To, Mr.

xxxxxxx Khan xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Subject:

Structural Evaluation Report

Dear Sir, At your request we surveyed the condition of Boys Hostel at xxxxxxxxxxx (xxxx house xxxxxx). The object of the survey was to examine the failure of exterior masonry column on 1st Floor.

Survey
On July 04, 2013, this scribe met with xxxxx House Team to survey the Boys Hostel at xxxxxx Sports Complex. Attached at the end of this report are annotated digital photographs and load calculations. This survey started by viewing the back and side elevations. Reading through the photos and sheets at this point will help to understand what follows.

OBSERVATIONS
The ground floor was constructed as R.C.C. frame building while 1st and 2nd floor (for reason unknown) are being constructed with pre-cast concrete (Izhar ltd.) Further more load bearing brick masonry work is being used in upper two floors which is not a very best option in active seismic zones. For Architectural purposes, three numbers free standing three floors tall brick masonry walls are constructed that are always a permanent danger in case of high velocity wind or earthquake. Proper bracing is recommended.

EVALUATION
In general, the masonry walls and columns do not appear adequate to support the applied structural loads. Observations of identified problems and questionable construction are as follows:

a. At right corner, 13.5 inch square Brick masonry column was completely collapsed due to very high concentration of load coming from 1st and 2nd floor. The 18ft X 3ft window opening on front elevation and 27ft X 3ft window opening on the right side elevation were further weakening the columns. b. At left corner, 13.5 inch square Brick masonry column is badly damaged and cannot be used to take further structural load. c. Due to completely collapse of a column the complete 1st floor and 2nd floor above the Bath rooms are completely damaged. d. As this portion of the building was not structurally connected with the adjacent parts so no danger of progressive collapse mechanism or any other collapse mechanism was observed. e. Although it is structurally safe but this type of construction is not preferable in high risk earthquake zones. f. The lintel beam provided on 1st floor window were insufficient to bear the slab plus brick masonry load and failed in deflection. The structural drawings of those particular lintel beam were also not being provided to us neither is available with construction management staff.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Only repair type works are recommended. These are as follows:

1. Strengthen the both corner columns by increasing their dimensions on both sides and making them L shape instead of square. 2. Decrease the area of window openings by making more windows of lesser area adjacent to the columns to provide more brick masonry wall to support the structural loads. 3. Provide high moment capacity and deep lintel beams above windows and openings. 4. The load bearing brick masonry walls of the building are highly unstable in case of high velocity wind and earthquake. They should be properly designed, braced and reinforced by a Structural Engineer. 5. It is highly recommended that Structural Stability Certificate of the building should be issued from the building Structural Engineer.

Sincerely,

Engr.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Attachments: Calculation Sheets, References, Photographs.

Calculation Sheet - 13.5 inch Brick Masonry Column

Load Calculation:
Slab Weight: (Slab Thickness) X (Area of slab) X (Density of concrete) (6.5/12)ft X 18.75ft X 39ft X 0.15kcf = 60 Kip. Slab load on each corner: 60/4 = 15 Kip. Lintel Beam Weight: (Area of beam) X (Length) X (Density of concrete) (13.5X12/144)sq.ft X 28.5ft X 0.15kcf = 4.9 Kip. Self-Weight of column: (Area of column) X (Length) X (Density of concrete) (13.5X13.5/144)sq.ft X 3ft X 0.13kcf = 0.5 Kip. Load of 1st Floor brick masonry: (Volume of wall) X (Density of Dry Brick) (13.5/12)ft X 2ft X 28.5ft X 0.13kcf = 8.5 Kip. Load of 2nd Floor brick masonry [only 4ft wall is assumed]: (Volume of wall) X (Density of Brick) (13.5/12)ft X 4ft X 28.5ft X 0.13kcf = 16.5 Kip. Live Load: 50 psf X (Area of Slab) X 0.25 = 9.5 Kip. (From 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) Total Load on Column = 55 Kip. Total Stress = (55*1000/13.5*13.5) = 300 psi [5] [6] [4] [3] [2] [1]

Result:
Total Stress in Brick Column Allowable Stress in Brick column = 300 psi = 150 psi [reference attached]

As the applied stress was double than the amount allowable, so the column failed due to overstress.

Calculation Sheet 29 ft R.C.C Lintel Beam.

Load Calculation:
Area of Slab = 280.25 sq.ft Slab load = (6.5/12)ft X 280.25 sq.ft X 0.15kcf / 9.5ft = 2.5 k/ft Brick Wall load = (13.5/12)ft X 6ft X 0.13kcf = 0.89 k/ft Lintel Beam = (13.5X12/144)sq.ft X 0.15kcf = 0.17 k/ft Live Load = 50psf X 280.25 / 9.5ft = 1.5 k/ft Moment Total Load [W] = 5 k/ft Total Span [L] = 29ft Applied Moment = WL2/8 = 525 k-ft (provided) = 0.011 in2 Moment Carrying Capacity [Mu] = 64 k-ft [only 4ft wall of 2nd floor is considered] [4#6]

Applied Moment (525 k-ft) > Moment Capacity (64 k-ft)

Result
Applied Moment = 525 k-ft Moment capacity = 78 k-ft

It can be clearly seen that the moment carrying capacity of lintel beam is highly insufficient to carry the applied Structural Loads. A proper design of all lintel beams is recommended by a Structural Engineer.

Brick Compressive Strength Allowable Stress

1000 psi 100 psi

1500 psi

150 psi

3000 psi 300 psi

Table: Maximum Permissible Compressive Stresses on Brick Masonry.

Source: Civil Engineerings Handbook by P.N.KHANNA

Photographs

BACK ELEVATION

THREE FREE STANDING WALLS