The HKIE Structural Examination – Written Examination 2023

Section 2: Design Questions

Date: 28 November 2023 (Tuesday)

Time: 12:15 pm – 6:15 pm
(Duration: 6 hours)

Question Paper

Seat number:

Answer ONE question only

NOTE

All rights are reserved on the examination questions by the HKIE and candidates are
prohibited to record the examination paper in any form or remove any pages from the
examination paper.
Question 1 Shopping Mall

Client’s Requirements

The following client’s requirements must be met:

1. A three-storey shopping mall is proposed at an open coastal area with ground level
+10mPD as shown in Figures.

2. The shopping mall shall be constructed in light weight material and enveloped by
transparent glass wall.

3. A 120m x 30m skylight is proposed at roof level, key structural arrangement of the
skylight should be integrated as part of the roof structure.

4. Zone A at ground floor is proposed to house superstore and /or for exhibition of heavy
lifting machines, minimum centre to centre column spacing for this area should not be
less than 20m. Other areas except Zone A at Ground floor, minimum column spacing
shall be 10m from centre to centre.

5. The requirements of the proposed shopping mall are listed as follows:

Floor Mark Usage Floor to Minimum Fire Finishes &

floor clear head resistance E&M
room (*) Rating Services
Zone
Roof Inaccessible N/A N/A N/A
1/F & 2/F Retail 7m 5m 2 hrs 0.7m
G/F Retail 11m 8m 2 hrs 0.9 m
(*) The minimum clear head room is the floor height clear of all structures, finishes &
E&M Services Zone

6. Footprint of the shopping mall is 220m in length and 85m in width.

7. All voids are to be cleared from any structural element.

8. A column free zone measuring 5m around the edge of the voids is to be provided.

9. The maximum allowable height of the building to the main roof is 25m.

10. There is an additional 5m structural zone next to and above the building main roof to
allow for discrete light weight steel structures such as steel post, stanchion, truss or
cables.

Page 1
Imposed Loads

11. Roof: 2kN/m2

Services on roof: 0.5kN/m2
Retail: 5KN/m2
Zone A at Ground floor: 10kN/m2
Finishes & E&M services (other floors): 3KN/ m2

Wind Loads

12. The wind loads shall be in accordance with the Code of Practice of Wind Effects in Hong
Kong 2019.

Site Conditions

13. +10mPD to 0mPD Loose fill, SPT N-value from <10

0m to -10mPD Medium Dense sand with SPT N-value from 10 to 50

-10m to -40mPD Completely decomposed granite, SPT N-value >200

Below -40mPD: Slightly to moderately decomposed moderately strong

rock of material weathering grade III or better, with total
core recovery greater than 85%

Ground water is encountered at 5m below ground level

Omit from Consideration

14. Detail design of staircase core

15. Second order and dynamic effects on the light weight roof

Section A

a. Prepare a design appraisal with appropriate sketches indicating two distinct and viable
solutions for the proposed shopping mall including two viable foundation schemes.
Clearly indicate the function framing, load transfer and stability aspects of each scheme
to meet all client’s requirements. Identify the solution you recommend and give reasons
for your choice.
(30 marks)

Page 2
b. Explain how the structure will resist wind load including detailed description of the
structural wind loads and design assumptions. Prepare detailed wind load calculations
for the proposed shopping mall.

For the purpose of estimating Along Wind Force WZ , Ze can be taken as Z (effective height
= actual height above ground level) and topographic adjustment not required. For the
preliminary assessment of major direction wind induced deflection and / or stability
check, the Along Wind Force could be multiplied by an overload factor of 1.4 to take into
account of the combination of the two orthogonal directions and torsional loads.
Torsional Force and Across Wind Base Moment could be ignored.
(10 marks)

Section B

For the solution recommended in Section A:

c. Prepare sufficient design calculations to establish the form and size of all the principal
structural elements including the foundation. In calculation of wind load,
considerations on torsional forces and cross-wind base moment and dynamic effect are
not required.
(20 marks)

d. Prepare foundation plan and framing plans for G/F, 1/F, 2/F and R/F with sufficient
sections and elevations to show the key dimensions, layout and disposition of the
structural elements and critical details for cost estimation purposes.
(25 marks)

e. Prepare a detailed method statement covering essential activities for the safe
construction of the shopping mall including foundation works.
(10 marks)

f. Prepare a detailed construction programme covering essential activities from

commencement of foundation to completion of structural works.
(5 marks)

