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About Arshad Khan
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
I can answer any questions to do with 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: 33 years in Construction and consultancy in UK, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Africa, Somalia, Austria, Bahrain and the U.A.E.

Organizations: Fellow of Institution of Structural Engineers (UK), Fellow of Institution of Civil Engineers(UK),Registered Engineer Kenya, Chartered Engineer (UK)

Publications: Proceedings of 2 International Conferences; Education: BSc, MSc, D.I.C.

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Questions Answered By Expert Arshad Khan
In Category Civil Engineering

Subject	Date Asked

Questions regarding ETABS	1/7/2009
Q: I want to ask the following questions regarding ETABS. What property shall I assign to Slab Objects ... A: Membranes have only in-plane stiffness (so can be used to simulate diaphragms), plates have ...
Structural Design	1/5/2009
Q: I would like to know what is the formula for calculating Lap length and Anchorage as per the BS ... A: Lap lengths depend on a lot of variables, such as bundling, distance from edges, whether they are in ...
Civil Engineering	1/3/2009
Q: How can we extend the existing foundation? or in other words How can we connect the existing ... A: The best way to do this is to hack back the side of the existing foundation to about 50mm beyond the ...
foundation	1/2/2009
Q: I have a foundation of an existing 4x10 meters with isolated footing and reinforced concrete grade ... A: If you are connecting the foundations, then it would be better to also connect the rest of the ...
building construction	12/29/2008
Q: what is the defference between a pad and raft foundation A: The main difference is in proportions and how many applied loading points there are. A pad is ...
Foundation Design	12/28/2008
Q: I am doing my 1st year B.Sc Architectural Engineering, and for my geo-technical assignment, using an ... A: The following websites give you step-by-step procedure for designing a strip footing: ...
Main rebar of column cutted	12/23/2008
Q: the main bar for the column of 4th floor (last floor) cutted by MEP people, please give me the ... A: Nadeem, My earlier answer still applies- you need to do a stress check to see if the cut rebar is ...
basement waterproofing	12/23/2008
Q: One basement 10 meters beneath the ground level is being done. The raft thickness is .75 meters . ... A: This problem has arisen possibly because proper de-watering system was not installed? Also, I would ...
Main rebar of column cutted	12/23/2008
Q: the main bar for the column of 4th floor (last floor) cutted by MEP people, please give me the ... A: You have not given me enough info to advise properly, but if the bar is critical to the structural ...
lift well design	12/21/2008
Q: I am student of final year construction technology. I am designing a lift well 1.8 m x 2.1 m. I want ... A: In simple terms, work out the total vertical loading (W)on the total liftshaft (from beams/slabs ...
Volunteer civil engineering wok	12/20/2008
Q: I have just finished with my B.E civil engineering and now I wish to gain experience. I have a full ... A: That is very pro-active of you and commendable. Much as I would like to be your mentor, my current ...
RCC	12/19/2008
Q: Asalam-o-Alaikum, I want to know the possible solution for the following : A remarkable gap has been ... A: You have not given sufficient information for me to form an opinion and isn any case such cases ...
GROUND BEAMS & GRADE SLABS	12/19/2008
Q: how to design a beam ans a slab resting on the ground or back filled soil? Do i have to make a staad ... A: Ahmed, This is complex soil-structure interaction problem and depends on the stiffness of the ...
final year project	12/17/2008
Q: How do I design a low rise building e.g two or three floors, using materials such as reinforced ... A: This is a very complex and involved question to answer over this medium. However, the following ...
Pile Cap Design	12/15/2008
Q: I just want to know, which code provides most economical pilecap design, Is it preferable to use any ... A: You are correct that the pile cap needs to be stiff enough to uniformly transmit the load, which is ...
e-tabs output check for multistorey residential building	12/15/2008
Q: after running the e-tabs model including all factors like, type of soil, zone factors, ca & cv. i ... A: The aspects you ask about depend on the shape and aspect ratio of the building and also location, so ...
e-tabs output check for multistorey residential building	12/14/2008
Q: after running the e-tabs model including all factors like, type of soil, zone factors, ca & cv. i ... A: The checks you should do are: 1. Check the last run log file for any errors, then correct those. 2. ...
flat slab	12/12/2008
Q: 1. if a flat slab system is analyzed three dimensionally on software-etabs then to calculate ... A: There are several references to ductile detailing, such as the ones below: ...
flat slab	12/11/2008
Q: 1. if a flat slab system is analyzed three dimensionally on software-etabs then to calculate ... A: Yes, you need to add the stresses from both axial as well as unbalanced bending, which could also be ...
Deflection of flexural members	12/10/2008
Q: Do I Have to check Deflection of Beams with service loads or ultimate loads. Staad uses the ... A: Most codes stipulate a total deflection limitation of span/250 for service loads only (DL+LL)and ...
use of differential eqns in civil engineering	12/8/2008
Q: I researched about application of differential equations in civil engineering but i can not find ... A: This is not my area of expertise, but the following websites have some answers for you: ...
RC analysis & design	12/5/2008
Q: I have 3 questions to ask, i will be grateful if you could answer the questions. 1.Staad gives ... A: 1. Yes, follow the convention that is given in the help menu of STAAD. 2. In most cases that is ...
RC analysis & design	12/5/2008
Q: I have 3 questions to ask, i will be grateful if you could answer the questions. 1.Staad gives ... A: Here are your answers: 1. Yes, consider both Mx and My 2. Yes you need to ensure they have good ...
concrete technology	12/4/2008
Q: what are expected value/percentage strength of concrete cube test at 7,21 and 28 days for design ... A: These percentages can vary a lot depending on the mix design and type of cement used, but on ...
MAT FOUNDATION MODEL	12/2/2008
Q: I have few more questions to ask, i will really appreciate, if you could help me with your ... A: If the 3-7 value is very localised (small area), then you can ignore it. Also make sure you are ...
how to design a RCC footing	12/2/2008
Q: what is the procedure to design a RCC footing in a building. A: Basically you need to work out the total vertical (gravity) loading and the total lateral (wind or ...
MAT FOUNDATION MODEL	12/1/2008
Q: I have few more questions to ask, i will really appreciate, if you could help me with your ... A: 1. From the support reactions, you can determine whether the soil bearing capacity has/has not been ...
asking questions	11/29/2008
Q: what is the role of civil engineering in any society?and speculate on the future of civil ... A: This sounds like a homework/essay question, which really you should do your own research for. ...
Help Please	11/28/2008
Q: I am very much interested in this course though i feel i am weak in drawing but i can visualise ... A: If you can visualise structures in 3-D, then you can always develop your drawing skills. It is ...
seismic basics	11/27/2008
Q: i need help in seismic design... Our instructor refuses to teach us seismic analysis...and we don't ... A: If you have an analysis package, then model the building in 3-D, apply a horzontal displacement in ...
Rcc Slab	11/26/2008
Q: How we can calculate the load on a slab dead load and live load in a house A: You can work out the dead load by knowing the density and size of the structural members and ...
foundation design	11/26/2008
Q: I am a student civil engineer from Kenya. am made to design a piled raft foundation for 4 no. LP Gas ... A: Jambo, Timothy, If I have interpreted your figures correctly, each tank will weigh around 70,000 ...
How reinforcement to be provided in WALLS	11/25/2008
Q: Can the derived reinforcement be provided 50% on each face i.e on the earth side and opposite side ... A: This depends on whether the wall is carrying mainly vertical loads (like columns), in which case you ...
