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Civil Engineering/strengthening of footings

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Expert: - 10/3/2011


Question
Dear Sir,
Good Day!

I have a warehouse need to be expanded.In this case I am adding one more frame in the direction of the existing frame .while checking the footing for the intermediate column footing,its not enough to withstand the load transfering from both frames.
In this case how can I strengthen the existing footing? thanx so much for your valuable advice.
Best Regards,

Answer
Hi Ravi,

You can excavate around the existing base, expose the rebar to sufficient depth (from the sides) to enable new rebars to be welded to old ones in both directions, so as to increase the width and or length of the base. If the original rebar is not sufficient for the larger base (due to larger moments/shears), you can consider scabbling the top surface and bonding (with epoxy grout and/or dowels) in a layer of concrete on top so as to increase the thickness of the base.

The alternative (to avoid this complication) is to build another base next to the old one, so that you have a frame close to the old (say 1-2 m) for the purlins and then the normal spanning bay after 6-8 m, or whatever you need. This way you minimise the additional load to existing foundations.

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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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