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Civil Engineering/Brick Wall Modeling

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Expert: - 6/10/2011


Question
Dear Sir,

Can you suggest me how do we model a brick wall masonry in ETabs as a strut model?

Thank You

Sajeev Shakya

Answer
Hi Sajeev,

This is a bit difficult to model as brickwork properties at a diagonal are not well defined (depend on quality and grade of the bedding mortar, strength of brickwork, etc). If you are not relying on the wall for lateral stability, then just apply the load as dead oad on supporting beams and then you can introduce movement joints along the sides of columns and soffit of beam above.

If not, I would suggest you model a strut with dimensions equal to width of brickwork and possibly 2X that for the depth of strut and give it modulus and compression strength (say 3 N/mm2) equivalent to your brickwork properties?

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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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