UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS/PROJECT

April 2024

PEC3603

Project Based Learning

Welcome to DCM2601

Lecturer name: Mr TJ Doda

Internal Moderator: Mr B Verhoek

External moderator: Dr N Sawyerr

Due Date: 30 August 2024

Total marks: 100

Number of pages: 14 Including the cover page.

Instructions:

This is an individual project, Plagiarism is strictly prohibited.

Additional student instructions

1. Students must upload their answer scripts in a single PDF file (answer scripts must not be
password protected or uploaded as “read only” files)
2. Incorrect file format and uncollated answer scripts will not be considered.
3. NO emailed scripts will be accepted.
4. Students are advised to preview submissions (answer scripts) to ensure legibility and that
the correct answer script file has been uploaded.
5. Only the last answer file uploaded within the stipulated submission duration period will be
marked.
6. Mark awarded for incomplete submission will be the student’s final mark.
7. Mark awarded for illegible scanned submission will be the student’s final mark.
8. Submissions will only be accepted from registered student accounts.
9. Students suspected of dishonesty will be subjected to disciplinary processes. Students
may not communicate with any other person or request assistance from any other person.
Plagiarism is a violation of academic integrity and students who plagiarise, copy from
published work or Artificial Intelligence Software (eg ChatGPT) or online sources (eg
course material), will be in violation of the Policy on Academic Integrity and the Student
Disciplinary Code and may be referred to a disciplinary hearing. Unisa has a zero tolerance
for plagiarism and/or any other forms of academic dishonesty.
10. Submissions made after the official due date will be rejected according to the examination
regulations and will not be marked. Only communication received from your myLife account
will be considered.
11. Non-adherence to the processes for uploading assessment responses will not qualify the
student for any special concessions or future assessments.
12. Queries that are beyond Unisa’s control include the following: a. Personal network or
service provider issues.
b. Load shedding/limited space on personal computer
c. Crashed computer

Open Rubric
d. Non-functioning cameras or web cameras
e. Using work computers that block access to the myExams site (employer firewall challenges)
f. Unlicensed software (eg license expires during exams)

13.Students suspected of dishonest conduct will be subjected to disciplinary processes. UNISA has
a zero tolerance for plagiarism and/or any other forms of academic dishonesty.

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THE STEEL DESIGN PROJECT: INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE

Introduction
The design project forms part of the Project Based Learning (PBL) component of PEC3603.
It provides students with a valuable opportunity to learn on a “real project” and apply
design and analysis knowledge and skills in structural project. At the end of the course a
neat set of drawings and calculations must be handed in and will be evaluated.

Typical GLASS CLADDING

PICTORIAL VIEW
A client, LyMa Cosmetics, has commissioned you to design a double storey building for office
space (administrative headquarters).