Result Analysis	11/25/2008
Q: please tell me how to analyze the results of the concrete cube crushing test? what is the level of ... A: Usually this is based on statistical data and the standard deviation and current margin as ...
Regarding Machine Foundations	11/25/2008
Q: Salam How to do the dynamic analysis of foundation on which different types of machines operating ... A: This is quite complex, so it may be better to separate out the bases if possible. I am not an expert ...
RCC Beams	11/24/2008
Q: Sir, Could you please give instructions or idea for designing an economic section of beam spanning ... A: In oredr to design such a beam you need to estimate the total imposed loading and then analyse it ...
3d modelling using staad	11/24/2008
Q: I would be very thankful to you, if you could answer my question. When we make a 3d model of a RC ... A: If you have full continuity rebar (top and bottom) in your beam/column junction, then this can be ...
Honey combing in Structural Members	11/22/2008
Q: Can you please direct me the remidial measures available for honey combing and the effects of honey ... A: If the honeycombing is in tensile zone (e.g. midspan of beams/slabs), then the main danger is ...
Ribbed slab	11/21/2008
Q: Sir can you pls direct me on how the rib slab fuction.. Also how about the two way rib slabs ?? ... A: This works like a series of parallel beams (usually at 750 or 900mm centres, connected with a thin ...
Raft foundation help	11/21/2008
Q: I have a multistorey uilding for which I want to provide a raft type footing.the problem is if I ... A: What you mean is a cellular raft and you will find some info on that in the following website: ...
civil engg	11/17/2008
Q: Sir, please let me know the approximate total load (DL+LL) for a typical common 2-storey family ... A: This will vary between 14-18 kN/m2 per floor for habitable spaces and about 12-14 kN/m2 for the ...
Regarding plinth beams	11/16/2008
Q: I would be thankful to you, if you answer this few questions. 1. what is the maximum distance for ... A: If what you mean by a plinth beam is a down-standing beam, then this is a more economical solution ...
Reinforce Concrete Thickness-Please Help	11/14/2008
Q: I have a problem in which I know the forces on a suspended reinforced concrete slab and the width ... A: The fonmulae are quite complex, so you will need to refer to guides such as BS 8110, or visit the ...
Structural design	11/13/2008
Q: Is there any special procedure for calculation of shear stress in prestressed members(beams/slabs) ... A: Flat slabs will impose less moments to columns than beams/slab systems when considering lateral ...
Reinforce Concrete Thickness-Please Help	11/12/2008
Q: I have a problem in which I know the forces on a suspended reinforced concrete slab and the width ... A: Yes, there are formulae for this, which you can see in the following website: ...
Structural design	11/11/2008
Q: Is there any special procedure for calculation of shear stress in prestressed members(beams/slabs) ... A: In principle there is no difference from normal RC design as the maximum permissible shear stress in ...
Dome Analysis	11/11/2008
Q: I am trying to make a finite element model of a Dome on Etabs. I understand that Etabs do not accept ... A: Yes there is a very simple way. Draw the curvature of the dome in elevation by a series of straight ...
RIBBED FLOOR CONSTRUCTION	11/11/2008
Q: I NEED A DETAIL WRITE UP ON RIBBED FLOOR CONSTRUCTION WITH PICTURES AND REFERENCES.THANK YOU SIR A: This is a very efficient form of slab construction which is alos called a Pan Joist system in the ...
raft foundation	11/10/2008
Q: How would u construct a raft foundationin in soft clay for a large structure(5 storey)? What are the ... A: The advantages of a raft foundation are that it distributes the loading from a building relatively ...
Regarding expansion joints	11/9/2008
Q: I would be thankful to you, if you answer this few questions. 1. what is the maximum distance for ... A: 1. For retaining wall at edge of property, you can make it work by incresing the base width (length) ...
Final Year Project	11/8/2008
Q: I'll be starting my final year (undergraduate level) in civil engineering from Pakistan. I am ... A: Good to hear that you are doing your final year. Here are my answers: 1. Yes, if you can find a ...
Regarding expansion joints	11/8/2008
Q: I would be thankful to you, if you answer this few questions. 1. what is the maximum distance for ... A: The distance for expansion joints is mainly determined by temperature changes and less so by seismic ...
design of strip foundations	11/3/2008
Q: l am an undergraduate student in civil engineering. Al am currently on industrial training , l have ... A: Ia m afraid that this still does not give me sufficient info, but based on my previous answer you ...
Notes On RCC Designs	10/31/2008
Q: I am a fresh graduate in Civil Engineering. I am looking for some advice from experts. In this ... A: Try the following website as it has a lot of useful advice/gudelines: For RC buildings, the first ...
design of stri foundations	10/29/2008
Q: l am an undergraduate student in civil engineering. Al am currently on industrial training , l have ... A: Without knowing the plan dimenisons, it is difficult to confirm figures, but on average a building ...
Costruction Engineer	10/1/2008
Q: I'm a senior in high school that is doing a paper on construction engineering. If possible, I would ... A: Well, it's a very exciting and fullfilling career, but not as highly-paid as other professions such ...
vertical hilty	10/1/2008
Q: i had designed the shear wall ,but by mistake at site they have casted the shear wall with some ... A: Depending on whether the bars are subjected to tension or compression, there will be different ...
material science	9/30/2008
Q: Is the stress value indicates the capacity of the object? how shear force originates in structural ... A: Stress is force divided by area- for example, if there is a beam member 2cm wide by 3cm deep, so the ...
sizing structural materials of a deck	9/29/2008
Q: In order to use rainwater collected from my roof for household and garden purposes, I need to store ... A: Due to liability reasons, I cannot perform a design for you but merely give advice. I would imagine ...
Structural engineering	9/29/2008
Q: Sir, How the shear wall is useful for multistoried RCC buildings is it compulsory to provide that ... A: That depends on the aspect ration of the building (height to minimum horizontal dimension) and also ...
SAFE	9/27/2008
Q: Is there anyway I can receive foundation design examples which I can open in SAFE8? I dont get right ... A: Yes, within SAFE there are several examples that you can review. Also, if you have any problems with ...
rubble packing	9/20/2008
Q: what is the advantage of using dry rubble packing as a foundation will the building fall down if the ... A: Rubble packing is normally used under ground bearing slabs and sometimes under foundations as well, ...
MS in civil Engineering	9/19/2008
Q: i am in my final year now n i plan to do ms either in Construction management or structural ... A: Manthan, Currently there are very good job opportunities in both fields so I would suggest you go ...
Civil Engineering questions	9/16/2008
Q: my name is Joe Bittner and i am a student a Pius XI High School. We have to do a paper on a field of ... A: Hi Cory, My job title is Director of Structures. The starting salary for a graduate in UK would be ...
Interview	9/15/2008
Q: my name is Cory Briggs. I was recently assigned to write a paper on a career that I am interested ... A: My job title is Director of Structures. The starting salary in UK would be around GBP 25,000 per ...
bending moment	9/12/2008
Q: I am studying in second year Diploma civil engineering I wanted to know how to calculate bending ... A: This is very basic structural analysis which you will need to read a book to understand. In brief,a ...
Steel deck + concrete diaphragm	9/12/2008
Q: i'm from italy but i have to design with american codes. I have to design a diaphragm with corrugate ... A: I think this is to do with the shear capacity of the lugs that are welded through the decking on to ...
