The HKIE Structural Examination Written Examination 2015

Section 2: Design Questions

(80% of the Written Examination)
Date: 26 November 2015 (Thursday)
Time: 12:00 nn - 06:00 pm
Answer ONE question only

Question1

AnObservationTower

ClientsRequirements

Thefollowingclient'srequirementsmustbemet:

1. A 200m high Observation Tower (the Tower) is proposed near the Victoria
HarbourasshowninFigureQ1.

2. TheonplanbasedimensionsoftheTowerare30mby30m.Inthemiddleofthe
Tower, a space of 5m by 5m is designated for the construction of 4 passenger
lifts.

3. At 133m a glass enclosed three storey visitor/eatery block is built to allow

visitors/dinerstohaveaclearviewoftheHarbour.

4. Theenclosedvisitor/eateryblockshouldhavethefollowingdimensions:30mat
thetop;25matthebaseandastoreyheightof5m.

5. Thetopofthefoundationsshouldbeatleast3mbelowthegroundsurface.This
istoavoidinterferingwithexistingutilityserviceswithinthesite.

6. A minimum 2hour fire resistance rating is required for all elements of

constructionfortheTower.

ImposedLoads(onthevisitor/eateryblock)

7. Roof
Intermediatefloors

5kN/m2
5kN/m2

SiteConditions

8. The site is flat and is located near the sea front. The wind loads shall be in
accordancewiththecurrentHongKongWindCode.

GroundConditions

9. Groundconditionsasrevealedbythegroundinvestigationboreholesare:

Groundwaterisfoundat1.5mbelowtheexistinggroundlevel.

From the ground level to a depth of 5m very loose and compressible Fill, N
valuesrangefrom2to4.

From 5m to 8m Alluvium in the form of medium dense silty sands, N values

rangefrom12to20.

From8mto12mSoftdarkmarineclay,Nvaluesrangefrom2to4.

From12mto30mCompletelydecomposedtuffintheformofdensetovery
densesiltysands,Nvaluesrangefrom50to180.

From 30m onwards Moderately decomposed (Grade III) tuff with total core
recoverygreaterthan85%.

OmitfromConsideration

10. Designofglassfaade.

11. Liftshaft.

SectionA

a. Prepareadesignstudywithappropriatesketchesandcalculationsindicatingtwo
distinct and viable schemes for the glass enclosed structure. Candidate is
allowed to prepare only one viable scheme for the rest of the Tower and the
foundations.
(40marks)

SectionB

ForthesolutionrecommendedinSectionA:

b. Preparesufficientcalculationstoestablishthesizeofalltheprincipalstructural
elementsincludingthefoundation.
(25marks)

c. Prepareframingplans,sectionsandelevationstoshowthedimensions,layout
and disposition of the structural elements and critical details for estimating
purposes.
(25marks)

d. Prepareasimplemethodstatementandprogrammeforthesafeconstructionof
thestructure.
(10marks)

(NOT TO SCALE)

(NOT TO SCALE)

Figure Q1
(NOT TO SCALE)

Figure Q1
(NOT TO SCALE)

Question2

SportsHall

ClientsRequirements

Thefollowingclientsrequirementsmustbemet:

1. A new sports hall is to be built in a new town park in Hong Kong to provide
sportsfacilitiesfortheresidents,onafasttrackprogramme.

2. Thesportshallistoaccommodatefourbadmintoncourtswhich,ifrequired,can
beconvertedtoabasketballcourt.

3. Eachbadmintoncourtmeasures6.1mx13.4monplan,withaminimumof2m
clearspacesurroundingalltheouterlinesofthecourts,includingaspaceof2m
betweenanytwocourts.Aclearheightof9.2misrequired.

4. The badminton courts can be converted to a basketball court when required,

whichhasaplandimensionof29mx15m,withamaximumclearheightof9.0m.
A2mclearspaceisalsorequiredaroundthecourt.

5. A 5m strip of space is to be provided along one of perimeters of the hall for

changingrooms,equipmentstoreandotherauxiliaryfacilities.Officeswillbeon
topofthesespaces.Noverticalelementsareallowedwithinthisstripandthe
spacearoundthebadminton/basketballcourts.

6. A one level of basement is provided for lockers, back of house facilities and
otherbuildingservicesequipment,havingaclearheadroomof4.5m.

7. Thefoyerandrefreshmentsboothsareprovidedattheentrance.

8. The exterior wall will be built of concrete or brick, with window at the higher
leveltoprovidenaturallighting.Verticalelementsprotrudingbeyondthecourt
spaceareallowed.

