AN-NAJAH NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

Technical Report 2
Three-Dimensional Analysis and Design of the Gateway Building

Bashar Deek
Yazan Muqbel
Moaz Alawneh
Muhammed Fashafsheh
Supervisor: Dr. Samir H. Helou
December, 2013

to our parents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to express sincere heartfelt gratitude to our advisor Dr. Samir H. Helou
for his valuable guidance and advice. He never ceased helping us learn important topics
in the field of Structural Engineering. Dr. Helou has been a great source of
encouragement and motivation as he provided us with his undivided attention and
continuous support.

ABSTRACT
The following project aims at providing a state of the art reinforced concrete structural
design undertaking of a commercial building situated in the city of Ramallah; it is called
The Gateway Building.
The building is comprised of thirteen stories, of which the three basement levels serve as
parking spaces, one basement level is reserved for storage purposes and the rest seven
stories provide office spaces and stores. The upper most two floors are reserved for
restaurants. The three basement levels together have a total area of 4800 square meters;
each of the upper floors has an average floor area of about 870 square meters.
The loads on each floor will be calculated according to its function. Load values,
combinations and factors will be in compliance with the ACI, the IBC or the UBC.
Analysis and design of the structure will be carried out using the Extended Three
Dimensional Analysis of Building Systems Software, ETABS. The slabs design as well as
the foundation design will be carried out using SAFE computer software. Various
roofing schemes are investigated and explored; the most economic one is recommended.
Foundation design is an inseparable part of the present design undertaking.
The Gateway Building has already been designed and constructed in Ramallah. However,
the present design exercise is conducted with absolutely no reference to any other
previous propriety design efforts.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION & NUMERICAL MODELING ........................................9
1.
2.
3.

PURPOSE: ....................................................................................................................................................9
BUILDING INTRODUCTION: ..............................................................................................................................9
STRUCTURAL TOPOLOGY ...............................................................................................................................12
3.1 Design Codes .....................................................................................................................................12
3.2 Materials Used ..................................................................................................................................12
3.3 Gravity Loads: ....................................................................................................................................13
3.3.1.
3.3.2.

Dead Loads .............................................................................................................................................. 13

Snow Loads.............................................................................................................................................. 13

3.4 Load Combinations: ...........................................................................................................................15

3.5 Soil Conditions: ..................................................................................................................................15
4.
THE MODEL: ..............................................................................................................................................16
4.1 Model Geometry:...............................................................................................................................16
4.2 The Finite Element Model: .................................................................................................................22
4.2.1.
The Frame Element: ................................................................................................................................ 22
4.2.2.
Soil Springs .............................................................................................................................................. 24
4.2.3.
The Shell Element: ................................................................................................................................... 25
4.2.3.1
The Mat Foundation: .................................................................................................................... 27
4.2.3.2
The Walls: ..................................................................................................................................... 28
4.2.3.3
Ramps: .......................................................................................................................................... 29
4.2.3.4
Stair Cases: .................................................................................................................................... 30
4.2.3.5
Slabs: ............................................................................................................................................. 31
4.2.4.
Model Creation Procedure ...................................................................................................................... 32
4.2.5.
Model Load Assignment .......................................................................................................................... 33

CHAPTER II: LINEAR STATIC ANALYSIS & DESIGN ................................................... 34

1.

PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS RESULTS....................................................................................................................34

1.1 Punching shear ..................................................................................................................................34
1.2 Deflection: .........................................................................................................................................38
2.
STRUCTURAL DESIGN FOR STATIC LOADS..........................................................................................................39
2.1 Concrete Frame Design ......................................................................................................................39
2.1.1.

2.2
2.3

2.3.1.
2.3.2.

2.4

Column Design: ....................................................................................................................................... 39

Wall Design:.......................................................................................................................................51
Slab Design: .......................................................................................................................................63
th

4 Basement Slab Design ........................................................................................................................ 64

First-Roof Slab Design.............................................................................................................................. 68

Mat Foundation Design: ....................................................................................................................70

CHAPTER III: EARTHQUAKE ANALYSIS & DESIGN .................................................... 75

1.
2.

BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................................75
GEOLOGY ..................................................................................................................................................75

3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

MODAL ANALYSIS .......................................................................................................................................76

EQUIVALENT LATERAL LOAD METHOD .............................................................................................................77
RESPONSE SPECTRUM ANALYSIS.....................................................................................................................80
LOAD COMBINATIONS ..................................................................................................................................81
RESULTS ....................................................................................................................................................81
STRUCTURAL DESIGN FOR DYNAMIC LOADS......................................................................................................82
8.1 Mat Foundation Design .....................................................................................................................82
8.2 Slabs Design .......................................................................................................................................84
8.2.1.

Fourth Basement Slab Design.................................................................................................................. 84

CHAPTER IV: STRUCTURAL DESIGN SUMMARY & CONCLUSION.......................... 86

1.
2.

STRUCTURAL DESIGN SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................86

CONCLUSION ..............................................................................................................................................86

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Codes Used for Analysis and Design ......................................................................................12

Table 2: Materials Used-Concrete...........................................................................................................12
Table 3: Materials Used- Grade 60 Rebar Steel ....................................................................................12
Table 4: Lateral Earth Pressure ...............................................................................................................13
Table 5: ASCE Minimum Design Loads ...............................................................................................14
Table 6: Load Combinations ...................................................................................................................15
Table 7: Cartesian Grid Data ...................................................................................................................17
Table 8: Cylindrical Grid Data ................................................................................................................18
Table 9: Cylindrical System Origin .........................................................................................................18
Table 10: Frame element sections used in the model ..........................................................................23
Table 11: Story Data .................................................................................................................................31
Table 12: Punching shear ratios for all 50 columns in the 4th basement...........................................35
Table 13: Punching shear ratios for all 25 columns in the 1st roof ...................................................37
Table 15: Maximum Deflection Values at Selected Floors .................................................................38
Table 14: ACI TABLE 9.5 (b) of maximum permissible roof deflections .......................................38
Table 16: "Interior Columns_Large" Auto-Select List ........................................................................39
Table 17: "Interior Columns_Small" Auto-Select List ........................................................................40
Table 18: "Exterior Columns' Auto-Select List ....................................................................................40
Table 19: Columns Section Design ........................................................................................................46
Table 20: Column forces in the 4th basement .......................................................................................46
Table 21: ETABS flexural design data of C23 column section ..........................................................47
Table 22: ETABS shear design data of C23 column section ..............................................................48
Table 23: ETABS report for uniform basement wall reinforcement ................................................54
Table 24: ETABS report for uniform interior wall reinforcement ....................................................58
Table 25: CSA3 forces and reinforcement reported by SAFE in B4 slab ........................................65
Table 26: Forces and Reinforcement as reported by SAFE for max. design strip in 1st Roof .....69
Table 27: Soil Pressure .............................................................................................................................71
Table 28: SAFE vs. hand-calculated values for mat reinforcement ..................................................73
Table 29: Modal analysis output .............................................................................................................77
Table 30: Modal mass participating ratios .............................................................................................77
Table 31: Parameters of Equivalent Lateral Load Method .................................................................78
Table 32: Table 16-N from UBC-97 Code............................................................................................78
Table 33l: Load combinations for earthquake loads ............................................................................81
Table 34: Soil pressure summary due to combined lateral and gravity loads ...................................82
Table 35: Soil pressure summary for a 60cm-thick foundation .........................................................82
Table 36: Max. forces in the mat foundation due to dynamic load ...................................................83
Table 37: Punching shear data for 4th basement slab .........................................................................84
Table 38: Punching shear data for 4th basement slab with drop panels ...........................................85

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: The Gateway Building ............................................................................................................... 9

Figure 2: Above-grade floors plan ..........................................................................................................10
Figure 3: Basement floor plan .................................................................................................................10
Figure 4: Elevation view of the building................................................................................................11
Figure 5: Model units and design codes.................................................................................................16
Figure 6: Grid Systems .............................................................................................................................16
Figure 7: Cartesian and Cylindrical Grid Systems ................................................................................19
Figure 8: Floors Labels .............................................................................................................................20
Figure 9: Story Data ..................................................................................................................................21
Figure 10: Local coordinate system of the frame element ..................................................................22
Figure 11: Local coordinates of a column section ...............................................................................23
Figure 12: Area spring property data......................................................................................................24
Figure 13: Soil Modulus assignment to shells .......................................................................................24
Figure 14: Quadrilateral shell element ....................................................................................................25
Figure 15: Shell element uniform coordinate systems .........................................................................26
Figure 16: 3D view of the mat foundation ............................................................................................27
Figure 17: Mat foundation section properties.......................................................................................27
Figure 18: 3D screen capture of the walls .............................................................................................28
Figure 19: 3D capture of the ramps .......................................................................................................29
Figure 20: Ramp-wall connection ...........................................................................................................29
Figure 21: 3D screen capture of stair slabs ...........................................................................................30
Figure 22: Slab mesh .................................................................................................................................31
Figure 23: 3D Extruded view of slabs ...................................................................................................31
Figure 24: The "model check" option ....................................................................................................32
Figure 25: Base Reactions due to a test load .........................................................................................33
Figure 26: Uniform shell load assignment .............................................................................................33
Figure 27: Snapshot of SAFE punching shear parameters for a 700X700mm interior column ...36
Figure 28: Local axes of columns ...........................................................................................................40
Figure 29: Column Labels ........................................................................................................................41
Figure 30: Column rebar selection rules in ETABS .............................................................................49
Figure 31: C23 rebar details in 3D view.................................................................................................49
Figure 32: Design section "E" for C23 column....................................................................................50
Figure 33: Design section "C" for C23 column ....................................................................................50
Figure 34: C23 design schedule from base to staircase .......................................................................50
Figure 35: Plan view of external basement walls ..................................................................................51
Figure 36: Extruded 3D view of external basement wall ....................................................................52
Figure 37: V23 values for the external basement wall .........................................................................53
Figure 38: M22 values for interior wall section ....................................................................................55
Figure 39:V23 values for interior wall section ......................................................................................56
Figure 40: Rebar selection prefrences for walls ....................................................................................59
Figure 41: 3D view of confined wall reinforcement at corners .........................................................60
Figure 42: Reinforced section in internal shear wall ............................................................................61