Page 3
Figure 1 ROOF PLAN VIEW

Figure 2 2F PLAN VIEW

Page 4
Figure 3 1F PLAN VIEW

Figure 4 GF PLAN VIEW

Figure 5 SECTION A-A

Page 5
Question 2 Library Building

Client’s Requirements

The following client’s requirements must be met:

1. A multi-functional library building with double storey reading halls is to be constructed

within the New Territories area of Hong Kong. See Figures 1 to 6.

2. The building has 8 storey and overall plan dimension of 58m x 62m. It is to be built
over a two-level platform at +10mpd and +5mpd respectively. The two platforms are
separated by a 5m high existing retaining wall which to be remained.

3. The proposed use of the library building with the minimum headroom requirements
and fire resistance rating is listed as follows:

Floor Usage Minimum Fire Finishes & E/M

Mark Clear Resistance Services Zone
Headroom* (m) Rating (m)
Main Roof Inaccessible N/A N/A N/A
3/F – 7/F Library 3.6 2 hours 0.5
2/F – 7/F Reading Hall 8.0 2 hours 0.5
2-3/F Terraced Below +34 mPD 2 hours 0.5
Reading Hall
1/F Hall 5.0 2 hours 0.5
1/F Gallery Hall 7.0 2 hours 0.0
G/F Lobby/ Library 4.5 2 hours 0.5
LG1 Archives Office 3.6 2 hours 0.5
* The minimum clear headroom is the floor height clear of all structures, finishes and
building services.

4. The restrictions on the location of vertical structural elements are as follows:

Floor Mark Area Restrictions

G/F – 7/F Library, Hall, - Minimum columns centre to centre spacing
Lobby is 9.0m.
2/F – 6/F Reading Hall - Minimum columns centre to centre spacing
is 12.0m.
2-3/F Terraced - Minimum columns centre to centre spacing
Reading Hall is 12.0m.
1/F Gallery Hall - Column Free Zone
LG1 Archives Office - No restrictions.
* No restriction on spacing between column and service core.

Page 6
5. The main roof structure shall not be inverted.

6. For cantilever beam or structure (if any), maximum cantilever span to be less than 4.0m
from face of support.

Imposed Loads

7. The imposed loads shall be in accordance with the latest version of the Hong Kong
Code of Practice for Dead and Imposed Loads.

8. The imposed load for Library and Archives Office shall be Class 5 according to table 3.2
of the Code of Practice for Dead and Imposed loads. Specific use shall be “Stack
rooms in book stores and libraries”. Storage height can be taken as 3.6m.

Wind Loads

9. The wind loads shall be in accordance with the Code of Practice on Wind Effects in
Hong Kong 2019.

Site Conditions

10. Existing 5m high masonry retaining wall within site to be remained.

11. Ground conditions:

From +10mPD to +5mPD Lose Fill, SPT average N-value = 8 [Category 4(d)]Note 1

From +5mPD to -50mPD Medium dense sand, SPT average N-value = 25

[Category 4(c)]Note 1

From -50mPD to -60mPD Completely decomposed granite, SPT N-value > 200
[Category 3]Note 1

Below -60mPD Moderately decomposed granite with total core

recovery greater than 85% [Category 1(c) rock]Note 1

Note 1: Categories of soil/rock refer to Table 2.1 of Code of Practice for Foundation
2017.

12. The highest possible groundwater level is at existing ground surface

Omit from Consideration

13. Detailed layout and design of the structure of the service core.

14. Stability of existing mass retaining wall.

Page 7
Section A

a. Prepare a design appraisal with appropriate sketches including two distinct and viable
solutions for the proposed library building including one viable foundation scheme.
Indicate clearly the functional framing, load transfer and stability aspects of each
scheme to meet all client’s requirements. Identify the solution you recommend and
give reasons for your choice.
(30 marks)

b. Explain how the structure will resist wind load including detailed description of the
structural wind loads and design assumptions. Prepare a detailed wind load
calculation and stability checking for the proposed library building.