From the discussions with the client and the architect, the following decisions were made:
• A single building, built with concrete columns and slabs, masonry walls on the 3 sides of
the building(except for the façade of the building, where both ground and first floor are to
have steel columns and glass panels. the concrete columns are only found on the ground
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 floor, on the 3 sides of the building (not on the façade). The steel columns on the façade
extend to the first floor up to the roofing, and thus the slab can be used as a bracing
mechanism for these. Alternatively, or additionally, further bracing can be introduced if
necessary, using aesthetically pleasing steel struts. Masonry on the 3 sides of the buildings
first floor (no masonry on the façade) is considered loadbearing and, hence needs to be
designed. Partitions on the ground floor are made of normal gypsum drywall. Since there
are no concrete columns on the first floor, some of the internal walls must be load-bearing.
The roof structure is to be Tuscan roof, using clay roof tiles and timber trusses There will
be roof insulation. 2 sets of stairs are to be also included, one made of concrete and the
other made of steel.
• The ground floor of the building (also referred to as the ‘first half’ will be clad using
masonry. However, the masonry on the first floor should be considered as load-bearing. A
book named: Structural Concrete Masonry – A Design Guide, by FS Crofts and JW Lane
should be helpful as self-study. Any other relevant material could also suffice. The use of
hollow blocks is encouraged. The mortar class and reinforcement requirements will depend
on your loading calculations.
• The façade of the building (both storeys) will be clad using glass panels with a minimum
of ½ inch thick glass. It is upon you to source out a suitable design, based on what is
currently available on the market (thus some research needs to be done).
• The building allows for any reasonable shape that you propose. The required floor square
meter is 500 – 550 m2 with the ground and first floor having either identical floor sizes, or
not far off (the difference in floor space from ground to first floor, if any, should not exceed
100 m2). The angle for the Tuscan roof should be taken as 26 degrees.
• The roof is Tuscan with a minimal overhang at eaves. There is access to the roof. A ceiling
is fitted on both floors of the building.
• The building is situated in Maganagobuswa, Siyabuswa in Mpumalanga.
• The concrete slab proposed is a 170 mm flat slab (everything included e.g. screed,
waterproofing and paint). Make necessary assumptions as to the slab connection, though
make sure that all your assumptions are explained and justified. A minimum headroom
of 4 m is required underneath the ground floor. Floor height for the first floor should
be around 3 – 3.2 m (from the floor to the ceiling). The first floor of the building will be
partitioned. A ceiling of weight 0.4 kN/m2 will be provided and both floors.
• Columns (concrete and steel) are allowed at a maximum of 4 m spans. The site is level in
all directions, with the natural ground level at about 900 mm below the ground floor slab.
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• The bearing capacity of the ground is 250KPa.

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You will need to:

a. Initially, draw a line diagram preliminary layout of this building, based on your
assumed shape, notwithstanding floor size requirements. Set out the preliminary
calculations on a standard engineering calculation sheet and draw the layout on A4
sheets to scale 1:200.
b. Eventually, draw a general arrangement drawing – giving adequate details on A3
sheets to suitable scales (e.g. 1:200 and 1:20. This drawing will be the final design and
will be handed in together with your calculations. See Notes on Structural Drawings
on the next page.

Notes on Structural Drawings:

1. Drawings are vital tools of communication for engineers. They must, therefore, be
clear, comprehensive and attractive.
2. The title block should contain your name, the date, course number/code, project name,
scale and title (and project number) of the drawing.
3. All views in structural drawings should be upright (e.g. plan and sections) and the
writing horizontal, wherever possible.
4. Adequate description, labelling, annotation and dimensioning should be given, even if
it means considerable repetition.
5. Use only mm for dimensioning and give complete runs of dimensions, preferably
written outside views.
6. Be specific in describing dimensions, e.g. 36 000 overall, 14 000 c/c, 4 000 clear, 2 500
inside, 50 diameter, etc.
7. Show the details at a section boldly, and the background faintly. A section need not be
straight but may be staggered to show more.
8. Show and label each section clearly on different views for cross-referencing.
9. Show and mark an axis of symmetry where relevant – in particular, if only one-half of
a symmetrical view is drawn.
10. Sketch in some of the peripheral details such as adjacent structures, the ground level,
the foundations, NORTH, etc. to orientate the views (adjacent parts could be dotted).
11. Indicate where the site joints are in large components which are to be assembled on site.
13. The roof and side cladding must be specified properly: make, material, gauge or
thickness.

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14. The material used in the structure must be specified, e.g. Grade 350 W hot rolled steel,
140 thick hollow block unit, etc.
15. Specified scales are provided as guidelines, thus deviating from them is not a problem,
however, the drawings must be clear.

Example of Title Box

Course: Code:
Project:
Drawing: Scale:
Drawing No. Reviewed by:
Designer: Signed:
Date: Sheet of:

I. PRELIMINARY STRUCTURAL DESIGN/GENERAL ARRANGEMENT

Carry out a preliminary structural design of this building.

The preliminary design at this moment should only consist of the following drawings:
Ground and first level floor Plan: showing proposed shape, general dimensions, and typical
space usage.
Sectional View: of the typical building with height measurements.

Please Note:
a) The design process is still in its preliminary phase and the section sizes and dimensions
have not yet been determined and can therefore not be indicated in the drawing.
b) The drawings should give adequate details. This drawing will be used in subsequent design
calculations and will be handed in together with your calculations when requested. See
Notes on Structural Drawings.

