MERDEKA 118: TECHNICAL REVIEW AND SPECIFICATIONS

Merdeka 118 stands as the second-tallest building in the world and the undisputed vertical pinnacle of Southeast Asia. Rising 678.9 meters (2,227 feet) above the historic stadium district of Kuala Lumpur, this megatall skyscraper represents a convergence of cultural symbolism, advanced structural resiliency, and sustainable high-rise engineering.

This technical review provides an in-depth analysis of the towers mega-frame structural system, its deep-foundation strategies within a sensitive heritage site, and its state-of-the-art vertical transportation network.

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AND CULTURAL SYMBOLISM

Designed by the Australian firm Fender Katsalidis in association with RSP Architects, Merdeka 118 is visually defined by its faceted, crystalline façade. The exterior consists of 18,144 diamond-shaped glass panels that form a pattern reminiscent of Songket, a traditional Malaysian hand-woven fabric. This geometric complexity allows the building to reflect light in a dynamic, gem-like manner throughout the day.

The towers silhouette is highly symbolic. The off-center spire and the buildings tapered profile are designed to evoke the image of Tunku Abdul Rahman raising his hand to shout "Merdeka!" (Independence) in 1957. This gesture aligns the tower historically and spatially with the adjacent Stadium Merdeka, creating a dialogue between the nations past and its future aspirations.

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING: THE MEGA-FRAME

To reach heights exceeding 600 meters while maintaining stability against wind and seismic loads, the engineers (LERA and Robert Bird Group) devised a "Mega-Frame" structural system. This system relies on a high-strength reinforced concrete core surrounded by eight massive perimeter mega-columns.

The core and the perimeter columns are tied together by structural steel outrigger trusses located at three distinct mechanical zones. These outriggers allow the perimeter columns to participate in resisting the lateral overturning forces, significantly increasing the buildings stiffness. Additionally, belt trusses wrap around the tower at these levels to equalize gravity loads between the columns and control differential shortening.

The spire itself is a significant structural undertaking. Rising over 160 meters from the main roof, it houses the buildings broadcasting equipment and creates the final height profile. It was constructed using a hydraulic jacking system to lift the steel segments into place at extreme altitude.

FOUNDATION AND GEOTECHNICAL CHALLENGES

Constructing a megatall tower next to two national heritage sites (Stadium Merdeka and Stadium Negara) required a surgical approach to foundation engineering. The site geology consists of Kenny Hill formation (soil) over limestone bedrock, a condition known for karstic features (cavities).

To protect the surrounding historic structures from ground movement, the construction team utilized a circular reinforced concrete cofferdam. This retaining wall allowed for safe excavation of the deep basement levels. The tower rests on a massive 4-meter thick raft foundation, which is supported by 137 high-capacity bored piles. These piles are 2.2 meters in diameter and extend up to 60 meters deep, utilizing skin friction to anchor the megastructure securely.

VERTICAL TRANSPORTATION

Merdeka 118 is serviced by one of the largest and most advanced elevator systems in the world, supplied by Kone. The building houses approximately 87 elevators and escalators, organized to manage the complex flow of office workers, hotel guests, and tourists visiting the observation deck.

The system features high-speed double-deck elevators that utilize "JumpLift" technology during construction. This allowed the elevators to be operational while the upper floors were still being built, speeding up the logistics of moving men and materials. The completed system uses a destination control system (DCS) to optimize passenger routing and minimize wait times.

SUSTAINABILITY (LEED PLATINUM)

Merdeka 118 is the first building in Malaysia to achieve a "triple platinum" green rating, including the LEED Platinum certification. The façade glazing is a critical component of this performance, offering high thermal insulation to reduce the cooling load in Kuala Lumpur's tropical climate.

The building incorporates a greywater recycling system and rainwater harvesting to reduce potable water consumption. Smart building management systems monitor real-time energy usage, adjusting lighting and HVAC output based on occupancy levels and external weather conditions.

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

Official Name: Merdeka 118 Former Names: KL118, Warisan Merdeka Tower Location: Jalan Hang Jebat, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Architect: Fender Katsalidis, RSP Architects Structural Engineer: LERA, Robert Bird Group, Arup Developer: PNB (Permodalan Nasional Berhad) Completion Year: 2023 Architectural Height: 678.9 meters (2,227 feet) Floor Count: 118 Elevator Supplier: Kone Primary Function: Office (PNB HQ), Hotel (Park Hyatt), Observation Deck

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is Merdeka 118 taller than the Burj Khalifa? No. The Burj Khalifa remains the worlds tallest building at 828 meters. Merdeka 118 is the second-tallest at 678.9 meters.

What is the spire made of? The spire is a steel structure rising approximately 160 meters from the roof. It contains maintenance ladders and aviation lighting, and it is crucial for the building's official architectural height.

Can the public go to the top? Yes, the "View at 118" observation deck is located on levels 116 and 116M. There is also a spire climb experience for thrill-seekers.

What is the pattern on the glass? The diamond-shaped triangular facets of the glass façade are inspired by Songket, a traditional Malay textile motif, representing cultural heritage woven into modern architecture.