For the purpose of estimating Along Wind Force WZ, Ze can be taken as Z (effective
height = actual height above ground level) and topographic adjustment not required.
For the preliminary assessment of major direction wind induced deflection and/or
stability check, the Along Wind Force could be multiplied by an overload factor of 1.4 to
take into account of the combination of the two orthogonal directions and torsional
loads. Torsional Force and Across Wind Base Moment could be ignored.
(10 marks)

Section B

For the solution recommended in Section A:

c. Prepare design calculations to establish the form and size of all principal structural
elements for superstructure from G/F to 4/F including transfer structures, and critical
structures (if any).
(15 marks)

d. Prepare full dimensional framing plans for each 1/F, 2-3/F, 4/F and levels with transfer
and critical structures (if any).
(20 marks)

e. Prepare structural details for the principal structural elements from G/F to 4/F including
transfer and critical structures (if any), for cost estimation purpose.
(10 marks)

f. Prepare the design calculation for the building foundation.

(5 marks)

g. Prepare a preliminary foundation layout plan.

(5 marks)

h. Prepare an outline construction program covering essential activities from

commencement of foundation to the completion of structural works.
(5 marks)

Page 8
 G/F PLAN

Figure 1
Page 9
 1/F PLAN

Figure 2
Page 10
2 ~ 3/F PLAN

Figure 3
Page 11
 4/F PLAN

Figure 4
Page 12
 SECTION A-A

Figure 5
Page 13
 SECTION B-B

Figure 6
Page 14
Question 3 Community and Sports Centre

Client’s Requirements

The following client’s requirements must be met:

1. A new Community and Sports Centre is to be constructed in New Territories with a

building footprint of 48m x 52m. Three sides of the proposed development are
surrounded by public housing estates with a minimum height of 100m, whilst the
northern boundary is facing open terrain.

2. A three-level of basement is to be provided for loading/unloading area, plant rooms and

carparks. A ramp is located at the eastern boundary of the building.

3. The Community and Sports Centre provides two indoor basketball courts, a roof lawn
bowl green and multi-function rooms, together with the associated ancillary facilities
(offices, storage, café etc.).

4. Each basketball court measures 15m x 28m on plan, with a required clear headroom of
9m and a 4m space between them. A clear space (for clearance and passage) of 2m is
also required along the outer lines of the courts. (See Figure 1)

5. A spectators stand measuring 3m wide is to be accommodated surrounding the two

courts. No structures are permitted in and around the courts, including the clearance
spaces, and in obstruction of the spectators stand. However raking structures are
permitted from the 2nd floor as long as they do not violate the headroom requirement
for the basketball courts. (also see Figure 1)

6. For the planning of the multi-function rooms and the underground carpark, a minimum
centre to centre column spacing shall be 12m, except at the Entrance Hall on the ground
floor where a column free space of 15 x 24 m is required. (see Figure 2)

7. Lift/stair cores will be provided for access at the perimeter of the building, which will also
be used for housing the supporting utilities/facilities.

8. A vehicular ramp is to be provided at the Eastern boundary of the site (also see Figure 2).

9. A ventilation air duct with an overall dimension (size of the duct and insulation) of 2m x
4m is required along the perimeter of the sports hall in either a E-W or N-S direction. It
should be accommodated within the depth of the SMEP zone of the roof structure (see
Figure 3).

Page 15
10. The height at each floor is also shown in Figure 3.

11. A clear floor to ceiling height for the basement is 4.8m and 3.0m for the basement 1 and
basement 2 & 3 respectively while that for the ground and first floor are both 4.5m.

