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Civil Engineering/Masonry Reinforcement

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Expert: - 7/6/2008


Question
QUESTION: Good Day, Sir!

I'm a new Engineer (from the Philippines) here in Bahrain. I just want to ask, what is the required masonry reinforcement as well as wall footing/foundation.

Our Structural Code in the Phil was based on US Code. Here, they are using British Code. Is there a difference between them regarding the subject?

I just want to make sure. it will give me peace of mind. Thank you


ANSWER: Neil,

As Bahrain is not a seismic zone, there are no specific requirements for masonry rebar, although some people do use nominal bars in every second course, and ties into columns.

As for footings/foundations, the requirements of BS8110 are not very different to the ACI codes, so you can use similar details. I suggest you study BS 8110 (reinforced concrete) and BS 5628 (masonry)

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thank you for the fast reply. however, i still dont the codes you recomended, so, i wish to give a follow up question. how about if the column is a universal beam, where you can not tie the reinforcement, can i just put vertical bars from footing?

Answer
Hi Neil,

In that case you need to have a base plate at the bottom of the steel column and anchor that into the foundation with long anchor bolts with embedded washers.

Usually it is better to have an RC stub column on the footing so that the steel base-plate is above ground.

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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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