2019

PROJECT:
PROPOSED HOTEL RESORT ON LR NO. *******
NAIVASHA, NAKURU COUNTY

STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY
REPORT ON THE EXISTING
STRUCTURES
CLIENT: Mr. JOHN PALLANGYO.

ENGINEER : ENG. S.I. KABUAGE

ASSISTANT ENGINEER: SAMUEL.K. MUKOMA
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Mr. Jeremiah Pallangyo commissioned Stromax E.A Holdings to carry out a building
inspection and condition survey of his property located on plot L.R No. ***********,
*********** road, ***********, ***********. This was occasioned by the lack of structural
drawings on site at the time of construction as well as supervision by a qualified Engineer. The
inspections conducted were only based on visual observations. Any requirements for further
detailed investigations and/or tests would be determined based on the findings and
recommendations of this report. A single site inspection was conducted on 7th November 2019
mainly focusing on those areas and sections of the property fully accessible and visible to the
inspector.

The objectives of the inspections were:

i. To assess existing buildings and structures within the scope of this report to appreciate
and determine possible defects and their severity on structural integrity of existing
structures.
ii. To identify and document structural defects, signs of structural distress and
deformations on existing structures and their probable causes.
iii. To carry out structural analysis and design of the building as built and compare with
structural members and elements used in construction.
iv. To compile a report and draw logical recommendations to be adopted

2
2.0 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF SITE
The buildings on L.R No. *********** comprise of a single storey main hotel block, a double
storey cottage block with a basement and a single storey toilet block with suspended slab to
serve as a terrace. There was an additional circular pavilion single storeyed with a suspended
slab intended to be loaded.

The structural system of the structures comprised of a loading bearing wall structural system
with 200mm thick masonry walls, although there were 400x200mm R.C columns at different
intervals ranging from 2.7m to 3.6m reinforced with 12mm diameter High Yield steel bars. The
beams measured 400x200mm and slabs of between 75-100mm thick with A142 anti crack steel
mesh.

Generally, the construction of suspended slabs comprises of timber joists as Kenya Power &
Lighting Posts (Blue gum) 150-200mm diameter averaging at 650mm centre to centres
spanning on the reinforced concrete beams. Timber sub flooring is added, a damp proof course
and finally concrete is cast for the floor finish.

Masonry walls were found to be cladded with moulded decorative panels fixed all round. The
roof comprises of a timber structure covered with corrugated sheets and topped with grass
thatch.
Generally, the materials used and level of workmanship were good as evidenced by the
durability of the buildings since construction which started at around 2009.

Figure 1: Pavilion block

3
Figure 2: cottage block

Toilet block

Main hotel block

Figure 3: Toilet & main hotel blocks

4
3.0 OBSERVATIONS
During our site inspection, we identified the following.

3.1 Pavilion Block

We noted that one of the joists supporting the slab above had some defects. The timber joist
seemed to have developed shakes across the grains right at midspan.

Figure 4: Timber joist with defects

According to the client, the particular joist had some cracks at the time of casting the concrete
slab and that the joist had been loaded for more than 7 years. There was no evidence however
to support these claims.
It is probable that this joist would yield if left at its current state when the slab will be fully
loaded since it is proposed to be used as an open sitting area with a capacity of 10-20 people.

3.2 Cottage Block

The cottage block contains a basement, 2 storeys and a timber structure roof. Columns of
400x200mm reinforced with 4 No. 12mm diameter bars as well as a 400x200mm beam with
3 No 12mm diameter and 2 No. 12mm diameter bottom and top bars respectively.

At the ground floor slab the cantilever slab was supported with a 76x38x2.5mm rectangular
hollow section.

5
Figure 5: cottage block showing supported cantilever

At the time of inspection, the basement showed no signs of efflorescence, molds and musty
smells hence seems to be adequately waterproofed.

3.3 Main Hotel & Toilet Blocks

These blocks consist of a single storey with a load bearing wall structural system. The walls
are cladded with special made panels. These panels are made with polypropylene fibre mixed
with mortar in moulds to form a hard hardcore like cladding panel not more than 30mm thick.

Figure 6: curing cladding panels Figure 7: installed and painted panels

6
4.0 CONCLUSIONS
Based on our observation and experience it is our considered opinion that:
i. The buildings are relatively stable as the load bearing walls appeared stable and free
from significant defects and faults.
ii. Although no excavations were done to inspect footings, similar excavations within the
site depicted a very firm ground for foundation bases and footings to a depth of 1.2m.

From the above observations/findings, analysis and discussions made here above, it can be
concluded that the structures will generally be stable after occupation.

5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Defective Timber Joist
The defective timber should be;
1. Properly jacked up, holes to receive 20mm diameter bolts drilled then a plate
800mm in length, 100mm wide and 10mm thick placed on both sides and
fastened with 8No. bolts (see figure 8).
2. Gradually released after all the bolts are fastened.
For other existing timber joists with similar defects should follow this method of repair.

Figure 8: elevation of timber joist showing repair details

Compiled: Checked:
Samuel Kariuki Eng. S.I. Kabuage
Assistant Engineer Registered Engineer