Construction Management: Structural Analysis, Load Paths, Building Permits, and Window Frames

Construction Management 1
Construction Management
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Construction Management 2
Construction Management
Question 1
Question 1.1
The structural engineer might need to do several structural analyses including: design
specifications of members and components of the second storey (this should include checking
the type, size and shape of these components (such as beams, columns, floor, walls, etc.), how
they will sit on the existing storey and if they meet the requirements of local building code or
standards); analyze elements such as stability, plane stress and frequency, of various structural
components of the second storey like bracing units and truss system (Zalka, 2012); calculating
and counterchecking the total dead and live loads of the second storey; examine the proposed
materials for the second storey; and investigate possible structural failures of the building, their
causes and appropriate measures that can be put in place to prevent them (Olanitori, 2011). In
general, the structural engineer has to ensure that the design of the proposed second storey will
be flawlessly integrated on the existing building and is adequate to serve the intended function
safely and sustainably. The structural analyses can be performed using computer aided
programs/software, matrix analysis method, finite element analysis (FEA) methods, etc.
Question 1.2
One of the main structural challenges that this project is likely to present is ensuring
compatibility between the existing first storey and the proposed second storey. Since the first
storey was built some time before, there is a possibility of differential settlement that can be a
cause of building failure. This requires comprehensive analysis on the methods that will be used
to ensure seamless integration between the existing storey and proposed storey. Another

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structural challenge is the type of materials used (Malo, et al., 2016). The structural engineer has
to strike a balance between the functionality, durability, cost and sustainability of the materials
used to build the second storey. The capability of the foundation of the building to support the
additional load of the second storey is another key structural challenge (Gong, et al., 2017).
Another structural challenge in this project is ensuring that design details of the second storey,
such as beams, columns, walls, etc. are of similar size to those of the existing first storey. Last
but not least is the construction method to be used – it should not affect the structural soundness
or functionality of the existing building.
Question 1.3
Some of the different loads/forces relevant to the proposed building and others in general
include both dead and live loads such as dead loads, live/imposed loads, snow loads, wind loads,
hydrostatic pressure, seismic/earthquake loads, thermal loads, special loads, erection loads,
fatigue, impact, fluid and soil pressure, elastic axial shortening, foundation movement, settlement
loads, stress concentration, dynamic loads, flood load, earth load, rain load, etc. (Munach, 2018);
(The Constructor, 2017). The loads can act in a vertical direction, horizontal direction or
longitudinal direction (at an inclined angle). The loads can also be categorized as line loads,
concentrated loads and surface/distributed loads.
Question 1.4
The typical load paths of buildings are from top downwards, although there are
alternative load paths (Luu, 2015). This means that the loads will be transferred from the roof to
the foundation through multiple integrated members of the building. These components have to
be connected properly for continuous and seamless transfer of the loads from top to bottom. In

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this case, the loads will be transferred from the roof to the second storey beams then to the
columns and walls. From columns and walls on the second storey, the loads will be transferred to
the second storey floor slab then to the beams. From the beams, the loads will be transferred to
the first storey columns and walls then to the first storey floor slab. The loads will then be
transferred to the beams, then to the columns and walls on the ground floor then to the
foundation. From the foundation, the loads will be transferred to the ground. The horizontal and
vertical load paths are as shown in Figure 1 and 2 below.
Figure 1: Horizontal load paths (Drexel University Academic Building, (n.d.))
Figure 2: Vertical load paths (Drexel University Academic Building, (n.d.))