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Expert: - 5/12/2009


Question
QUESTION: From what depth should I start my columns for a three storey building.L=40" B=12" H=34" in Surat Gujarat India ?


ANSWER: Hi Vishwanath,

I presume your dimensions are in feet and not inches (")? Anway, the depth of foundation is determined by ground conditions and the soil cover to the top can vary from a minimum 500mm below surface of ground. For areas subjected to ground frost, the minimum is usually 600mm.



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

QUESTION: Dear Arshad
It was feet rather than inches. How deep should I go for a foundation for  3 storey bldg where we get water 8 feet deep. Ours is a costal area.

Answer
Hi Vishwanath,

Water depth is not a major criteria, but the ground conditions is what determines depth- so, without site investigations data, I am sorry that I cannot advise any further. Just ensure that the strata below the foundation can safely support the foundation pressure with minimum settlement.

I suggest you also make enquiries about depths of foundations of any nearby structures, as that will give you some guidance.

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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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