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Expert: - 10/29/2007


Question
QUESTION: Hi i have got a project to do an analysis of a transformer tank. The total weight of the upper tank is 220 Tonnes. Once it is lifted and placed on the base i need to design 4 clamps. The tank is a rectangular shaped so ideally there would be two clamps one each sides(there will be two on each sides with longer lengths).As the 220 Tonnes weight is a UDL i need to design a clamp (i think it would be fixed on 3 sides)..and find a suitable point to fix the clamp.So i assume it would be converting UDL into  a point or concentrated load.
Your reply would be much appreciated.
Regards


ANSWER: Hi Faisal,

If the tank is so heavy, then all the clamps are doing is to hold the tank from sliding horizontally.

So, basically you could design them against shear for a laod of say 10-15% of total gravity load.

Hope that helps!

Kind regards,

Arshad

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hi arshad,
would appreciate if you could please provide me with further guidance on how to do the analysis.
regards

Answer
Faisal,

This is not easy to do without looking at the drawings, etc. Just use basic principles- distribute the load to the clamps and design the bolts against shear or tension, depending on the geometry.

Sorry- can't help further, as i have other people waiting for advice. Best of luck!

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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