Concrete specifications	9/12/2008
Q: In gulf states when we said Grade 25 or Grade 35 concrete what does it mean? What will be the ratio ... A: Grade 25 means the crushing cube strength of the concrete at 28 days is 25 N/mm2. Ditto for 35, 40, ...
Construction Methods	7/29/2008
Q: How to design a slab of the following:Y=4000mm,X=8000mm using reinforcement of Y12-250c/c-B1-01.What ... A: This sounds like a slab of width 4m and length 8m, with rebar of 12mm diameter (Y means high-yield ...
Inclined columns	7/29/2008
Q: I WANT TO KNOW HOW TO DESIGN INCLINED COLUMNS A: They can be designed as vertical columns but taking care to design for the additional moments due to ...
E TABS	7/28/2008
Q: What are the Pros and Cons of using E TABS to design a CONCRETE STRUCTURE ? A: This is a very general question and really depends on the type, size and complexity of the ...
Compaction and compaction eqpment	7/27/2008
Q: hello sir what is compaction and various compaction masonry in civil engineering? A: Compaction requires different machinery for different materials- e.g. for concrete you need a ...
bidges	7/21/2008
Q: Archad, what makes Cable-stayed bridges safer than suspension bridges in case of hurricanes and ... A: I have not really thought of this before but I reckon it is because in a suspension brigde there are ...
cracks in structures	7/20/2008
Q: I am a quality control engineer and I notice we keep getting a lot of cracks in our box culverts and ... A: This could be due to several reasons, such as very thick or very thin concrete cover to rebar, outer ...
Demolition of Existing Slab.	7/19/2008
Q: I need to demolish a part of a 6" concrete pitch roof slab due to addition of a room on the terrace, ... A: You have not given me sufficielt details to enable me to advise you properly. However, assuming that ...
timber use in bridge	7/18/2008
Q: Arshad, i have a college assignment looking at an extreme scenario where an 80 m bridge over a ... A: You have not given me enough info to advise properly, but for an 80m free span bridge, you will ...
civil engineering	7/16/2008
Q: Archad, what's the way to be an excellent civil engineer comparing with the recent world life which ... A: That is a good question. The way to assess engineering excellence is to design and build structures ...
fc and fcu	7/15/2008
Q: What's the difference between f'c and fcu? How do I convert f'c to fcu? Thanks ANSWER: Hi Ben, ... A: On reflection, fc could mean cylinder crushing strength (usually in USA) and fcu could be a cube ...
Diaphram action of metal deck slab	7/14/2008
Q: In continuation to your reply to Adam for the above subject i would like to add further question for ... A: 1. No, usually the gravity loading rebar is different from the diaphragm rebar, although the two can ...
Civil Engineering	7/12/2008
Q: What are the career opportunities do I have As an civil engineer with MBA (Specialization in ... A: Ashish, That depends on what stage of your career you are at. If it is at the beginning, you little ...
grade slab for mobile racks	7/12/2008
Q: how we can design the grade for mobile racks of heavy load for industrial building, it would be ... A: This would be considered a structural slab on grade, and the design needs to take account of the ...
Flat slab design	7/10/2008
Q: Respected sir, I, vijay, am doing my masters in structural engineering at IIT Kanpur, India. ... A: The most critical aspects of designing flat slabs are: 1. Punching shear around columns 2. ...
how to start for a job after a long break	7/7/2008
Q: i am 2004 pass out.i got married when i was in my final semester.my husband worked at Hindalco ... A: Four years is not too long, so long as you have been keeping in touch with engineering. There are ...
Column Reinforcement	7/7/2008
Q: Reinforcement bar of column at 1st floor cutted by mistake,beam and screed over hollow core slab ... A: The ebst solution for this si to expose about 100mm of the column bars and connect them to starter ...
culvert	7/7/2008
Q: I am trying to design a 2 span bridge that has the shape of a box culvert as per american code ACI ... A: It's dificult to send/do designs via this medium, but you can either take guidance from the famous ...
Masonry Reinforcement	7/6/2008
Q: Good Day, Sir! I'm a new Engineer (from the Philippines) here in Bahrain. I just want to ask, what ... A: In that case you need to have a base plate at the bottom of the steel column and anchor that into ...
Masonry Reinforcement	7/6/2008
Q: Good Day, Sir! I'm a new Engineer (from the Philippines) here in Bahrain. I just want to ask, what ... A: Neil, As Bahrain is not a seismic zone, there are no specific requirements for masonry rebar, ...
Civil Engineering or Archictural	7/1/2008
Q: I am MansoorKhalid sending you this email from Peshawar Pakistan. I had finished my first year ... A: From what you are saying, you should go for a course in civil engineering and then you can later ...
load bearing capacity of slab	7/1/2008
Q: salam, sir i have asked a question already about load bearing capacity of a slab. my question was, ... A: This is a bit difficuolt to assess accurately, but based on the info you have given I would say that ...
Structural Engineering.	6/30/2008
Q: I would like to know is it possible for me to connect steel joist to an existing RCC beam,if so what ... A: Yes, you can do that by using a flange/base plate at the end of the steel member and using drilled ...
chemistry in civil eng.	6/29/2008
Q: Archad, well why does a civil engineer study courses connected in chemistry? well don't worry about ... A: Chemistry is useful for civil engineering because it helps to understand the materials and how to ...
slab load bearing capacity	6/29/2008
Q: we have a floor thickness 3 inches of concrete(1:2:4) with .25 inch diameter steel reinforcement @ ... A: This is a bit difficuolt to assess accurately, but based on the info you have given I would say that ...
Eccentric Footing Analysis	6/27/2008
Q: Sir, I am a Structual Engg. student. My project is going on this topic. i want to know the analysis ... A: By adding in the triangular element all you will do is help in reducing punching shear- your ...
rods in bridges	6/26/2008
Q: Archad, when a bridge is made over a river, the bridge stands over an arc made of specific elements, ... A: I am sorry, but your question is still not clear- what do you mean by rod? Do you mean a beam or are ...
rods in bridges	6/25/2008
Q: Archad, when a bridge is made over a river, the bridge stands over an arc made of specific elements, ... A: I do not quite understand your question, but in principle so long as the arch bridge has good ...
column load support	6/25/2008
Q: hai arshad khan,can u brief me how much load can support by column (300X300X1000MM ht).tq A: The formula for this (assuming axial load only) is 0.35Fcu300300+0.87fy*As, where fcu is cube ...
RCC LIFT SHAFT, Circular Stairs	6/24/2008
Q: I have completed my civil engineering and now got a job as a structural designer. I would like to ... A: You have too many questions, most of which you should ask your mentor at work to help you with. ...
beam-column connection	6/24/2008
Q: Please let me know the connection details of RCC beam to inclined column details, as the bars for ... A: In this case, it is best to take the column bars to the top face of the beam and bend them along the ...
deflected bondeck slab	6/14/2008
Q: GHi Mr Arshad A bondek floor slab has deflected excessively due to the absence of propping during ... A: As this is a proprietory product, you should really seek advice from the manufacturers. However, in ...
rods in the buildings	6/14/2008
Q: every buildings has rods, these rods represent the normal reaction of the ground against the weight ... A: If you are talking about reinforced concrete buildings (not steel buildings), then yes there so so ...
pile cap	6/14/2008
Q: I work in a consultancy firm in kolkata, india. My question is that is it possible to cast a two ... A: This is difficult to say without knowing the piles capacity for lateral bending and the column loads ...
