Aqaba Flagpole Explained

The Aqaba Flagpole in Aqaba, Jordan is a 130m (430feet) tall flagpole. This height makes it the ninth tallest free–standing and tenth tallest flagpole in the world.[1] [2] It was the tallest free–standing flagpole in the world until being surpassed by the 133m (436feet) tall Ashgabat Flagpole in 2008. It carries the flag of the Arab Revolt commemorating the Battle of Aqaba that took place in 1917. The flagpole can be seen from Israel, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. The flagpole was built in 2004 and opened on 3 October 2004.[3]

Information

Technical data

Pole height: 130 meters (427 feet)

Pole weight: 344,000 pounds (156 tonnes)

Number of pole sections: 11

Bottom of pole diameter: 103 inches (2.6 metres)

Top of pole diameter: 42 inches (1.1 metres)

Bottom section plate thickness: 1.26 inches – Fy = 50 ksi

Top section plate thickness: .394 inches – Fy = 36 ksi

Maximum section length: 39feet

Mating flanges thicknesses: Minimum: 1.58 inches, maximum 1.97inches

Flange bolts maximum diameter: 3 inches

Bolt material: A354, Fy = 115 ksi

Foundation: 56feet square by 8.5feet deep, 990 cubic yards concrete

Design criteria

Flag size: 98.5feet by 197feet

Flag material: Polyester

Wind speed criteria: (pole and flag) - 90mi/h

Wind speed criteria: (pole only) - 130mi/h

Seismic zone: 4 (Uniform Building Code)

Near seismic source: Less than 2 km (Aqaba Rift)

Codes

ANSI/NAAMFP-1001-97 – Guide Specification for Design Loads of Metal Flagpoles

Standard Specification for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, AASHTO

Structural engineer of record: Neil Moore and Associates

Builder: Trident Support Corp. with assistance from US Flag and Flagpole Supply LPContractor : Sahara contracting corporation, Amman, Jordan

References

29.5217°N 35.0011°W

Notes and References

  1. http://www.trident-support.com/About.htm - Aqaba Flagpole info on the website of Trident Support Corp.
  2. Web site: Dubai wants tallest flagpole . 2009-11-12 . 2010-02-06 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100206183711/http://www.thenational.ae/article/20080807/NATIONAL/994160089/1018 . dead .
  3. Web site: جلالته يفتتح بوابة العقبة ويشاهد رفع علم الثورة العربية ويتفقد مشروع فندق انتركونتيننتال - صحيفة الرأي . www.alrai.com.