Structural Design and Analysis Proposal

for

VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTRE

Valley of Hope, Sungai Buloh.

Project 1: Structural Design Post Mortem

Building Structures (BLD61003)
School of Architecture, Building and Design

Group Members:

Phua vey suanne || 0327864

Chevally Lo Zhao Shyen || 0326497
Looi Kye Meng || 0327703
Woo Kar Hui || 0326656
Khoo Chee Keat || 0327433

Tutor: Mohamed Rizal Mohamed

Content

1.0 Introduction to the VIC and its Structural System 3

1.1 Orthographic Drawings of The Existing VIC 4 - 10

1.2 Appraisal on The Existing Structural Design

1.2.1 Safety 11 - 13

1.2.2 Economy 13 - 14

1.2.3 Optimization 15

1.2.4 Stability 16

1.2.5 Strength 16 - 17

1.2.6 Rigidity 17 - 18

2.0 Modified Orthographic and Structural Drawings 19 - 27

2.1 Modification

2.1.1 Foundation 28

2.1.2 Ground Floor Structural System 29 - 30

2.1.3 Columns 31

2.1.4 Steel Beams 32

2.1.5 Steel Open Web Joist System 33 - 34

2.1.5.1 First Floor Structural System

2.1.5.2 Roof Structural System

2.1.6 First Floor Slab Modification 35

2.1.7 Building Material (Timber) 36 - 37

3.0 Load Distribution

3.1 Roof Structure Load Distribution 38

3.2 First Floor Load Distribution 39

3.3 Ground Floor Distribution 40

3.4 Vertical Load Distribution 41

4.0 Conclusion 42

5.0 Reference 43

2
1.0 Introduction to the VIC and its Structural System
The Bonhomie Visitor Interpretive Centre

The Bonhomie visitor interpretive centre exposes the visitors to different definitions of
happiness felt by the lepers despite the disease and the discrimination by the society. It
functions to reminisce the olden days experienced by the lepers’ community, form a close-knit
community between the visitors and the locals, as well as allowing the visitors to experience
the act of happiness.

The design intention of the VIC is “open-plan” with lightweight construction in order to suit the
design concept. The majority of the structural system of this VIC is the use of SHS columns
and timber floorings with no considerations of the types, sizes, locations, and the existence of
foundation, beams, and the slab systems. Consequently, appraisals of the existing structure
are discussed to be improved.

Roof

First Floor

Ground Floor

3
1.1 Orthographic Drawings of The Existing VIC

Ground Floor Plan

1:150

4
1.1 Orthographic Drawings of The Existing VIC

First Floor Plan

1:150

5
2.0 Modified Orthographic and Structural Drawings
A

Roof Plan
1:150

6
7
South Elevation
1:150

East Elevation
1:150

8
9
Section A
1:150

10
1.2 Appraisal on The Existing Structural Design
1.2.1 Safety

Issue #1: The size of the columns (100mm x 100mm SHS) is insufficient to support such
height of the building (8165mm).

South Elevation (Existing)

Possible result : Fail to support the load of the building, which might result in the deformation
and collapse of the whole building.

Issue #2 : Absence of structural members to transfer the load from the slab to beams,
columns, and foundation.

Section A (Existing)

Possible result : Floor might collapse due to overloading of the existing load bearing capacity.

(Refer to UBBL 59(6)- All beams shall be designed to carry the distributed load appropriate to
uses to which they are put.)

11
1.2 Appraisal on The Existing Structural Design
Issue #3: Proper type of foundation was not considered.

Section A (Existing)

Possible result : Building will crack and sink unevenly, or, the stability of the whole structural
frame will cause the building to collapse.

Issue #4: Cantilevered area (2300mm) on first floor have exceeded the standard requirement
with no support from the columns and beams.

First Floor Plan (Existing)

Possible result : Cantilevered area will collapsed.

(Refer to UBBL 29- Balcony projections with roofs or awning not exceeding 1.8 metres in depth
from the external wall of the main building within the building line area may be allowed. The
sides of the balcony may be walled-up, provided that the walled-up area shall not be more than
60% of the total area of the vertical plans of the projections.)

