The Onyx - Dubai

Structural Concept Design Report

June 2007
The Onyx - Dubai Structural Concept Design Report

Contents

1.0 Project Description

1.1 Multistory Buildings – General
1.2 Structural Systems – General

2.0 Proposed Structural Systems for the Project

2.1 Tower – Floor systems
2.2 Basement and Podium – Floor systems
2.3 Superstructure – Proposed Lateral Load Resisting system
2.4 Proposed Substructure Systems

3.0 Movement joints

4.0 Basement Waterproofing

5.0 Shoring Works

6.0 Structural Design Criteria

6.1 Design Codes and Standards
6.2 Structural Materials
6.2.1 Concrete
6.2.2 General Requirements of Concrete
6.2.3 Concrete Reinforcement
6.3 Fire Rating
6.4 Gravity Loads
6.5 Lateral Loads
6.6 Design Load Combinations
6.7 Structural Movement Criteria
6.8 Analysis Models
6.8.1 Stability Model
6.8.2 Floor Slabs Analysis Model
6.9 Design checking and verification

7.0 Appendix

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1.0 Project Description

The Onyx is the key entry site into the Greens community and one of the biggest sites for
development by Zahran. The objective is to develop the site as a mixed use facility
incorporating office, hotel and retail to maximize the view of the land.

The land area subject to survey is 22, 032 sq-m [237, 363 sq-ft] with a water table
approximately 1.5m below the surface [to be confirmed by Geotechnical Engineer].

1.1 Multistory Buildings – General

Although multistory buildings are generally considered to be a product of the modern

industrialized world, inherent human desire to build skyward is nearly as old as human
civilization. Multistory buildings in the modern sense began to appear over a century ago;
however it was only after World War II that rapid urbanization and population growth
created the need for the construction of multistory buildings. New achievements in
material science, computer-aided design, and construction technology have opened the
paths toward more sophisticated and elegant structural systems for multistory buildings.
The structural system organization chosen for a particular project determines the
fundamental properties of the overall building, the behavior under imposed loads, its
safety, and often may have a dramatic impact on the architectural design. The structural
systems for multistory buildings are constantly evolving and at no time can be described
as a completed whole. Every day new buildings are being designed and created, new
projects conceived, and new schemes applied. Innovative structural systems involving
mega-frames, interior super-diagonally braced frames, hybrid steel and high-strength
concrete core and outrigger systems, artificially damped structures, and spine structures
are among the compositions which represent a step in the development of the structural
systems for multistory buildings.This report contains information on the structural
concepts used in developing the structural system for the project.

1.2 Structural Systems – General

The progression of the lateral load resisting schemes from elemental beam and column
assemblages toward the notion of an equivalent vertical cantilever is fundamental to any
structural systems methodology. While the structural schemes must address the
preeminent focus on the lateral load resistance, the load carrying function of the tall
building subsystems is rarely independent. The most efficient tall building systems fully
engage vertical gravity load resisting elements in the lateral load subsystems in order to
reduce the overall structural premium for resisting lateral loads. Some degree of
independence is generally recognized between the floor framing systems and the lateral
load resisting systems, although the integration of these subassemblies into the overall
structural organization is crucial.

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2.0 Proposed Structural Systems for the Project

2.1 Tower – Floor systems

The floor layout and spans of the building are such that reinforced concrete columns,
shear walls and PT flat slab with perimeter PT beams seems like an efficient structural
system for floor slabs.

The following options shall be studied:

Option 1 – Conventional RC flat slab with or without perimeter RC beams.

Option 2 – Conventional RC flat slab with perimeter PT beams.

Option 3 - Post tensioned flat slab with perimeter RC beams.

2.2 Basement and Podium – Floor systems

The Podium and Basements are having very large Plan area; due to huge area on these
floors; there will be many construction stages if having PT slabs which will reduce
construction speed. Whereas RC band beam system is best suited in these conditions

However following options shall be studied:

Option 4 – RC slab with Drop Panel but without column Head.

