Civil Engineering/RCC

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Expert: - 12/19/2008


Question
Dear Khan,
Asalam-o-Alaikum,
I want to know the possible solution for the following :
A remarkable gap has been developed in the beams resting on the column in between Abutment & Intake Tower structures in a Dam. The sides of the beams resting on the column have risen a little bit.
I'd be thankful if you could mail me the possible remedial measures.

Answer
Dear Gul,

You have not given sufficient information for me to form an opinion and isn any case such cases require a detailed site inspection and study of the design, soil conditions, loading, etc.

I would suspect that you have a foundation settlement problem, which you should monitor regularly over the next few weeks (with instrumentation), to see if there is further movement or it has stabilised. If the latter, then you can consider just grouting up the gaps, so long as the structure is still functional.

I strongly recommned that you seek the services of a local engineer to advise you after doing a proper inspection.

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Arshad Khan

Expertise

I can answer any questions to do with civil and structural engineering consultancy and construction industry in East Africa and the Middle East, and specifically with the analysis and design of reinforced concrete structures. My particular expertise is in the aseismic design and optimisation of tall buildings.

Experience

Employment history: 36 years in Construction and consultancy in the UK, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Africa, Somalia, Zambia, Austria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Doha and the U.A.E.

Organizations
.Fellow of Institution of Structural Engineers (UK) .Fellow of Institution of Civil Engineers(UK) .Member of the Institution of Engineers, Kenya .Registered Engineer, ERB, Kenya .Member of the Architectural Association of Kenya (Engineers Chapter) .Chartered Engineer (UK)

Publications
•1984: International Conference on the Art and Practice of Structural Design, London •1994: 3rd Int. Kerensky Conference in Structural Engineering, Singapore •2008: International Conference on High-Rise Towers, Abu Dhabi

Education/Credentials
BSc, 1st Class Hons, in Building Engineering, University of Bath, UK MSc in Concrete Structures and Technology, University of London. Diploma of Imperial College, UK.

Awards and Honors
•Science Congress Special Award (for 2-seater Hovercraft - 1968) •Institution of Civil Engineers Award for outstanding performance at Bath University (1975) •Concrete Society Postgraduate study Bursary Award (1976) •Consular Representative for British High Commission, Nairobi. (1995 to 1998) •Examiner for Institution of Civil Engineers Professional Interviews, Nairobi. (1997 to 1998) •Branch Representative in Vienna for PI assessment for Inst. of Struct. Engrs. (1999 to date)

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