12
1.2 Appraisal on The Existing Structural Design

Issue #5: Timber flooring on the ground floor is in contact with the ground without proper
coatings.

Section A (Existing)

Possible result : Wood decking might decay and weather.

(Refer to UBBL 80(2)- Where structural timber floors are permissible under these Bylaws they
shall be designed of hardwood or of species of timber treated with a suitable wood
preservative.)

1.2.2 Economy
Issue #1: Lack of beams.

Ground Floor Structural Plan (Existing)

Possible result : Lack of beams which leads to the result of insufficient support to the slab
and roof, which need more column to maintain the stability which will cost more.

13
1.2 Appraisal on The Existing Structural Design

Issue #2: Lack of beams on the first floor.

Section A (Existing)

Possible result : Thicker floor deckings, which will cost more, are needed to support the floor
decking to prevent the building from collapsing.

Issue #3: Using pinewood as floor decking.

Section A (Existing)

Possible result : Pinewood, as a softwood, can be damaged more easily and requires
extensive treatments in order to prevent rot. The need of this long term maintenance is not
economical as it will cost more.

14
1.2 Appraisal on The Existing Structural Design
1.2.3 Optimization

Issue #1: Litracon (Light Emitting Concrete) cylindrical walls on the first floor are mainly
for aesthetic purposes with no aid to the structural system of the building.

First Floor Plan (Existing)

Possible result : Increase in dead load and narrowing width of walkways.

Issue #2: Columns on the first floor reaching up to the roof.

East Elevation (Existing)

Possible result : The spatial organisation and circulation of the users will be limited by
the improper arrangement of columns.

15
1.2 Appraisal on The Existing Structural Design
1.2.4 Strength

Issue #1: Using pinewood as wood decking.

First Floor Plan (Existing)

Possible result : Strength of softwood will decrease if not treated carefully as it has a
lower strength and higher tendency to be prone to movement compared to hardwood.

1.2.5 Stability

Issue #1: Absence of structural system of the balcony for support.

East Elevation (Existing)

Possible result : The balcony of the building will be unstable and is prone to collapsing.

16
1.2 Appraisal on The Existing Structural Design
1.2.6 Rigidity
Issue #1: Lack of foundation.

Section A (Existing)

Possible results : The building might sink unevenly and deformation of the building might
occur as there are no footings to act as a “foothold” on the earth to keep the building intact
and support the weight of the building.

Issues #2: The size of the columns (100mm x 100mm SHS) is insufficient to support such
height of the building (8165mm).

Structural Plan (Existing)

Possible results : Load carried by the column exceeds the load bearing capability of the
structural system.

17
1.2 Appraisal on The Existing Structural Design

Issue #3 : Lack of beams in the structural system.

Structural Plan (Existing)

Possible results : The columns might not withstand the lateral forces acting on it, which will
result in the deformation of the building.

(Refer to UBBL 59(6)- All beams shall be designed to carry the distributed load appropriate to
uses to which they are put).

18
2.0 Modified Orthographic and Structural Drawings

A A

Ground Floor Plan

1:150
19
2.0 Modified Orthographic and Structural Drawings

A A

First Floor Plan

1:150
20
2.0 Modified Orthographic and Structural Drawings

Roof Plan
1:150

21
22
South Elevation
1:150

East Elevation
1:150

23
2.0 Modified Orthographic and Structural Drawings

Section A
1:150

24
2.0 Modified Orthographic and Structural Drawings

GB1(500X350) GB1 GB1

C1(203X203) C1 C1 C1
GB2(500x350)

GB2

GB2
GB1 GB1 GB1 GB1

C1 C2(203x203) C2 C2 C1
GB2

GB2

GB2

GB2

GB2
GB1 GB1 GB1 GB1

C1 C2 C2 C2 C1
GB2

GB2

GB2

GB2

GB2
GB1 GB1 GB1 GB1

C1 C2 C2 C2 C1
GB2

GB2

GB2

GB2

GB2

GB1 GB1 GB1 GB1

C1 C2 C2 C2 C1
GB2

GB2

GB2

GB2

GB2

GB1 GB1 GB1 GB1

C1 C1 C1 C1 C1

GB - Ground Beam Ground Floor Structural Plan

C - Column 1:150

25
2.0 Modified Orthographic and Structural Drawings

FB1(152x152) FB1 FB1

C1(203X203) C2(203x203) C2 C2 C1

OWSJ 1 (8644) OWSJ 2 (4270)