Timber Design	6/12/2008
Q: I'd like to know which standards are used in timber design, preferably for timber that's available ... A: I do not know about Uganda, but in Kenya the Ministry of Works has a local code that follows the ...
design slab	6/7/2008
Q: how to design a slab ,rcc members.i want pursue my career as strucural engineer,so please guide me A: This is quite a complex subject, so you will need to study some books, but basically you design as ...
skyscrapers	6/5/2008
Q: welcome to your returning. well I spend many days waiting you :D well every skyscraper must have ... A: I am not sure I quite understand your question, but basically hihsie buildings are designed to ...
Span & PSF rating for 6" concrete on deck form and I-beams	5/22/2008
Q: I need to know the maximum span 22 gauge 1.5C conform deck steel can handle with a 6" total depth ... A: I am not familiar with Conform decking (must be a US product), but you need to consult their ...
conection B/w column & Slab	5/21/2008
Q: I want to know how we do connection b/w column reinforcement and Slab reinforcement. A: Normally this connection is via beams that span into columns, but if you are asking about flat ...
Relevant to steel	5/20/2008
Q: I want u to tell me the difference between Hot rolled and cold twisted Steel bars, what is ... A: Hot rolled mild steel has lower rebar yield strength (250 N/mm2) while cold twisted HY rbar has 460 ...
Diaphragm shear transfer in concrete slabs	5/20/2008
Q: I have a question regarding diaphragm shear in concrete slabs. I would like to ask you how this ... A: The principles for diapgram forces in RC slab are the same for what you describe for steel beams ...
RE: CONNECTION BETWEEN R.C STUMP AND HARD WOOD COLUMN.	5/19/2008
Q: HAI ARSHAD KHAN I WANT TO ASK U ABOUT CONNECTION BETWEEN R.C STUMP (300mmx300mmx1000MM(h))AND WOOD ... A: The best way to do this connection is to design a steel cap at the bottom end of the wood column ...
building science	5/18/2008
Q: what procedures must be followed when calculate a beams bending moment ,UDL and where in the ... A: For UDL, the bending moment is a simply-supported beam is WL2/8 where W is the total applied +self ...
concentrated loads on an elevated slab	5/17/2008
Q: I have an elevated slab supported by open web steel joists on 18" centers. I need to install two ... A: Without knowing the spacing of the 6 feet it is difficult to give proper advice, but as a guide the ...
cracks in footing	5/10/2008
Q: I have observe some cracks not too much deep in footing near the dowels of column reinforcement. I ... A: You have not given me enough details to make a proper assessment but if they are minor surface ...
post tension slab	5/6/2008
Q: i need to check for opening in post tesion slab.slab in 7.57.5 m. opening size is about 1m.6m this ... A: Although you are designing columns as pinned, in reality they will attract moments from the slab due ...
Concrete slabe on grade	5/5/2008
Q: Existing 5" concrete slab with no. 4 bars at 24" o/c located at med depth. What point load can it ... A: This is very difficult to assess as it depends on the quality and compaction of the sub-grade and ...
structural engg	5/5/2008
Q: i am constructed steel bridge over a small nalla & span of bridge is 50 feet & one side rcc paradi & ... A: I am sorry to say that you have not given me enough information and in any case I do not offer a ...
SILO	5/4/2008
Q: i want to design metal silo foundation, silo is 32m dia & 23 m height & its grain capacity is 8000 ... A: If the RC wall is also subjected to grain pressure then you can design it in hoop stress, with the ...
SILO	5/4/2008
Q: i want to design metal silo foundation, silo is 32m dia & 23 m height & its grain capacity is 8000 ... A: Much as I would like to help you, I cannot picture what you mean about the shear wall and stiffners. ...
what is honey combing	5/3/2008
Q: sir what is exactly this honey combing,and where it will occur generally,and even what is ... A: Honey combing is what happens when concrete is not compacted properly and voids form between the ...
assignment	5/2/2008
Q: the role of civil engineer in the construction company A: I have been asked similar questions before, so if you do not mind I will cut-and-paste the Q & A: ...
rcc beam	4/25/2008
Q: at one of our existing single storey car wash building, a contractor has cut concrete from the top ... A: This is a bit difficult to say for sure, without looking at the drawings and loading, but in general ...
Rubble packing	4/12/2008
Q: why is rubble packing done in foundation of footings?does it increase the load bearing capacity of ... A: This is used to basically even out any soft-spots or localised depressions caused by the ...
Design of Lift Well	3/30/2008
Q: I want to design a lift well in a three storey hospital building. Size of the well is (7ft. x 7ft.) ... A: This is a very difficult question to answer, as a lot depends on what else is spanning on to the ...
STAAD analysis	3/29/2008
Q: WE are in our final year B.Tech Civil... We are doing a project i.e Analysis and Design of 3 storey ... A: Syed, when you do sub-frame anaysis, the total column loads have to be added separately by hand or ...
STAAD analysis	3/21/2008
Q: WE are in our final year B.Tech Civil... We are doing a project i.e Analysis and Design of 3 storey ... A: This is difficult to explain over this forum- I suggest you refer to a textbook on structural ...
STAAD analysis	3/21/2008
Q: WE are in our final year B.Tech Civil... We are doing a project i.e Analysis and Design of 3 storey ... A: Syed, Yes, footing needs to be designed for bending moment, whether on not it is on rock- if column ...
STAAD analysis	3/20/2008
Q: WE are in our final year B.Tech Civil... We are doing a project i.e Analysis and Design of 3 storey ... A: This is a difficult subject to mentor over this forum, but here are some answers: 1. Loading is ...
etabs beam modeling	3/14/2008
Q: can etabs model beams spanning from one story to another ie. inclined beams? why is it the line type ... A: Yes, ETABS can do inclined beams and it is just a default description that anything inclined is ...
excavations	2/28/2008
Q: I am interviewing with a company that does large scale land reclaimations and excavations. What ... A: I am not an expert on this, but basically you should be confident in your responses and do not try ...
Concrete classes	2/14/2008
Q: Please explain to me the various ratios of concrete.there is class 15 class 20 class 25 and class 30 ... A: Yes, you can usually get classes from 10 N/mm2 in increments of 5 to anything upto 100 N/mm2 or ...
Using steel plate to spread concentrated loadod	2/13/2008
Q: Arshad, An r.c.slab of an exhibition hall is designed with an imposed live load of 10 kN/m2. A ... A: Yes, that should do the trick, assuming that the base plate is stiff enought to spread the laoding ...
RCC designing	2/2/2008
Q: what is the bending moment A: This is very basic- it is the moment caused in a beam (or column or wall), due to external loading ...
flat slab	2/1/2008
Q: I am Deepthi a structural engineer, I wanted to know if a flat slab can be analysed using STAAD. If ... A: STAAD is not very good for flat slab design, but you can get approximate results by meshing the ...
Bearing shear wall system	2/1/2008
Q: I am designing a 12 story concrete building with shear walls, the frame system is bearing wall ... A: Depending on the detailing, the beams can be fixed or pinned or partially relaesed and ETABS will do ...
Raft foundations	1/20/2008
Q: Khan, I would like to know how to calculate the thickness of the raft I require for a single storey ... A: The best way for this is as follows: 1. Work out the total load down, and divide by the area of the ...