Figure 43: Elevation section of internal wall reinforcement ...............................................................62

Figure 44: Screen capture of design strips menu in SAFE v12 ..........................................................63
Figure 45: X-axis design strips for 4th basement slabs .........................................................................64
Figure 46: CSA_3 moment diagram .......................................................................................................64
Figure 47: Moment Diagrams for all A-strips in 4th basement slab .................................................66
Figure 48: Moment Diagrams for all B-strips in 4th basement slab ..................................................67
Figure 49: Design-strip moment diagram with max. values ...............................................................68
Figure 50: Moment diagrams in both A&B strips for 1st-roof slab ..................................................68
Figure 51: Moment diagram of A-strips in mat foundation ...............................................................72
Figure 52: Moment diagrams of B strips in mat foundation ..............................................................73
Figure 53: Mat foundation detailing preferences ..................................................................................74
Figure 54: Seismic zone factor map .......................................................................................................75
Figure 55: Mass source Definition..........................................................................................................76
Figure 56: Story shears in X-direction due to ELLMX .......................................................................79
Figure 57: Story shears in Y-direction due to ELLMY .......................................................................79
Figure 58: Response spectrum curve .....................................................................................................80
Figure 59: CSA3 moment diagram for Comb8 ....................................................................................84

CHAPTER I: Introduction & Numerical Modeling

1. Purpose:
The purpose of this Graduation Project Exercise is to analyze and design the structural system
for a multi-functional building in Ramallah; dubbed the Gateway Building. The 3-D analysis and
design undertakings are carried out in compliance with the ASCE, ACI and UBC codes of
practice. This is accomplished by the widely used computer software ETABS and SAFE.

2. Building Introduction:
The Gateway Building is a multi-functional building located in the city of Ramallah, Al-Irsal
Street. It is comprised of thirteen stories of which four basement levels serve as parking spaces
and the rest eight floors provide office spaces, stores and restaurants. The total area of the
building is about 14,000 square meters. All stories have a height of 3 meters each.
According to floor area and geometry, there are two groups of identical floors; the four
basement floors and the upper floors.

Figure 1: The Gateway Building

Figure 3: Basement floor plan

Figure 2: Above-grade floors plan

10

Figure 4: Elevation view of the building

11

3. Structural Topology

3.1 Design Codes

Code
ASCE /SEI 7-10
ACI Code 318-11

Use
Minimum design loads, minimum section
requirements and load combinations.
Frames and shear wall section design and rebar.

ACI Code 318-08

Slab and mat foundation design using SAFE v12

UBC 97

Earthquake analysis
Table 1: Codes Used for Analysis and Design

3.2 Materials Used

Usage
Foundation
Columns
Shear Walls
Slabs

Strength fc
(MPa)
35
35
28
28

Concrete
Unit Weight
(kN/m3)
23.54
23.54
23.54
23.54

Modulus of Elasticity
(MPa)
27806
27806
24870
24870

Table 2: Materials Used-Concrete

Usage

Min. Yield
Strength
(MPa)

Foundation
Columns
Shear Walls
Slabs

413
413
413
413

Rebar Steel
Min.
Tensile
Unit Weight
Strength
(kN/m3)
(MPa)
621
77
621
77
621
77
621
77

Modulus of Elasticity
(MPa)
200E+3
200E+3
200E+3
200E+3

Table 3: Materials Used- Grade 60 Rebar Steel

Solving for displacements and forces will be in the linear and elastic part of the stress-strain
diagram for each material. All materials are isotropic.

12

3.3 Gravity Loads:

3.3.1.

Dead Loads

The Dead loads are due to structural elements self weight. This load is computed
internally by the software and included in the analysis. The self-weight multiplier is
1, so ETABS calculates the weight of an element by multiplying the materials
density by the volume of element.
Lateral earth pressure; this type of load acts on structural elements below the
ground level; these are the external walls of the 4 basements. Backfill soil is
classified as silty gravels or poorly graded gravel-sand mixes with a design lateral
load value of 5.50 kN/m2 per one meter of depth. Table (3.2-1, ASCE).
Since ETABS software does not have a linear function for loads varying with
depth, it is decided that maximum earth pressure is calculated at the bottom of
each basement story and imported to ETABS as uniformly distributed loads over
areas.
Basement
Floor
4th basement
3rd basement
2nd basement
1st basement

Depth below
grade
(m)

Lateral earth
pressure
(kN/m2)

12
9
6
3

66
49.5
33
16.5

Table 4: Lateral Earth Pressure

3.3.2.

Snow Loads

Considering a snow density of 300 kg/m3 and a Maximum snow height of 70 cm;
the snow load per square meter is 210 kg/m2 which corresponds to 2 kN/m2.

13

Floor

Function

Live
Load
(kN/m2)

Dead Load
(kN/m2)

Superimposed
Dead
Load (kN/m2)

Snow
Load
(kN/m2

4th basement
3rd basement
2nd basement
1st basement
Ground Floor
Mezzanine Floor
1st floor
2nd floor
3rd floor
4th floor
5th floor
st
1 roof floor
2nd roof floor
Staircase floor

Parking
Parking
Parking
Parking
Store spaces
Store spaces
Office spaces
Office spaces
Office spaces
Office spaces
Office spaces
Restaurants
Restaurants
Staircase

2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
3.6
3.6
2.4
2.4
2.4
2.4
2.4
4.8
4.8
1

Self weight
Self weight
Self weight
Self weight
Self weight
Self weight
Self weight
Self weight
Self weight
Self weight
Self weight
Self weight
Self weight
Self weight

0
0
0
0
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
0
0

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
2

Table 5: ASCE Minimum Design Loads

14

3.4 Load Combinations:

For the analysis and design of the Gateway Building, gravity static loads are
considered; the ASCE 7-5 in Chapter 2 recommends the use of the following load
combinations for the strength design method:
Comb1: U= 1.4D
Comb2: U=1.2D + 1.6L
Comb3: U=1.2D + 1.6L + 0.5S
Comb4: U=1.2D+1.6L+ 0.5S+1.6H
Comb5: U=Envelope (Comb1, Comb2, Comb3, Comb4)
Table 6: Load Combinations

3.5 Soil Conditions:

The Structure is built on rock that has a bearing capacity of 250 kN/m2. During
analysis and design the soil is treated as a linear and elastic material which means the
modulus of sub-grade soil is constant.

15

4. The Model:
Numerical Modeling is the basis for modern structural analysis and design. The model
has to simulate the expected behavior of all elements within the structure.

4.1 Model Geometry:

Model geometry is created in partial conformity with the architectural plans of the
building. A more challenging structural system necessitated the elimination of some
columns that are deemed superfluous; this resulted in longer span lengths at some
locations.
Model geometry creation steps:
Metric SI standard units are used. All geometric dimensions are in meter units.
Design code preferences are also selected

Figure 5: Model units and design codes

The geometry of the building required defining both Cartesian and cylindrical
gridlines. Cartesian grid system is named G1 and cylindrical system is called
Cylindrical inside ETABS. Secondary gridlines were separately added in order to
account for interior structural details like shear walls and ramps. Gridlines are very
important since they provide the milestones for model creation and facilitate the
process of connecting finite elements precisely in the model.

Figure 6: Grid Systems

16

G1- Cartesian Grid Data

X Grid data

Y Grid Data

Grid ID

X Ordinate (cm)

Grid ID

Y Ordinate (cm)

574.2

1442.6

1204.2

1912.6

2584.2

2758.8

3326

3301.2

3461.4

3886.7

4526.2

5100.4

5411.4

Secondary Grid Lines

Grid ID
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
A6
6

X1 (cm)

Y1 (cm)

X2 (cm)

Y2 (cm)

933.2

3461.4

933.2

3461.4

5411.4

3326

5411.4

3326

5100.4

574.2

686.7

1614.7

3442.1

2908.8

2584.2

2908.8

2974.2

2908.8

2974.2

3886.7

2974.2

4526.2

Table 7: Cartesian Grid Data

17

Cylindrical Grid Data

Radial Grid Data
Grid ID

R Ordinate (cm)

574.2

Tangential Grid data

Grid ID

T Ordinate (cm)

10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
Table 8: Cylindrical Grid Data

Cylindrical System Origin

Global X (cm)

4526.2

Global Y (cm)

574.2

Rotation (deg)

-90
Table 9: Cylindrical System Origin

Note that cylindrical systems origin is located at the intersection of Cartesian gridlines 1&G.

18

Figure 7: Cartesian and Cylindrical Grid Systems

19

Stories are defined in ETABS from bottom to top, keeping in mind that ETABS
labels floors according to their ceiling, i.e. B4 slab is the top of the 4th basement
floor and the ground slab for the 3rd basement floor and so on. Height of each story
is assigned as well.

