Exercise 2_1- Identify load paths

Note: See course profile for further requirements

Review the drawings produced by the architect and identify

loadbearing structure above and below each floor.
Highlight any areas where additional columns or walls are
required.
Show how a system of beams at the ground floor and at level 1
could be used to TRANSFER loads from discontinuous columns
or walls above to supporting structure below.
Note:
1. Party walls (walls between apartments) are assumed to be loadbearing.
2. Additional columns can be placed at the perimeter if the building generally. Coordinate
these with the Architect’s elevation.
3. Constructed height is a premium and the client is willing to pay for wide transfer beams
(in the order of 2.0m wide if overall building height can be saved.

University of Queensland
School of Engineering
CIVIL 4511/12
introduction • the building • delivering design • costs • designers & process • brief • getting started
Exercise 2_2 Load run down
Note: See course profile for further requirements

Footing loads are needed in advance of the building design.

Calculate the loads at the each point where the structure meets
the foundation (typically the bottom of the columns).
You may assume that the basement slab is ground bearing.

University of Queensland
School of Engineering
CIVIL 4511/12
introduction • the building • delivering design • costs • designers & process • brief • getting started
 Exercise 2_2 Load Run Down (hints)
1. Spreadsheet is handy – especially in preliminary stages.
2. AS1170.1 and user requirements.
3. Estimate slab thickness but beware this can make a big difference. Estimate beam
depths – makes less difference.
4. Live load reduction
5. Don’t forget vertical elements eg columns and façade (assume column sizes as
drawn)
6. Code LL is unfactored (ie actual or working), best to do exercise on unfactored load
and factor at the end as necessary. Easier to add distribution factors last too.
7. SDL vs LL eg services. Services are SDL if unsure talk to architect or building owner
and return a brief
8. Converting everything to kPa is a useful check
9. Checking: applied loads = reactions
10. For exercise 1, assume that lateral loads do not affect the footing loads
11. Patterned loading
University of Queensland
School of Engineering
CIVIL 4511/12
introduction • the building • delivering design • costs • designers & process • brief • getting started
Exercise 2_3 Piling drawing
Transfer the loads from exercise 2_2 on to a drawing in a way
that could be understood by another structural designer. (e.g.
someone designing the piles).
Include an outline of what the piling system might look like using
precast driven piles with a square cross section. Assume the
following piles are available:
Side dimension (mm) Working Capacity (tonnes)
235 60
275 100
300 150
350 180
University of Queensland
School of Engineering
CIVIL 4511/12
introduction • the building • delivering design • costs • designers & process • brief • getting started
Exercise 2_3 Piling drawing
Connection details and reinforcement do not need to be designed
or shown.
Typical pile caps should be shown in outline only, if required.
Note that there is a sewer main passing between carparks 24
and 25 as shown below.

University of Queensland
School of Engineering
CIVIL 4511/12
introduction • the building • delivering design • costs • designers & process • brief • getting started