Mix Design	1/19/2008
Q: Please let me know the actual mix design with one problem practiced in site A: This is quite a complex issue, as mix design depends on the class of concrete, the aggrrgate type ...
Civil Engineering	1/17/2008
Q: This question is like a test question. You have three houses in a row, above the three houses their ... A: This is a mind-bender puzzle rather than civil engineering and is difficult for me to answer without ...
Maximum Distance Between Concrete Steel Post	1/6/2008
Q: What is the Maximum Distance Between Concrete Steel Post and what size of reenforced steel bar ... A: Your question is confusing- are you talking about concrete posts or steel posts? In any case, I ...
Concrete bridges	12/26/2007
Q: Mr. khan can you tell me about the different kinds of concrete bridge? A: There are many types of concrete bridges, starting from a simple reinforced beam-and-slab for short ...
civil engineering concrete technology	12/22/2007
Q: please tell me sir, what is 63, 53, 33 grade cements?why is indicated? A: This is related to the compressive strength at 28 days age, in Mpa, and is a function of how finely ...
Design small column & slab	12/16/2007
Q: My qualification is Technical Diploma in Civil Am working as Auto CAD Designer I am interested to ... A: This is a very general question, so I will reply as follows: 1. Decide on the best material to use ...
Existing Beam- Block Roof to support SIL = 5 Kn/m2	12/10/2007
Q: Respected Dear Arshad Khan, i was searching some solution and luckily found your contact through ... A: Much as I would like to help you, I cannot do such assignments over this website- firstly because ...
virendeel truss	12/9/2007
Q: I am an Iranian student.I really need some guidance for my design project. I want to use Virendeel ... A: Basically you work out the total bending moment and shear, assuming that it is a solid beam, then ...
Vierendeel Truss	12/9/2007
Q: I wonder if you could provide me with detailed method of analysis of a vierendeel Truss (No ... A: Basically you work out the total bending moment and shear, assuming that it is a solid beam, then ...
Seeking further explanations to your answer to Jarkas	12/8/2007
Q: Arshad, with regard to the answer you gave to Mr. Jarkas concerning R C Industrial Facilities Design ... A: Sorry for this late reply- I was travelling. I cannot remember the question/answer you refer to, ...
bridges	12/7/2007
Q: I know that this may not be your "expertise." However, if I could, I would love to still get your ... A: Sorry for this late reply- I was travelling. Your idea of using a warren truss is good- just make ...
Building Design	12/1/2007
Q: salam brother, I am a civil engineer practicing in site. I need to build a house, but i have not ... A: This is a very general question, so I will reply as follows: 1. Decide on the best material to use ...
Design of slab with opening	12/1/2007
Q: I want to design a solid slab of size 2m * 2m, with an opening of size 0.6m* 0.6m , at the corner of ... A: Assuming that this slab is supported along all 4 sides, then I would design the slab as two strips ...
ETABS Period/Rigid Diaphragm	11/30/2007
Q: I built a model of a 5 story building with slabs at each level, 2 elevator shafts and a continuous ... A: You are right, in that the period should be 0.5-1.0 second. I acn only suggest 2 possible problems: ...
Structural Mechanics	11/30/2007
Q: The distance between the support is 440mm and between left support and cut position is 300mm. Thw ... A: This sounds like a homework question and I would not be doing you a favour by giving you the answer. ...
Civil engineering	11/25/2007
Q: Respected Mr.Khan,In the case of Ribbed slab with hidden beams & column as supporting structure, ... A: If by hidden beams you mean flush beams, then you can still take full frame action and moment ...
boundary element of shear wall in etabs	11/23/2007
Q: In ACI 318-99 (also in 2002 and 2005 codes), necessity of boundary elements in concrete shear walls ... A: I am not sure why, but have you tried: Go to the Options > Preferences > Concrete Frame Design ...
Bridge Engineer	11/17/2007
Q: Mr. Expert i have designed an isolated footing for a circular bridge pier (3 m diameter) resting on ... A: For a 3m dia pier, a 12.5 m base seems excessive. For it to engage uniform pressure, it will need to ...
Silo Foundation	11/16/2007
Q: Is 1 kg / sq.cm. a very safe soil loading capacity as a thumb rule when the area has many warehouses ... A: Well, it the diameter is only 3m, then you may only need a strip footing of 1.0m wide, depending on ...
Silo Foundation	11/10/2007
Q: Is 1 kg / sq.cm. a very safe soil loading capacity as a thumb rule when the area has many warehouses ... A: This very much depends on the ground conditions, as in some cases to limit settlement you may have ...
concentrated load on flat slab	11/9/2007
Q: Can a suspended flat slab designed with a udl of 20 kN/m2 take concentrated loads of 500 kN placed ... A: Definitely not, as that would exceed the safe load by a factor of around 25!! If you meant 5 kN ...
carbon steel tank..	10/29/2007
Q: The total weight of the upper tank is 220 Tonnes. Once it is lifted and placed on the base i need to ... A: Faisal, This is not easy to do without looking at the drawings, etc. Just use basic principles- ...
carbon steel tank..	10/29/2007
Q: The total weight of the upper tank is 220 Tonnes. Once it is lifted and placed on the base i need to ... A: If the tank is so heavy, then all the clamps are doing is to hold the tank from sliding ...
RC Wall Effective Height	10/29/2007
Q: Assume a house has a single story 20 foot high by 16 foot wide RC wall (within a moment frame), and ... A: If the mid-height beam is 16 inches in horizontal dimension, to work against the wind loading, then ...
Faculty Project: Metallic construction over concrete ones.	10/28/2007
Q: I am a Civil Engineering student, and I have to make a small presentation of a Metallic structure ... A: A simple example of where a steel structure is better than concrete is for long-span trusses or ...
scholl project 6 grade	10/20/2007
Q: i need exemples how i use math in civil engeneering career foe my school project. thank you A: Here are some examples: 1. You can work out the weight of materials, such as a wall sitting on a ...
math in engineering	10/20/2007
Q: please give me three examples where the applicaion of mathematics is used as a tool in solving ... A: Well, you can use maths to: 1. Calculate the weight of materials on to structures like bridges. 2. ...
from sri lanka	10/19/2007
Q: please tell slabs types? i want to method statement for single storey building. step by step. ... A: The different slab types are: solid RC two-way spanning, solid RC one-way spanning, ribbed slabs, ...
foundation design	10/19/2007
Q: I am a graduate engineer and have been tasked with designing the foundations for a two-storey ... A: Yes, you should take th effects of wind laoding into account- basically you can take additional ...
HELP!!!- Bridges Research	10/18/2007
Q: Tell me what to find out when doing a research paper on bridges for a science fair project? A: I would suggest you look at following aspscts: 1. Diferent materials used- e.g. steel, timber, ...
Beam design	10/16/2007
Q: I am a student of architecture. can you give me the steps and formula to design a simple rectangular ... A: Basically you divide teh span by 15 to 20 (depending on the loading- the greater the loading, use ...
Help required	10/16/2007
Q: I am santosh structural engineering student I wanted your help to know certain things. I wanted to ... A: Go to the Research engineers website which has a lot of data on STAAD. You can visit the RCC website ...
on rcc beam	10/15/2007
Q: in singly reinforced beams bars are placing in two layer with the help of spacial bar,but ... A: The reason that the spacer bars are not taken into account is becuase they are not continuous in the ...
hollow concrete block	10/5/2007
Q: how do we ascertain design load of a building made with hollow block concrete?what is the density of ... A: You get the density either from the manufacturer's brochure or by weighing the units. The design ...