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 II. WIND PRESSURE ON THE OFFICE BUILDING
1. Determine the wind pressures on the walls and roof of the administrative building
using the latest SABS loading standard (2011 standard or newer. DO NOT USE THE
1989 standard, as the basic wind speeds have been adjusted since)
a) Calculate the maximum nominal wind pressures by combining outside and
inside pressures on the roof and all sides of the building, for the wind blowing
in two perpendicular directions.
b) Use the location provided to find the altitude of the area above sea level, as this
will be required in your calculations. Bear in mind your opening assumption and
reflect on the final drawings to be submitted.
2. Using the values of the wind pressure that you have already calculated (in 1. above),
determine the extreme total wind loads (in kN/m) that would act on:
a. The roof
b. Load-bearing wall.

III. LOAD TAKE DOWN AND LOAD COMBINATIONS

The task is to perform load takedown for all possible loading scenarios. All the possible loads
are to be clearly stated. Most of the loads are referenced as pressure (i.e. kN/m2). These can be
added in the same format, and only later converted to kN/m, or kN as required. Below are
typical considerations for this to be done (this is to provide a guide, and not necessarily to be
copied without consideration).
a) Load Takedown
1. Foundation: Reinforced concrete strip footings or raft foundations, designed to support
the building's load-bearing walls and structural columns.
2. Superstructure:
• Structural Frame: Steel or reinforced concrete frames for structural stability
and flexibility in layout.
• Walls: Exterior walls made of insulated concrete blocks or brick masonry with
thermal insulation.
• Floor Slabs: Reinforced concrete slabs for strength and durability, with
provisions for underfloor heating or cooling systems.

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 • Roof: Steel/timber trusses or reinforced concrete beams supporting a
lightweight roofing system, such as metal sheets or composite panels with
insulation for energy efficiency.
3. Facade:
• Cladding: Masonry wall. Finished in a combination of painting and bare-facing
bricks for a modern aesthetic appearance.
• Glazing: Double-glazed or low-emissivity (low-e) glass windows for natural
light, with shading devices to minimize solar heat gain.
4. Interior Finishes:
• Flooring: Porcelain tiles or vinyl flooring for durability and easy maintenance.
• Ceilings: Suspended acoustic ceiling tiles for sound absorption and aesthetic
appeal.
• Walls: Gypsum board partitions for interior walls with paint or wallpaper
finishes.
• Doors: Solid core wooden or metal doors for security and fire resistance.
5. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning):
• HVAC System: Energy-efficient HVAC system with zoning capabilities for
temperature control in different areas.
• Ductwork: Insulated ducts to minimize heat loss or gain.
• Vents: Adjustable air vents for individual comfort control.
6. Electrical and Lighting:
• Wiring: Conduit wiring for safety and ease of maintenance.
• Light Fixtures: LED lighting fixtures for energy efficiency and adjustable
illumination levels.
• Switches and Outlets: Standard electrical switches and outlets compliant with
local regulations.
7. Plumbing:
• Piping: PVC or CPVC pipes for water supply and drainage.
• Fixtures: Water-efficient faucets, toilets, and urinals to minimize water
consumption.
• Water Heating: Solar water heating system or energy-efficient electric water
heaters.
8. Accessibility Features:
• Ramps: ADA-compliant ramps for wheelchair access.
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 • Elevators: Elevators equipped with Braille buttons and audible announcements.
• Accessible Restrooms: Spacious and fully accessible restrooms with grab bars
and low-height fixtures.
Indeed some of the loading can be estimated from the standard. Make use of SANS10160 for
this case.

