Construction Management: Principles of Stable Structure and Basement Construction

Construction management
Name
Institutional Affiliation

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Question 1 (Answering)
a) A tall building is defined as a building which exhibits more or less of the aspects of
“tallness” in at least one of the following considerations; i. it is relatively elevated
compared to its surrounding structures, ii. If its proportionality gives a thinner elevation
compared to its overall width, and iii. If based on the building height, tall building
construction technology such as wind engineering is applicable in its design (Ali, and Al-
Kodmany, 2012). A tall building that stands above 300 m is identified as being supertall.
b) The principles applied in achieving a stable structure comprises of loads, forces, material
properties and structural members. Each of them is as discussed as follows:-
i. Loads
The building structure sustains its shape from forces that may be applicable to the building. Most
severe combinations of loads are assumed during design to ensure that the building can survive
such combinations of forces during its life. Australian standard codes (AS/ NZS 1170) for design
of structures specifies the loads to be assumed based on the building characteristics. Loads in a
structure consists of dead load, live load and wind loads.
Dead load= volume of building element/ member being designed (e.g. beam) × unit weight of
reinforced concrete (24Kn/m3)
Live load= Floor area × live load rating of a structure (obtained from the design code- AS 1170).
Wind load is only applicable for tall buildings. Dynamic pressure due to wind= 0.613 × effective
wind speed.
ii. Forces
Effects of all forces acting on a building must be considered and its effects on member to ensure
stability of the structure and strength properties. These forces are as illustrated below in fig a)
and b):

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Figure a) an overview of many different forces acting on a building
Figure b) a summary of all the forces acting on the building.
iii. Material properties
Material type and shape adopted in design is a great determinant on the effectiveness of the
overall building stability.
c) Structural members
These are load bearing elements in a structure hence adequate design must be adhered to achieve
the most suitable, economical, and effective and safety member characteristics. They include
beams, slabs, wind bracings, truss system, retaining walls. The purposes of the ones applicable in
this kind of a construction site are as discussed:-
I. Beams
A beam is an auxiliary component that essentially opposes loads connected along the side to the
axis of the beam. Its method of deflection is essentially by twisting. The loads connected to the
beam result in reaction forces at supports. The aggregate impact of the considerable number of
forces following up on the beam is to create shear forces and moments inside the beam, that
thusly actuate inner anxieties, strains and beam deflections.