I need these quick questions answered! by tomorrow	10/5/2007
Q: Hey Arshad. I'm Brent Gehring and I go to Severna Park High School. I need these questions answered ... A: Well, it's a very exciting and fullfilling career, but not as highly-paid as other professions such ...
concrete design	9/27/2007
Q: sir, How to repair/strengthen a isolated footing laid with M15 grade concrete instead of M20 grade ... A: You can roughen up the top and side surfaces, drill and grout in some T10 dowels at say 300mm ...
pile cap design	9/26/2007
Q: i am working in consultant office in Dubai , i want to ask for the design of the following element : ... A: You need to refer to BS 8110 and BS 8004 for design guidelines. Also check out this website: ...
abt. axis	9/26/2007
Q: sir, could you kindly explain to me the difference between stong axis,weak axis,major axis,minor ... A: Both sets of termionology mean the same. The major axis refers to the deeper section of a beam or ...
Etabs results	9/17/2007
Q: why (in ETABS 9.0) the sum of moments arises in the bases of shear walls do not equal the total ... A: This depends on how the piers atre defined- basically the moment will be a summation of the node ...
roof slab reinforment details-	9/15/2007
Q: Mr Khan - Pl. give yr opinion for the following: 1st floor roof: 1) Room size: 11.5ft x 22ft -2 ... A: I do not do designs over this medium, so you should get a qualified engineer to do so for you. ...
What should be the size of columns for 2000square feet slab	9/14/2007
Q: I am going to construct 2000 Square feet slab with total 26 columns.So what should be the ... A: This is very difficult to answer as you have not indicated the imposed load on the slab, not the ...
soil bearing capacity?	9/14/2007
Q: how to find the bearing capasity of the soil? can u give me the design prcedure.......step by step. A: For this, depending on the size of the project, you need to do detailed soils investigations that ...
depth of foundation	9/13/2007
Q: how can we decide ,depth for foundation as a civil engg. in the site one more question sir...its a ... A: Normally the bottom of a foundation is set at a minimum depth of around 0.6m to 0.8m, where the ...
Questions	9/12/2007
Q: 1. Do you like your job? 2. What kind of projects do you work on? 3. Does your job require working ... A: These are far too many questions, but: Well, it's a very exciting and fullfilling career, but not ...
tuff stone masonry	9/11/2007
Q: I'm wondering what the compressive strength of tuff stone is. I know this is used a lot in ... A: That depends on the quality of the stone, but anwhere between 2 and 5 N/mm2 would be a crushing ...
Civil Engineering Info. Needed	9/10/2007
Q: my name is Elizabeth and I attend River Hill High School in Maryland. I am researching civil ... A: Well, it's a very exciting and fullfilling career, but not as highly-paid as other professions such ...
civil	9/8/2007
Q: I have a house, where there is a peculiar problem of water ingress during monsoon seasons from ... A: Raju, Looks like you do not have a damp-prrof course. You can either break out the slab and install ...
Mezzanine Support Columns	9/8/2007
Q: Mr. Khan, I am planning to build a 1000 sqft wood framed mezzanine in our warehouse we have ... A: This is a bit difficult to answer without knowing the foundation conditons. If the slab can take 500 ...
High school essay questions	9/7/2007
Q: 1. Do you have any high school courses to recommend before going to college for engineering? ... A: These are far too many questions for me, but: Well, it's a very exciting and fullfilling career, ...
civil	9/5/2007
Q: Why putting reinforcement for slab, why do we put steel in both directions. ANSWER: Hi Raju, This ... A: This is difficult for me to answer without further details and in any case I do not do full designs ...
civil	9/1/2007
Q: Why putting reinforcement for slab, why do we put steel in both directions. A: This is for 2 reasons: 1. To prevent shrinkage cracks in the cross-direction. 2. When you load a ...
ribbed(hollow block) slab	8/31/2007
Q: we are constructing a cast in situ ribbed (hollow block)slab in ethiopia for an occupation of a ... A: Again, without knowing the actual ribe tension rebar and the deflection criteria, it is difficult to ...
raft design	8/29/2007
Q: I would like to you to help me solve the following problem. The soil safe bearing capacity of a ... A: I am sorry but I cannot offer full design services over this medium. As a guide, use 1 m thick raft ...
english	8/24/2007
Q: Sir I am HAPPY TO SEE YOUR ANSWER why horizontal cracks in top floor building. & how to repair I am ... A: This is probably caused by: 1. Shrinkage cracks in blockwork 2. Lack of movement compatibility ...
Honey Combing In Concrete	8/23/2007
Q: We have got honey comb in the concrete of grade M40 used for column member(size of column- 800x800). ... A: Honeycombing to a depth of 25mm is not very serious so you can simply grout this up and the column ...
interview.	8/21/2007
Q: HEY!!! my name is Brittany Feeback I am 16&&Go to Trigg county High school. I would like to be a ... A: Hey, Brittany!!!! Well, it's a very exciting and fullfilling career, but not as highly-paid as ...
concrete slab strength	8/21/2007
Q: I am building a concrete slab that will cross a creek in my backyard, the creek has a 10' gap and ... A: This is not an easy question to answer as you have not given full details- i.e. weight of tractor, ...
corbonation	8/12/2007
Q: please let me know the reasons of carbonation in Reinforced Cement Concrete ANSWER: Hi Bhupinder, ... A: The main source of carbonation is exposure to the atmosphere and then with the additional presence ...
corbonation	8/11/2007
Q: please let me know the reasons of carbonation in Reinforced Cement Concrete A: Carbonation in concrete is the slow process of carbon dioxide penetrating the concrete cover of RC ...
criteria for tempeareture analysis of slab in rcc building	8/10/2007
Q: pls provide some guidline & references to decide whether temp anylisis of slab is require or not in ... A: If basement is subjected to daily temperature variations then you will need movement joints- these ...
Flat slab analysis using SAFE8	8/8/2007
Q: i am currently analysing flat slab of a 20 storey tower using safe, input of which is imported from ... A: For a tall building, you should select the third option, as that will take loads due to gravity ...
criteria for tempeareture analysis of slab in rcc building	8/7/2007
Q: pls provide some guidline & references to decide whether temp anylisis of slab is require or not in ... A: The 45-50m can be avoided if the structure is below ground (basements), otherwise you need to do a ...
design of slab	8/6/2007
Q: Room size is 3.00 x 7.04 & outer size is 3.46 x 7.50 M. Hence what will be the thickness of slab & ... A: I cannot design the slab for you over this medium- in any case that depends on the applied loading. ...
PIPERACK DESIGN	8/5/2007
Q: I am civil engineer,but i have no idea about design of piperacks,i was asked to design piperack,will ... A: Pipe rack design is basically supports (usually with structural steelwork) for supporting pipework ...
type of supports	6/18/2007
Q: Sir,Differentiate types of Supports and give examples of each support that when it is used A: Santosh, This sounds like a homework question? Anyway: 1. Simply supported- when a beam or slab ...
RCC slab	6/16/2007
Q: What is the difference between simply supported slab & Continuous slab?For example ,I will design ... A: Yes, you are correct- the slab can be designed as continous over the central supporting beam or ...
rcc design	6/11/2007
Q: i have a slab of thickness 150mm and clear span of slab is 3.8 m m-25 mix we want put two load at ... A: I do not do designs over this forum due to liability reasons, but you can work out the bending ...