12. The following should be allowed for in the design of the Centre:

Floor Finishes Building Services/ Ceiling

1st Basement 50 mm 0.8m
2nd &3rd Basement 15mm 0.4m
Ground 100 mm 0.6m
First Floor 150mm raised floor 0.6m
Second Floor 100mm 0.8m (over the hall)
Roof 150mm Nil

Imposed Loads

13. The following imposed loadings should be adopted in the design. Others not specified
should be in accordance with the Hong Kong Code of Practice for Dead and Imposed
Loads 2011.
• Superimposed Dead Load – Basement (1.5KN/m²), Ground Floor (5.0KN/m²),
Second Floor (2.0KN/m²) and Roof (5.0KN/m²)
• Superimposed Live Load – First Basement (15.0KN/m²), 2nd and 3rd Basement
(4.0KN/m²), Ground Floor (10.0KN/m²), Sports hall and Roof (5.0KN/m²)

14. The wind load should be in accordance with Hong Kong Wind CoP 2019.

For the purpose of estimating along Wind Force WZ, Ze can be taken as Z (effective height
= actual height above ground level) and topographic adjustment not required.

For the preliminary assessment of major directional wind induced deflection and / or
stability check, the Along Wind Force could be multiplied by an overload factor of 1.4 to
take into account of the combination of the two orthogonal directions and torsional loads.

Torsional Force and Across Wind Base Moment could be ignored.

15. A deflection limit control of L/360 shall be maintained for the Live Load, whilst the limit
can be relaxed to L/240 for total loads on both Second Floor and the Roof.

16. Assumptions / Exclusions

• Design of lift / stair wells / 2M floor / basement floors

Page 16
Site Conditions

17. The generalised ground conditions are:

Depth Stratum Bulk Density SPT’N’ values

3
Ground level to Fill 18 kN/m 10 to 15
4m
4m to 15m Completely Decomposed Granite (CDG) 20 kN/m3 30 to 200
3
15 to 30m Completely Decomposed Granite (CDG) / 20 kN/m ≥ 200
Highly Decomposed Granite (HDG)
≥ 30m Slightly to moderately decomposed 25 kN/m3 UCS values =
moderately strong rock of material 25 to 40MPa
weathering grade III, with a total core
recovery of more than 85% of the grade.
The groundwater table is encountered at 2.0m below existing ground level.

Section A

a. Prepare a design appraisal with appropriate sketches including two distinct and viable
solutions for the ground, first, and second floor and roof, plus two viable foundation
systems. Clearly indicate the functional framings, load transfer and stability aspects of
each scheme. Identify the solution you recommend and give reasons for your choice.
(30 marks)

b. Explain how the building structure will resist wind load including detailed description of
the structural wind frame(s), design assumptions and how the uplift pressure, if any, in
the basement is resisted.
(10 marks)

Section B

For the solution recommended in Section A:

c. Prepare sufficient design calculations to establish the form and size of all the principal
structural elements including the foundations.
(20 marks)

d. Prepare general detailed structural framing plans (ground, first & second floor, roof and
basement/foundation) to show the dimensions, layout, disposition of the structural
elements. and critical structural details (including major beam penetrations, if any) for
estimating purposes.
(25 marks)

Page 17
e. Prepare sufficient details of the critical elements (columns, beams, transfer etc.) and
critical connections such as column/beam, column/slab connections etc.
(5 marks)

f. Prepare a detailed method statement for the construction of the basement structure
including any narratives, with emphasis on how ground movement and underground
water are controlled during construction.
(10 marks)

Page 18
FIGURE 1 - SECOND FLOOR LAYOUT

FIGURE 2 - GROUND FLOOR LAYOUT

Page 19
FIGURE 3 - SECTION

FIGURE 4 - DETAIL 'A'

Page 20
Question 4 Change of Use of an Existing Building

Client’s Requirements

The following client’s requirements must be met:

1. It is proposed to change the usage of the top four floors (14/F to 17/F) of an existing
office building from general use office to restaurant, and with other alterations on the
lower floors (G/F to 3/F). The existing building is eighteen storeys building located in the
urban of Hong Kong Island and constructed in 1990s. The framing plans and sections of
the existing building is indicated on Figures 1-4 of Q4.

