Structural Requirements and Specifications Issued May 2022 First Edition (Draft)

Building Permit Department

Structural Requirements
and Specifications for Buildings
Structural Design and Structural Drawings
(First Editions) (Draft)
Prepared by:
The Building Permit Structural Department

May 2022.

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Structural Requirements and Specifications Issued May 2022 First Edition (Draft)

Table of Content
Chapter Content Page

A Letter for Consultants 3

Local Order No. 23/92, Some Structural Regulations 4
Introduction 7
ONE Structural Requirements for Application Submission 8
1.1 Buildings in General 8
1.2 Concrete Structures Projects 9
1.3 Steel Structures Projects 9
1.4 Post tension systems projects 9
1.5 Service Steel Tower 10
1.6 Solar Panel in Building 10
1.7 Sign Board on Roof 10
1.8 New Building System 11
1.9 Shoring System or Pilling Works 11
1.10 As Built Structure 11
TWO Structural Drawings Requirements 13
2.1 Introduction 13
2.2 Drawings Layout 13
2.3 Drawings General Format 14
2.4 Drawings General Design 14
2.5 Plot Survey Drawings 15
2.6 Structural Drawings Checks 17

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Chapter Content Page

THREE Documents Required for Applications 21

3.1 Introduction 21
3.2 Main Submission Items 21
3.3 Special Submission Items 22
3.4 Other Documents 22
FOUR Design Codes for Buildings and Structures 24
4. Structural Codes 24
4.1 Structural Loadings 24
4.2 Reinforced Concrete Structures 24
4.3 Steel Structures Codes 24
4.4 Codes for Concrete Masonry Blocks 25
4.5 Codes for Timber Structures 25
4.6 Codes for Aluminium Structures 25
4.7 Design Codes for Foundations and Geotechnical Works 26
4.7.1 Codes for Foundations and soil Investigation Works 26
4.7.2 Codes for Geotechnical Works 26
4.8 Other Design codes 27
FIVE Loads on Buildings 28
5.1 Vertical Gravity Loads (DL & LL) 28
5.2 Thermal Loads on Building 29
5.2.1 introduction 29
5.2.2 Thermal loads Requirements 29
5.2.3 Thermal Analysis and Design 30

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Chapter Content Page

FIVE Loads on Buildings
5.3 Wind Loads Design of Building 31
5.3.1 Introduction 31
5.3.1 Wind Loads Codes 31
5.3.2 Basic Wind Speed 31
5.3.3 Wind Exposure and Wind Calculation Factors 32
5.4 Seismic Design of Building 34
5.4.1 Introduction 34
5.4.2 Seismic Design Codes 34
5.4.3 Buildings with Seismic Design 36
5.4.4 Notes to be Considered in Design of Building for Seismic 38
SIX The Structural Systems 40
6.1 Reinforced Concrete Structures 40
6.1.1 Reinforced Concrete Structures Codes 40
6.1.2 Reinforced Concrete Drawings 40
6.1.3 Reinforced Concrete Requirements 42
6.2 Steel Work Design 44
6.2.1 Steel Work Designers 44
6.2.2 Steel Works Design 45
6.2.3 Steel works Codes 46
6.2.4 Steel Works Drawings 46
6.2.5 Steel Works Calculations 49
6.2.6 Steel structural Integrity and Robustness 53
6.3 Post Tension Concrete Design 55

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Chapter Content Page

SIX The Structural Systems
6.3.1 Post Tensioning Designers 55
6.3.2 Post Tensioning Design 56
6.3.3 Post Tensioning Codes 57
6.3.4 Post Tensioning Drawings 57
6.3.5 Post Tensioning Calculations 59
6.3.6 Post Tensioning Specifications 61
6.4 Load Bearing Buildings 64
6.4.1 Introduction 64
6.4.2 Load Bearing foundations 64
6.4.3 Load Bearing Structural Layout 64
6.5 New Building Systems 65
SEVEN Structural Calculations Requirements 66
7.1 Documentation of the Structural Calculations 66
7.2 Organization of the Structural Calculations 66
7.3 Contents of the Structural Calculations 68
EIGHT Design Detailing Requirements 72
8.1 Introduction 72
8.2 Durability Requirements 72
8.3 Fire Rating 72
8.4 Member Sections 73
8.5 Slab Cutout and Ducts 74
8.6 Reinforcement Detailing 74
8.7 Substructures Requirements 75