Foundations	6/7/2007
Q: What is the main difference between strip foundation and raft foundation? Do strip foundations ... A: A matt foundation is the same as a raft- different name only. A raft works by bending along both ...
civil engineering	6/3/2007
Q: How the alignment is done for the columns above a floor,to check whether it is ... A: The timing for de-shuttering depends on the concrete strength, the spans and the curing, but ...
Foundation for lift well for G 2 building	6/2/2007
Q: I am a structural engineer in Eritrea. i am designing recently a 2.1x2.1m lift well for G+2 concrete ... A: For this, just consider the total vertical load down the wall per metre run and design a strip ...
steel bracket dimension	6/2/2007
Q: i wanted to know:1) how we arrive at the dimensions of a steel bracket ,say,which is supporting a ... A: The sizing is dependant on the shear capacity of the vertical section to resist the bolts reaction ...
Four and a half inches RCC slab	6/2/2007
Q: I want to have a 4.5 inches RCC slab (Roof), area 8 feet by 22 feet supported by 10 feet high, walls ... A: You have not indicated roof loading, but assuming it is minimal, this should be OK with proper rebar ...
civil engineering	5/30/2007
Q: How the alignment is done for the columns above a floor,to check whether it is ... A: For verticality you can use a simple pmumb-bob, or a theodolite. For horizontal location you can use ...
U/G pipes	5/28/2007
Q: Sir, How to calculate pipe thickness of underground pipes? is there any formula given any where? I ... A: Visit the following websites that will guide you: ...
civil/piping	5/26/2007
Q: Sir, I am a piping engineer and wants to give piping loads to civil dept. for designing a piperack ... A: Just work out the self weight and weight of contents per metre run and the racking can be designed ...
raft foundation	5/24/2007
Q: I am shridhar kadam student of VJTI. I Want detail infor mation about RAFT FOUNDATION.So plese send ... A: Your question is not quite detailed enough for me to respond properly, but if you are asking about ...
Charterd ENGG exam UK	5/20/2007
Q: i m shafaat srcutural engg with 13 years exp working in Dubai i got offer from London Uk and i m ... A: In order to become a Chartered Engineer via the ICE or IStructE, you need to have a good degree and ...
engineering	5/20/2007
Q: How many seismic zone we know give me detail information A: There are several seismic zones in accordance with UBC 97- starting with zone 0, 1, 2A, 2B, 3, 4, 5, ...
stress	5/11/2007
Q: i heard a term " cylinder stress" can you tell me about this? A: Possibly this is the same as what I know as hoop stress, which is the force/divided by cross ...
raft foundation design	5/4/2007
Q: Arshad I am an undergraduate student studying civil engineering in the UK.I have a task I'd like ... A: This is a problem of soil-structure interaction, whereby the strength/thickness of the slab is ...
tech	5/4/2007
Q: i find it really hard to connect the theory of over reinforced concrete to the practical situation. ... A: So long as you follow the code requirements for slice lengths (especially for bundled bars), then ...
tech	5/4/2007
Q: i find it really hard to connect the theory of over reinforced concrete to the practical situation. ... A: Early striking is mainly for re-use of shutters and follow-on trades. There is no problem with ...
tech	5/4/2007
Q: i find it really hard to connect the theory of over reinforced concrete to the practical situation. ... A: It's not just for corrosion protection, but also for bond and fire protection- hence we need more ...
tech	5/3/2007
Q: i find it really hard to connect the theory of over reinforced concrete to the practical situation. ... A: Yes, if you over-reinforce say the bottom of a simply supported beam, and then keep increasing the ...
splicing	5/3/2007
Q: a continuous column does not have the starter bars at the right position for the next level(but ... A: ..., For circular columns you do not need cranks- just lay the rebar adjacent to the starters. You ...
rings on columns /stirrups on beams	5/3/2007
Q: 1. for columns , which is better - to provide rings horizontally or spirally? 2. for beams , i ... A: Basically, shear cracks in beams are at 45-60 degrees angle to horizontal, so an inclined bar will ...
rings on columns /stirrups on beams	5/2/2007
Q: 1. for columns , which is better - to provide rings horizontally or spirally? 2. for beams , i ... A: .., 1. Rings horizontally are better for control of spacing and location of main rebar. 2. They ...
Mehtod Statement	4/27/2007
Q: How would you calculate the area of a pad foundation to loaded column, where the total internal load ... A: This is easy- just divide the total vertical load (730 kN) with the allowable bearing pressure, so ...
Temperature effects on Tall Buildings	4/25/2007
Q: Could I analyze a tall building in United Arab of Emirates for Temperature Effects using ETABS ... A: Answers: 1. For final state, take interiors as 20 degC and exterior 30-50 deg C depending on amount ...
Temperature effects on Tall Buildings	4/24/2007
Q: Could I analyze a tall building in United Arab of Emirates for Temperature Effects using ETABS ... A: 1. Yes. 2. Yes, and les to interior members, so you will get differential elongation. 3. You will ...
Temperature effects on Tall Buildings	4/23/2007
Q: Could I analyze a tall building in United Arab of Emirates for Temperature Effects using ETABS ... A: Yes you can, but you need to know the cladding/insulation details and how hot the exterior can get- ...
strip foundation design	4/23/2007
Q: How would you calculate the minimum width and depth required for a tradtional strip foundation for a ... A: That's simple- divide 45 by 80 and you have the minimum width of the strip, i.e. 565mm. However, I ...
Calculations	4/20/2007
Q: What is the full calculations for a petrol station using a suitable foundation with an internal and ... A: I am sorry but I cannot do sketches over this forum. For the column foundations, you need to know ...
Project Engineer	4/19/2007
Q: Please help me with answers to the following: What is Project engineering all about 1.what are the ... A: A project engineer's main duties are to understand the client's requirements (brief) and to ensure ...
Quotations	4/18/2007
Q: What does zack mean in a quation sheet? There are different areas of building, including one long ... A: Well, that's a new one for me too. I suggest you seek clarification fom the client. Maybe it is a ...
d.o.s	4/13/2007
Q: why the circular tank of large capacity are most economical than other shape...???? A: That is because steel is very efficient in tension (rather than bending), so by using a circular ...
wind load	4/12/2007
Q: I have tank of 5 ton dead load and 400 barrel water capacity, ares where wind load 0.87 kpa, ... A: This is a bit difficult to explain over this forum, but basically you apply the pressure along one ...
honeycombing in concrete	4/12/2007
Q: Kindly let me know the acceptance criteria on subject matter. Regds PNM A: This depends on the location and extent. Usually, most honeycombing, if it is just within 10-30mm of ...
ETABS	4/11/2007
Q: i´m a new user of the program etabs. MyIs it possible to make the shear design based on provided ... A: I am new to ETABS as well, but I believe it does take main rebar into account for shear design. I ...
mat foundation	4/11/2007
Q: the whole consideration for design mat foundation for tall building ANSWER: Dear Farhana, Your ... A: I am sorry, but I cannot carry out full designs over this forum- I just answer specific questions ...
mat foundation	4/10/2007
Q: the whole consideration for design mat foundation for tall building A: Your question is not quite detailed enough for me to respond properly, but if you are asking about ...
