The Engineering Complexity Chart is an invaluable tool for engineers, offering a detailed breakdown of the various components involved in building design.
Key Components of Building Design
1. Standard Building (Length ≤ 100 m, Width ≤ 30 m)
Standard buildings, with dimensions up to 100 meters in
length and 30 meters in width, form the basic framework of many construction
projects. These structures typically follow conventional design principles,
making them less complex than more specialized buildings.
2. Special Design Codes (Beyond MBMA and AISC)
Some projects require adherence to specific design codes
outside the commonly used MBMA (Metal Building Manufacturers Association) and
AISC (American Institute of Steel Construction) standards. These specialized
codes can introduce additional layers of complexity, demanding detailed
engineering and compliance.
3. STAAD Framed or Truss Design
Using STAAD software for the design and analysis of framed
or truss structures adds complexity to the project. Each unique model requires
precise calculations to ensure structural integrity and safety.
4. Buildings with Width Greater Than 30 Meters
As the width of a building exceeds 30 meters, structural
considerations become more complex. For every additional 12 meters in width,
the design must accommodate increased loads and stability requirements, which
adds to the overall complexity.
5. Non-Standard Roof Slopes
Roof slopes that deviate from the standard 1:10 or 0.5:10
ratios require custom design solutions. These non-standard slopes must be
carefully calculated to ensure they meet structural and aesthetic requirements.
6. Additional Main Frames
Incorporating additional main frames, especially those with
integrated cranes, mezzanines, jack beams, and walkways, increases the
complexity of the building’s structural design. Each of these elements must be
engineered to support specific loads and functions.
7. By-Pass Endwall Girts
The inclusion of by-pass endwall girts requires careful
design to maintain the structural integrity of the building’s end walls. These
components are critical in ensuring the building can withstand environmental
forces.
8. Special Moment Connections
Special moment connections are designed to resist bending
moments, which adds complexity to the overall structure. These connections are
essential in areas subject to high seismic activity or dynamic loads.
9. Multi-Gable and Unsymmetrical Ridge Conditions
Buildings with multi-gable roofs or unsymmetrical ridge
conditions require tailored design solutions. These configurations must be
engineered to balance loads and maintain structural stability across the entire
building.
10. Varying Wind Column Spacing
When wind column spacing differs between end walls, the
design must account for the uneven distribution of wind loads. This requires
precise calculations to ensure the building can resist wind forces effectively.
11. Extended Wind Columns and Skewed Walls
Wind columns exceeding 9 meters in length and skewed walls
add complexity to the building’s design. These features necessitate additional
structural support to maintain stability.
12. Curved Eaves and Portal Bracing
Curved eaves and non-identical portal bracing configurations
demand customized design approaches. These elements must be carefully
integrated into the building to ensure both aesthetic appeal and structural
soundness.
13. Non-Standard Structural Elements
Elements like strut tubes, angle bracing, and jack beams, especially when non-identical, require detailed engineering.
14. Fascia and Roof Extensions
The design of fascia, whether standard or non-standard, and
roof extensions up to or exceeding 1.5 meters, introduces additional
considerations. These elements must be carefully planned to ensure they enhance
the building’s appearance while maintaining structural integrity.
15. Specialized Features
Features such as canopies, framed openings, roof
transitions, and false ceilings require meticulous design. These elements add
complexity to the building and must be engineered to integrate seamlessly with
the overall structure.
16. Internal Structures and Access Features
Staircases, partitions, cage ladders, catwalks, and roof
platforms are vital for both access and safety. Designing these features
requires a balance between functionality and structural stability.
17. Crane Systems
Incorporating jib cranes, monorails, top-running cranes, and
crane towers involves complex engineering. These systems must be integrated
into the building design to support heavy loads and facilitate safe operation.
18. Mezzanines, Roof Monitors, and Handrails
The inclusion of mezzanines, roof monitors, and handrails
(other than for staircases) requires careful design to ensure these elements
provide necessary functionality without compromising the building’s structure.
19. Non-Standard Doors and Vents
Non-standard sliding doors, hanger door support systems, and
ridge vents with a 600 mm throat add complexity to the design. These features
must be engineered to function effectively while maintaining the building’s
structural integrity.
20. Floor Gratings, Hip and Valley Conditions
Floor gratings, checkered plates, and complex roof
configurations like hip and valley conditions introduce additional design
challenges. These elements must be carefully planned to ensure safety and
durability.
21. Sandwich Panels and Special Items
The use of sandwich panels and other special items not
covered by standard design parameters requires innovative engineering
solutions. These components often have unique performance requirements that
must be met through customized design.
Optimizing Design and Detailing
The Engineering Complexity Chart is not just a tool for
identifying challenges; it also provides a framework for optimizing design and
detailing processes. By understanding the specific complexities associated with
each building element, engineers can allocate time and resources more
effectively, ensuring that each aspect of the project is handled with
precision.
Design and Detailing Timelines
- Design Time: Allocating sufficient time for the initial
design phase is crucial. Complex projects may require extended periods for
modeling and analysis, particularly when special design codes or unique
structural elements are involved.
- Checking and Approval: Rigorous checking and approval
processes are essential to ensure that all aspects of the design meet safety
standards and project specifications. This includes both the structural design
and the detailing of steel and sheeting components.
Erection and Assembly Drawings
The creation of erection and assembly drawings is a critical
step in the construction process. These drawings provide detailed instructions
for assembling the building on-site, ensuring that all components fit together
as designed.