Figure 8: Floors Labels

20

Floor Name

Height
(mm)

Elevation
(mm)

Stair Case
Roof2
Roof1
F5
F4
F3
F2
F1
MEZZANINE
GF
B1
B2
B3
B4
Base

3000
3000
3000
3000
3000
3000
3000
3000
3000
3000
3000
3000
3000
3000
0

42000
39000
36000
33000
30000
27000
24000
21000
18000
15000
12000
9000
6000
3000
0

Figure 9: Story Data

21

4.2 The Finite Element Model:

All structural elements in the model are either frame or shells elements. The task is to
select the element type that would simulate the real behavior of the structure. The threedimensional model consists of a large number of finite-elements connected together at
the nodes.
The following are the element types used in the numerical model:

4.2.1.

The Frame Element:

The frame element is modeled as a straight line connecting two points. This
element activates six degrees of freedom at both of its joints (three translational
and three rotational) and include the effects of biaxial bending, torsion, axial
deformation and biaxial shear deformations.
A frame element has its own local coordinate system. The axes of this local
system are denoted by 1, 2 and 3. The 1 axis is directed along the length of the
element, the 2 & 3 axes lie in the plane perpendicular to the element.
Understanding the local coordinate system is essential since it is the basis of load
assignment and reading analysis results.

Figure 10: Local coordinate system of the frame element

22

ETABS reports internal forces in frame elements as follows:

P, the axial force.
V2, the shear force in the 1-2 plane.
V3, the shear force in the 1-3 plane.
T, the axial torque.
M2, the bending moment in the 1-3 plane (about the 2-axis).
M3, the bending moment in the 1-2 plane (about the 3 axis)

All frame elements used in the model are prismatic and have square sections. All column
supports at the bottom of the lower basement level are pinned.

Section
C70x70
C40X40

Frame element sections used in the model

Depth (mm)
Width (mm)
700
700
400
400

Material
Concrete_35MPa
Concrete_35MPa

Table 10: Frame element sections used in the model

The figure below shows local axes of a typical column in ETABS, where the width is
along the 3-axis and the depth is along the 2-axis.

Figure 11: Local coordinates of a column section

23

4.2.2.

Soil Springs

The soil supporting the structure is assumed to be linear and elastic with constant subgrade modulus of (40 * safety factor * soil allowable pressure). Soil springs are assigned
as area springs with stiffness equal to sub-grade modulus in the Z-direction and zero
stiffness in the other two directions.

Figure 12: Area spring property data

Soil property (Modulus of Sub-grade Reaction is 25,000 kN/m3) is assigned to all shell
elements that compose the mat foundation.

Figure 13: Soil Modulus assignment to shells

24

4.2.3.

The Shell Element:

The shell element is a three- or four-node element that combines both

membrane and plate-bending behavior. The major advantage of using the shell
element in this model is that it does not have to be planar, thus it can be used to
model inclined ramps and stairs. Shell elements in the model are uniformlyloaded in gravity and normal-to-plane directions.
Both quadrilateral and triangular elements are used in the model, but the majority
of shell elements are of a quadrilateral shape. Triangular elements are used in
corners and irregular locations where the quadrilateral element could not be used.
The shell element has its own local coordinate system. The axes of this local
system are denoted 1, 2 and 3. The 1 & 2 axes lie in the plane of the element
and the 3-axis is normal to the plane. The shell element always activates all six
degrees of freedom at each of its connected joints (Ux, Uy, Uz, Rx, Ry and Rz).

Figure 14: Quadrilateral shell element

25

All shell elements used in the model are thin-shells which means that shear
deformations are neglected. Local axes of area elements are meant to be uniform (all
pointing towards one direction); this facilitates retrieving analysis results and assigning
loads.

Figure 15: Shell element uniform coordinate systems

ETABS reports internal forces in shell element as the following:

F11: Direct force per unit length acting at the mid-surface of the element on the
positive and negative 1 faces in the 1-axis direction.
F22: Direct force per unit length acting at the mid-surface of the element on the
positive and negative 2 faces in the 2-axis direction.
F12: Shearing force per unit length acting at the mid-surface of the element on the
positive and negative 1 faces in the 2-axis direction, and acting on the positive and
negative 2 faces in the 1-axis direction.
V13: Out-of-plane shear per unit length acting at the mid-surface of the element on
the positive and negative 1 faces in the 3-axis direction.
V23: Out-of-plane shear per unit length acting at the mid-surface of the element on
the positive and negative 2 faces in the 3-axis direction.
M11: Direct moment per unit length acting at the mid-surface of the element on the
positive and negative 1 faces about the 2-axis.
M22: Direct moment per unit length acting at the mid-surface of the element on the
positive and negative 2 faces about the 1-axis.
M12: Twisting moment per unit length acting at the mid-surface of the element on
the positive and negative 1 faces about the 1-axis, and acting on the positive and
negative 2 faces about the 2-axis.

26

Shell elements are used in the model for the following structural systems:

4.2.3.1

The Mat Foundation:

A mat foundation of 25 cm thickness is spread under the entire building; underneath

columns there is additional thickness (drop panels) extruding 35 cm below the mat
foundation. Concrete of 35 MPa compressive strength is used for the foundations.

Figure 16: 3D view of the mat foundation

Figure 17: Mat foundation section properties

27

4.2.3.2

The Walls:

Walls of 30 cm thickness are constructed in the outer perimeter of the building where they
act as retaining walls. Interior walls are of 20cm thickness acting as shear walls and elevator
cores. All walls are defined as shell elements. All wall supports at the bottom of the lower
basement level were idealized as pinned connections. Windows and doors are assigned as
wall openings.

Figure 18: 3D screen capture of the walls

28

4.2.3.3Ramps:
Ramps are used in basement parking levels, so the model includes four ramps. They are
modeled as shell elements with a thickness of 25cm. Ramps meshing is made with added
accuracy so that the nodes on the ramp are adequately connected with the shear walls
surrounding it. The modeling choice is made since there will be ample steel anchorage
between the ramps and the walls; concrete is cast simultaneously for ramps and the adjacent
parts of the walls.

Figure 19: 3D capture of the ramps

Figure 20: Ramp-wall connection

29

4.2.3.4

Stair Cases:

The stair slabs are modeled as shell elements having a thickness of 20 cm. The stairs slabs
are connected with the floor slabs in the model with no connection to the shear walls.

Figure 21: 3D screen capture of stair slabs

30

4.2.3.5

Slabs:

Slabs of 25 cm thickness are defined as shell elements; they are used in the model for all
floor levels.

Figure 22: Slab mesh

Table 11: Story Data

Figure 23: 3D Extruded view of slabs

31

4.2.4.

Model Creation Procedure

The finite elements comprising the structure are interconnected with high accuracy and
precision starting from base to top floor level.
The 13-floors could be all replicated at once, but this is not a convenient act since errors
in the model are almost inevitable, therefore once a certain storey is ready it is preferred
to carry out a Model Check which will check area overlaps and other types of errors in
the model. When a Model Check indicates errors, it is the designers job to locate the
errors and fix them before trying to perform a Model Run, taking into consideration
that a no-error-message that the check process shows does not necessarily indicate
that the model will be error-free after performing the Model Run. In conclusion,
carrying out a Model Run upon the completion of each individual story is the proper
way to smoothen the process of locating errors. The Model Run is performed using
the standard solver at the level of modeling since it reports errors in the model and locates
them.

Figure 24: The "model check" option

32

Most types of errors that are encountered are the lost digits of accuracy, mostly of 6 or
7 digits. The other type of error is the Instability Error which indicates the whole
structure or some elements are instable; this is normally due to lack of boundary
conditions.
After making sure that model is free of any type of error, an equilibrium check is carried
out. A test point load of 100 kN is applied at some point in the model in the three
directions (X, Y and Z) and base reactions are subsequently checked. Results confirm the
state of static equilibrium since base reactions in all directions must equal the applied
point loads.

Figure 25: Base Reactions due to a test load

4.2.5.

Model Load Assignment

After making sure that the model is free of any type of errors, the loads are assigned
according to the minimum design loads reported in Tables 4 & 5. All loads in the model
are uniform loads distributed on area elements.
For the assignment of load cases (superimposed, live and snow loads) on the slabs, all
the slabs having the same load values are selected and have the load assigned to them in
the gravity direction.

Figure 26: Uniform shell load assignment

33

CHAPTER II: LINEAR STATIC ANALYSIS & DESIGN

1. Preliminary Analysis Results
1.1 Punching shear
A thickness of 25cm for the slabs is deemed adequate for resisting punching shear, yet the
method used for the check is simple and does not account for moment effects on the
punching shear stress and assumes a one-way behavior of slabs; a method that is not very
accurate for buildings.
SAFE V12 software is used for calculating punching shear ratios. Floors from ETABS
model are exported to SAFE V12 while considering load on the exported floor plus all loads
that come from upper stories. Punching shear ratio is the quotient of the maximum design
shear stress over the concrete shear stress capacity. Ratios with a value of less than one mean
that slab thickness is adequate for resisting punching shear; otherwise, slab thickness must be
increased.
The punching shear ratio check is performed for the mat foundation, 4th basement and 1st
roof. This selection of floors is based on change in live load values and load from upper
stories. 4th basement has the largest vertical load on columns; mat foundation has the largest
vertical load combined with soil stress while the 1st roof has the highest live load value of all
floors.
The following table is the SAFE output for punching shear ratios based on ACI-318-08 code
considering zero reinforcement for the 4th basement. COMB4 is used for the calculation.
Maximum shear ratio (highlighted in red) is less than one. The Not Calculated message is
generated because SAFE does not compute shear stress for columns that intersect with
beams and/or shear walls. A 250 mm-thickness slab is deemed adequate for resisting
punching shear for basement floors.

