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Civil Engineering/Demolition of Existing Slab.

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Expert: - 7/19/2008


Question
Hello Arshad,
I need to demolish a part of a 6" concrete pitch roof slab due to addition of a room on the terrace, I would like to know what method should I adopt for cutting/demolishing the projected portion of this slab without causing any damage for inside building, where we have gypsum false ceiling which we are not supposed to remove. What kind of support should I use?. Is there any website where I can get this Information?. What all precautions should I take?
I hope you will help me to find a solution for this like before.
Thanking you,


Answer
Hi Jafeel,

You have not given me sufficielt details to enable me to advise you properly. However, assuming that you cannot put up a temperory platform underneath the slab to be demolishes, then the only safe option is to strap on some steel beams using drilled bolts to small sections of the slab and then cut those sections out piece by piece using diamong edged concrete circular saw. The steel beams can be supported on either side of the section to be cut by the sections not cut, but ensuring structural stability is maintained at all satges of the demolition.  Be very careful and take all safety precautions...

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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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