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Civil Engineering/Lateral Earth Pressure combination

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Expert: - 9/22/2011


Question
Dear Mr. Khan:
I’m a structural engineer and it is not clear for me what is meant by the quoted part of ACI 318-05 article (d) on chapter 9 " Where lateral earth pressure provides resistance to structural actions from other forces, it shall not be included in H but shall be included in the design resistance"
I could not find anything on the commentary that could clarify it to me.
I appreciate you help.
Thanks

Answer
Hi Atika,

The way I interpret that is that when you use H in the the combos (e.g. with W and E), when earth pressure reduces the overall building lateral load, or reduces the global overturning moments, then it should be excluded from the combos.

However, the H forces should be used for calculating the moments and shears in the retaining  or basement walls, etc, which may be part of the overall structure.

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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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