FB2(152x152)

OWSJ 1 OWSJ 2
FB2

FB2

FB2
OWSJ 1 OWSJ 2

OWSJ 1 OWSJ 2 OWSJ 2

OWSJ 1 OWSJ 2 OWSJ 2

C1 C2 C1

OWSJ 2 C2 FB1 C2 FB1 OWSJ 2

OWSJ 2 OWSJ 2

OWSJ 2 OWSJ 2
FB2

FB2

FB2

FB2
OWSJ 2 OWSJ 2

OWSJ 2 OWSJ 2

OWSJ 2 C2 OWSJ 2 C1
C1 C2 FB1 C2 FB1
OWSJ 3 (17390)

OWSJ 3
FB2

OWSJ 3
FB2

OWSJ 3

OWSJ 3

C1 FB1 C2 FB1 C2 FB1 C2 FB1 C1

FB2

FB2

FB1

FB - Floor Beam
First Floor Structural Plan
C - Column
OWSJ - Open Steel Web Joist 1:150
26
2.0 Modified Orthographic and Structural Drawings

FB1(152x152) C1 FB1 C1 FB1 C1

C1(203X203) OWSJ 4 (13016)

OWSJ 4
FB2(152x152)

OWSJ 4

OWSJ 4

OWSJ 4

C1 FB1
C1 C1
OWSJ 1 (8644)

HD1 (3800)
OWSJ 1 OWSJ 2 (4270)

HD1
OWSJ 1 OWSJ 2
FB2

FB2
OWSJ 1 OWSJ 2

OWSJ 3 (17390)

OWSJ 3
C1 C1
C1

OWSJ 3

OWSJ 3

OWSJ 3
FB2

FB2
OWSJ 3

OWSJ 3
C1 C1
OWSJ 3

OWSJ 3

OWSJ 3
FB2

FB2

OWSJ 3

OWSJ 3

C1 C1
OWSJ 3

OWSJ 3

OWSJ 3
FB2

FB2

OWSJ 3

OWSJ 3

OWSJ 3
C1 FB1 C1 FB1 C1 FB1 C1 FB1 C1

FB - Floor Beam Reflected Roof Structural Plan

C - Column 1:150
OWSJ - Open Steel Web Joist
HJ - Header Joist 27
2.1 Modification
2.1.1 Foundation
Foundation is the substructure supports that helps to transfers the loads to earth and
prevent the movement of the structural system.

Foundation Piling Pad Foundation

Type

Building Usually use to support heavy load Usually use for residential buildings
Type building such as : High rise building

Soil Applied on soft soil condition Applied on firm soil condition

Condition

Excavation Deeper excavation and higher Less excavation and material

material consumption needed

Cost & Time Higher Cost and longer time of Lower cost and shorter period time
period of construction of construction

Pad foundation is selected as the foundation for the building as it is sufficient to support the
building at such height. Also, the dead load of superstructure is not heavy.

Types : Square footing

Dimension: 700mm x 700mm x 300mm

Pad Foundation

500

300

700 700

Ground Floor Structural Plan Pad Footing

Pad footing can enhance the rigidity and stability of the building as the foundation acts as the
anchor of the building. By comparing with other foundation types, pad footing is more
economic as it costs lesser, does not require long construction period, lesser excavation and
materials needed for the construction. Hence, it is more suitable for the building.

28
2.1 Modification
2.1.2 Ground Floor Structural System

Slab
To provide flat surfaces in building floors. It may be supported by walls, beams, columns or
ground.

