Civil Engineering/Pad foundations

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Expert: - 6/21/2001


Question
What is the method of constructing an isolated reinforced concrete pad foundation?

Answer
Hi Kevin,

This appears to be a trick question, perhaps?

If not, the answer is quite simple. You dig a hole in the ground, either square or rectangular (or any other shape), down to firm founding strata. The size of the pad will depend on the applied loading, the ground bearing pressure, the strength of materials, etc.

Then you put a blinding layer of week class 10 concrete, about 5 cm thick and let it set for a day or two. Then you place the formwork around the pad size, place the reinforcement steel, together with the starter bars for the vertical member (column or wall). then you put spacer blocks to give you the designed concrete cover. Then you pour in the concrete, vibrate it, and cure it for a few days, depending on the climatic conditions.

Hope that helps!

Kind regards,

Arshad

Civil Engineering

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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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