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Chapter Content Page

EIGHT Design Detailing Requirements
8.8 Cracks widths Control 76
8.9 Plot with Levels 77
NINE Foundations, Excavations & Soil Investigation Reports 78
9.1 Soil Investigation Report 78
9.1.1 Introduction 78
9.1.2 Plots and Soil Reports 78
9.1.3 Content of Soil investigation Report 79
9.1.4 Submission of Soil investigation Report 83
9.2 Excavation and Foundations 84
9.2.1 Foundation Design Codes 84
9.2.2 The Excavation for Foundations 84
9.2.3 Plot Protections and Retaining walls 85
9.2.4 Some Foundations Requirements 86
9.2.5 Plot Protection and Shoring System 86
TEN Additions, As Built and Modifications 88
10.1 Additions on Existing Buildings 88
10.2 Modifications in Existing Structures 89
10.2 As Built Structures 90
ELEVEN Treatment of High Underground Water Tables 96

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A Letter for Consultants

Dear Consultants and Structural Engineers.
After compliments,
First of all, we would like to take this wonderful chance to thank you all for all your
valuable supports in taking into considerations all the requirements specified in the
approved local and international codes of practices as well as your continuous
following efforts to apply the local memos and regulations. Furthermore, we
definitely appreciate your precious dedication to becoming professional licensed
qualified engineers each one in relevant field, using the latest up to date smart design
software packages and as a result producing professional and excellent drawings in
order to design safe and stable structures and buildings that take into account all the
structural loads and the environmental impacts.
These herby are the first edition of the requirements and the regulations that aims to
improve the quality of the structural design, take into account whatever necessary to
design safe buildings and structures for well-being of the community and to protect
people and economy. As we all know that the Muscat Governorate is located in a
region that has many challenges when it comes to designing safe structures. Muscat
is affected by severe environment that result in high temperature and high humidity.
The city is also located in a considerable seismic zone and recently it is affected by
extreme cyclones which can reaches category five which leads to high wind speeds
and produce large floods. Many plots need protection, their water tables are high and
their soils may need improvement and careful choosing for suitable foundations. In
additions, recently different structural systems are becoming popular and therefore
the construction industry need a lot of organization and control.
These regulations and requirements are useful for consultants, contractors, clients,
investors as well as the community as a whole. In future there will be improvement
in these structural regulations and specifications. They are mandatory starting from
mid. July 2022. This is the first edition that includes just some basic aspects of the
structural design and drawings. Later additions of these specifications, will improve
these requirements and will be more comprehensive. Once again, dear consultants,
we wish you all the best and thank you.
Regards,
Building Permit Department

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Local Order No. 23/92, Some Structural Regulations and Guidelines

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Local Order No. 23/92

The local order No. 23/92 includes few main requirements regarding structural
design aspects of buildings. Reference should be made to this Local Order for more
details and other structural requirements. Here are some of them;

Article 7
Structural codes of practices adopted in the Sultanate shall apply to structural design
calculations of buildings of various heights provided that the safe bearing capacity
of soil used in calculating the foundations.

Article 8
Materials used in the construction of any new building or additions or alterations of
an existing building shall be of high quality and in conformity with local and
international standards adopted in the Sultanate of Oman.

Article 9
If the building height exceeds three floors, the documents and drawings submitted
should be supported by a report on soil test signed by a registered consultant, a
specialist firm or a recognized soil testing laboratory, if so, required by the
Municipality. The Municipality may require the submission of a report of a soil test
for buildings of less than three floors, depending on the nature of the site or building
in which case the Municipally, may only accept a report, from the designing
consultant stating the nature of the building site and condition of soil at the site. The
designing consultant shall be held responsible for the type of soil and its safe bearing
capacity.

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Article 103
No alteration is permitted in the approved permit, drawings or any other official
document unless prior approval is obtained from the concern department. No
alterations should be endorsed unless signed and stamped by the department that
issued the permit or the document.

Article 105
Any person who demolishes, builds or lays the foundations of any building shall
take all necessary measures to secure the safety of neighbours, their property,
protection of workers, passers-by, roads, and whatever is under and above the
ground including equipment and public service facilities and shall adhere to the law
on the Conservation of National Heritage (Royal Decree No. 6/80).