Point
2087
2088
2089
2090
2091
2092
2093
2094
2095
2096
2097
2098
2099
2100

Global X
(m)
14.426
19.126
19.126
19.126
19.126
27.588
27.588
27.588
27.588
38.867
38.867
38.867
45.262
45.262

Global Y
(m)
12.042
25.842
18.892
12.042
5.742
25.842
18.892
12.042
5.742
12.042
5.742
18.892
25.842
18.892

Status
Not Calculated
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK

Ratio
(Unitless)

Vu
(kN)

0.75442
0.524153
0.461789
0.733241
0.836288
0.834174
0.888361
0.793316
0.991457
0.891976
0.922998
0.881885
0.610887

589.752
473.234
399.601
651.462
732.716
766.548
762.012
753.616
666.383
674.168
650.342
743.552
559.122

34

2101
2102
2103
2104
2105
2106
2107
2108
2109
2110
2111
2112
2113
2114
2115
2116
2117
2118
2119
2120
2121
2122
2123
2124
2125
2126
2127
2128
2332
2345
10410
10428
10431
10449
10476
10479
2087

45.262
45.262
8.41506
6.867
14.426
19.126
27.588
33.012
38.867
45.262
51.004
51.71601
52.49017
53.27564
54.114
45.262
38.867
33.012
27.588
19.126
14.426
9.332
3.24655
1.54805
0
6.96705
5.09332
10.11355
14.426
14.426
33.012
38.867
38.867
33.012
29.088
29.088
14.426

12.042
5.742
5.742
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5.742
12.042
18.892
25.842
33.26
33.52765
33.721
33.89803
34.06202
34.31787
34.45998
34.614
12.042
5.742
0
25.842
18.892
12.042
18.892
25.842
25.842
25.842
29.742
29.742
29.742
25.842
12.042

OK
OK
OK
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated

0.513137
0.466837
0.764348

480.402
444.783
702.741

Table 12: Punching shear ratios for all 50 columns in the 4th basement

SAFE V2 uses the following equation for calculating punching shear stress (CSI Technical
Report 1 How SAFE Calculates Punching Shear Ratios, November 16th, 1998). The following
snapshot illustrates how SAFE applies the punching shear equation.
VU =

35

Figure 27: Snapshot of SAFE punching shear parameters for a 700X700mm interior column

36

The same procedure is performed for the 1st roof floor where the live load is 4.8 kN/m2
(The largest of all floors).
Point
2187
2189
2191
2193
2195
2197
2198
2199
2201
2203
2205
2207
2208
2210
2212
2214
2216
2226
2249
2250
2251
2252
2322
2335
14793
14830

GlobalX
(m)
14.426
19.126
19.126
19.126
19.126
27.588
27.588
27.588
27.588
38.867
38.867
38.867
45.262
45.262
45.262
45.262
8.41506
10.11355
38.867
38.867
29.088
29.088
14.426
14.426
33.012
33.012

GlobalY
(m)
12.042
25.842
18.892
12.042
5.742
25.842
18.892
12.042
5.742
12.042
5.742
18.892
25.842
18.892
12.042
5.742
5.742
12.042
25.842
29.742
29.742
25.842
18.892
25.842
25.842
29.742

Status
Not Calculated
OK
OK
OK
Not Calculated
OK
Failed
Failed
Not Calculated
OK
Not Calculated
Failed
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated
Not Calculated

Ratio
(Unitless)

Vu
(kN)

0.933907
0.990372
0.953191

705.807
825.109
783.597

0.954601
1.401612
1.495514

715.622
1246.713
1280.51

0.964988

1177.222

1.441559

1158.114

Table 13: Punching shear ratios for all 25 columns in the 1st roof

Results show that a 250-mm-thick slab is inadequate for resisting punching shear at the
interior columns therefore 150-mm-thick drop panels are used at interior columns. After
applying the same procedure; Ground and Mezzanine floors need 150-mm-thick drop panels
for the interior columns. Accordingly, a drop panel of 40 cm thickness is defined and
assigned into the model at all interior columns.

37

1.2 Deflection:
Deflection of structural elements in the building is a major concern. Actual deflections in the
building need to be checked against permissible deflection limits in the ACI 318-08 code in
order to judge slab thickness adequacy.

Table 14: ACI TABLE 9.5 (b) of maximum permissible roof deflections

The critical criterion for checking deflection is L/480 since the building has nonstructural
elements likely to be damaged by large deflections. Floors are exported separately to SAFE
V12 for deflection check.

Floor

Case

Max. deflection,
Uz (mm)

Roof 1
GF
B4
F1

Comb4
Comb4
Comb4
Comb4

22.99
21.59
22.54
18.57

Location
X
33.012
33.012
33.012
33.012

Y
15.042
15.042
15.042
15.042

Critical Span
length (mm)
11300
11300
11300
11330

Allowable
Deflection
(mm)
23.5
23.5
23.5
23.5

Status
OK
OK
OK
OK

Table 15: Maximum Deflection Values at Selected Floors

Maximum deflection values do not exceed maximum permissible values, therefore the slab
thickness is judged adequate.

38

2. Structural Design for Static Loads

After analysis of the ETABS model has been completed and the preliminary results are quite
satisfying, the design process will be carried out in order to select optimum section
dimensions and reinforcement ratios for all structural elements in the building.

2.1 Concrete Frame Design

This includes the design of both columns and beams in the building. Design is performed in
compliance with the ACI-318-11 Code.

2.1.1.

Column Design:

Column sections used in the modeling stage are checked again in the design stage in
order to assure their adequacy of resisting applied forces and to select the optimum
section dimensions. ETABS is used for this type of design where all columns in the
model are assigned to an auto-select list where the software is given multiple
sections defined by the user; the softwares job is to select the optimum section. A
first check trial was carried out; it indicated that 70X70cm column section is not
adequate at some locations.
Three auto-select lists are created; one for the interior columns that have relatively
large axial loads, one for the interior columns that have relatively small axial loads
and one for the exterior columns.

Large Interior Columns

Section Label

Width mm

Depth mm

Radius of Gyration
about weak axis(mm)

C80X80

800

800

230.9

C80X60

800

600

173.2

C60X60

600

600

173.2

C40X40

400

400

115.5

Table 16: "Interior Columns_Large" Auto-Select List

39

Small Interior Columns

Section Label

Width

Depth

Radius of Gyration
about weak axis(mm)

C60X60

600

600

173.2

C60X40

600

400

115.5

C40X40

400

400

115.5

Table 17: "Interior Columns_Small" Auto-Select List

Large Exterior Columns

Section Label

Width

Depth

Radius of Gyration
about weak axis(mm)

C40X40

600

600

115.5

C30X30

600

400

86.6

Table 18: "Exterior Columns' Auto-Select List

Figure 27 below shows local axes of columns in ETABS, where width is along 3-axis and
depth is along 2-axis.

Figure 28: Local axes of columns

The drawing next page shows all columns in the 4th basement level with all column labels.
ETABS provided optimum sections for each column label according to the auto-select list
each column is assigned to. Large interior columns and small interior columns are divided
into 5 groups based on story levels; there are five groups (basements, GF to F2, F3 to F5,
2Roofs and the staircase). Exterior columns are not assigned to any group, thus sections for
these columns are going to be the same along all story levels.

