The Road to Innovative Engineering for Torre Norte: Embracing Excellence

Reify.’s Role

Reify., as the technical oversight and development manager for the Torre Norte project, is proud to share the significant engineering advancements in this ambitious endeavour.

Located within the dynamic context of Centro Colombo and adjacent to Hospital da Luz, this project integrates a state-of-the-art parking structure and a modern office building, demanding Reify.’s commitment and skills at every step.

Project Overview

Torre Norte’s investment by Sonae Sierra and AXA IM Alts, acting on behalf of its clients, entails the construction of the Aurélio Quintanilha Parking Lot and the third Office Building of the Centro Colombo mixed-use complex. This development not only aims to enhance the infrastructure but also to seamlessly blend with the surrounding urban environment.

Parking Structure

The Aurélio Quintanilha Parking, located underneath the reconfigured Aurélio Quintanilha Street, presented significant technical complexities. The northern containment wall, adjacent to Albert Einstein Street and Condes de Carnide Avenue, required meticulous execution of a 16-meter deep anchored retaining wall. This structure, integral to the nearby operational viaduct, demanded continuous monitoring to mitigate any impact on surrounding infrastructures.

The southern containment wall, partially pre-existing due to the adjacent Hospital da Luz’s parking exit, was fortified with additional piles and a comprehensive containment structure. This ensured stability and safety, considering the proximity to critical infrastructures such as the hospital exit and the blue line metro tunnel.

Office Building

The office building, strategically positioned parallel to Aurélio Quintanilha Street and the Hospital da Luz, is designed to be independent from? Centro Colombo. The engineering challenge here involved developing foundations that commence from the -3 level of the parking structure, and required the use of micro-piles to support the entire building load. With around 700 micro-piles embedded into the foundation blocks, the structural integrity was ensured through rigorous real-scale testing and adjustments based on soil resistance and overall behaviour.

Innovative Solutions and Technical Excellence

1. Northern Retaining Wall: Constructed with a length of 20 meters and reinforced with 60 anchors, this wall supports excavation and foundation works while maintaining the integrity of surrounding structures.
2. Southern Retaining Wall: Enhanced with extra piles and a robust containment structure to stabilize the adjacent hospital infrastructure and metro tunnel.
3. Micro-Pile Foundations: Approximately 700 micro-piles were utilized, with real-scale testing ensuring the optimal load-bearing capacity and structural stability.
4. Independent Office Structure: Designed to function independently from Centro Colombo, the office building’s load distribution through cores, arches and columns without horizontal bracing was a noteworthy engineering feat.

Final remarks

Reify.’s involvement in Torre Norte project exemplifies our commitment to technical excellence and groundbreaking engineering solutions. This project not only addresses the immediate infrastructural needs but also sets a benchmark for urban development, integrating complex engineering with minimal disruption to existing operations. As we progress, Torre Norte stands as a testament to our ability to overcome challenges, delivering exceptional results while traveling the road to Innovative Engineering.

André Mercatudo Jesus , Development Manager