Design Proposal for a Visitor Center - Essay Example

The longest span is 15.0 meters. The ground floor plan illustrates the configuration of the beams and columns supporting the ground floor slab. The lecture rooms and exhibition space are only framed by the columns externally. There are 18 footings in all. In this scheme, piles are used to support the foundation or pile cap. Considering that the terrain is a pond, the piles are designed such that the loads from the footings are transmitted to the underlying strata with enough bearing capacity to support the load without settlement. Notice that all columns are within the wall perimeter, both internal and exterior walls. Since all exterior walls shall be of glazing, it would be aesthetically appropriate to have the glazing occupy the full width of a span and then be split into two with a central column.

As mentioned previously, the footings will convey the loads to the piles which in turn are supported by rigid strata. Lateral loads (wind, ground movement) are countered by beams connected to the columns. The only beams inclined from the horizontal are the roof beams that support the grass roof. The structure in this scheme is fairly stable as long as the beams are of adequate size and the beam-to-column connections are sufficiently anchored to each other. The only issue would be the stability of the foundation, thus a comprehensive geotechnical study has to be done to determine the most suitable type of foundation.

Building services are easily accommodated as evident in the illustrated section and ceiling-to-floor height.

Scheme 2 is the same as Scheme 1. The only difference is the inclusion of intermediate beams to support the slabs. This would give rise to the use of smaller members. 

The effect on the overall structure is that of rigidity. More members would negate the translation or movement in the framing.

Likewise in this scheme, building services are accommodated adequately.

Scheme 2 is recommended for the proposed structure. The addition of intermediate beams to support the slab would translate to a reduction in the size of the members. Although more columns can be introduced in the structure, it may not be economical for the reason that more foundations must be made to support it. However, more columns would result in fewer loads carried by each footing, there is the danger of differential settlement to deal with. Ultimately, an extensive geotechnical study must be conducted to determine the best foundation in this case. When the type of foundation is determined, the structural framing can then be designed to suit the type of foundation whether be it a pile or mat foundation which almost is the case for small bearing capacities typical of soft soils. The structure shall have bigger girders (column-to-column) beams and smaller intermediate beams.