Detailed Engineering
After completing this stage the owner will have a complete engineering package
with construction drawings, project specifications, and material lists. This stage
needs more time and resources to finish along with a good communication system
and strong cooperation among different disciplines to achieve a successful project.
The deliverables for this stage are the final construction drawings with complete
specifications, including materials requirements and project specifications that will
be included in the tender package.
2.4 Different Structure Systems
Selection of the structure system depends on the architectural design and the loads
that affect the building along its lifetime; moreover, the building’s height and dimen-
sions define the structure system that resists the wind and earthquake load in an
economic and safe matter.
In this section, traditional and advanced structure systems are discussed by clearly
presenting the advantages and disadvantages for every system. The choice among
the different alternatives will be aided by knowing the various structure systems.
2.4.1 Beam and Slab System
This type of structure system is traditional, and this type of slab is used in most proj-
ects as it is easy to fabricate (Figures 2.1–2.3). All laborers have strong knowledge
about this system because of its common use. From a design view construction is
easy and is known by all engineers, so the probability of error is very small.
It is usually used in domestic buildings as the average room dimensions are 4 m
and the live load is about 200 kg/m2 so it is considered lighter weight than other sys-
tems. The maximum length of the small span is about 5–6 m and the slab thickness
is often 100, 120, 140, or 150 mm and in some minor cases the slab thickness will
reach 160 mm. If the calculations present the need for more thickness, it is better to
select another system to be more economical.
2.4.2 Hollow Block Slab
This slab system depends on increasing the slab depth to increase its inertia against
the bending momentum and decrease the weight of the slab itself (Figure 2.4).
This slab type has a minimum thickness of 250 mm, so it can accommodate
high load or it can cover a higher span than what can be covered by the beam and
slab system.
