Civil Engineering/Dynamic loads

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Expert: - 5/12/2011


Question
How do you test dynamic loads on a structure? I see that your expertise is in sesmic design, so I wonder how do you test the effects of an earthquake on a prototype of the structure. Or how do you implement dynamic loads in a methodological way so that they can be tested to see the effects.

Thanks

Answer
Hi Sara,

If you are talking about designing buildings, then the most common methods are to use Response Spectrum Analysis or Time History Analysis, both of which simulate the effects of dynamic earthquake loading- you can Google these and see lots of references.

If you are talking about existing buildings, then oen way is to accurately model the building in 3D and apply the same techniques, or else you can subject the building to dynamic loads (such as oscillating machinery or impact loads) and measure the deflections and vibration characteristics using strain guages, etc.- the latter is not within my particular expertise.

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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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