Question 4.

Swimming Pool
Client’s requirements
1. A swimming pool with car-parking and a 2-storey basement: see Figure Q4
2. Car-parking is required on levels 2 to 4. Entry and exit to the car-park is via two curved access ramps, integral
with services cores, lifts and staircases. The services cores serve all levels including the roof. A swimming pool
50.0m long and 15.0m wide is required on level 1. The pool depth is to vary linearly from 1.5m to 2.5m. Floor-to-
floor heights and minimum headroom requirements are shown in Figure Q4. There is no restriction on the roof
height.
3. Each parking bay is to be a minimum of 2.5m wide and 4.8m long. 6.0m wide traffic lanes are required on each
parking level as shown in Figure Q4. No structure is permitted in any parking bay or traffic lane.
4. A fire resistance of 2 hours is required for all structural elements.

Imposed Loading
5. Roof 1.5kN/m2
Car park floors and ramps 2.5kN/m2
Level 1 floor and basement floors 5.0kN/m2

Site Conditions
6. The site is level and is located in a city centre.
Basic wind speed is 40 m/s based on a 3 second gust; the equivalent mean hourly wind speed is 20 m/s.
7. Ground conditions:
Ground level – 1.0m Made ground
1.0m – 18.0m Sand and gravel. N values vary from 10 to 40
Below 18.0m Rock. Allowable bearing pressure = 1500kN/m2
Groundwater was encountered at 6.0m below ground level

Omit from consideration

8. Detailed design of the lifts and staircases.

SECTION 1 (50 marks)

a. Prepare a design appraisal with appropriate sketches indicating two distinct and viable solutions for the proposed
structure including the foundations. Indicate clearly the functional framing, load transfer and stability aspects of
each scheme. Identify the solution you recommend, giving reasons for your choice. (40 marks)
b. After completion of your design, it is discovered that groundwater levels are slowly rising and are predicted to
reach 1.0m below ground level in the long-term. Write a letter to the client explaining the implications and how
your design could be modified to accommodate the rising groundwater. (10 marks)

SECTION 2 (50 marks)

For the solution recommended in Section 1(a):
c. Prepare sufficient design calculations to establish the form and size of all the principal structural elements
including the foundations. (20 marks)
d. Prepare general arrangement plans, sections and elevations to show the dimensions, layout and disposition of the
structural elements and critical details for estimating purposes. (20 marks)
e. Prepare a detailed method statement for the safe construction of the building and an outline construction
programme. (10 marks)

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Client’s requirements
1. A visitors’ centre is to be constructed on a hillside: see Figure Q5.
2. The roof will be covered with 0.2m of topsoil over fill to a maximum total thickness of 0.75m. The ground level is to
be raised around the building on three sides so that the finished building will appear to be set into the hillside.
3. The front retaining wall is to be stone-clad. The three-storey entrance area and the internal walls overlooking the
entrance area are to be glazed.
4. No columns are permitted inside the entrance area. Elsewhere columns must be spaced at not less than 5.0m
centres in either direction and must be positioned not less than 5.0m from the rear and side walls.
5. Allowable structural zones:
Level 2 0.7m
Level 3 0.7m
Roof 1.0m

Loadings
6. Imposed loading
Roof 5.0kN/m2
Floors 5.0kN/m2
Loadings include an allowance for partitions, finishes, services and ceilings where appropriate.

Site Conditions
7. The site is located in open country. Basic wind speed is 46m/s based on a 3-second gust; the equivalent mean
hourly wind speed is 23m/s.
8. Typical ground conditions relative to floor level 1 at +0.0m datum:
Below +2.85m Sandstone, allowable safe bearing capacity 3000kN/m2
Above +2.85m Glacial clay, internal angle of friction 0' = 28o, bulk density = 1950kg/m3.
Topsoil and vegetation 0.2m deep overlie the hillside. Groundwater level is at the top of the sandstone.