2. The existing building is to be vacant for construction.

3. The proposed new plans and sections as shown in Figures 5-7 of Q4 and with the
following highlighted.

i) The top four floors (14/F – 17/F) is to be converted to three floors and the usage is
changed from office to restaurant.

ii) The floor-to-floor height of the restaurant floors is increased (as shown on Figures
6 and 7) and the floor area is extended.

iii) The staircases and lift cores are to be relocated.

iv) Between gridlines 1 to 2, a vehicle access at ground floor of 6 m clear width and
4.5m clear headroom is required.

v) The existing transformer room at ground floor is to be relocated to 1/F (of the new
plans).

vi) The new ground floor to first floor height is 6.5 m and with a minimum clear
headroom of 4.5m.

vii) The façade of the building facing road C (along gridline A and between gridlines 1-
5) is to be cladded with new curtain walls from 2/F and above.

viii) Except the existing columns of the existing building, no new internal column is
allowed from 1/F and above. The existing columns and beams may be strengthened
with suitable measures. New edge columns may be allowed but the column spacing
should not smaller than the existing columns along the same direction.

Page 21
4. The proposed use of the new building with the minimum clear headroom, finishes &
E&M services zone and fire resistance rating is listed as follows:

Floor Mark Usage Minimum Finishes, & Fire

Clear E&M Services zone Resistance
Headroom (m) Rating
* (m)
R/F Accessible roof/
Signage
13/F – 16/F Restaurant 3.0 0.2 120 mins
2/F – 12/F Office 2.5 N/A 120 mins
1/F E&M Plant room and 3.0 except N/A 120 mins
Transformer room, 3.5 for except 240
Restaurant transformer mins for
room transformer
room
G/F Access, Shop and 4.5 0.4 120 mins
Lobby
* The minimum clear headroom is the floor height clear of all structures, finishes,
and E&M Services.

5. Information of the existing building are given as follows.

Floor Mark Usage Designed Designed Fire

Imposed Superimposed Resistance
Load (kPa) Dead Load (kPa) Rating
R/F Inaccessible roof 0.75 2.0 120 mins
1/F – 17/F Office 3.0 2.0 120 mins
G/F Shops 5 3.0 120 mins
Foundation: Driven Steel H-Piles down to soil stratum with SPT N 200 and with a raft
cap.

Imposed Loads

6. The imposed loads shall be in accordance with the latest version of the Code of Practice
for Dead and Imposed Loads in Hong Kong, unless specified.

Wind Loads

7. The existing building was designed based on the Code of Practice on Wind Effects in Hong
Kong 1983.

Page 22
8. According to APP117 of Practice Notes for AP/RSE (PNAP), the structural adequacy of an
existing building or part thereof, as may be affected by proposed A&A works may,
subject to the following requirements, be checked according to the then prevailing
Building Regulations and codes of practice to which they were designed:
(a) Wind Calculations
In the case of A&A works involving:
i. partial or total removal of existing major wind resisting walls or frames, which
would result in a reduction in their stiffness by 5% or more, or
ii. the extension of building dimensions which would result in an increase of 10%
or more of the wind exposure areas of a building, the structural adequacy of
the building due to wind should be checked based on the current wind code
(Code of Practice on Wind Effects in Hong Kong 2004 or 2019)

Site Conditions

9. The site is located at Wan Chai Hong Kong and with flat ground level at +4.5mPD.

10. The site is a corner site bounded by two main roads on two opposite sides and a public
garden and an existing office building on the other two opposite sides.

11. Ground conditions are:

From +4.5mPD – +0mPD Loose Fill, SPT average N-value < 10

From +0mPD – -10mPD Medium dense sand, SPT average N-value = 30

From -10mPD – -20mPD Completely decomposed granite, SPT N-value > 200

Below -20mPD Moderately decomposed granite with total core

recovery greater than 85%

12. The highest measured groundwater level is at +3.0 mPD.

Omit from Consideration

13. Design for staircases, cladding, window systems, façade, protective barrier, and roof top
signboard is not required. However, the loading effect of these structures should be
considered.

14. Detailed layout and design of the non-structural elements inside the service core.

15. Detail design of foundation and pile caps is not required. However, an assessment on
the effect on the existing foundation is required.