Wind Loads in Uganda	3/31/2007
Q: Arshad, What is the Basic Wind Speed that one needs to consider for the design of Structures in ... A: Srinivas, I am afriad I am a bit out of touch with current procedures in Uganda as the last time I ...
Eccentric Load at Foundation	3/18/2007
Q: Mr. Khan- I need to do an eccentric load check on a residential foundation at a point load. The ... A: I normally do not design over this forum, but if the figures you have quoted are correct then it's a ...
Three-hinged beam	3/7/2007
Q: I have an assignment that it is "three-hinged beam" with a point load (say 50 kips right at the ... A: First you have to ask what the boundary conditions are- i.e. teh columns at either end. Are they ...
Tempeture effect	2/7/2007
Q: What temperature effect may be at any building due to high temperature & coldness. A: Basically this will mean that the external surface will be expanding or contracting at a different ...
pad foundation calculations	2/1/2007
Q: How would you calculate the plan area of a pad foundation to anaxial loaded column, where the total ... A: That is simple- just divide 195 by 205 and the answer is the pad area in m2. However, this assumes ...
Math	1/12/2007
Q: What is a mathmatical equation relating to math that someone in the field would understand if I were ... A: I am not sure what you are asking, but one maths formula would be area of a circle= pie x r x r. Or ...
ETABS	1/2/2007
Q: Wish you & your Dear Ones a Happy & Prosperous New Year 2007. I would like to know the following: - ... A: 1. For hollow core slabs, to simulate one-way loading on to beams, you should use "planks". 2. This ...
parameters of class 25 concrete	12/30/2006
Q: I did a cube crushing test and the 28 days results gave me 22.2N/mm2. I would like to know if my ... A: Based on just one test, yours has failed. Normally lots of tests are done on the same mix of ...
School assignment	12/28/2006
Q: My name is Michael. I am a student at Brooklyn Technical High School in New York. My assignment ... A: Due to the nature of this service, we do not give out personal email details, nor are we suppossed ...
ETABS	12/24/2006
Q: - Can I know difference of rigid & semi-rigid diaphragm in ETABS. - I couldn’t find any option for ... A: Sorry, I was travelling hence delay in replying: 1. Rigid diaphragm allows no in-plane deformation, ...
ETABS	12/20/2006
Q: I am a new user using ETABS Nonlinear v9.0.9 version for design of RCC buildings. I would like to ... A: I am fairly new to ETABS too, but I can answer as follows: 1. Suggest you use semi-rigid diaphragm, ...
footing design	12/11/2006
Q: Sir, I am analyising a piperack str. in which two piperacks are meeting at the junction say piperack ... A: This is difficult to answer without looking at the plans and knowing the foundation conditions. ...
Foundations	12/3/2006
Q: what foundation would be most suitable for a factory which is to be erected on the site of a ... A: This is difficult to answer as it all depends on how well the limestone has been compacted, how long ...
Condensation	11/20/2006
Q: I am trying to calculate whether condensation could occur within a composite roofing structure. The ... A: I am sorry, but I am not an expert on this subject. I hope you can get help elsewhere. What I can ...
Civil engineers	11/17/2006
Q: What type of people enter the field and what values do civil engineers have? A: Well, it's a very exciting and fullfilling career, but not as highly-paid as other professions such ...
RCC beam slab	11/12/2006
Q: I am a student of architecture. Can you please tel me if i can have a room of 24m by 15m with no ... A: Yes, you can but you will need downstand beams of about 1.2m depth spanning 15m from the columns at ...
7" slab strength	11/11/2006
Q: I am on the 3rd floor of a converted industrial loft building. I am building a concrete block ... A: My only comment is that you need a competent structural engineer to study the design drawings of the ...
Civil Engineering (Retrofitting)	11/11/2006
Q: There is tank made of stone masonary and platered all inside and the tank is now damged in EQ and ... A: I presume this is a circular tank and that the main structure is not damaged or badly cracked? If ...
Civil engineering job	11/2/2006
Q: There is a perception amomg many people that jobs in civil engg are really tough compared to other ... A: No, that is not the case- you can have a very high powered and office based job with an excellent ...
Maintenance	10/28/2006
Q: I have often been confused about maintenance, as it relates to Civil Engineers. How can Civil ... A: Basically, it relates to regular inspections and remedial work on items that have sufferred from ...
Wind Load	10/28/2006
Q: How Dynamic Effect of Wind Load taken in to consideration in Tall Buildings ? A: For tall buildings, there are approximate formulae to calculate the dynamic loading, but generally ...
Engineering	10/26/2006
Q: Hello, my name is John O'Donnell and I want to become an engineer. My brother is an engineer and it ... A: I am asked this question quite often, so if you do not mind, I will cut and paste a Q&A below, which ...
pipe design	10/25/2006
Q: i have figured out that headloss is 40m now giving me the slope, ... A: I am not an expert on this, but looking at the formula, if V is the velocity then you can get that ...
Pad Foundation	10/22/2006
Q: But these web sites are just showing solved examples. Whereas i want to know that how the formula is ... A: The formulae are given in the link I sent you and are based on the basic principles of physics- i.e. ...
Pad Foundation	10/21/2006
Q: A quick question. If Pad foundation comes under eccentric loading P. Pad having dimension D and B. ... A: You will find the answer/formula at the following website: ...
statistics on its contribution	10/18/2006
Q: I would like to know if civil engineers save more lives than doctors or is my statement true? If its ... A: In abstract terms, yes Civil engineers do save many more lives than doctors, as if they did not ...
ultra high performance fibre reinforced concrete	10/18/2006
Q: could you please explain ultra high performance fibre reinforced concrete, it's make up, properties, ... A: I am sorry but I do not have personal experience of using this material. However, the following ...
good career choice?	10/17/2006
Q: Please, please, please help me. I've applied to do Civil Engineering at University, but I'm ... A: Yes, you can make good money, but probably later in your career. It is not as well paying as ...
footing design	10/16/2006
Q: I have a problem of designing a column at the boundary of the site and footing design to be done for ... A: It is difficult to explain that through this medium, but if you put some key words in google, you ...
Salaries in RSA and Angola	10/13/2006
Q: I have a masters in Civil Engieering construction management from the university of texas austin and ... A: You have not mentioned how many years experience you have as salaries and openings depend on that. ...
Raft foundations	10/9/2006
Q: Is good practice put the piles under de colummns in a pile-raft foundation? A: There is no reason not to put piles right under the columns- basically the layout and spacing of ...
Example of math/work	10/5/2006
Q: Hey I'm thinking about going into Civil Engineering. What I do know is that it's one of the easier ... A: The maths can get very complex if you do it long-hand, but these days there are tools such as ...
The role of civil engineers	10/4/2006
Q: I'm a student who study in civil & structural engineering course in Malaysia.I want to ask that what ... A: In a nutshell, the role is in designing projects which are safe, economical, durable and functional, ...
Point Load in One Way Slab	10/4/2006
Q: I search a theorical approach to design a point load in a one way slab. Suppose I got a one way ... A: The rule of thumb for this is that you use a width of slab equal to one fifth of the span, so in ...
math	9/29/2006
Q: what is the specific job of a civil engineering? A: I am a bit confused- are you asking about math or civil engineering? Anyway, just to confirm that ...
Construction-future	9/28/2006
Q: I am doing a project on the possible future wonders of the world..and i just cant remember the name ... A: There are several such projects proposed. Here are a few links: ...
Construction /Civil Engineering Terms	9/24/2006
Q: I always have problems