Omit from consideration

9. Detailed design of the service cores and staircases..

SECTION 1 (50 marks)

a. Prepare a design appraisal with appropriate sketches indicating two distinct and viable solutions for the proposed
structure. Indicate clearly the functional framing, load transfer and stability aspects of each scheme. Identify the
solution you recommend, giving reasons for your choice. (40 marks)
b. After you have completed your design the client wishes to add a further 1.0m depth of fill over the building. Write
a letter to your client advising the implications of the proposal. (10 marks)

SECTION 2 (50 marks)

For the solution recommended in Section 1(a):
c. Prepare sufficient design calculations to establish the form and size of all the principal structural elements
including the foundations. (20 marks)
d. Prepare general arrangement plans, sections and elevations to show the dimensions, layout and disposition of the
structural elements and critical details for estimating purposes. (20 marks)
e. Prepare a detailed method statement for the safe construction of the building and an outline construction
programme. (10 marks)

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Question 2. Waterfront Development

Client’s requirements
1. A 4-storey residential development, with a ground floor restaurant; see Figure Q2. The development is located on
the edge of a tidal river. The apartments are accessed by means of a system of elevated walkways contained within
a glazed atrium which extends from level two to the roof. The entire development is to project over the river,
except for the rear part of the service cores. The river level varies from 2.0m to 8.0m below ground level, depending
upon the state of the tide.
2. The overall plan size of the building is 50.0m by 16.0m, with an 8.0m wide terrace at level 1 extending in front of
the restaurant for the full width of the building; see Figure Q2. A 2.0m wide balcony is located at floor levels 2,3
and 4. There are 7 apartments at each of the 3 upper levels, with each apartment having a minimum clear
internal width of 6.5m. No columns are permitted within the individual apartments and only 1 row of internal
columns is permitted within the restaurant at level 1, with the level 1 internal columns being located at a
minimum spacing of 8.0m.
3. The front elevation of the building that faces the river is to be fully glazed. The rear and side elevations of the
apartments are to be masonry clad. The roof is to be clad in metal decking.
4. Level 1 is to have a minimum clear floor to ceiling height of 3.5m, with a structure-free ceiling zone of 500mm.
Reasonable access is required beneath level 1 for inspection and maintenance and to avoid unduly impeding the
river flow. The upper floors are to have a minimum clear floor to ceiling height of 2.7m, with a structure-free
ceiling zone of 200mm.
5. There is a busy public road adjacent to the site.

Imposed Loading
6. Roof 1.5kN/m2
Level 1 5.0kN/m2
Upper floors, walkways and balconies 3.0kN/m2
Terrace 7.5kN/m2
Loadings include an allowance for partitions, finishes, services and ceilings.

Site Conditions
7. The site is flat and is located 10km from the sea on the edge of a small city.
Basic wind speed is 46m/s based on a 3 second gust; the equivalent mean hourly wind speed is 23m/s.
8. Ground conditions
Borehole 1 Ground –5.0m Made ground (fill)
5.0m-6.0m Very soft silty clay. C=10kN/m2
Below 6.0m Mudstone. Allowable bearing pressure = 500kN/m2
Borehole 2 Riverbed-8.0m Very soft silts and sands. N=0. Riverbed located at 7.0m
below site ground level.
8.0m-9.0m Stiff clay with some gravel. C = 80kN/m2
9.0m-11.0m Mudstone. Allowable bearing pressure = 500kN/m2
Below 11.0m Rock. Allowable bearing pressure = 1500kN/m2
Ground conditions vary linearly between the two boreholes and apply for the length of the site. The groundwater
level in borehole 1 fluctuates between 2.0m and 8.0m below ground level.

Omit from consideration

9. Detailed design of staircase and lifts within service cores.

continued overleaf

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Question 4. Cityscape Development

Client’s Requirements
1. A new landmark building on an open site to offer a variety of shopping and entertainment venues and to provide a panoramic
view of the city; see Figure Q4.
2. Other than the four service cores, no vertical or inclined structural elements are permitted between levels 1 and 2. Not more than
one internal column is permitted in each compartment above level 2. No structural elements are to be constructed outside the
enclosure walls of the square compartments.
3. A minimum clear internal headroom of 4.0 m is to be provided to the floors on levels 2 and 3, with a structure-free ceiling zone
of 0.3m depth. A minimum clear headroom of 9.0m is to be provided to the unenclosed area on level 1. There is no restriction
on the overall roof height.
4. The minimum fire resistance period required for structural elements is 2 hours.