Page 23
Section A

a. Given a brief account on the required items of structural alterations and additions works.
Prepare two distinct and viable solutions for the proposed alterations and additions
works for G/F to 1/F and 13/F to R/F (new floor mark) including viable schemes for
lateral and gravity loads stability and provide your key consideration. Clearly indicate
the functional framing, load transfer and stability aspects of each scheme to meet all
client’s requirements. Identify the solution you recommend and give reasons for your
choice.
(30 marks)

b. Give a brief assessment on the effects of the proposed alterations and additions works
and suggest strengthening solution if necessary for the following.
1) The relocation of existing transformer room.
2) The existing foundation system with consideration of any changes of gravity
loads and lateral wind loads.
(10 marks)

Section B

For the solution recommended in Section A:

c. Prepare sufficient design calculations to establish the form and size of all the principal
structural elements for superstructure, including transfer (if any) and critical structures.
(15 marks)

d. Prepare dimensional framing plans and sections for superstructure of G/F-1/F and
13/F-R/F (restaurant floors) to show the general arrangement of the structural
elements including transfer (if any) and critical structures.
(25 marks)

e. Prepare the structural details for the principal structural elements including transfer
(if any) , and critical structures and the new curtain walls system for estimating purposes.
(5 marks)

f. Prepare a detailed method statement for the construction of the A&A works including
removal of the existing structures.
(10 marks)

g. Prepare a detailed construction program covering essential activities from

commencement of all protection and precaution measures to completion of structural
works including the removal of the existing structures.
(5 marks)

Page 24
QUESTION Q4
FIGURE 1 - EXISTING G/F LAYOUT PLAN
Page 25
QUESTION Q4
FIGURE 2 - EXISTING TYPICAL FLOOR FRAMING PLAN (1/F-14/F) Page 26
QUESTION Q4
FIGURE 3 - EXISTING TYPICAL FLOOR FRAMING PLAN (15/F-R/F)
Page 27
QUESTION Q4
FIGURE 4 - SECTION X-X (EXISTING)
Page 28
QUESTION Q5
FIGURE 5 - PROPOSED G/F LAYOUT PLAN (A&A)
Page 29
QUESTION Q4
FIGURE 6 - SECTION X-X (PROPOSED A&A)
Page 30
QUESTION Q4
FIGURE 7 - SECTION Y-Y (PROPOSED A&A)
Page 31
QUESTION Q4
FIGURE 8 - EXSITING PILING LAYOUT PLAN
(FOR REFERENCE ONLY) Page 32
 QUESTION Q4
FIGURE 9 - EXSITING RC BEAM/SLAB DETAILS
(FOR REFERENCE ONLY)
Page 33
Question 5 Footbridge

Client’s Requirements

The following client’s requirements must be met:

1. A new naturally ventilated covered footbridge is proposed to run across an existing

Drainage Channel to provide access to an existing Government Centre directly for local
community from the east side of Drainage Channel. See Figure 1.

2. The footbridge is straight and will connect to an existing Government Centre at the west
end. No loading is allowed to transfer from the footbridge to the existing Government
Centre and an expansion joint is required at the interface. Lift and staircase will be
required at the east end. There would be provision of a link bridge over the no column
zone for future connection to the proposed commercial building.

3. Minimum clear headroom of footbridge is 3m, 300mm overhead services zone should
be allowed for in the design. Maximum width of staircase is 2.4m. Landing of length of
1.5m shall be required for every 12 steps. Column supports to the footbridge are
permitted only within amenity area and footpaths (excepted the No Column Zone).

4. The design of the structure should have a minimum and maximum longitudinal gradient
of 1.0% and 1.5% fall respectively to allow for drainage.

5. The existing Drainage Channel have provision for future decking for playground use
hence there is a restriction on footbridge soffit level. No column is allowed on top of any
location of existing Drainage Channel except the 2m allowable column zone. However,
temporary supports are allowed during dry days upon coordination with relevant
Departments. The highest water level in the Drainage Channel can be flooded to 500mm
below amenity areas (west side) in rainy and stormy days.

6. No columns should be located within 1.5m adjacent to the Drainage Channel nor within
0.6m adjacent to the road.

7. Closure of only one lane of road for construction is allowed each night between mid-
night and 6:00am.

8. The minimum requirements on clear headroom over proposed playground, footpaths,

and amenity area are as follows:

Location Minimum Clear Headroom (m)

Footpaths/Cycle Track 4.0

Amenity area 4.5

Road 5.1

Page 34
9. The construction is planned to complete in two and a half year.