40

Figure 29: Column Labels

41

Column
Label

C22

C23

C24

C25

C42

Auto-select list

Interior
Columns_Large

Interior
Columns_Large

Interior
Columns_Large

Interior
Columns_Large

Interior
Columns_Large

Group

Design Section

Basements

C80X80

GF to F2

C80X80

F3 to F5

C80X80

2 Floors

C80X80

Staircase

C60X60

Basements

C80X80

GF to F2

C80X80

F3 to F5

C80X80

2 Floors

C80X80

Staircase

C60X60

Basements

C80X80

GF to F2

C80X80

F3 to F5

C80X80

2 Floors

C80X80

Basements

C80X80

GF to F2

C80X80

F3 to F5

C80X80

2 Floors

C80X80

Basements

C80X80

GF to F2

C80X80

F3 to F5

C80X80

2 Floors

C80X80

Staircase

C60X60

42

Column
Label

C20

C12

C16

C3

C11

C18

Auto-select list

Group

Design Section

Basements

C80X80

GF to F2

C80X80

F3 to F5

C80X80

2 Floors

C80X80

Staircase

C60X60

Basements

C80X80

GF to F2

C80X80

F3 to F5

C80X80

2 Floors

C80X80

Basements

C80X80

GF to F2

C80X80

F3 to F5

C80X80

2 Floors

C80X80

Basements

C60X60

Interior_Columns

GF to F2

C60X60

Small

F3 to F5

C60XC40

2 Floors

C60X60

Basements

C60X60

Interior_Columns

GF to F2

C60X60

Small

F3 to F5

C60XC40

2 Floors

C60X60

Basements

C60X60

GF to F2

C60X60

F3 to F5

C60XC40

Interior
Columns_Large

Interior
Columns_Large

Interior
Columns_Large

Interior_Columns
Small

43

Interior_Columns
C18

C19

C7

C8

C9

C10

C13

2 Floors

C60X60

Basements

C60X60

Interior_Columns

GF to F2

C60X60

Small

F3 to F5

C60XC40

2 Floors

C60X60

Basements

C60X60

Interior_Columns

GF to F2

C60X60

Small

F3 to F5

C60X40

2 Floors

C60X40

Basements

C60X60

Interior_Columns

GF to F2

C60X60

Small

F3 to F5

C60X60

2 Roofs

C60XC40

Basements

C60X60

Interior_Columns

GF to F2

C60X60

Small

F3 to F5

C60X60

2 Roofs

C60XC40

Basements

C60XC40

Interior_Columns

GF to F2

C60XC40

Small

F3 to F5

C60XC40

2 Roofs

C60XC40

Basements

C60XC40

Interior_Columns

GF to F2

C60XC40

Small

F3 to F5

C60XC40

2 Roofs

C60XC40

Small

44

Column
Label

Auto-select list

Group

Design Section

C34

External Columns

All

C30X30

C35

External Columns

All

C30X30

C36

External Columns

All

C30X30

C37

External Columns

All

C30X30

C38

External Columns

All

C30X30

C39

External Columns

All

C30X30

C40

External Columns

All

C30X30

C41

External Columns

All

C30X30

C30

External Columns

All

C30X30

C31

External Columns

All

C30X30

C32

External Columns

All

C30X30

C33

External Columns

All

C30X30

C29

External Columns

All

C30X30

C28

External Columns

All

C30X30

C27

External Columns

All

C30X30

C26

External Columns

All

C30X30

C21

External Columns

All

C30X30

C15

External Columns

All

C30X30

C14

External Columns

All

C30X30

C46

External Columns

All

C30X30

C45

External Columns

All

C30X30

C44

External Columns

All

C30X30

C2

External Columns

All

C30X30

C1

External Columns

All

C30X30

45

C17

External Columns

All

C40X40

C6

External Columns

All

C40X40

C5

External Columns

All

C40X40

C4

External Columns

All

C40X40

C47

External Columns

All

C30X30

C43

External Columns

All

C30X30

C49

External Columns

All

C30X30

C48

External Columns

All

C30X30

Table 19: Columns Section Design

Selection of Auto-select lists and column groups take two points into consideration:
optimization (selecting the minimum section that resists applied loads) and convenience
during construction by keeping the number of column sections as minimum and as uniform
as possible.
The table below shows an example of forces in design sections in the 4th basement level.
Column
Label

Comb

Station
m

P
kN

V2
kN

V3
kN

T
kN.m

M2
kN.m

M3
kN.m

C22

Comb5

C23

Comb5

C13

Comb5

C48

Comb5

0
3
0
3
0
3
0
3

-4405
-4342
-9175
-9112
-2690
-2666
-395
-228

-402
-402
-228
-228
-20
-20
2
-4.6

-142
-142
98
98
-13.
-13
-11
25.8

1.69
1.69
1.33
1.33
-0.4
-0.4
0.76
-0.69

-408
31
202
-54
-9.15
46.77
-13
-12.9

-1094
112
-548
189
-28
40
10.6
5.7

Table 20: Column forces in the 4th basement

According the equation Pn (max) = 0.80 [0.85fc (Ag Ast) + fyAst], where =0.65,
fc=35 MPa and Ast assumed as 3%, a section of 550x550mm would we adequate for
resisting the axial force on C23 column, but the design section is larger due to high
biaxial moment effects acting on the section.
C23 column is taken as an example of ETABS column design and illustrated in detail in
the following tables. Reinforcement detailing is provided as well.

46

ETABS 2013 Concrete Frame Design

ACI 318-11 Column Section Design

Column Element Details (Flexural Details)

Level

Element

Section ID

Combo ID

Station Loc

Length (mm)

LLRF

Type

B4

C23

C80x80

Comb5ic(Envelope Static)

3000

0.4

Sway Special

Section Properties
b (mm)

h (mm)

dc (mm)

Cover (Torsion) (mm)

800

800

50

17.3

Material Properties
Ec (MPa)

f'c (MPa)

Lt.Wt Factor (Unitless)

fy (MPa)

fys (MPa)

27806

35

413

413

Design Code Parameters

T

CTied

CSpiral

Vns

Vs

Vjoint

0.9

0.65

0.75

0.75

0.6

0.85

Axial Force and Biaxial Moment Design For Pu , Mu2 , Mu3

Design Pu
kN

Design Mu2
kN-m

Design Mu3
kN-m

Minimum M2
kN-m

Minimum M3
kN-m

Rebar Area
mm

Rebar %
%

11746.2555

460.9231

-709.4527

460.9231

460.9231

10129

1.58

Factored & Minimum Biaxial Moments

NonSway Mns
kN-m

Sway Ms
kN-m

Factored Mu
kN-m

Minimum Mmin
kN-m

Minimum Eccentricity
mm

Major Bending(Mu3)

-709.4527

-709.4527

460.9231

39.2

Minor Bending(Mu2)

155.0855

155.0855

460.9231

39.2

Axial Force and Biaxial Moment Factors

Cm Factor
Unitless

ns Factor
Unitless

s Factor
Unitless

K Factor
Unitless

Length
mm

Major Bend(M3)

0.522102

3000

Minor Bend(M2)

0.4

3000

Table 21: ETABS flexural design data of C23 column section

47

ETABS 2013 Concrete Frame Design

ACI 318-11 Column Section Design

Column Element Details (Shear Details)

Level

Element

Section ID

Combo ID

Station Loc

Length (mm)

LLRF

Type

B4

C23

C80x80

Comb5ic(Envelope Static)

3000

0.4

Sway Special

Section Properties
b (mm)

h (mm)

dc (mm)

Cover (Torsion) (mm)

800

800

50

17.3

Material Properties
Ec (MPa)

f'c (MPa)

Lt.Wt Factor (Unitless)

fy (MPa)

fys (MPa)

27806

35

413

413

Shear Design for Vu2, Vu3

Rebar Av /s
mm/m

Design Vu
kN

Design Pu
kN

Design Mu
kN-m

Vc
kN

Vs
kN

Vn
kN

Major Shear(V2)

299.8167

11746.2555

-548.6075

1030.5642

1030.5642

Minor Shear(V3)

98.1831

11746.2555

202.573

1030.5642

1030.5642

Design Forces
Factored Vu
kN

Factored Pu
kN

Factored Mu
kN-m

Major Shear(V2)

299.8167

9175.5855

-709.4527

Minor Shear(V3)

98.1831

9175.5855

155.0855

Design Basis
Shr Reduc Factor
Unitless

Strength fys
MPa

Strength fcs
MPa

Area Ag
cm

413

35

6400

Concrete Shear Capacity

Design Vu
kN

Conc.Area Acu
cm

Tensn.Rein Ast
mm

Major Shear(V2)

299.8167

6000

5064

Minor Shear(V3)

98.1831

6000

5064

Shear Rebar Design

Stress v
MPa

Conc.Cpcty vc
MPa

Uppr.Limit vmax
MPa

vc
MPa

vmax
MPa

RebarArea Av /s
mm/m

Major Shear(V2)

0.5

2.29

6.22

Minor Shear(V3)

0.16

2.29

6.22

1.72

1.72

4.67

Table 22: ETABS shear design data of C23 column section

48

Rebar selection rules are provided to the software for detailing.

Figure 30: Column rebar selection rules in ETABS

Figure 31: C23 rebar details in 3D view

49

Figure 34: C23 design schedule from base to staircase

Figure 32: Design section "E" for C23 column

Figure 33: Design section "C" for C23 column

50

2.2 Wall Design:

Two groups of walls are used in the model; exterior walls of 30 cm thickness and interior
walls of 20 cm thickness. The first group of walls mainly resists the lateral earth pressure
induced by the backfill soil; therefore M22 and V23 are the governing forces for design. The
second group acts mainly as bearing walls.

Figure 35: Plan view of external basement walls

Maximum values of flexural moment M22 and shear V23 are found in the wall section
shown in Figure34. M22 and V23 values are plotted in the following diagrams. The
maximum moment value occurs at the bottom and corresponds to 115 kN-m/m. The
maximum V23 value also occurs at the bottom and corresponds to 128 kN/m. This
external wall is supported by the basement slabs.

51

Figure 36: Extruded 3D view of external basement wall

The 3D Figure 35shows the external basement wall having pin supports at the bottom and
supported by slabs of B4, B3, B2 and B1.

52

Figure 36: M22 values for the external basement wall

Figure 37: V23 values for the external basement wall

According the equation

, substituting the maximum

moment value of 115 kN.m/m, section strip width of 1000 mm and 300 mm as the
effective depth of section, the reinforcement ratio is 0.35%, which is almost the same
reinforcement ratio of 0.31 % that the software has provided.

53

Story

Pier
Label

Station

Design
Type

Edge
Rebar

End
Rebar
14

Rebar
Spacing
mm
250

Min.
Reinf.
%
0.25

Current
Reinf.
%
0.31

B1

P30

Top

Uniform

12

B1

P30

Bottom

Uniform

12

14

250

0.25

0.31

B2

P30

Top

Uniform

12

14

250

0.25

0.31

B2

P30

Bottom

Uniform

12

14

250

0.25

0.31

B3

P30

Top

Uniform

12

14

250

0.25

0.31

B3

P30

Bottom

Uniform

12

14

250

0.25

0.31

B4

P30

Top

Uniform

12

14

250

0.25

0.31

B4

P30

Bottom

Uniform

12

14

250

0.25

0.31

Pier Leg
mm

Leg X1
mm

Leg Y1
mm

Leg X2
mm
48133

Leg
Y2
mm
769

Shear
Rebar
mm2/m
750

Top Leg
1
Bottom
Leg 1
Top Leg
1
Bottom
Leg 1
Top Leg
1
Bottom
Leg 1
Top Leg
1
Bottom
Leg 1

47225

346

47225

346

48133

769

750

47225

346

48133

769

750

47225

346

48133

769

750

47225

346

48133

769

750

47225

346

48133

769

750

47225

346

48133

769

750

47225

346

48133

769

750

Table 23: ETABS report for uniform basement wall reinforcement

54

For the interior walls, flexure and shear values as well as reinforcement data are reported. The
following figures show M22 and V23 values in an interior wall section where the maximum
values of forces are found.