b) Load Combinations
Load combinations are essential in building design to ensure that structures are adequately
designed to withstand various potential loading conditions that may occur during their lifetime.
These combinations are specified by building codes and standards to account for the
simultaneous occurrence of different types of loads that a structure may experience. Here's how
load combinations are typically used in building design:
1. Determining Design Loads: Load combinations are used to calculate the maximum
design loads that a structure will likely experience. These loads include dead loads
(permanent loads due to the weight of the structure itself and fixed components), live
loads (temporary loads due to occupancy, furniture, snow, etc.), wind loads, seismic
loads, and other environmental loads.
2. Consideration of Load Cases: Load combinations consider different load cases that
can occur simultaneously or independently. For example, a building may experience
maximum loads from wind gusts along with maximum live loads during a specific
occupancy scenario.
3. Factor of Safety: Load combinations apply different load factors to various load types
based on their probability of occurrence and level of uncertainty. For instance, dead
loads typically have a higher load factor than live loads since they are permanent and
more predictable.
4. Analysis and Structural Design: Engineers use load combinations in structural
analysis and design to ensure that the structural elements, such as beams, columns,
slabs, and foundations, can safely support the applied loads. By combining different
loads with appropriate load factors, engineers determine the most critical loading
conditions that govern the design.
5. Compliance with Building Codes: Building codes and standards provide specific load
combinations that must be considered during structural design to ensure compliance
with safety requirements. These codes are based on extensive research, historical data,

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 and engineering principles to establish reliable load combinations for different regions
and types of structures.
6. Optimization of Structural Systems: Load combinations help engineers optimize
structural systems by identifying the most critical loading conditions. By analysing
various load combinations, engineers can determine the most efficient sizes and
configurations of structural elements while ensuring safety and minimizing material
usage.
Overall, load combinations play a crucial role in building design by ensuring that structures are
robust, safe, and capable of withstanding the diverse and complex loading conditions they may
encounter throughout their service life.

IV. CLADDING SYSTEM: Roof and Side Cladding (IV and V)

1. Ascertain what your assigned masonry and glass wall specifications are for the Design
Project. Thus source required information, for instance, from the manufacturer
catalogue.
2. Assume reasonable openings in the building, making sure that opening arrangements
do not contravene standard requirements.
3. Allow the horizontal distance of the roof overhang at the eaves of about 300 - 450
mm.
4. Work out the width and length of the maximum, “tributary area” normal to the roof
slope, for one of the interior purlins – i.e. not the top or bottom one. Finally, calculate
this “tributary area” in m2.
5. Design the timber members of the truss. Use a maximum of 2 sizes of timber.

Step 1: Decide on the Truss System

Based on the number of purlins you have selected, decide on and state (sketch) the most
appropriate truss system for one half of the building.

Step 2: Design the truss members (timber)

a) Find the truss layout.
b) The purlins are multi-span. Find/select the preliminary section size.
c) Assuming the roof has insulation boards and felt sheets totaling 0.7 kN/m2, find dead
loads from clay tiles and purling (acting vertically).
d) The roof is considered accessible
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 e) Design the truss (i.e. check suitability of section choice) and specify the final member(s)
section.
f) You may need to visit your timber notes from the structural steel and timber design
class

The truss is made up of two rafters (top chords) and the bottom chord as well as other truss
members (some vertical members and some diagonal/inclined members, depending on the type
of truss).
1. Provide a sketch for the truss, indicating the dimensions
2. Assuming that the diagonal members are angle sections, propose/recommend appropriate
sections/members (shape and size) for the rafters (top chords) and the bottom chord. Take
into account that the diagonal members will be attached to them.
3. Prepare a neat, clear drawing (to a suitable scale on A4 paper) of the elevation of your
complete roof truss, showing all the following details: dimensions; member size and type
(for every member); and enlarged joint details.

Step 4: Design of the masonry wall

The section of the building with a truss roof has a ceiling fitted and attached to the hollow
blocks masonry wall. The ceiling is assumed to weight 0.4 kN/m2.
a) Based on the resultant loads derived during truss member design as well as the given
ceiling load (and any other declared loading) determine forces acting on the masonry
wall.
b) Use the load to design the required masonry wall, mortar class, reinforcement or not,
and concrete fill strength. Assume γm = 2.9. Make other necessary assumptions, and
make sure you state the assumptions. You are advised to use masonry hollow blocks,
however, you can still choose differently. As previously mentioned, a book named:
Structural Concrete Masonry – A Design Guide, by FS Crofts and JW Lane can be
helpful as self-study. Any other relevant material could also suffice.