Design Requirements

10. The structural design shall be in accordance with the latest version of the Structures
Design Manual for Highways and Railways published by the Highways Department of the
HKSAR Government.

Imposed Loads

11. The imposed loads shall be in accordance with the latest version of the Structures Design
Manual for Highways and Railways published by the Highways Department of the HKSAR
Government.

Wind Loads

12. The imposed loads shall be in accordance with the latest version of the Structures Design
Manual for Highways and Railways published by the Highways Department of the HKSAR
Government.

Site Conditions

13. The site is located at open area with Degree 3 of exposure to wind.

14. Ground conditions as revealed by the Ground investigation boreholes are:

From 0m to 2m Loose Fill, SPT N-value = 0 – 10 [Category 4(d)]Note 1

From 2m to 12m Medium dense soil, SPT N-value = 10 – 40 [Category 4(c)]Note 1

From 12m to 20m Very dense soil, SPT N-value > 50 [Category 4(d)]Note 1

20m and below Moderately decomposed granite with total core recovery >85%
[Category 1(c)]Note 1

Groundwater is encountered at 5m below ground level (East Side).

Note 1: Categories of soil/rock refer to Table 2.1 of Code of Practice for Foundation 2017.

Omit from Consideration

15. Design calculation of lift shaft, and railing.

16. EQ loading.

Page 35
Section A

a. Prepare a design appraisal with appropriate sketches indicating two distinct and viable
solutions for the span of the proposed footbridge over the Drainage Channel including
two viable foundation schemes. Clearly indicate the function framing, load transfer and
stability aspects of each scheme to meet all client’s requirements. Identify the solution
you recommend and give reasons for your choice.
(30 Marks)

b. Explain how the structural will resist wind loading including detailed description of the
structural wind loads and design assumptions. Prepare detailed wind load calculations
for the proposed bridge.
(10 Marks)

Section B

For the solution recommended in Section A:

c. Prepare sufficient design calculations to establish the form and size of all the principal
structural elements including the foundation.
(20 Marks)

d. Prepare foundation plans and details, framing plans (including articulation of bearings),
sections, and elevations to show the dimensions, layout and disposition of the structural
elements and critical details for cost estimating purposes.
(20 Marks)

e. Prepare a detailed method statement covering essential activities for the construction
of the superstructure and sub structures of the footbridge including foundation works.
(10 Marks)

f. Prepare a detailed construction programme covering essential activities from

commencement of foundation to completion of structural works.
(10 Marks)

Page 36
 EXIS T ING lpROPOSED
GOVER NMENT I COMME R C IAL
CENTRE I BUILDING
ALLOWABLE SOFFI T OVE R
15.0 I 15
DRAINAGE CHANNEL
CONNE CTING 13.0
I t
LEVE L
- - - - - - - - -"- - - - - - - - -
I LCONN
V L
E CTING

I
E E

8.0 8.5

5.0
3.0

SECTION
7300 4500 25000 5000 4000 4500 6000

TWO LANE AME NIT Y DRAINAGE AMENI T Y FOO T WAY/

R OAD C HANNE L • · AR EA · C.YCLETRAC.K
• • · AREA . •
I 1 1 I
1 1

8000

EXIS T ING PROPOSED

GOVERNMEN T PR OPOSED FOOTBR IDGE I COMMER CIAL
CENTRE t------+--+--------+-+-----+---+---+---+--+,>,,;� BUIL DING

AL LOWABLE C OLUMN ZONE j _J

NO COLUMN ZONE

FOOTPA T H/
CYCLE
TRACK

PLAN

. 2000 . (t. 2000 - -

Ow
>- (.'.)
Ie

wCD
(.'.) c,::

300 3400 C LEA R ,0

I

'
• l/1

:::;,�
Zw
-I

..... , 1-
% FAL 1-
% F L
oz
,-
l.f')i::;:
L A L

*ALL DIMENSION ARE

TYPICAL FOOTBRI OGE
SHOWN IN mm CROSS SECTION
Page 37
End of Question Paper FIGURE 1