Figure 38: M22 values for interior wall section

Maximum value of M22 is reported at the bottom of the wall section and corresponds to 54
kN-m/m. A hand calculated reinforcement ratio for this flexural force is 0.37 %. ETABS
has provided a reinforcement ratio of 0.49 to 0.67, which is larger than the hand-calculated
reinforcement values.

55

Figure 39:V23 values for interior wall section

Maximum value of V23 is reported at the bottom of the wall section and corresponds to 70
kN/m.
The table next page provides reinforcement data for all interior walls with 20cm section
thickness in the whole building.

56

Pier
Label

Station

Design
Type

Edge
Rebar

End
Rebar

Rebar
Spacing
mm

Min.
Reinf
%

Current
Reinf
%

Stair
Case

P20

Top

Uniform

12

14

250

0.25

0.67

Stair
Case

P20

Bottom

Uniform

12

14

250

0.25

0.48

Roof2

P20

Top

Uniform

12

14

250

0.25

0.67

Roof2

P20

Bottom

Uniform

12

14

250

0.25

0.49

Roof1

P20

Top

Uniform

12

14

250

0.25

0.67

Roof1

P20

Bottom

Uniform

12

14

250

0.25

0.49

F5

P20

Top

Uniform

12

14

250

0.25

0.67

F5

P20

Bottom

Uniform

12

14

250

0.25

0.49

F4

P20

Top

Uniform

12

14

250

0.25

0.67

F4

P20

Bottom

Uniform

12

14

250

0.25

0.49

F3

P20

Top

Uniform

12

14

250

0.25

0.67

F3

P20

Bottom

Uniform

12

14

250

0.25

0.49

Story

Pier
Leg
mm
Top
Leg 1
Botto
m Leg
1
Top
Leg 1
Botto
m Leg
1
Top
Leg 1
Botto
m Leg
1
Top
Leg 1
Botto
m Leg
1
Top
Leg 1
Botto
m Leg
1
Top
Leg 1
Botto
m Leg
1

Leg
X1
mm
360
12

Leg
Y1
mm
2779
2

Leg
X2
mm
3601
2

Leg
Y2
mm
2974
2

Shear
Rebar
mm2/m

388
67

2681
7

3886
7

2974
2

500

124
49.7

1354
2

1244
9.7

1554
2

500

101
13.6

1204
2

1442
6

1204
2

500

124
49.7

1354
2

1244
9.7

1554
2

500

124
49.7

1354
2

1244
9.7

1554
2

500

124
49.7

1354
2

1244
9.7

1554
2

500

124
49.7

1354
2

1244
9.7

1554
2

500

124
49.7

1354
2

1244
9.7

1554
2

500

124
49.7

1354
2

1244
9.7

1554
2

500

124
49.7

1354
2

1244
9.7

1554
2

500

124
49.7

1354
2

1244
9.7

1554
2

500

500

57

F2

P20

Top

Uniform

12

14

250

0.25

0.67

F2

P20

Bottom

Uniform

12

14

250

0.25

0.49

F1

P20

Top

Uniform

12

14

250

0.25

0.67

F1

P20

Bottom

Uniform

12

14

250

0.25

0.49

MEZZAN
-INE

P20

Top

Uniform

12

14

250

0.25

0.67

MEZZAN
-INE

P20

Bottom

Uniform

12

14

250

0.25

0.49

GF

P20

Top

Uniform

12

14

250

0.25

0.67

GF

P20

Bottom

Uniform

12

14

250

0.25

0.49

B1

P20

Top

Uniform

12

14

250

0.25

0.66

B1

P20

Bottom

Uniform

12

14

250

0.25

0.48

Top
Leg 1
Botto
m Leg
1
Top
Leg 1
Botto
m Leg
1
Top
Leg 1
Botto
m Leg
1
Top
Leg 1
Botto
m Leg
1
Top
Leg 1
Botto
m Leg
1

124
49.7

1354
2

1244
9.7

1554
2

500

124
49.7

1354
2

1244
9.7

1554
2

500

124
49.7

1354
2

1244
9.7

1554
2

500

124
49.7

1354
2

1244
9.7

1554
2

500

124
49.7

1354
2

1244
9.7

1554
2

500

124
49.7

1354
2

1244
9.7

1554
2

500

124
49.7

1354
2

1244
9.7

1554
2

500

124
49.7

1354
2

1244
9.7

1554
2

500

124
49.7

1354
2

1244
9.7

1554
2

500

124
49.7

1354
2

1244
9.7

1554
2

500

Table 24: ETABS report for uniform interior wall reinforcement

58

In ETABS, all walls need to be labeled as piers so that the software would be able to provide
reinforcement detailing values and graphics. Personal preferences for rebar selection are also
provided to ETABS.

Figure 40: Rebar selection prefrences for walls

The software calculates all forces in wall sections and provides the required steel ratio and
the minimum reinforcement according to ACI-318-11 Code. The uniform reinforcement option
is selected; therefore reinforcement values are uniform in all wall sections having the same
pier label. 30cm walls are labeled as Pier30 and 20cm walls are labeled as Pier20.

59

Figure 41: 3D view of confined wall reinforcement at corners

60

Figure 42: Reinforced section in internal shear wall

61

Figure 43: Elevation section of internal wall reinforcement

62

2.3 Slab Design:

Each roof is exported to SAFE V12 for design. SAFE designs slabs for flexure and
punching shear in accordance with ACI-318-08. There are two methods for design; a finiteelement-based method and a strip-based one. For this project, the strip-based design is used
since it allows for rebar calculations, while the finite-element-based approach checks rebar
area provided by designer against actual stresses in the slab. Moreover, design strips can be
used for rebar detailing.
Procedure of slab design is SAFE V12 is outlined below:
Drawing design strips along the X and Y axes. Design strips are called Strip A and
Strip B respectively. Strips for each axis are divided into two types; column strips
that are drawn along column centerlines and middle strips drawn between each two
rows of columns (in mid-spans). All strips have a width of 1 meter.

Figure 44: Screen capture of design strips menu in SAFE v12

Note that SAFE draws strips from centerlines, which means that a 1 meter strip is
assigned as 0.5 meters from right and 0.5 meters from left. Design strips may cross
slab openings and/or extrude slab outer lines, but this does not affect analysis or
design results.
Load combinations are checked (already exported from ETABS model) and the
Strength (ultimate) Design Method is selected.
Run and Design is carried out; the designer inspects strip forces and compares
them with forces based on a finite element analysis. The values of shear and moment
are almost identical everywhere in the slab.
Only slabs for the 4th basement, ground floor and 1st roof are designed. This
selection of slabs is based upon variation in live load values.

63

2.3.1.

4th Basement Slab Design

Flexure and shear values are reported by SAFE. SAFE also provides reinforcement steel
in accordance with ACI-318-08 Code. This slab is solid with no drop panels and has a
thickness of 25cm.
For design strips, MSA stand for middle strip-A and CSA stands for column strip-A.

Figure 45: X-axis design strips for 4th basement slabs

Figure 46: CSA_3 moment diagram

64

Conc Width
m

FTopMoment
kN.m

FTopArea
2
mm

FTopAMin
2
mm

FBotMoment
kN.m

FBotArea
2
mm

FBotAMin
2
mm

V Force
kN

VArea
2
mm /m

Status

Global X
m

Global Y
m

0.5177
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

-34.4186
-0.1726
0
-127.3975
-60.5339
-10.9128
0
0
-3.09
-36.8601
-357.0576
-82.3367
-14.5507
-0.02
0
0
0
0
0
0
-7.3336
-66.5377
-265.5921
-105.2553
-32.4039
-0.4702
0

491.497
374.834
146.421
1669.485
765.834
134.806
0
0
38.034
461.063
5161.406
1053.254
180.049
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
90.442
844.326
3801.853
1362.75
404.358
5.781
0

240.933
465.396
0
465.396
465.396
465.396
0
0
465.396
465.396
465.396
465.396
465.396
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
465.396
465.396
465.396
465.396
465.396
0
0

2.6667
14.0022
35.7218
0.0193
0
1.1423
9.9952
9.9846
1.2232
0.0422
0
0
2.8689
34.8068
57.5723
69.0246
71.0779
69.4167
58.7434
37.6057
4.0817
0
0
0
0.0217
10.8523
28.1028

135.259
277.36
485.884
0
0
14.048
123.418
123.286
15.043
0
946.911
0
35.309
434.843
727.293
876.982
904.01
882.139
742.518
470.443
50.263
0
0
0
0
134.055
349.968

0
0
465.396
0
0
0
465.396
465.396
0
0
0
0
0
465.396
465.396
465.396
465.396
465.396
465.396
465.396
0
0
0
0
0
465.396
465.396

45.157
86.941
30.496
157.117
157.117
52.217
15.758
11.761
28.424
28.424
340.187
340.187
67.778
41.713
26.256
13.978
4.913
12.769
24.532
38.952
56.092
231.155
231.155
163.827
72.5
36.255
20.927

0
0
0
861.845
861.845
0
0
0
0
0
2820.612
2820.612
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1212.478
1212.478
861.845
0
0
0

OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK

51.71601
51.004
50.262
45.262
44.867
43.867
42.867
41.867
40.867
39.867
38.867
38.012
37.012
36.012
35.012
34.012
33.012
32.588
31.588
30.588
29.588
28.588
27.588
27.126
26.126
25.126
24.126

12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042

Table 25: CSA3 forces and reinforcement reported by SAFE in B4 slab

65

Figure 47: Moment Diagrams for all A-strips in 4th basement slab

66

Figure 48: Moment Diagrams for all B-strips in 4th basement slab

67

2.3.2.