Imposed Loading
5. Roof 2.0 kN/m2
All floors 5.0 kN/m2

Site Conditions
6. The site is level and is located in a coastal area near the sea. Basic wind speed is 40m/s based on a 3 second gust; the
equivalent mean hourly wind speed is 20m/s.
7. Ground Conditions
Ground level – 8.0m Soft coastal reclamation
8.0m – 15.0m Sand and gravel. N varies from 10 to 20
Below 15.0m Rock. Compressive strength 5,000kN/m2
Ground water was encountered at 1.0m below ground level

Omit from consideration

8. Detailed design of lifts and staircases inside the service cores.

SECTION 1 (50 marks)

a. Prepare a design appraisal with appropriate sketches indicating two distinct and viable solutions for the
proposed structure including the foundations. Indicate clearly the functional framing, load transfer and
stability aspects of each scheme. Identify the solution you recommend, giving reasons for your choice. (40 marks)
b. After the design has been completed, the client advises that he wishes to have a skylight 6.0m diameter in
the roof of each compartment. Write a letter to your client recommending the suitable location and explaining
how this may be achieved. (10 marks)

SECTION 2 (50 marks)

For the solution recommended in Section 1(a):

c. Prepare sufficient design calculations to establish the form and size of all the principal structural elements
including the foundations. (20 marks)
d. Prepare general arrangement plans, sections and elevations to show the dimensions, layout and disposition
of the structural elements and critical details for estimating purposes. (20 marks)
e. Prepare a detailed method statement for the safe construction of the building and an outline construction
programme. (10 marks)
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Question 4. Hotel Building

Client’s Requirements
1. A six-storey hotel with a basement in a town centre, see Figure Q4.
2. Lifts and staircases are to be located at the rear corners of the building as shown in Fig. Q4. Floor to floor
dimensions are to be 4.5m for the basement and levels 1 and 2, and 3.5m for levels 3 to 6.
3. The floor at level 2 is to be set back from the front of the building to provide an atrium, and a 4.0m wide
balcony is to be provided at this level as shown in Fig. Q4.
4. The front elevation of the building is to be glazed to provide maximum lighting to the interior and a 15m wide
and 3.5m high door is required to this elevation.
The front of the building is inclined so that at ground level the façade is set back 2.0m from the site boundary.
(See section A.)
5. Columns are not permitted in the atrium area. There are no other restrictions on column spacings.

Imposed Loading
6. Roof 2.5kN/m2
Basement, levels 1 and 2 5.0kN/m2
Levels 3 to 6 3.0kN/m2

Site Conditions
7. The site is level and is located in a town centre. Basic wind speed is 46m/s based on a 3 second gust;
the equivalent mean hourly wind speed is 23m/s.
8. Ground conditions:
Ground level to -5.0m loose and compressible fill
-5.0m to -10.0m silty sand and gravel N = 6, density = 1900kg/m3, Ø = 35°
-10.0m to -16.0m dense sands, N varies from 25 to 50
Below - 16.0m rock allowable bearing capacity 1500kN/m2
Groundwater was encountered at -1.5m.

Omit from consideration

9. Detailed design of stair/lift cores.

SECTION 1 (50 marks)

a. Prepare a design appraisal with appropriate sketches indicating two distinct and viable solutions for the
proposed structure. Indicate clearly the functional framing, load transfer and stability aspects of
each scheme. Identify the solution you recommend, giving reasons for your choice. (40 marks)
b. After receiving your completed design, the client wants to second lower basement, with a floor to
ceiling height of 4.5m, to the building for use as storage space. Write a letter to your client explaining the
effect of this on your proposed design. (10 marks)

SECTION 2 (50 marks)

For the solution recommended in Section 1(a):

c. Prepare sufficient design calculations to establish the form and size of all the principal structural elements
including foundations, superstructure and any significant retaining structures. (20 marks)
d. Prepare general arrangement plans, sections and elevations to show the dimensions, layout and
disposition of the structural elements and critical details for estimating purposes. (20 marks)
e. Prepare a detailed method statement for the safe construction of the building and an outline construction
programme. (10 marks)
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Question 5. Town Centre Car Park

Client’s Requirements

1. A new multi-storey car park next to the main street incorporating a shop unit at street level. See Fig. Q5.
2. The site slopes away from the main street. Vehicular entrance and exit are to be from the rear of the site.
Pedestrian access is required from both the high street and from the rear of the site. The pedestrian
access from the high street should be beside the shop unit. See Fig. Q5.
3. No more than one internal column is permitted in the shop unit.
4. A clear floor to soffit height of 3.0m is required to the shop unit and a clear floor to soffit height of 2.4m is required
to the car park zones.
5. The top car park level is to be open with a 2.0m high parapet around the perimeter.
6. The number of car parking spaces should be maximised.
7. A minimum fire resistance period of 90 minutes is required for structural elements.