9. Thereiscurrentlynorequirementforoverheadloadingswithinthehall.

10. TherequiredclearwidthandheightofthesportshallisshownonFigureQ2.

11. Thegroundfloorisat4.5mPD.Thereisaheightrestrictionof18.5mPDonthis
site.

12. Thefollowingfinishes/servicesrequirementswillapply:

Floor
Finishes
BuildingServicesZone
Ground
Woodflooron50mmscreeding
1.2m
Basement
Hardener
0.6m
Roof
300mmthickwaterproofing

ImposedLoads

13. TheimposedloadsshouldbeinaccordancewiththecurrentHongKongCodeof
PracticeforDeadandImposedLoads.

WindLoads

14. ThewindloadsshallbeinaccordancewiththecurrentHongKongWindCode.

SiteConditions

15. Groundconditions:

Groundlevel3.0m
LooseFill

3m10m
Sand/gravel,SPTNvalue=25

Below10m
Bedrock

Groundwaterisfoundat2.0mbelowtheexistinggroundlevel.

OmitfromConsideration

16. Designofstaircases,changingroomsandoffices.

SectionA

a. Prepareadesignappraisalwithappropriatesketchesincludingtwodistinctand
viable solutions for the proposed sports hall including two viable foundation
systems. Indicate clearly the functional framing including floor structures, load
transfer and stability aspects of each scheme. Identify the solution you
recommendandgivethereasonsforyourchoice.
(30marks)

b. Explainhowthesportshallwillresistwindloadincludingdetaileddescriptionof
thestructuralwindframe(s),designassumptions,andthewaterupliftifany.
(10marks)

SectionB

ForthesolutionrecommendedinSectionA:

c. Prepare sufficient design calculations to establish the form and size of all the
principalstructuralelementsincludingthefoundations.
(20marks)

d. Preparegeneraldetailedstructuralframingplanstoshowthedimensions,
layout, disposition of the structural elements and critical structural details for
estimatingpurposes.
(20marks)

e. Preparesufficientdetailsofthecriticalelements/connectionssuchascolumns,
beams,column/beam,column/slabconnections,bearingslabetc.
(10marks)

f. Prepareareportoutliningtheproposedmethodofprocurement/constructionin
ordertoachieveafasttrackproject.
(10marks)

2m

6.1m

2m

2m

6.1m

6.1m

2m

6.1m

2m

5m

STAIRCASES

13.4m

3m

BASKETBALLCOURT

3m

FOYER

5m

BADMINTONCOURTS
EQUIPMENT
STORE

CHANGINGROOMS

STAIRCASES

PLAN

4.5mCLEAR

9.2mCLEAR

18.5mPD

OFFICE

BADMINTONCOURTS/
BASKETBALLCOURT

CHANGING
ROOM

4.5mPD

BASEMENT
24.4m

SECTIONAA

FigureQ2

Question3

OfficeBuilding

ClientsRequirements

Thefollowingclientsrequirementsmustbemet:

1. AnofficebuildingisproposedwithinScheduledAreaNumber3asdefinedinthe
BuildingsOrdinance.SeeFigureQ3.

2. Theproposeduseofofficebuildingwiththeminimumheadroomrequirements
andfireresistanceratingislistedasfollows:

MinimumClear
FireResistance
FloorMark
Usage
Headroom*(m)
Rating
3/F27/F
(Typicalfloor)
2/F
1/F
G/F

Office

2.5

E&Mrooms
Shop

2.5
3.5
8(Fromgridline4to5)
11.5(Fromgridline5to6)
3.5

Stadium
Lobby

1hour

* Theminimumclearheadroomisthefloorheightclearofallstructuresandbuilding
services.Aservicezoneofminimum300mmdepthshouldbeallowedforunderneath
allfloors.

3. Therestrictionsonthelocationofverticalstructuralelementsareasfollows:

FloorMark
Area
Restrictions
3/F27/F
(Typicalfloor)
2/F
1/F
G/F

Office

Nointernalcolumnspermitted.

E&Mroom
Shop
Lobbyand
stadium

Norestriction.
Nointernalcolumnspermitted.
Nointernalcolumnspermitted.

4. The main roof structure above office tower and flat roof structure above
stadiumshallnotbeinverted.

10

ImposedLoads

5. TheimposedloadsshouldbeinaccordancewiththecurrentHongKongCodeof
PracticeforDeadandImposedLoads.

WindLoads

6. ThewindloadsshallbeinaccordancewiththecurrentHongKongWindCode.

SiteConditions

7. Two existing 10m diameter MTR tunnels run at 20m below the proposed
building.

8. Abutting the eastern boundary of the site is a 3storey reinforced concrete

buildingwithshallowfootingfoundation.

9. GroundConditions:

From +5mPD to0mPD :LooseFillwithSPTNvalue<10

From 0mPD to10mPD:MediumdensesandwithSPTNvalue1050
Below 10mPD
:Slightly to moderately decomposed moderately
strong rock of material weathering grade III or
better,withtotalcorerecoveryofmorethan85%.