VI. DESIGN OF COMPRESSION MEMBERS/COLUMN DESIGN

1. Design of both the concrete and steel columns with the largest compression load
Identify the internal member with the largest compressive force. Design these
members by selecting an appropriate member section (steel) and size (concrete –

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 use 30 MPa concrete) and checking its compressive capacity/strength in
relationship to the applied load.
2. Design of Middle Columns
If the reinforced concrete floor over the first half of the building is also supported
by middle columns (with the same spacing as the outside columns) design suitable
middle concrete columns.

VII. SLAB DESIGN (FLAT SLAB)

1. Design a typical connection of the slab (flat slab) to the structure. This means no beams
are required at the end of the slab. The concrete weighs ≈ 25.0 kN/m3. The imposed
live load on the floor is 5.0 kN/m2 in service. If you propose a different method, state
the method, and do the necessary calculations. Perform all necessary checks.

VIII. FOOTINGS
Design only 2 footings, 1 for both concrete and steel columns accordingly (worst
loaded). Soil bearing capacity is reported to be 250 kPa.

IX. DRAWINGS
1. Prepare final drawings of your design of the administrative building project using
suitable drawing software (e.g. AutoCAD or PROKON PADDS).

2. The general arrangement drawing should be on one A3 sheet to scale 1:200. It should
at least contain an elevation of the long side, a plan view, two cross-sectional views
(Ground and 1st-floor sections), and a title block. Give all major dimensions; scale;
and descriptions of major components including roof and side cladding; steel grades,
positions of site joints, etc.
3. The details should be drawn on a second A3 sheet, to suitable larger scales e.g., 1:20.
It should show the relevant structural details of joints of purlins, girts, roof truss, portal
frame, floor beam and column, etc.
4. Reminder that the scales provided act as a guide, whichever scale values used should
be reasonable, and the drawings should be clear.

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 X. BILL OF QUANTITIES
Provide a reasonable cost estimation of this project. Justify where necessary. Maximum
2 pages.

WRITING THE REPORT

i. Format
The report should be typed in 1½ line spacing, with at least 25 mm margins, using 10-point or
12-point typeface (12 pt preferred). Spelling should follow the Oxford Dictionary. Do not use
full stops after abbreviations or acronyms.
Type equations carefully and clearly, preferably in such a fashion that minor formatting
changes will not destroy the format of the equation.
Number all tables and figures, so that reference can be made to any specific one. Table headings
can be numbered for clarity if appropriate.
Use the spell checkers available with all word processor software, first setting the correct
language to "South African English". The default US (American) settings should be avoided.
If a grammar and language style check is available, use it once the first draft of the report has
been written and is being edited.

ii. General advice

When researching the literature, note the full reference details of every book and journal article,
including page numbers, so that these can be checked at any stage if and when additional
information is required. It is easier to delete a few references than to reread a book or a series
of journals while searching for specific information.

When performing an extended series of tests, do not leave the calculation of results till the end.
Complete the calculations during the testing and make sure that the results behave as expected.
If they don't, the testing procedures can be amended to eliminate spurious results. If calculation
is left to the end, a whole series of tests may have to be repeated or even abandoned.
Familiarize yourself with the design procedure, and make sure all sections are included in the
report (preliminary drawings, load take down, analysis, member design).
This project can be done using hand calculations or software usage, or a mixture of both. For
software calculations, no endless printing of software output, rather meaningful summary of output,
clearly highlighting members selected, loads involved, and design calculation outcomes (e.g.

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Bending moment clearly indicated to be OK). Take note to provide an elaborate load take-down
(preferably by hand, even if your analysis & design is done by software.

iii. Checking and editing

Editing is a process of critical evaluation and should include:
• accuracy: the report must be accurate and free from ambiguity and bias.
• brevity: irrelevant wording and unnecessary detail must be eliminated.
• clarity: the report must be easy to read, well-structured with a logical flow of statements
and ideas. Part of the logical flow is to ensure that the problem statement, analysis of the
data, discussions and conclusions are all about the same subject, that they hang together
and progress logically from one to the next.
• emphasis: attention must be drawn to significant information. This should not be left to
the reader but must form part of the report.

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