EngrUzair

Assalam-o-alaikum! Welcome. Hopefully you will share your engineering experience here, from time to time for the benefit of us all. Regards.

Assalam-o-alaikum! RASHEED! Your field experience will help you in two respects: 1. BEFORE you are involved in structural designing: To understand how actual construction is carried out at site, and to visualize what problems you might face during construction in case proper structural detailing is not done/provided on construction drawings. 2. AFTER you have done some structural designing: To decide which of the two fields (site supervision and structural engineering), is suitable for you, to adopt as an engineering field in the long run It is true that after one-and-a-half year field experience, you are being considered as a fresh engineer for the structural design field. But, you should not be disappointed by this. Because you are probably forgetting that your understanding of structures (because of your field experience) is much more than a competitor who has just passed out from the university. This field experience will help you learn structural design concepts, requirements and procedures much earlier than others (having no field experience), and developing you in a better structural engineer (provided you decide to carry on as a structural engineer ultimately).

Assalam-o-alaikum! Rana has made very realistic analysis of standing of structural engineering profession, from earning point of view. If you have real desire and passion for structural engineering, and you adopt it, you would insha-allah excel in that field. The same will be true even if you have greater desire & interest to go for site supervision field. IMHO, however it will be very advantageous for you, if you could have some site supervision experience (either side by side or prior to starting structural designing), related to construction of reinforced concrete and other structures. This site supervision experience will also help you decide which of the two (structural engineering and site supervision) fields suits you more. Regards.

Assalam-o-alaikum! Dear colleagues! This forum is really a great platform for us, to share our knowledge and field experience with each other. Moreover, this forum can also help a lot in improving overall standard of technical know-how of our structural engineers, by providing them quality advice and guiding them to international standards of structural design and construction practices. IMO, this latter aspect is not only very important, but also our moral obligation as well as a national duty. But, this will be possible and practicable only, when more and more engineers join this forum, and contribute their knowledge and experience on regular basis. And, this is what this thread is meant for. However, we are probably missing an important aspect in our discussion, that can attract engineers to join and/or visit this forum more frequently. And, that is, replying to their queries early and more frequently. It is natural that a normal person is much more attracted to an early reply to his/her questions, rather than overall level of advice at a particular forum. On the other hand, no response to a query for a long time, will most probably disappoint the originator, resulting in lack of interest. What I am trying to emphasize is, that we (especially the moderators and senior/more experienced members) should NOT ONLY visit the forum regularly, BUT ALSO should reply the questions raised/queries made in various sections AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE. (I myself always try to act on this principle, in cases where I can help.) IMHO, this policy will not only attract more engineers, but will (later on) also build their confidence in this forum, as a major source of structural engineering knowledge and advice. Regards.

Juli! You have come up with a very good question. However, IMHO, you might not be able get reference to a single document to answer your question. The reason is that software design manuals are normally prepared to provide information on 'How to..' use various software commands (through various menu items, or command tabs), for the design of structural elements covered. Whereas, the analysis manuals cover the analytical theory on which the software is based. On the other hand, the example manuals provide methodology for using the software to perform some typical and common type of design tasks, highlighting salient features of the software and locations of ('where to find...') various commands used for the purpose. Unfortunately, however, these manuals DO NOT provide information on specifically 'When to..' use various commands or options. You will therefore have to adopt several approaches to get part answers of you 'When to' question. These approaches may include searching around on the internet, (and elsewhere) for related software training programs, tutorials and forums like this, to learn about the use of software for the situations other than those covered in software manuals. These are my 2 cents. Others members might guide you further, to more specific sources helpful in this regard. HTH Regards.