SpecialConsideration

10. The development within the Scheduled Area Number 3 shall comply with the
requirements as specified in Practice Note for Authorized Persons, Registered
StructuralEngineersandRegisteredGeotechnicalEngineersAPP24.

OmitfromConsideration

11. Detailedlayoutanddesignofthestructureinsidetheservicecore.

11

SectionA

a. Prepare an overall design appraisal of the proposed structure. Prepare ONE

viablestructuralschemefortheofficetower.Basedontheproposedstructural
schemefortheofficetower,provideTWOdistinctandviablesolutionswiththe
aidofappropriatesketchesfortheproposedsuperstructurefor3/Fandbelow.
Indicateclearlythefunctionalframingandloadtransferpathforeachscheme.
Identifythesolutionyourecommendandgivethereasonsforyourchoice.
(40marks)

SectionB

ForthesolutionrecommendedinSectionA:

Superstructure

b. Prepare design calculations to establish the form and size of all the principal
structuralelementsforthesuperstructureattypicalfloor,3/F,2/FandG/F.
(16marks)

c. Preparedimensionedframingplansfortypicalfloor,3/F,2/FandG/F.
(16marks)

d. Prepare structural details for the principal structural elements at typical floor,
3/F,2/FandG/Fforcostestimationpurposes.
(12marks)

Foundation

e. Describethesiteconstraintsforthefoundationconstruction.
(5marks)

f. Proposeaviablefoundationtypeforthebuildingtogetherwiththemeasuresto
betakentotacklethesiteconstraints.
(5marks)

g. Based on the proposed foundation system, prepare the design calculations for
thebuildingfoundationandprepareapreliminaryfoundationlayoutplan.
(6marks)

12

Version 1.0
(Updated on 16 Sep 20

HKIE Structural Examination 2015

Chief Examiner : Ir C M WONG
Question 3 Office Building

8m

5m

4m

26m

4m

26m

13m

24m

13m

8m

4m

8m

5m

13m

24m

13m

8m

13
4

Version 1.0
(Updated on 16 Sep 20

HKIE Structural Examination 2015

Chief Examiner : Ir C M WONG
Question 3 Office Building

8m

5m

4m

26m

8m

8m

5m

4m

26m

13m

24m

13m

13m

24m

13m

8m

14
5

Version 1.0
(Updated on 16 Sep 20

HKIE Structural Examination 2015

Chief Examiner : Ir C M WONG
Question 3 Office Building

8m

5m

4m

26m

6m

3.5m 3.5m

3.5m x 21 STOREYS
=73.5m
(5/F TO 25/F)

3.5m 3.5m

8m

15m

4.5m 4.5m

5m

5m

5m

17 m

15
6

9m

5m

Question4

CommunityCenter

ClientsRequirements

Thefollowingclientsrequirementsmustbemet:

1. Afivestoreycommunitycenter,inanopensite,istobeconstructedinTseung
KwanO,NT.(SeefigureQ4).

2. Nostructure,includingfoundation,ispermittedoutsidethebuildingenvelope.

3. Undertheleaseconditions,nostructurecanbebuiltabove+48mPD.

4. Minimumcolumnspacing(centertocenter)istobe12m.

5. Nostructureisallowedattheentrancelobbyonthegroundfloor.

6. Minimum clear dimension of multipurpose ball court or hall on 2/F is to be

32mby40m.

7. 250mmcurtainwallistobeallowedattheperimeterofthebuildingtoallowfor
naturallighting.

8. Minimum requirements on clear headroom (clear height of all structures,

finishesandbuildingservices)areasfollows:

Minimum
Finishes&
Floor Use
Headroom(m) ServicesZone(m)
G/F
Entrancelobbyandoffice
4.0
0.3
1/F
Meetingrooms
4.0
0.3
2/F
Multipurposeballcourtorhall
8.5
0.5
Office
4.0
0.3
3/F
Office
4.0
0.3
4/F
Library
4.0
0.3
R/F
Maintenancepurpose(accessible) N/A
N/A

9. Aminimum2hourfireresistanceratingisrequired.

16

ImposedLoads

10. TheimposedloadsshouldbeinaccordancewiththecurrentHongKongCodeof
PracticeforDeadandImposedLoads.

WindLoads

11. ThewindloadsshallbeinaccordancewiththecurrentHongKongWindCode.

SiteConditions

12. ThesiteislocatedinTseungKwanO,NTatadatumlevelofabout+20mPD.

13. Groundconditionsare:

Groundlevel2m Fill,SPTNvaluelessthan10

2m20m
Alluvium,SPTNvalue=100

20m40m
Completelydecomposedgranite,SPTNvalue=200

Below40m
Highlydecomposedgranite,SPTNvaluegreaterthan300

Groundwaterisencounteredat1.5mbelowgroundlevel.