First-Roof Slab Design

The roof slab has a relatively high live load of 4.8 kN/m2; therefore design is expected to
be different. This slab is solid with a thickness of 25cm and having drop panels of 40cm
thickness (15cm extrusion below slab surface) as stated earlier in the preliminary design.

Figure 50: Moment diagrams in both A&B strips for 1st-roof slab

Maximum negative and maximum positive moments are 689 kN.m and 96.7 kN.m are
reported respectively in the CSA2 strip in the slab.

Figure 49: Design-strip moment diagram with max. values

68

ConcWidth
m

FTopMoment
kN.m

FTopArea
mm2

FTopAMin
mm2

FBotMoment
kN.m

FBotArea
mm2

FBotAMin
mm2

VForce
kN

VArea
mm2/m

Status

GlobalX
m

GlobalY
m

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

-265.0206
-692.2001
-174.8691
-43.3142
-0.0868
0
0
0
0
0
-0.0931
-46.6357
-187.5513
-736.1775
-85.5196

2107.761
5925.636
2388.936
577.721
125.632
111.039
107.217
98.449
97.796
97.202
110.065
625.263
2582.8
6401.231
1095.772

744.634
744.634
465.396
465.396
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
465.396
465.396
744.634
465.396

0
0
0
0
35.1028
74.6225
93.4558
96.4577
93.3042
74.1228
34.046
0
0
0
0

229.749
201.323
220.075
130.779
473.076
979.651
1229.757
1268.027
1224.313
969.458
455.534
147.345
366.405
374.324
0

0
0
0
0
465.396
465.396
465.396
465.396
465.396
465.396
465.396
0
0
0
0

158.399
510.627
510.627
136.563
77.354
43.957
22.479
8.943
23.05
44.788
78.841
146.988
605.309
605.309
74.946

861.845
2329.948
2329.948
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3169.326
3169.326
0

OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK

27.126
27.588
28.588
29.588
30.588
31.588
32.588
33.012
34.012
35.012
36.012
37.012
38.012
38.867
39.867

12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042
12.042

Table 26: Forces and Reinforcement as reported by SAFE for max. design strip in 1st Roof

69

2.4 Mat Foundation Design:

This is the structural system used in this project for supporting the building. The use of this
type of foundation reduces the potential of differential settlement. The relation between
stresses in the mat slab and the downward vertical settlement is defined as the soil sub-grade
modulus (K).
An initial check of the model under this service load combination (D+L) resulted in a base
reaction of 162,500 kN. With soil capacity of 250kN/m2 the required foundation area is
650m2 which is way less than the area of the foundation provided in the model. Modulus of
sub-grade used is K=25000 kN/m3.
Before starting the first run, all points are selected and released in the vertical Z direction,
and then soil sub-grade property is applied as area springs. An initial check of punching
shear results for the mat foundation shows that drop panels of 70cm below columns are not
adequate for resisting punching shear stress at some locations where shearing stress reached
twice that of the sections capacity. Depth of drop panel had to be increased to 120cm in
order to resist punching shear stress.
The major concerns when designing foundations are; foundation uplifts and soil allowable
pressure. There should be no behavior of uplift in the mat foundation (tension in soil) and
the allowable soil pressure must not be exceeded at any part in the foundation. The
following table reports SAFEv12 values of soil pressure.
Area
F1
F1
F1
F1
F2
F2
F2
F2
F3
F3
F3
F3
F4
F4
F4
F4
F5
F5
F5
F5
F6

Surface Pressure
(kN/m2)
-112.98
-137.1
-156.3
-156.29
-0.57
-20.15
-18.83
-0.91
-118.7
-118.92
-99
-98.7
-98.7
-99
-62.53
-60.07
-60.07
-62.53
-32.98
-26.27
-26.27

70

F6
F6
F6
Area
F9
F9
F9
F9
F10
F10
F10
F10
F11
F11
F11
F11
F12
F12
F12
F12
F13
F13
F13
F13
F14
F14
F14
F14
F15
F15
F15
F15
F22
F22
F22
F22
F23
F23
F23
F23
F24
F24
F24
F24
F26

-32.98
-21.96
-9.09
Surface Pressure
(kN/m2)
-20.15
-81.08
-72.42
-18.83
-81.08
-173.56
-162.77
-72.42
-173.56
-238.77
-233.9
-162.77
-238.77
-244.54
-237.08
-233.9
-188.48
-178.84
-233.9
-237.08
-178.84
-125.78
-162.77
-233.9
-9.09
-21.96
-21.34
-3.36
-125.78
-64.06
-72.42
-162.77
-64.06
-27.07
-18.83
-72.42
-27.07
-13.7
-0.91
-18.83
-137.1

Table 27: Soil Pressure

71

All pressure values have a negative sign which means that soil is subjected to compressive
forces only and no uplift in the foundation. Maximum and minimum absolute pressure value
highlighted in red is 244.54 kN/m2; it is less than the allowable soil pressure; 250 kN/m2.
The 25 cm mat thickness selected in the ETABS model is not adequate for resisting flexure
because the required reinforcement exceeded the maximum allowed. Thickness was
increased to 30 cm and resulted in an acceptable reinforcement ratio.

Figure 51: Moment diagram of A-strips in mat foundation

Maximum positive moment = 4318.3 kN-m occurs in column-strip A at section with

thickness of 120 cm.
Maximum negative moment = 283.6 kN.m occurs in column-strip B at section with
thickness of 30 cm.

72

Figure 52: Moment diagrams of B strips in mat foundation

Moment
kN.m
4318.3
-283.6

Section Depth
mm
1200
300

Section Width
1000
1000

Reinforcement
Ratio
0.0088
0.0093

As,hand (mm2)

As,SAFE (mm2)

10,610
2,797

10877
3344

Table 28: SAFE vs. hand-calculated values for mat reinforcement

The table above is a verification of steel reinforcement provided by SAFEv12 for maximum
negative and positive moments in the mat foundation. Now SAFE has provided steel
reinforcement areas for all strips in the mat foundation. For detailing, the designer has to
provide his own preferences for rebar diameters and spacing.

73

Figure 53: Mat foundation detailing preferences

74

CHAPTER III:
EARTHQUAKE ANALYSIS & DESIGN
1. Background
Earthquakes can cause disastrous damage to structures if the forces they induce are
sufficiently greater than the capacity of structural elements in the structure. The potential
seismic forces that may hit the Gateway Building should be studied. Behavior of the gravityloaded structure will be investigated against lateral dynamic forces. Two methods are used
for calculating seismic forces; the equivalent static lateral load method and the response
spectrum method.
For gravity loads, the elevator cores and internal walls in the model act as bearing walls,
while walls in the outer perimeter act as bearing walls and resist shear and moment due to
lateral earth pressure from soil backfill in the basement levels. Analysis complies with 1997
UBC Code.

2. Geology
The Gateway building is located in al-Irsal Street, Ramallah. This zone is classified as 2A
with both the acceleration seismic and the velocity seismic coefficients (Ca and Cv) equal
to 0.15 because soil is classified as rock,SB. This is considered a moderate-risk zone
according to UBC97.

Figure 54: Seismic zone factor map

75

3. Modal Analysis
This is a linear analysis that is used to determine the vibration modes of the structure.
These modes are useful to understand the dynamic behavior of the structure and form
the basis of the Response Spectrum Analysis.
The Eigenvector analysis is used to find the modes of The Gateway Building. The
number of modes this analysis can provide is equal to the mass degrees of freedom
found in the model, but usually for such buildings the first modes are sufficient.
Eigenvector analysis reports values as Eigenvalues. An Eigenvalue is the square of the
circular frequency (

Where K is the stiffness and M is the mass participating in the dynamic analysis,
therefore the mass source must be well-defined in order to provide correct dynamic
behavior for the structure.
The mass participating in the dynamic behavior of the structure comprises of self-mass
of the structure plus superimposed dead load and a portion of live load; 0.3.

Figure 55: Mass source Definition

76

Mode

Period
(Seconds)

Frequency
(cycle/second)

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

1.102
0.931
0.511
0.268
0.227
0.143
0.128
0.121
0.097
0.088
0.083
0.074
0.069
0.065
0.063
0.059
0.058
0.058
0.054
0.053

0.907
1.074
1.956
3.736
4.408
6.974
7.793
8.296
10.301
11.346
12.116
13.576
14.469
15.368
15.997
16.899
17.216
17.374
18.58
18.872

Circular
Frequency
(rad/sec)
5.7019
6.748
12.2874
23.4749
27.6991
43.82
48.9648
52.1273
64.7201
71.2888
76.125
85.2979
90.9094
96.5631
100.5101
106.1809
108.1725
109.1661
116.7427
118.5737

Eigenvalue
(rad2/sec2)
32.5119
45.5361
150.9794
551.0726
767.2421
1920.1896
2397.5558
2717.2537
4188.687
5082.0939
5795.0088
7275.7348
8264.5268
9324.4252
10102.2897
11274.3828
11701.2977
11917.2423
13628.8596
14059.7315

Table 29: Modal analysis output

The UBC-97 code states in section 1631.5.2 that at least 90 percent of the participating
mass of the structure is included in the calculations for each principal horizontal
direction. This code requirement necessitated 20 modes to be inspected since 12 modes
were not enough to satisfy the code requirement.
Direction
UX
UY

Static
99.98
99.98

Dynamic
93.54
93.49

Table 30: Modal mass participating ratios

4. Equivalent Lateral Load Method

The Equivalent Lateral Load Method is based on simplified procedure that substitutes
potential dynamic forces for their equivalent static ones based on code provisions and
factors. For analysis, equivalent static base shear is program-calculated based on the
input values according to the UBC-97 Code. This method gives a good indication of
story shears.