Article 108
The owner, contractor or consultancy office supervising the building shall strictly
adhere to the approved drawings, legal boundaries and shall sign the prescribed
undertaking form.

Article 109
The consultant responsible for design, the soil test consultant, supervising the
building and the building contractor, each in his respected field, are fully responsible
for the safety of the building for minimum period of 10 years starting from the date
of completing building works. The responsibility shall be in accordance with laws
in force in the Sultanate.

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Introduction

This is the structural guidelines and regulations manual which should be followed
along with all the requirements of the adopted codes. This manual is considered
mandatory starting from 1/7/2022. In preparing the structural design of buildings
and structures, the following requirements must be fulfilled:
a. The structural design of buildings and structures
• should be prepared be a qualified structural engineer licensed.
• For specialized design such as post tensioned concrete, steel works structures,
precast structures and geotechnical engineering, the engineer who is involved
in such projects should be a qualified engineer licenced to practice the
profession and approved in the relevant field.
b. The engineer or contractor in charge should use only the approved and
licensed smart technical applications and computers programs in performing
the structural design and structural detailing works.
c. The buildings and structures and the materials used on them and all the
components they include, should meet all the standards and the requirements
that ensure their safety, stability and durability against the following factors:
• The most critical forces and loads, or their combinations, in respect of impact
on structures or buildings, including the combinations of forces and loads that
may lead to progressive collapse and also:
• Any other factors that may affect the buildings or structures including but not
limited to the steel corrosion and rust, concrete deterioration or residual
stresses that the buildings or structures may be subjected to.
The latest editions of the standards on the classifications and design of building, and
the design purposes and mechanism should be all followed in order to prevent the
occurrence of progressive and disproportionate collapse in all structures. Buildings
and structures should be designed in accordance with the latest editions of the
American, European, or British codes and specifications as specified in these
regulations. The structural design and geotechnical software used should be
approved by the Municipality. The specialized engineering contactors should be
registered and approved before practicing the profession. The drawings should be
clear, organized and detailed well to provide all information needed for construction.

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Chapter One
Structural Requirements for Application Submission
1 Introduction
Usually, almost all applications should have structural drawings as well as structural
documents including the new projects, modifications and additions. Few types of
applications may not need structural drawings such as the technical initial study and
the applications that have proposed modifications that does not affect the existing
approved structural design. It is required to keep updated and follow the memo
announced and the regulations that are regularly published by the Department
regarding the regulations and the associated documents thar are necessary to be
submitted in every application. Furthermore, Check the following required
documents before submission:
1.1 Buildings in General
Submit the structural drawings and the structural documents for all the buildings in
the plot including the proposed new ones, the modified ones as well as the additions.
The documents can include structural drawings, structural calculations, structural
reports, soil investigation reports and undertaking letters. For submitting structural
requirements and documents for buildings and structures in general, the submitted
details should cover all the buildings and also all service buildings, other small
structures and plot protections. Design and drawings for smaller structures on the
plot should be submitted as well.
• Check (proposed, existing or as built). Follow clause below for each category
• Match with arch. Drawings such as all dimensions, grids, loadings, framing
layouts, vertical element’s locations, projections, heights and number of floors
• Check complete structural drawings (including frames, sections, schedules,
plans and details.
• Check consultant logo and specialized designer logos are there in drawings
and the calculations. Submit main consultant letter explaining the submission.
• Submit all floor plans and at different heights. If size of floor is large divided
it into zones where each zone in a separate sheet for clarity.
• Include Materials details and codes
• Show loadings, foundations specifications and general sheets
• Submit Structural calculations (see also calculations and loading chapters)

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• Check that calculations cover whole structures and buildings and all the
structural elements