In Situ Concrete Slab

Type One-Way Slab Two-Way Slab

Building Type Usually used in ratio of longer Usually used in low rise and high
span to shorten span is greater rise building
than two : Low rise building

Strength Supported on two opposite sides Supported on all four sides

Structural Action Works in one direction Works in both direction

Two-way slab construction is used due to its stability as it supports by beams and columns on
all four sides. It distribute loads through all the beams instead of two beams only.

Type : Two-Way Slab

Dimension : 3873mm x 4600mm

Depth : 101.6 mm (min.)

Two-way slab

Ground Floor Structural Plan

29
2.1 Modification
2.1.2 Ground Floor Structural System

Steel Column Timber flooring

Cast in R.C. slab

Pad Footing

Ground Beam

Two-way slab is chosen due to its high strength and durability as the building material used is
reinforced concrete. The load bearing for ground floor slab is larger than that of first floor level
and roof level, which the structural action is one of the main factor to be considered.

Type : R.C. Beam

Dimension : 500mm x 350mm

Length (Ground Beam 1) : 3873mm

Length (Ground Beam 2) : 4600mm

Ground Floor Structural Plan

30
2.1 Modification
2.1.3 Columns

Type Hollow Steel Sections (HSS) H-Column

Rigidity Higher flexibility, easier to Harder to change shape due to its

customize section

Load Capacity Lower strength, normally used for Higher strength due to the
aesthetic purposes thickness of the center web

Cost Lowest cost among all types of Higher cost compared to other
vertical structural members types of vertical member due to its
weight

H-column are used as the rigidity and strength of it is the highest among the vertical
structural members which the columns needs to support most of the load. It is also economic
due it needs lesser maintenance.

Type : H-column

Dimension: 203mm x 203mm

Height (Column 1) : 8165mm

Height (Column 2) : 5035mm

203 203

First Floor Structural Plan

1/2

H - Column

Ground Floor Structural Plan

31
2.1 Modification
2.1.4 Steel Beams

Type H-Beam I-Beam

Connection Strong in connecting bolts and Weaker in connecting bolts and

other components due to its other components due to the
widened flat flange inclined flange

Strength Good at withstanding stresses Good at withstanding tensile and

including torsional stress compressive stress, but weak at
torsional stress

Direction of Can withstand two directions of Can only bear force from one
Force forces direction

H-beam is chosen as it has higher lateral stiffness and bending resistance, which increases its
materiality strength. It is also lighter and cheaper than I-beam under same specifications due to
it have a better section mechanical properties than I-beam.

Type : H-beam

Dimension : 152mm x 152mm

Length (Floor Beam 1) : 5092mm

Length (Floor Beam 2) : 4169mm

First Floor Structural Plan

1/2

152
152

H - Beam

Reflected Roof Structural Plan

32
2.1 Modification
2.1.5 Steel Open Web Joist System
2.1.5.1 First Floor Structural System

Type Steel Beam Open Web Steel Joist (OWSJ)

Building Type Usually used to support heavy Usually used for residential
load building such as : High rise buildings
building

Load Capacity Higher load capacity Lower load capacity

Cost Higher cost and longer period of Lower cost due to its lightweight
construction properties.

Open web joist system is selected due to its economical aspect as the cost is lower and the
period of time to install the system is shorter compared to other types of structural members.
The lightweight properties of the system is beneficial as it will not produce too much dead
load to the columns and foundation system. Although the load capacity of OWSJ is lower
compared to steel beam, the lightweight of the timber decking results in the inconsideration of
load capacity.

Type: K-Series open-web steel joist

Dimension: Spacing of joist: 830mm

Bearing length: 65mm

First Floor Structural Plan

Depends

17220

220

K - Series open-web steel joist

Reflected Roof Structural Plan

33
2.1 Modification
2.1.5 Steel Open Web Joist System
2.1.5.2 Roof Structural System

Type : Header Joist

Thickness : 132.4mm

Reflected Roof Structural Plan

3800

132.4

Header Joist

Header Joist is used for the opening of the roof open web steel joist system. Its function is to
create another pathway for load distribution while maintaining the strength and the rigidity
of the roof structural system.

