per second, the elevator journey to the level 124 will take approximately 60 seconds and the observation deck will be covered with floor-to-ceiling glass providing 360-degree views. There will also be an open-air deck and telescopes.
Guests can linger as long as they like and walk around the perimeter before making the return journey.
On the way back there will be a series of models and interactive kiosks and a souvenir shop.
Burj Dubai is more than 800 metres high and has over 160 storeys, the most floors in any building anywhere in the world.
Burj Dubai TV Commercial
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Construction of Burj dubai Photo jan 2005 to nov 2009
Burj dubai constuaction to jan 2005 nov 2009 it top out This the final video for today .
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Burj Dubai's High-altitude Cranes Dismantled As Opening Date Nears
Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building, is nearing completion, following the dismantling of the last high-altitude crane used in its construction.In preparation for its Jan 4, 2010, opening, the Burj Dubai construction team is now concentrating on the interiors and landscaping.
They completed the tower's external cladding recently, according to a statement from Emaar Properties which is developing the mixed-use tower at the centre of the Downtown Burj Dubai mega project.
Three huge tower cranes were used in moving construction materials up to Level 156 of Burj Dubai.
In all, the cranes lifted over 63,300 tonnes of steel reinforcement, and were operational for a total of 45,000 man-hours.
A team of 35 skilled technicians manned the cranes, a critical component of the 11,000-strong workforce devoted to the construction of the skyscraper.
Emaar said the operators of the cranes worked at dizzying heights of more than 700 metres, almost double the height of the Empire State Building.
Via
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World's highest skyscraper Burj Dubai to Open on January 4, 2010
The Burj Dubai will be opened on January 4, 2010, coinciding with the accession to power of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.The 160-plus storey structure is considered the world’s tallest building.
Mohammad Ali Al Abbar, Chairman of Emaar real estate company said the company decided to launch the tower on this date as a gesture of gratitude towards Shaikh Mohammad, who is considered the builder of modern Dubai.
Burj Dubai became the tallest building in the world in just 1,276 days, with the help of more than 5,000 consultants and skilled construction workers.
Work on the Burj Dubai started in January 2004. The tower reached 100 levels in January 2007. A month later, it surpassed the Sears Tower in Chicago as the building with the most floors in the world.
Burj Dubai is now the world’s tallest building and tallest man-made structure, having surpassed the height of the KVLY-TV mast in North Dakota, USA.
The Burj Dubai houses residences and commercial spaces, apart from Giorgio Armani’s The Armani Hotel & Residences.
It also anchors Downtown Burj Dubai, a Dh73 billion mixed-use mega project, already a bustling community described as the new “heart of the city”.
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The Burj Dubai will Open in January of 2010
The Burj Dubai will be the tallest structure ever. It opens in January of 2010
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