Option 5 – Onaway RC Slab rested on RC Band Beam.

Option 6 - Onaway RC Slab rested on PT Band Beam

All the six options shall be appraised for the floor system based on the importance of a
particular parameter which varies from 1 to 3, 3 being the most important, and the points
scored by a particular parameter shall be weighted with respect to their importance. The
results shall be presented in a matrix format, sample sheet attached for reference. The
matrix shall consider the following main issues:

1. Constructability
2. Structural Efficiency
3. Program
4. Cost

The structural scheme which scores maximum and gives the optimum solution shall be
adopted.

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2.3 Superstructure – Proposed Lateral Load Resisting system

The lateral load resisting system shall consist of reinforced concrete shear walls located
preferably in the core areas to resist the overturning due to wind and seismic loads.

The shear walls shall continue down to the lowest basement level and shall be supported
on raft. Similarly, columns are supported on raft.

2.4 Proposed Substructure Systems

The raft covering the entire footprint of tower structures shall be supported on bored piles
based on the load carrying capacity determined by geotechnical investigation contractor.
Podium structure shall most likely be supported on individual pile caps.

To obtain the maximum pile design forces at service load level, the ETABS static analysis
shall be performed for various loading combinations involving gravity, wind and seismic
loads as given in design criteria.

3.0 Movement joints

Three Towers with the portion of Some Podium areas are separated by the Expansion
Joints. One of the EJ will be run near Grid-8 terminating on other EJ near Grid-F from
ground floor level. However there will be no movement joints below ground floor level.
The structure below ground floor level shall be designed to accommodate shrinkage
stresses using additional reinforcement.

4.0 Basement Waterproofing

The basement, including the depth of the foundation, extends into the design water table.
In order to prevent the ingress of ground water, the base slab and perimeter walls shall
be designed as water retaining structures. Construction joints will include water stops
with hydrophilic tips to prevent the ingress of water. The effective construction of water
retaining concrete structures is heavily dependent on the quality of workmanship on site.
A waterproof membrane shall be installed on the underside of the base slab and the
external face of the perimeter walls to protect further the basement against the ingress of
ground water. The membrane is additionally required to protect the reinforced concrete
structure against attack from sulfates and chlorides in the ground water. Within the
specification, assurances will be required from the Contractors that the waterproofing
products are compatible with each other.

6.0 Shoring Works

This project requires temporary shoring to be installed during the construction stage. The
shoring is proposed to be RC diaphragm wall approximately 600mm anchored at a
design height on all four sides of the plot. The design and construction of the diaphragm
wall shall be the responsibility of the shoring specialist contractor.

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6.0 Structural Design Criteria

6.1 Design Codes and Standards

Dubai Municipality Building Regulations and Requirements.

CIRIA Publication C577 Guide to construction of reinforced concrete in
Arabian Peninsula.
BS 6399-1 1997 - Loadings for buildings Part 1: Code of practice for dead and
live loads.
BS 6399-2 1997 - Loadings for buildings Part 2: Code of practice for wind
loads.
UBC 1997 - Uniform building code chapter 16 for seismic loads.
ACI 318 2002 - Building code requirements for structural concrete.
ACI 315 1999 - Details and detailing of reinforcement.
ACI 350 2001 - Environmental engineering concrete structures.
AISC 2001 – Specification for load and resistance factor design for
structural steel buildings.
ASTM 1985 – Specification for structural bolts A325 and A490. Research
Council of Structural Connections, November 18, 1985
AWS D1.1-92 Structural welding code.