Hi Aung! One method of calculating the Area Springs, is with reference to 'Soil subgrade modulus, k' value. For example, if the k value of a soil is 120 ksf/ft and the area spring is applicable to an area of 1 square foot (sf), value of area spring will be 120 ksf/ft*1 sf = 120 kip/ft or (120 /12 = ) 10 kip/in. since k value can be calculated from B.C. value, IMHO your friend is partially right. Using the method given in Chapter 9 of 'Foundation Analysis and Design' by Bowles 5ed, if the soil bearing capacity is in ksf, approximate value of k = 36* B.C (answer is in ksf/ft). This, in case of your example with B.C. = 2.24 ksf, should result in an area spring value of k = 36*2.24 =80.64 kip/ft (= 80.64/12 = 6.72 kip/in.) HTH Regards.

Assalam-o-alaikum! A little addition. As far as I know, the passwords for the above mentioned two files are the same for all. These are given below: 1. PCA Notes on ACI 318-11 (Password: '2013PCAEB712') 2. 'Simplified Design of Reinforced Concrete Buildings', based on ACI 318-11 and IBC 2009 by Kamara & Novak 2013 (Password: '2011PCAEB204') Regards.

Assalam-o-alaikum! You can get soft copies (PDF files) of the following two publications, FREE OF COST from PCA website: 1. PCA Notes on ACI 318-11 (Link: http://members.cement.org/EBiz55/ProductCatalog/Product.aspx?ID=2137) 2. 'Simplified Design of Reinforced Concrete Buildings', based on ACI 318-11 and IBC 2009 by Kamara & Novak 2013 (Link: http://members.cement.org/EBiz55/ProductCatalog/Product.aspx?ID=2246) You will need to go through following steps: a. login at PCA website, after creating a free membership account using your valid email address. b. Search and add the above publications to your 'cart'. c. Both pdf files are password protected. The passwords will however be displayed in your purchase list, after you add these downloadable items to the 'cart'. Note the passwords, before 'Check out' & confirming your order. d. 'Update' and 'Complete/Confirm' the order. A confirmation email, with a web link, will be sent to your email address. e. Go to your email. Click on or open the link in separate window. f. Login, and download the files from 'Available Downloads' list. Enjoy! Regards.

Some basic points regarding raft foundation are as under: - It is generally provided for the building or other structures having heavy superstructure loads, low soil bearing capacity, smaller column/frame spacing or a combination thereof. - General design and detailing is similar to a floor slab, except that loads and reinforcement locations are inverted. - Raft foundation will be uneconomical, if the loads are smaller or bearing capacity is not too low. You may get more detailed and to the point advice, by providing some specific details of the the house, like - common & maximum room sizes, - number of stories - Whether framed structure (with maximum column spacing), or load-bearing wall structure, - material of construction - type of loads to be considered - allowable soil bearing pressure, etc. Following threads may also give you some insight regarding the design of raft foundation for building structures: 1. http://www.sepakistan.com/topic/1440-raft-design-for-a-2-basementg24-story-building/?hl=raft 2. http://www.sepakistan.com/topic/160-minimum-thickness-of-footing/?hl=raft Hope this helps to some extent. Regards

Assalam-o-alaikum! The same R21.1.1 tells us that "The design and detailing requirements should be compatible with the level of energy dissipation (or toughness) assumed in the computation of the design earthquake forces." This implies that higher the SDC (seismic design category), more stringent will be the design and detailing requirements (in order the structure to have more toughness (energy dissipation). Structural systems permitted in higher SDCs, have higher R values, resulting in a lower seismic design force. So, when you use a structural system required in a higher SDC (( e.g. 'special moment frame'), for a structure in a lower SDC (where normally an 'ordinary' or 'intermediate' moment frame is required), calculated design force will be lower. And, it is permitted by the code. You will however have to design and detail for the adopted frame system, as you would normally do in the case a structure ACTUALLY LOCATED in higher SDC. Regards.