Imposed Loading
8. Shop unit 5.0kN/m2
Car park areas 2.5kN/m2

Site Conditions
9. The site is located in a coastal area near the sea. Basic wind speed is 40m/s based on a 3 second gust; the
equivalent mean hourly wind speed is 20m/s.
10. Ground conditions:
Borehole 1
Ground level to -4.0m made ground
-4.0m to -6.0m sand and gravel N=10
Below -6.0m sand and gravel N=40
Water encountered at 5.0m below ground level.
Borehole 2
Ground level to -0.5m made ground
-0.5m to -3.0m sand and gravel N=10
Below -3.0m sand and gravel N=40
Water encountered at 2.0m below ground level.

Omit from consideration

11. Detailed design of the lifts and staircases.

SECTION 1 (50 marks)

a. Prepare a design appraisal with appropriate sketches indicating two distinct and viable solutions for the
proposed structure. Indicate clearly the functional framing, load transfer and stability aspects of each
scheme. Identify the solution you recommend, giving reasons for your choice. (40 marks)
b. After completion of scheme design, the client informs you that he wishes to increase the size of the shop
unit by including a second level below the original unit. Write a letter to the client advising on the structural
implications of this change and the effect on car parking capacity. (10 marks)

SECTION 2 (50 marks)

For the solution recommended in Section 1(a):

c. Prepare sufficient design calculations to establish the form and size of all the principal structural elements
including foundations. (20 marks)
d. Prepare general arrangement plans, sections and elevations to show the site layout, dimensions, layout
and disposition of the structural elements and critical details for estimating purposes. (20 marks)
e. Prepare a detailed method statement for the safe construction of the car park and an outline construction
programme. (10 marks)
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Question 4. New arts school

Client’s requirements
1. A new arts school as shown in Figure Q4 is to be built near the seaside. The school has three storeys and a 4.5m deep
basement, which is to be used as storage space.
2. No columns are permitted outside of the core at Level 1. The elevation facing the sea is fully glazed and no bracing is permitted
on this elevation. Other elevations are to have a minimum of 50% glazed area. A 1.5m wide x 2.5m high continuous corridor is
required around the core at each floor level.
3. A minimum fire resistance of 2 hours is required for structural elements.

Imposed loading
4. Roof 2.0 kN/m2
Floors (Levels 1 to 4) 5.0kN/m2
Basement 5.0kN/m2

Site conditions
5. The site is adjacent to the sea. Basic wind speed is 40m/s based on a 3 second gust; the equivalent mean hourly wind speed
is 20m/s.
6. Ground conditions:
Ground level - 8.0m Reclaimed fill material
8.0m – 12.0m Soft marine clays, C = 30kN/m2
12.0m – 20.0m Dense silty sand, N varies from 35 to 60
Below 20.0m Rock with compressive strength of 5000kN/m2
Ground water was encountered at 3.0 m below ground level.

Omit from consideration

7. Detailed design of lifts and staircases inside the core.

SECTION 1 (50 marks)

a. Prepare a design appraisal with appropriate sketches indicating two distinct and viable solutions for the
proposed structure. Indicate clearly the functional framing, load transfer and stability aspects of each
scheme. Identify the solution you recommend, giving reasons for your choice. (40 marks)
b. After the design has been completed, the client advises that he wishes to have two levels of basement.
Your client believes that if the floor to floor height of the basement is reduced to 3.0m the additional cost
should be acceptable. Write a letter to your client explaining the feasibility and implications of
this proposal. (10 marks)

SECTION 2 (50 marks)

c. Prepare sufficient design calculations to establish the form and size of all the principal structural elements
including the basement and foundations. (20 marks)
d. Prepare general arrangement plans, sections and elevations to show the dimensions, layout and
disposition of the structural elements and critical details for estimating purposes. (20 marks)
e. Prepare a detailed method statement for the safe construction of the building and an outline
design programme. (10 marks)
10 Chartered Membership Examination
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Question 5. Mixed use development

Client requirements
1. The client requires a mixed use development in a city centre. The development is to house 4 storeys of office above a gallery
space at ground floor. There are to be two further storeys of basement below the gallery to house retail and café areas. There is
also a top storey above the offices for a plant room. See Figure Q5.
2. There is a two storey light well around three sides of the building.
3. The client requires a zone of 16m x 48m to be clear of all vertical structure in the centre of the ground floor gallery space.
4. In the offices internal columns should be no closer than 8m to another column or core wall measured between the centre-lines.
There is no restriction to wall or column locations in the top storey plant room or in the basement.
5. The structural clear height is to be 3.0m in all storeys except the gallery where it is to be 4.0m. The total height of the building
should not exceed 23.5m.