34
2.1 Modification
2.1.6 First Floor Slab Modification
Modification #1 : All the timber slabs are aligned to the structural members to ensure the
stability of the building and safety of the users.

Existing
Modified

First Floor Plan (Modified)

Modification #2 : The location of the balcony is moved to be aligned with the grid system of the
building to provide support and stability to the balcony, as well as to minimise the
cantilevered area.

Existing
Modified
First Floor Plan (Modified)

Modification #3 : Staircase of the building is aligned to the grid system to lay on the beam of
the building to optimize the stability and the rigidity of the staircase.

Modification
Beam
35
First Floor Plan (Modified)
2.1.7 Building Material: Timber
Timber is utilized in the construction industry in Malaysia. It is economical as it can be
installed efficiently, save time, labour and cost without having the need to rent heavy
equipment for installation. Timber has high load-bearing capacity (strength), treated with
waterproofing, termite-proof that which permits it to be qualified as structural outdoor materials
since it can withstand high level of dead load, dynamic load, rainwater and insects. The choice
of type of timber is listed below:

1. Engineered Wood Flooring:

● Made up of layers where the top layer is 100% natural wood, which comes in variety of
species. The natural wood lays on top of 5 - 7 layers of high quality plywood
crisscrossing in different directions.
● The highly stable core is engineered to shift, expand, or contract when exposed to
humidity, moisture and temperature.

2. Solid Hardwood Flooring:

● Known for its authenticity, timeless and durability.
● Constructed of 100% hardwood.

Engineered Wood Flooring Solid Hardwood Flooring

Thickness, Typically between 3-7mm, thicknesses of up Thickness typically is 20mm. Plank

width to 15mm are available with plank sizes width begins at 127mm and can go
starting at 127mm wide. up to 280mm wide.

Pre-finished / Mostly pre-finished. Mostly pre-finished.

site-finished

Installation Have greater range of installation methods Lower range of installation

that are easier than that of solid hardwood methods, usually nailed or stapled
flooring: 1) Nail-down floor, 2) Glue-down down.
floor, 3) Floating floor

Durability Durable, as it holds up moisture, temperature, Durable if well laminated. Not

and humidity. Its plywood base is
dimensionally stable, when contact with
moisture than solid hardwood, but can
become de-laminated and if stressed beyond
normal condition as it’s layer of wood is thin.
designed to hold up excessive
moisture. Site-finished hardwood
flooring has a sealed top layer to
resist some moisture.

Cost Tends to be less expensive than solid .

hardwood flooring.

36
2.1.7 Building Material: Timber

Proposal on the type of timber flooring : Acacia Engineered Wood Flooring

Acacia Wood Flooring

Engineered wood flooring with a thickness of 16mm is chosen because due to its ability to
reduce moisture problems associated with conventional hardwood. This increases the strength
of the timber itself, hence indirectly improves the safety measure of the structural system.
Engineered wood flooring is economical as it is less expensive than most hardwood, will not
warp, hence decreasing its needs of maintenance.

Acacia, also named as Big Leaf Acacia or Malaysian Acacia, is originated from Malaysia. Due
to its good quality and beauty, it is preferred by the market. Acacia wood has a Janka rating
hardness of 1100lb -1790lb, which offers a high average Janka rating. Its ability to resist decay
makes it durable, if untreated without any coatings, it can last up to 40 years.

37
3.0 Load Distribution
3.1 Roof Structure Load Distribution

Reflected Roof Structural Plan

1. Adding open web steel joist system as the supporting to the roof, which helps the hold the
corrugated steel roof covering. At the same time, it helps to enhance the strength of the roof
structure by transferring the live load (rain and wind) to the lower level through the columns.

38
3.0 Load Distribution
3.2 First Floor Load Distribution

First Floor Structural Plan

2. Open Web Steel joists act as secondary beams, which transfer the live load and dead load
from the floor to the primary beams (H Section Beam). By installing the beam system on the
first floor, the amount of columns can be decreased, which helps to decrease the cost of the
building in contrast with the rigidity of the building. The H Column will transfer the load from
the roof and beam to the ground level.