Assalam-o-alaikum! In the USA, no one can start working as an engineer, just by graduating from an accredited engineering university in civil (or some other) engineering discipline. Rather, each engineer has to pass a comprehensive examination, called Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam, before he/she is eligible for joining some government or private consulting organizations as Engineering Intern (EI) or Engineer-in-Training (EIT), for gaining relevant professional experience to work as independent engineer later on. This exam covers and reviews all the basic subjects, a freshly graduated engineer is expected to have studied in the university during the engineering education. The FE exam is a closed book exam, except that 'FE Reference handbook' (a standard booklet, developed by NCEES_ the exam developing and conducting organization), is the only source material the examinees may consult during the exam. FE reference handbook gives a very good overview of the type and extent of basic technical knowledge (subjects, tables, formulas, equations etc) and concepts, a fresh graduate engineer (whether civil/structural, or any other) must have, to enter into practical engineering field in a technologically advanced country, like USA. The study of 'Civil engineering' portion of this handbook and relevant 'exam specification' at the end, may help us understand level of engineering knowledge we should have, as well as the subject areas requiring improvement of knowledge and strengthening of concepts, in order to make us better engineers. FE Reference Handbook may be downloaded from NCEES website,using following link, free of cost. : http://ncees.org/exams/study-materials/download-fe-supplied-reference-handbook/ Note: You will have to enter your email address in the space provided on the above webpage, and to press 'Submit email' button. The site will send you a password on your given email address. You need to provide this password (on the above webpage) in order to obtain/unlock download link of the FE handbook. Regards.

Assalam-o-alaikum! Check out Figures 1 & 2, pertaining to recommended one-way slabs and beam reinforcing details, in Part C 'Figures and Tables' of ACI 315-99 on pages 20 & 21 respectively. These figures are also available in .ACI Detailing Manual -2004 (SP66) on same page numbers. Regards.

Assalam-o-alaikum! Ok. Your structural engineering and field work should be as per the books and design codes you have been following during your engineering education. In the structural engineering field, you would generally be required to understand and apply analysis and design concepts and procedures taught in various structural subjects, during your engineering education. Here, you will be involved in structural design of a variety of civil engineering structures, and in doing so will refer to various design codes. Following thread will give you an idea about the design codes, generally being followed and referred for practical designing of civil works in Pakistan: http://www.sepakistan.com/topic/1329-sefp-consistent-design/ For the structural design of various structural element (e.g., RC slabs, beams, columns, etc.), you would be following the design procedures given in your relevant (RC) design textbook, and the design code (e.g., ACI 318) In the construction field, you would either be supervising construction work based on structural drawing prepared by some other structural engineer (as per above referred design codes), or prepare cost estimates for the same based on applicable schedule of prices. The basic field procedures used in the field work, are essentially similar to those taught in engineering universities in various construction related civil engineering subjects. Regards.

Assalam-o-alaikum! Your question is somewhat unclear. Before you can be properly advised, you should tell us what are you doing now-a-days? Are you an engineering student, or have completed some civil engineering degree? In which type of work or subjects you are more interested? Moreover, which test you are talking about? Regards.

Assalam-o-alaikum! Very well said, Sir Umar! I totally agree with that. I personally missed the opportunity of working abroad after completion of masters from USA, being on scholarship and bound to come back to Pakistan after completion of education. Regards.

Assalam-o-alaikum! All of the courses and other relevant material (formulas, tables etc) you have mentioned in your post, are necessary for your professional development. Which of them you will actually use in your professional life, will depend upon nature of practical problems you will come across and have to find solutions thereof. In general, you will need and use them, MUCH MORE in STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING, than in any other field of civil engineering. As regards planning to do masters from and working abroad, IMHO you may obtain sufficient information from the internet, about the scope of civil engineers not only in Australia, but in other advanced countries (like USA and Germany etc.) as well. And, it will probably help you select a better option if you check your prospects in more than one country, and make your final decision keeping in view advantages and disadvantages in each case. Regards.

Assalam-o-alaikum! Umair! Assuming that you are referring to the book by 'T. Paulay and M.J.N. Priestley, copyright 1992 by John Wiley and Sons', can you indicate exact reference to the chapter and article or example number, in which this methodology has been explained? I have myself tried to locate the content on your referred page in the above book, but was unable to find it. Thanks.