1.2 Concrete Structures Projects

• Include all plans and necessary sections
• Submit all structural elements for RCC part such as foundations, shear walls,
lift cores, slabs, beams, stairs, retaining walls, basements, ramps, water tanks,
service blocks, and columns details.
• Submit details for other structure such as outer blocks, swimming pools, water
tanks, protections for plots, landscaping, and all other structural facilities.
• Provide enough sections for steel frames schedules, and connections
• If the project include building with different systems such as steel structures
or precast elements submit all these details to be comprehensive.
• Submit loads plans for all plans and show in colours or different styles.
1.3 Steel Structures Projects
• Check calculations for both steel structure buildings and the whole building
foundations, pedestals and columns design as they are usually separate
• For steel structure (base plate, plinth, pedestal, all frames, all roof, horizontal
and vertical bracings, material used, all connections types, ….)
• Sections for steel frames and connections
• Submit all floor plans and at different heights
• Materials details and codes
• Loadings, foundations specifications and general sheets
• Structural calculations (see also loading and calculations chapters).
1.4 Post tension systems projects
• Check calculations for both PT slabs and the whole building design such as
vertical elements as they are usually separate
• Include For PT (strands cables X direction, Y direction, concrete thickness,
bottom steel and top steel…)
• Sections for PT slabs and beams and general sheets
• Submit all floor plans and at different heights
• Materials details, loading plans and codes
• foundations specifications and general sheets

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• Structural calculations (see also loading, calculations and pt. design chapters)
1.5 Service Steel Structure
• Match with arch. (Tower type, size, height and shape)
• Check structural drawings (both foundations, pedestal and steel superstructure
frame)
• Check documents (safety letter from designer, letters from related authorities)
• Check calculations (foundation and the steel frame of the tower). It is steel
frame usually wind affect more. Add also dynamic loads and seismic loads.
• Check company logo with consultant logo is there in drawings
1.6 Solar Panel in Building
• Check (proposed, existing or as built)
• Match with arch. (Such as location, size, steel frame shape, dimensions, layout
and heights)
• Check structural drawings (add load 0.5 KN/m2 – 1 KN/m2 max on roof and
check design)
• Check calculations (check if the existing structure can take the extra loads)
• Check company logo with consultant logo is there in drawings
1.7 Sign Board on Roof
• Check (proposed, existing or as built)
• Match with arch. Drawings (such as location, size, steel frame shape,
dimensions and heights).
• Check structural drawings sign board steel frame design and calculations as
well as the bracing system. Take exact DL (static and dynamic if exists).
• Check documents (get letter initial approval from local Municipality), fill a
form from local Municipality and fill clients, company, consultant, and civil
aviation approval details for height of building and height of sign board.
• Letter from client no objection for sign board on the building
• Letter from consultant for safety of the design
• Check existing building for framing and extra loads on building.
• The sign board should be sitting on beams and columns not on slabs.
• Check calculations (for both the extra load on roof beams, columns and
footing and the design of the sign board steel frame)
• Check company logo with consultant logo is there in drawings
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1.8 New Building System

The new building systems and building materials should be checked be approved by
the Municipality. Check if the building system is approved or not before submitting.
• Check (proposed, existing or as built)
• Check whether the new building system is approved.
• Match with arch. Drawings (such as design, size, number of floors,
dimensions and heights)
• Check structural drawings are complete
• Check documents
1. Civil defence certificate date not expire and min. 3 hrs min. resistance.
2. Environmental approval not expires
3. Letter from company for at least 20 years insurance
4. Letter from client he/she knows the system and agree with it
5. If the system is mixed with RCC structure, a letter from the company no
objection to mix systems
6. Letter from consultant for safety
• Check calculations
• Check company logo with consultant logo is there in drawings
1.9 Shoring System or Pilling Works
• Check (proposed, existing or as built)
• Match with arch. Drawings
• Check not outside plot
• Check structural drawings
• Check company logo with consultant logo is there in drawings
• Check letter explaining the shoring
• Check calculations
1.10 As Built Structure
• First, if it has been found the project is as built or part of it, then show in the
submitted drawings it is as built. And submit a letter explains the as built part
in details.
• Then, arch. will check the as built
• After that, struct. engineer will check it.

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• Accordingly, there should be a safety and stability report for the as built part
and for the whole building and should be prepared by specialized consultant.
• Then, see as built safety report requirements in chapter 10.2.
• The as built firstly, is subjected for approval from other authorities if required
and from the architectural department for applying design regulations. From
structural perspective, If the as built was small like adding a room for example
or relatively small area, then a letter could be enough for safety from the
consultant with small safety report with few typical materials tests. If the case
is large such as adding relatively large area or full floor or complete steel
workshop or major changes in large projects, then a comprehensive complete
safety report from a third-party special consultant must be submitted first for
study. If it was proven that the as built is safe and fulfilling all the
requirements regarding architectural technical regulations and other
requirements covering all code structural specifications for safety and stability
then go to the next step. (For safety report requirements for as built see the
respected chapter 10).
• The as built drawings along with the safety report and the structural
calculations are checked fully.
• The structural as built part will be matched with the architectural drawings
and particular care will be focused on that the as built is not affecting other
buildings foundations, neighbouring plots, adjacent buildings, public services,
roads services and similar aspects and cover all safety aspects