39
3.0 Load Distribution
3.3 Ground Floor Load Distribution

Ground Floor Structural Plan

3. After adding foundation and ground beams, the load distribution of the building are more
completed. The ground beams can impart lateral stability and transfer the force horizontally
at the same time. Pad footings help to transfer the load from the superstructure to the
supporting soil and hold the position of the column.

40
3.0 Load Distribution
3.4 Vertical Load Distribution

Section A

After modification, the load distribution of the building is completed. Open steel web joist
system transfers the load from the building to the vertical support, the columns then transfer the
load to the earth through the the foundation. Good load distribution system can increase the
durability of the whole structural system.

41
4.0 Conclusion

As an overall conclusion, we are able to identify the suitability of the existing structural
design. The main issues for the structure are safety, economy, optimization, strength, stability
and rigidity. Safety issues that had been brought up is the inappropriate size of the columns,
lack of structural support, unsuitable type of foundation, the overextended cantilevered area
and coating for timber flooring was not consider properly in the design. Moreover, economy
issues are insufficient beams and using of expensive material for the floor deck. In addition,
another important issue is optimization which cylindrical walls was design and improper
arrangement of columns. Further, as for the strength and stability the main problem is by
choosing the inaccurate material and lack of structural support system. We also know that
this design is lacking of foundation and beams.

The modifications made were based on the issues addressed. Foundation that suitable
for this structure is pad foundation. As for the ground floor structural system we proposed to
have in situ concrete slab and ground beam. The proposed columns and beams that we
chose is H-column and H-Beam. Steel open web joist system is used for the first floor
structural system and roof structural system. Floor slab modification is also one of the crucial
part of this structure.

Main purpose of the modifications are to enhance safety, economy by decreasing the
cost and period of construction, optimization by fully utilising the capability of the structural
members, strength by using stronger and harder building materials, stability and rigidity of the
structural support system. Throughout this report, we understand that every parts of the
structure should be taken into consideration as part of the design scheme.

42
5.0 Reference

Foundation in construction - Wikiversity. (2018). Retrieved from

https://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Foundation_in_construction

Designing a Concrete Pad Foundation. (2018). Retrieved from

https://www.istructe.org/getattachment/98c7f9ac-499b-4857-9dae-15096ba485c5/TGN7-2.pdf

Types of Foundations in Building Construction. (2018). Retrieved from

http://www.understandconstruction.com/types-of-foundations.html

Pile Foundations | Types of Piles | Cassions. (2018). Retrieved from

http://www.understandconstruction.com/pile-foundations.html

What is Pad Foundation? Design Principles,Types and Selection. (2018). Retrieved from
https://theconstructor.org/geotechnical/pad-foundation-design-principles-types-selection/7514/

Universal Beams - Rainham Steel. (2018). Retrieved from

http://www.rainhamsteel.co.uk/products/universal-beams

Rc II two_way_slabs. (2016). Retrieved from

https://www.slideshare.net/Khawwam/rc-ii-twowayslabs

Engineer’s Notebook(2018). Retrieved from

https://www.structuremag.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/C-EngrNotebook-Antiquated9a-Stuart
-June-091.pdf

Francis D.K Ching- Building Construction Illustrated (2014). Building construction illustrated. New
Jersey: John Wiley & Sons Inc.

Guidelines for two-way concrete system | BSBG | Brewer Smith Brewer Group. (2018). Retrieved
from https://bsbgltd.com/blog/guidelines-for-two-way-concrete-flooring-system/

Timber for Construction in Malaysia | Building Material Malaysia | Buy and Sell with us |
Aathaworld Sdn Bhd. Retrieved from
https://www.aathaworld.com/single-post/TimberSupplierMalaysia

See How Engineered Flooring Is Better Than Solid Hardwood. Retrieved from
https://www.thespruce.com/pros-of-engineered-wood-flooring-1821641

Deciding Between Hardwood and Laminate Flooring: Which Is Better? - coswick.com. Retrieved
from
https://www.coswick.com/blog/deciding-between-hardwood-and-laminate-flooring-which-is-better
/

43