Assalam-o-alaikum! Shear reinforcement values indicated on the column member are generally the maximum values for the two shear axes, whether these are from on load combo or from two different load combos. Right-cIick on the member reinforcement diagram generally leads straight to load combo resulting in the maximum longitudinal or maximum shear reinforcement. However, as you have indicated, I am unsure, why this does not always happen. Surely, someone else might be able to explain this. Interpretation of shear reinforcement value 'Av/s', given by ETABS, is not very difficult. Since your units are 'kip-in", Av (i.e. cross-sectional area of ties) is in 'sq.in.' and s (i.e., spacing) in 'inches'. For your case, Av/s = 0.045. For 2-legged #3 ties, Av = 0.11x 2 = 0.22 sq. in. Substitution of value of Av in above equation, results in required tie spacing, s = 0.22 / 0.045 = 4.88 in. Regards.

Assalam-o-alaikum! Umair is right. According to ACI 318-11 Section 21.1.4.1, the requirements of section 21.1.4 apply to special moment frames, special structural walls and all components of special structural walls, including coupling beams and wall piers. Since slabs and footings are not mentioned, probably 2500 psi concrete (minimum as per ACI section 1.1.1) may be used for these elements. However, according to ACI section 4.1.1, minimum value of specified concrete compressive (fc′) shall be the greatest of the values required by following three criteria: a. ACI section 1.1.1 requirement i.e., 2500 psi minimum b. Requirement for durability, as per ACI Chapter 4, and c. Actual requirement, from structural strength point of view As such, most likely 3000psi may be likely choice in many cases. On the other hand, use of 2500 psi and 3000psi concrete for most of the small scale projects might not result in appreciable saving in the project cost. From construction point of view also, it will generally be time saving and preferable to use concrete of one compressive strength, as compared to the opposite. Regards.

Aoa. In case you get some useful data, please do share at this forum for the benefit of all of us. Thanks.

Aoa. As you might be aware, information about Near Source Factors (NSF) for calculation of seismic loads, is given in UBC-1997 Tables 16-S, 16-T and 16-U. Main parameters required to select appropriate NSF are 'the closest distance to nearby seismic source' in km, and 'seismic source type' (A, B, or C). Realistic values for both these parameters for Quetta may possibly be obtained from National Seismic Monitoring Centre of Pakistan Met Department (http://www.pmdnmcc.net/), Karachi. Geological Survey of America (USGS) may also have this type of data. BTW...... Two years ago, when I was involved in the structural design of a hospital building at Quetta, (in absence of some authenticated data) I had used the closest distance to seismic source as 15 kms, and source type as A. Regards.

Welchples! Firstly, can you reply in ENGLISH language? I doubt anybody from Pakistan can understand it, in present form. Secondly, the LINK you have referred is not working. Regards.

Aoa. I agree with Waqas in that a structural engineering student must focus on LEARNING THE BASIC STRUCTURAL CONCEPTS. And, this should be his/her prime goal. As far as learning of software is concerned, although these are good tools for a structural engineer, IMHO a good structural engineer MUST be able to solve most of design and analysis problem MANUALLY (i.e., by hand calculation), BEFORE he learns to solve them using some software. The reason is that in solving many type of structural problems, faced in the field, you might neither have any software available, nor time to develop one to tackle the situation. Moreover, structural software are generally very costly as well. Resultantly, you will get stuck up somewhere, especially for situations you have no software. However, if you have good structural concepts, and have learnt the art of solving structural problems THROUGH HAND CALCULATIONS, you will be a much more efficient and good structural engineer in future. I, therefore, recommend that Chokehold, and other similar fellows studying in various engineering universities, must focus a lot on their studies during education, keeping in view above points, in order to have developed basic skills necessary for becoming a good structural engineer on completion of their education. Structural and other computer software should definitely be learnt by the engineer, but only with a view to augment basic engineering knowledge and to speed-up the design work. Regards.

Aoa. Good work, moderators. Rana! Probably, link to original website requires updation too. BTW... When is your book completing?