6.2 Structural Materials

6.2.1 Concrete: Normal weight concrete having density of 2400 kg/m3 with 28-day
cube compressive strengths as follows:
1. Slabs-on-grade and grade beams = 40 MPa
2. Concrete Piles: = 50 MPa
3. Foundations and Pile Caps = 50 MPa
4. Suspended Slabs and Beams: = 50 MPa
5. Columns and RC Walls: = 40-60 MPa
6. Water Tank walls, top and base slab = 50 MPa

GRADES OF CONCRETE
Concrete Cube strength fcu
Nomin Min. Max. Max.
Grade
al Size Cementitiou Cementitio free
Per BS 7 day
of Agg. s Content us Content W/C 28 day
5328 N/mm
mm Kg/m3 Kg/m3 Ratio 2 N/mm2
C50 20 400 450 038 39 50
C40 20 400 450 0.38 36 40
C35 20 380 420 0.40 28 35
C20 20 250 300 0.65 14 20
*fcu = minimum cube compressive strength of concrete, MPa

1. Where adequate workability is difficult to obtain at the maximum

water/cement ratio allowed, the use of plasticizers or water-reducing
admixtures shall be utilized.
2. Cementitious contents in excess of 450kg/m3 shall not be used, unless
otherwise approved by the Engineer.

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3. Concrete mix with 10mm nominal size aggregate shall be used in

congested areas at the direction of the Engineer.
4. Ratio of water to cementitious material shall be minimum 0.3 for all
concrete.

6.2.2 General Requirements of Concrete

S Tests Test Method Specification Limit

FRESH CONCRETE
1. Temperature at placement 30°C Max.
Temperature at placement (Massive ASTM 1064
2. 27°C Max.
Concrete, Raft)
Target Slump mm (at placement) BS 1881: Part 150
3.
102
4. Target Air Content ASTM C231 1.5%
(C35 & C40, C50) 0.5% Max.
5. Bleeding ASTM C232
(C20) 1.0% Max.
DURABILITY PARAMETERS
Substructure 8mm Max.
Water Penetration 20 mm Max.
7. DIN 1048
Superstructure

Rapid Chloride Substructure 1000 coulombs Max.

Penetration (RCP) ASTM 3800 coulombs Max.
9. (C35. C40, C50)
Superstructure C1202

1.5% Max.
Water Absorption Substructure Bs 1881:
11.
(C35,C40,C50) Part 122
Superstructure 2.0% Max.
Substructure 0.15 ml/m2/sec
ISAT (10 minutes) Bs 1881:
13. 0.30 ml/m2/sec
(C35, C40, C50) Superstructure Part 208
Chloride Content/Cementitious 0.20%
15.
(C35 , C40, C50) Bs 1881:
SO3 Content/Cementitious Part 124 4%
16.
(C20, C35, C40, C50)
QUALITY CONTROL
17. Standard Deviation Strength ACI 214 4 Mpa

Notes:
a. The Engineer may permit a higher slump if super plasticizer is
added.
b. Average unit weight shall be established during plant trials.
c. Values for water permeability and RCP are at 28 days.
d. Massive Concrete shall be defined as any concrete element that
has both plan and cross sectional dimensions exceeding 1.2
meters and containing a total volume exceeding eight cubic
meters.
e. Maximum concrete core temperature due to the cement hydration

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will be designed for a target of 60ºC. Maximum on field 70ºC.

f. Maximum temperature difference between the core and the
surface of any pour. Design target 15ºC. Field 20ºC.

6.2.3 Concrete Reinforcement:

1. BS 4449 Grade 460 reinforcing bars (Fy = 460 MPa).
2. BS 4449 for welded wire fabric.

6.3 Fire Rating

2 hours.