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Chapter Two
Structural Drawings Requirements.
2.1 Introduction
The structural drawings should be complete, organized and clear. They should cover
all the buildings on the plot including all the structural systems. Minor structures and
protections should also be covered. The drawings should be in Arabic or English
writing or both. Preferably no colors are shown unless in some drawings such as
loadings plans or similar drawings that need to show illustrations or logos.
Highlight the point of interest by different hatching or clouding areas such as to show
which part is proposed and which art is approved and which part is modified or a
combination of all. Match all the structural drawings with each other and match the
structural drawing with the architectural drawings in all relevant aspects including
but not limited to size, dimensions, grid’s locations, height, projections, cutouts,
column’s locations, framing, duct’s location and sizes, stairs and lifts, levels both
existing and proposed, protections and retaining walls, elevations, the structural
system used and the materials shown in architectural drawings to be used in
construction. Control the scale to be suitable not too small or not too large also and
details should be aligned with nearby details so it is illustrated in professional
manner.
2.2 Drawings Layout
The drawings should include
• the main consultant and logo
• the sub consultant and logos if exists
• the specialized contractor and their logos such as precast company, post
tension system, steel work company or new approved building system.
• The owner, plot details as per the krooki, locations
• Drawings numbering and to show structural indication
• Date, designer, checker and other similar details
• Drawing title such as which floor or which presentation (ex. foundation plan)
• Revision if applicable and any details the main consultant wants to add.

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2.3 Drawings General Format

The Standard Drawings Template can be as shown:
• The scale of the drawings in general should be at least 1:100 and does not
exceed 1:500 but also see related requirements. Furthermore, all drawings
should be of very high quality and follow the best up to date international high
standards. Format of drawings should be drawn according to the international
current accepted practices.
• The format should be in PDF, all details should be clear, use suitable font size,
submit using through approved official app. Version, and make sure that when
performing zooming aspects for drawings, all details possess same original
high quality (high resolution).
• Generally, the colors of drawings should be in black but some other features
such as (consultant, contractor or clients’ titles and logos) can be in colors.
Some drawings may be better to be in colors such as the one with extra details
and information which is accepted.
• The drawings should be submitted in a systematic listing pattern such as
architecturally site plan, basement, ground floor, first floor … etc. and
foundation, columns, plinth beams, ground floors roof slab … etc. structurally
or, alternatively adopt appropriate similar suitable arrangement.
• Control scale of details within the same drawings in order to suit the space
and details provided. The details in drawings should be distributed well to suit
the drawings including sections, tables and frame works.

In all drawings include the following:

• client names exactly as per the mulkiya,
• plot full details as per the krooki,
• all consultant’s logos,
• and if applicable and exist include the related involved design parties such as
(sub consultants, specialized contractors, sub specialized contractor,
specialized design company, … etc.)

2.4 Drawings General Design

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2.1 There should be space for engineer and municipality stamp of size not less
than 8 x 25 cm, see figure (2.1) as a guideline.
2.2 The drawing should include three main parts: the details, enough space for
stamp and the details of the involved parties.

MM STAMP

Engineer
stamp

DETAILS Client

Plot

Consultants

Others

Figure (2.1)
The following figure (2.2) show only suggestion of how the structural drawings
looks. However, the consultant can arrange the details and the design layout in a
more suitable way. This shows only some points to be considered in the presentation.
2.5 Plot survey drawing
The site level supporting documents details:
• For site which is not flat, survey drawings should be submitted which should
include existing levels contours
• The site plan (discussed below) when there is a level difference at site, it
should include the existing levels and the proposed levels inside the plot as
well as the proposed levels of the roads which to be obtained from the related
departments
• The photos submitted should represent the slopes and levels of the plot and
they should be complete and covers all four sides.
• Some representative cross sections for the plot levels both the natural levels
as well as the proposed ones all should be submitted as required and more
sections are better

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Figure (2.2) some suggestion for structural drawing layout (only optional)

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2.6 Structural Drawings Checks

