Open AccessThe Effect of Service Installations on Structural Integrity of Slabs in Buildings
Author(s) -
Ladislaus Lwambuka
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
tanzania journal of engineering and technology/tanzania journal of engeering and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1821-536X
pISSN - 2619-8789
DOI - 10.52339/tjet.v33i1.450
Subject(s) - electrical conduit , load bearing , structural integrity , structural engineering , structural element , service (business) , bearing capacity , structural system , engineering , size effect on structural strength , reinforced concrete , civil engineering , slab , mechanical engineering , business , marketing
In building construction industry service installations, usually housed in conduit pipes, are commonly mounted inside reinforced concrete structural elements. This practice is adopted to attain aesthetical outlook at both interior and exterior surfaces of the buildings. Depending on the extent of service installations, the cross sectional area of the load bearing structural member is substantially reduced. However, the current structural design guidelines have no provision to accommodate the extent to which the existence of conduit pipes impairs the load bearing capacity of the structural element though reduced cross sectional area. This study has attempted to address this gap in structural design ofbuildings; it involves assessing the current design practice of considering a structural element as a full solid body and comparing its ultimate load bearing capacity with the ones containing the conduit pipes. The study findings are based on test results from laboratory experiments on reinforced concrete slab models with varying intensity of conduit pipeinstallations as commonly practiced on construction sites. Recommendations are put forth when and how to consider the reduced load bearing capacity through the existence of service installations as part of structural engineering designs.