77

Parameter
T (seconds)
R
Soil profile type
Z
Ca
Cv
I

Value
1.1
4.5
SB
0.15
0.15
0.15
1.0

Table 31: Parameters of Equivalent Lateral Load Method

T, structure period in seconds, is determined according to ETABS output for the

first mode of the structure. The software provided a value of 1.1 seconds.
Method A in Section 1630.2.2 in the UBC-97 Code provides an equation to
approximate T.

T= Ct (hn)3/4

Where, Ct= 0.03, a numerical coefficient.

hn= 137.8 ft, height of the building in feet.

This equation yielded a structure period of 1.2 seconds. This values is not significantly
different from the values provided by ETABS.
R, the over-strength factor that considers global ductility capacity of lateral-forceresisting systems. This factor makes the design forces less than the forces
induced by the earthquake. The Gateway Buildings lateral-force-resisting
structural system is classified as concrete shear-walls. Table 16-N in the UBC-97
Code provides R values for common structural systems.

Table 32: Table 16-N from UBC-97 Code

SB, soil profile type as in Table 16-J in the UBC-97 Code. Soil on site is classified
as rock.

78

Z, seismic zone factor. The UBC-97 Code provides values for Z for all regions in
the world. For this analysis practice, the value of Z is taken from Earth Sciences
and Seismic Engineering Center at An-Najah University.
Ca, seismic coefficient from Table 16-Q in the UBC Code.
Cv, seismic coefficient from Table 16-R in the UBC Code.
I, Importance factor that depends on occupancy category as in Table 16-K.
Equivalent lateral load is defined as a load pattern in ETABS in both X and Y directions.
This resulted in a 4142 kN base shear in the both X and Y-directions. Load patterns are
denoted by ELLMX and ELLMY.

Figure 56: Story shears in X-direction due to ELLMX

Figure 57: Story shears in Y-direction due to ELLMY

79

5. Response Spectrum Analysis

Elastic dynamic analysis of a structure utilizes the peak dynamic response of all effective
modes. The response spectrum curve is a plot of period and acceleration based on
statistical data for each location.
For Ca and Cv values of 0.15 and a damping ratio of 5%, the UBC-97 Code provides a
response spectrum curve.

Response Spectrum Curve

0.45
0.4
0.35

Acceleration

0.3
0.25
0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0
0.00

2.00

4.00

6.00

8.00

10.00

12.00

Period
Figure 58: Response spectrum curve

Proper modal combinations are assigned into ETABS in order to utilize the response all
effective modes. Defining a modal combination is essential since peak modal responses
occur at different times. The CQC (complete quadratic combination) method is used for
modal combination.

80

6. Load Combinations
Load combinations of static gravity forces are added to dynamic forces.
Comb5: U=Envelope (Comb1, Comb2, Comb3, Comb4)
Comb6: U=1.2D + 1.0L + 1.0S + 1.0H + 1.0E
Comb7: U=1.2D + 1.0L + 1.0S + 1.0H - 1.0E
Comb8: U=Envelope(Comb5, Comb6, Comb7)
Table 33l: Load combinations for earthquake loads

7. Results
All story drifts are below maximum allowable drifts in the UBC-97 Code. Design
philosophy is based on the idea of assuring life safety during earthquakes, therefore,
some structural elements may undergo plastic deformations due to seismic forces but
this will not cause threat to the life of the buildings occupants.

81

8. Structural Design for Dynamic Loads

The main concern is the lateral forces induced to the structure by the earthquakes.
Structural elements that are designed to resist gravity static forces are expected to fail
under dynamic loading. Capacity of elements designed in the linear static stage of the
project will be re-evaluated after applying dynamic loads, and necessary changes to their
design will be carried out if needed. Design under dynamic loads is compared to design
under static loads.

8.1 Mat Foundation Design

The mat foundation is subjected to the summation of all story shears in the building. Soil
is assumed to be the same as in the static analysis; linear with modulus of 25,000 kN/m 3.
The pressure in any point in the mat foundation must not exceed 250 kN/m2, that is the
maximum allowable soil pressure. Tension or uplift forces on the soil are not allowed as
well.
For resisting gravity static forces, a mat foundation thickness of 30cm thickness with
120cm drop panels under columns was dubbed adequate. This design is re-evaluated
under dynamic lateral load.
The first design trial deemed a 30cm thickness adequate for resisting flexure and shear
forces and provided reinforcement ratios that satisfy minimum requirement and are
below maximum allowed limit, but soil pressure exceeded maximum allowable limit and
there were tensile forces acting on the soil as shown in next table.
MaxPress
kN/m2

MinPress
kN/m2

GlobalXMax
m

GlobalYMax
m

GlobalXMin
m

GlobalYMin
m

8.98

-389.72

33.012

16.042

27.588

13.042

Table 34: Soil pressure summary due to combined lateral and gravity loads

Excessive pressure on soil can be treated by increasing the mat foundation stiffness. This
is achieved by increasing the thickness. Both uplift and excessive pressure on soil were
treated by increasing mat thickness to 60cm.
MaxPress
kN/m2

MinPress
kN/m2

GlobalXMax
m

GlobalYMax
m

GlobalXMin
m

GlobalYMin
m

-22

-241

8.410

35.658

14.426

17.042

Table 35: Soil pressure summary for a 60cm-thick foundation

82

Max. negative
moment
(kN.m)
Max. positive
moment
(kN.m)
Max. shear
(kN)

Design Strip

Section
thickness
mm

4613.6221

1200

513.2

600

3275.746

1200

Table 36: Max. forces in the mat foundation due to dynamic load

The table above reports maximum moment and shear force in the mat foundation slab.
The difference between these forces and the forces reported due to static gravity loads
are not significantly different.

83

8.2 Slabs Design

Slab thickness and reinforcement ratios adequacy is judged based on dynamic loading.

8.2.1.

Fourth Basement Slab Design

The design completed for gravity loads will be checked against dynamic lateral loads.
Design strips are defined as stated earlier.
SAFE V12 has shown that the thickness of 25cm is adequate and is able to resist the
lateral load.

Figure 59: CSA3 moment diagram for Comb8

Moment values due to Comb8 are not significantly different from those due to Comb5,
therefore slab thickness is adequate. Some variations in reinforcement values have been
found. As per punching shear design, it was determined that the use of drop panels for
basement floors slabs is unnecessary. Under dynamic loading, 40cm drop panels had to
be used because punching shear ratios exceeded 1 at many locations.
Point
2088
2089
2090
2091
2092
2093
2094
2095
2096
2097
2098
2099

Global X
19.126
19.126
19.126
19.126
27.588
27.588
27.588
27.588
38.867
38.867
38.867
45.262

Global Y
25.842
18.892
12.042
5.742
25.842
18.892
12.042
5.742
12.042
5.742
18.892
25.842

Status
OK
OK
OK
Failed
OK
OK
OK
OK
Failed
Failed
Failed
Failed

Ratio
0.825018
0.657269
0.634517
1.176682
0.926061
0.779566
0.792111
0.927096
1.150031
1.402556
1.024411
1.119385

VU
556.497
244.066
217.287
650.936
496.443
720.752
716.204
738.724
629.302
662.195
613.127
715.722

Table 37: Punching shear data for 4th basement slab

All punching shear calculations are based on the slabs effective depth of 217mm.

84

After adding drop panels, all punching shear ratios were below 1.
Point
2088
2089
2090
2091
2092
2093
2094
2095
2096
2097
2098
2099

Global X
19.126
19.126
19.126
19.126
27.588
27.588
27.588
27.588
38.867
38.867
38.867
45.262

Global Y
25.842
18.892
12.042
5.742
25.842
18.892
12.042
5.742
12.042
5.742
18.892
25.842

Status
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK

Ratio
0.51545
0.387563
0.392851
0.642104
0.662842
0.464407
0.472063
0.533066
0.684385
0.742246
0.63552
0.721301

VU
588.531
414.934
388.707
682.224
633.553
727.141
707.536
788.709
596.694
686.242
609.602
846.306

Table 38: Punching shear data for 4th basement slab with drop panels

Reinforcement details for the 4th basement slab are shown in the appendix.

85

CHAPTER IV: Structural Design Summary & Conclusion

1. Structural Design Summary
Analysis via a numerical model and the application of reinforced-concrete design
principles that comply with the ACI-318-11 Code have resulted in a section of 60-cm
depth with 120-cm drop panels below columns for punching-shear resistance. As for
columns, the largest section is square-shaped with 80-cm side length, and the smallest
section is also a square with 30-cm length. Exterior walls that resist the seismic lateral
forces as well as gravity forces have a 30-cm thick section with reinforcement ratios 3
times greater than the minimum ratio advised by the code. Interior walls have a section
of 20-cm. For slabs, all floors have slabs with 25-cm thickness with drop panels
protruding 15-cm below slab (total thickness of 40-cm) for resisting punching shear
forces.

2. Conclusion
This project group has come up with many conclusions regarding analysis and reinforced
concrete design. Conclusions are summed as follows:
Flat-plate slab systems are very efficient and can be used for relatively long spans in
commercial buildings. This practice is proven by eliminating numerous columns that
were considered superfluous.
Column-drop panels are good for both increasing punching shear capacity of the
section and for negative moment resistance. They have also been found to reduce
deflection along the span.
For numerical modeling, the shell-element is best used for modeling shear walls and
slabs for they take into consideration both in-plane and out-of-plane bending
behavior in addition to axial forces.
The soil supporting the structure did undergo excessive pressures and tensile forces
at some locations due to the lateral forces induced by the earthquake, therefore, the
mat thickness had to be doubled. This practice may not be economical but is
justified.

86

APPENDIX
Reinforcement Detailing

87