Civil Engineering/beam span

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Expert: - 2/16/2010


Question
please how do i go about solving a problem thus;optimization of the span of steel cantilevered beam.thank you.

Answer
Hi Abdrrazaq,

Perhaps you mean how to optimise the design of a cantilever steel beam for a specific span and loading? (Otherwise the optimal span is the minimum span, with minimum loading!).

Well, if deflection is not a critical factor, then just follow the shape of the bending moment diagram and shape the elevation of the beam accordingly- i.e. deeper at the support and tapering down to a minimum required/practical depth at the tip. Also, to prevent lateral torsional buckling of the compression flange (or bottom surface), you can provide some stiffeners or lateral bracing/supports in the horizontal plane). This will optimse the cantilever beam design.

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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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