6.4 Gravity Loads

A. Code Minimum Live Loads Relevant to Project (in kN/m2):

1. Chillers/AHU 7.5
2 Electrical & services rooms 5.0
3. Lobby 5.0
4. Residential 3.0
5. Retail Shops 5.0
6 Offices 3.0
7. Car Parking 3.5
8. Balconies, corridors and stairs 4.0
9. Storage 5.0
10. Water Tank Roof 5.0
11. Restrooms/Changing Room 5.0
12. Health Club Areas 5.0
13. Gymnasium 5.0
14. Daycare 3.0
15. Roof 2.0

B. Superimposed Dead Loads (in kN/m²)

1. Ceiling, MEP Services 0.5
2. Residential floor finishes (80mm) 1.8
3. Block Masonry walls, blanket load 1.5-4.5 (Based on normal weight
hollow)
4. Dry wall moveable partitions 1.0

6.5 Lateral Loads

A. Wind Loads:

Based on BS 6399-2 1997. Parameters as follows:

Terrain category Country
Distance from sea (assumed) 0.1 km
Hourly mean site wind speed 26m/s (equivalent to 45m/s 3 second gust
speed)
Building type factor Kb 1.0 (Housing, recreation buildings open
plan)

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Method used Hybrid combination of effective wind speed

from directional method and pressure
coefficients from standard method as per
1.8.4 b.

B. Seismic Loads

Based on chapter 16 of UBC 1997. Parameters as follows:

Zone 2A
Soil profile Sc
Structural system factor R 5.5 for shear wall system

6.6 Design Load Combinations

A. Ultimate Loads Based on ACI 318-2002

1. 1.4(D+SDL)
2. 1.2(D+SDL) + 1.6L
3. 1.2 (D+SDL)+1.0L+/-1.6W
4. 1.2 (D+SDL)+1.0L+/-1.0E
5. 0.9(D+SDL)+/-1.6W
6. 0.9(D+SDL)+/-1.0E
7. 1.2(D+SDL)+/-0.8W

B. Working stress design for pile loads only based on ASCE 7 - 2002
1. 1.0(D+SDL)+1.0L
2. 1.0(D+SDL)+/-1.0W
3. 1.0(D+SDL)+/-0.7E
4. 1.0(D+SDL)+0.75L+/-0.75W
5. 1.0(D+SDL)+0.75L+/-0.54E
6. 0.6(D+SDL)+/-W
7. 0.6(D+SDL)+/-0.7E

6.7 Structural Movement Criteria

All architectural finishes, including partitions and exterior wall elements, and also
mechanical/electrical/plumbing elements, shall be constructed to accommodate
the following anticipated structural movements/deflections.

A. Floor and Roof Framing Deflections

1. The floor framing systems are designed to limit both instantaneous and
long term deflections in compliance with chapter 9 of ACI 318.
2. A maximum limit on total deflection of 20mm will be adopted.

B. Lateral Deflections
The building structure is anticipated to move laterally in the each direction
with a story drift limitations shall comply with clause 1630.10 of UBC 1997.

6.8 Analysis Models

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6.8.1 Stability Model

A single 3-D response spectrum analysis model of the structure or three different models
for each portion separated by the expansion joint will be developed on ETABS computer
for analysis and design of the superstructure. This model shall include columns, shear
walls, beams on the perimeter of floors, with or without raft and piles represented as
springs. Floor slabs are not assumed to participate in lateral load resistance for
conservatism and simplicity in model preparation. The single model shall be extended
down to the lowest basement level below which raft and vertical member connection will
defined as fixed connection. For individual models the Towers will be defined fixed at
Ground floor. The reactions from these models will be applied on another ETABS model
which comprise of complete floor area having no expansion joint from Basement -2 to
Ground Floor.

6.8.2 Floor Slabs Analysis Model

A finite element plate analysis using SAFE for RC slabs and ADAPT for PT slabs shall be
created and analyzed for various critical load combinations to investigate strength and
serviceability behavior of the floor slabs. PT slabs shall be designed by the PT specialist
contractor who will have to comply with the design criteria for the project.

6.9 Design checking and verification

All the project design calculations and drawings shall be reviewed as per company’s
QA/QC system.

Verification of loads, forces and moments will be done by tributary area method and long
hand calculations as part of KEO’s quality checking system.

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7.0 Appendix

June 2007