17

SectionA

a. Prepareadesignappraisalwithappropriatesketchesincludingtwodistinctand
viable solutions for the proposed community center including two viable
foundation systems. Indicate clearly the functional framing, load transfer and
stability aspects of each scheme to meet all clients requirements. Identify the
solutionyourecommendandgivethereasonsforyourchoice.
(30marks)

b. Explain how the building structure will resist wind load including detailed
description of the structural wind loads and design assumption. Prepare a
detailedwindloadcalculationfortheproposedcommunitycenter.
(10marks)

SectionB

ForthesolutionrecommendedinSectionA:

c. Prepare sufficient design calculations to establish the form and size of all the
principalstructuralelementsincludingthefoundationsystem.
(20marks)

d. Prepare general detailed structural framing plans to show the dimensions,

arrangement of the structural elements and details of all critical structural
elementsforestimatingpurposes.
(20marks)

e. Prepare a detailed method statement for the safe construction of the building
including excavation / lateral support and foundation works but excluding
curtainwallinstallation.
(10marks)

f. Prepareadetailedconstructionprogramfromcommencementoffoundationto
completionofstructuralworks.
(10marks)

18

PD

ON 2/F

PD
ON

ON 2/F

ON

Figure Q4
19

Question5

RoadBridgeExtension

ClientsRequirements

Thefollowingclient'srequirementsmustbemet:

1. Asrequiredbythetrafficdemand,anewroadbridgeextensionfromanexisting
highway bridge is to be constructed over an existing park, cycle track and
footpathinurbanareaasshowninFigureQ5.

2. The bridge extension will carry a twolane carriageway and the longitudinal
gradient of the new bridge deck shall not exceed 1:25 as required by the
TransportDepartment.

3. The supporting point in the existing highway bridge has been designed with
sufficientstrengthtotakeupthefutureverticalloadsfromthenewroadbridge
extensionbutnottakingupanyhorizontalloadasshowninFigureQ5.

4. No permanent or temporary work may be placed within the cycle track and
footpathenvelops.Anypermanentstructureshallhaveatleast1mclearanceto
thecycletrackandfootpathenvelops.

5. Thestructuralformoftheexistingbridgeisofbeamandslabdeck,thereforefor
aestheticreason,thestructuralformforthenewroadbridgeextensionshallnot
beoftrussorcablesupportedtype.

ImposedLoads

6. Verticaltrafficloads

Horizontaltrafficloads

UDL=10.0kN/m2
InvariableKEL=120kNpertrafficlane
1500 kN, applied parallel to the carriageways
acrossthefullwidthofthebridgedeck

20

SiteConditions

7. The site is in the urban area. Basic wind speed is 46m/s based on a 3 second
gust;theequivalentmeanhourlywindspeedis23m/s.

8. Groundconditionsasrevealedbyboreholesare:

Groundlevel0.8m Madeupground

0.8m12.0m
Softclaywithundrainedshearstrength,Cu=40.0kN/m2

Below12.0m
Moderately decomposed rock with allowable bearing
pressure=3,000kN/m2

Groundwaterwasencounteredat2.8mbelowgroundlevel.

OmitfromConsideration

9. Designcalculationsforbridgeparapetandbridgeretainingwalls.

21

SectionA

a. Prepareadesignappraisalwithappropriatesketchesindicatingtwodistinctand
viableschemesfortheproposedbridgestructure.Thefunctioningframing,load
transfer,safetyandstabilityaspectsofyourschemesmustbeclearlyindicated.
Identifythesolutionyourecommendandgivethereasonsforyourchoice.
(40marks)

SectionB

ForthesolutionrecommendedinSectionA:

b. Preparesufficientdesigncalculationstoestablishtheformandsizeofallmain
componentsincludingthebridgeabutmentandfoundations.
(25marks)

c. Prepare general arrangement drawings including sufficient plans, elevations,

sectionsetc.forthebridgestructureforquantitytakingoffpurposes.
(20marks)

d. Prepareasimplemethodstatementandprogrammeforthesafeconstructionof
thebridge.
(15marks)

22

1.5m

EXISTING BRIDGE

EXISTING BRIDGE

1.0m

End of Paper

16m

16m

0.75m

8m

8m

1.5m X 1.0m

ROAD BRIDGE EXTENSION

NO FOUNDATION WORK IN THIS

8m WIDE DRAINAGE RESERVE
66m

66m

MAX GRADIENT 1:25

8m WIDE DRAINAGE RESERVE

0.75m

6m

6m

SECTION B-B

7.3m

6m WIDE X 2.6m HIGH

CYCLE TRACK AND
FOOTPATH ENVELOP

SECTION A-A

PLAN

6m WIDE CYCLE TRACK AND

FOOTPATH ENVELOP

Figure Q5

0.75m

EXISTING BRIDGE