Imposed loading
6. Roof 0.6kN/m2
Plant room 7.5kN/m2
Office and retail 5.0kN/m2
Gallery 20.0kN/m2

Site conditions
7. The site is located in a city centre. Basic wind speed is 46m/s based on a 3 second gust: the equivalent mean hourly wind speed
is 23m/s.
8. Ground conditions:
0.0m – 3.0m Made ground
3.0m – 8.0m Silty sand, N = 35
Below 8.0m Sandstone, bearing capacity 1000kN/m2
No ground water was encountered.

Omit from consideration

9. Detailed design of lifts and staircases inside core.

Section 1 (50 marks)

a. Prepare a design appraisal with appropriate sketches indicating two distinct and viable solutions for the
proposed structure. Indicate clearly the functional framing, load transfer and stability aspects of each scheme.
Identify the solution you recommend, giving reasons for your choice. (40 marks)
b. After completion of scheme design for the structure, the client wishes to know what effect removing the 6m
wide light wells on either side of the building would have on the design. Write a letter to the client, advising
on the structural implications of this. (10 marks)

Section 2 (50 marks)

For the solution recommended in Section 1(a):
c. Prepare sufficient design calculations to establish the form and size of all the principal structural elements
including the foundations and the retaining wall. (20 marks)
d. Prepare general arrangement plans, sections and elevations to show the dimensions, layout and disposition
of the structural elements and critical details for estimating purposes. (20 marks)
e. Prepare a detailed method statement for the safe construction of the building and an outline construction
programme. (10 marks)
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Question 4. Underground car park and garden

Client’s requirements
1. An underground car park 150m long by 100m wide is to be built in a city centre. The car park is four storeys high with one level
above ground level and the other three levels constructed underground. The roof of the car park will be used as a landscaped
garden. See Figure Q4.
2. 4no. light wells are required at each level with a minimum total area of 320m2 per level.
3. The storey height of each level is 4.0m.
4. The minimum fire resistance period for the structural elements is 4 hours.
5. The minimum size of each parking space is 2.5m wide by 4.8m long.
6. The minimum width of the access ramp is 7m.

Imposed loading
7. Landscaped roof garden 10.0kN/m2
Car park floors 2.5kN/m2

Site conditions
8. The site is on flat level ground in a city centre. Basic wind speed is 40m/s based on a 3 second gust, the equivalent mean wind
speed is 20m/s.
9. Ground conditions:
Ground level - 5.0m Loose sandy fill
5.0m -12.0m Silty sand, N values vary from 5 to 8
12.0m- 20.0m Dense silty sand, N values vary from 35 to 80
Below 20.0m Rock with compressive strength of 5000kN/m2
Ground water was found at 2.0m below existing ground level.
For the design of basement use cohesion=0 and Ø=35 degrees

Omit from consideration

10. Detail design of lift and stairs.

SECTION 1 (50 marks)

a. Prepare a design appraisal with appropriate sketches indicating two distinct and viable solutions for
the proposed structure. Indicate clearly the functional framing, load transfer and stability aspects of
each scheme. Identify the solution you recommend, giving reasons for your choice. (40 marks)
b. After receiving your completed design, the client wants to add another level of basement (with a floor
height of 4m) to cater for the future increase of cars. Write a letter to your client explaining the effect of
this on your proposed design. (10 marks)

SECTION 2 (50 marks)

For the solution recommend in Section 1(a):
c. Prepare sufficient design calculations to establish the form and size of all principal structural elements
including the foundations. (20 marks)
d. Prepare general arrangement plans, sections and elevations to show the dimension, layout and
disposition of the structural elements and critical details for estimating purposes. (20 marks)
e. Prepare a detailed method statement for the safe construction of the building and an outline construction
programme. (10 marks)
10 Chartered Membership Examination