If the project consists of more than one structure, submit the drawings of all the
structures in order. For instance, for the first building upload its full drawings in
systematic manner such as from down to top its substructure (foundation, columns,
plinth beams and their schedules and sections), then superstructure (basements 1,
basement 2, ground floors, first floor, typical floors …,) their sections and roof
schedules and details and so on or in an appropriate way the consultant see it is more
logic and give ease of checking. For every floor upload concrete part, loadings plan,
reinforcement plan, sections and details. Reinforcement schedules can be one sheet
or many or as per the design such as schedule for every floor as applicable. General
sheets for structural design, specifications and sections should be attached.
Materials, foundations and general details need to be submitted. If the plan of the
project is relatively large, submit one full sheet and divide it to areas or zones where
each zone is presented in separate sheet for zooming and clarity. If the buildings
have modifications or additions, submit the previously approved drawings.
Check if the project is existing (required modifications and additions), proposed or
as built
• If existing but required modifications match arch. with the structural drawings
and calculations. Some modifications change loads due to use change for
example office to flats. Also check change in wall loads for example adding
walls, cutting or closing opening in existing slabs, planting columns FC on
existing slabs, enlarging projections. Check also the connections between old
and new building, the connections type such as chemical epoxy and similar
others or mechanical connection such as bolts or if proposed add new
structural frames. Check the approved epoxy product. Then follow other
requirements.
• If proposed new project: then complete the requirements
• If as build building. Follow the requirements
• If a mixture of two or more types, follows the requirements for every type.
Furthermore, Match with arch. Drawings the following as examples:
• Dimensions and grids
• Opening and projections
• Location of columns/ walls, beams

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• Number of floors for design foundation and columns and to find if soil report
is required and if seismic loads and winds is necessary?
• The function and use, for loadings calculations in design
• Floor height to design slenderness of columns
• Excavation depth can be get from arch. drawings shown in sections, adding
basements height and liquid tank depth and matching proposed levels and
existing levels in site plan.
• Proposed and existing levels on side plan
• The protection walls inside and around the plot
• Setback are important to check foundations not outside the plot
• Type of building concrete, steel, precast, composite, new system or others
• Material used for example steel roof is it sandwich panel or steel normal sheet
• Slope for tilted roof (rare cases)
• Internal walls in building if they are normal blocks, lightweight or partitions
because they affect loading in calculations and structural design
• Sunk slabs or false ceiling is proposed because they affect loading and
structural layout.
• No beams crossing inside middle of rooms and halls unless false ceiling is
used.
• Location of roof water tanks, swimming pool, plantation, landscaping loads if
exists and others for precise loadings on roof.

In additions, check structural drawings in all aspects including the following:

• Check structural drawings have consultant’s logo and other company like post
tensions, steel structures, soil company if there is piles or special foundations,
new building systems, precast company … etc
• Check structural drawings matched with arch drawings.
• Materials are shown (concrete strength, steel strength, post tension cable
strength, blocks strength, steel structure strength, bolts strength, welding
strength, .. etc)
• Foundations (type of foundations is suitable, thickness of foundation,
foundation reinforcement, locations, overlap, not outside the plot, levels of
foundations, excavation depth, designed for .. floors, SBC, match with soil
report if there, high water table if there, if there is requirement for soil

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enhancement, connection with other elements such as retaining walls, mixing

foundation types, cutting and filling, existing and proposed levels of footing,
sections at different locations, footing schedules).
• Columns (location, distributions, spans, orientation, size, width size same as
blocks for villas preferable but not a must, no columns inside rooms or halls,
vehicle reinforcement, stirrups, sections, schedules, any floating FC columns,
any terminated columns, any change in column orientation in upper floors,
any reduction in column size or steel in upper floors)
• Beams (check beam framing action, load bath reach to columns, beam size,
HB size, beam bottom steel both straight and curtailed, beam top steel both
straight and extra, stirrups, steel diameter in beams, covers, beam schedules,
cantilever beams, matching top extra steel in beams, face bars for beams,
inverted beams, rib beams, two way rib beams, post tension beams (size, steel
, strands, stressing ends live end), main beams and secondary beams, beams
carrying other beams, precast beams in precast construction, micro beams in
rabid wall system)
• Slabs (type of slabs, thickness, reinforcement, short direction or long, solid
slabs, flat slabs with drop or without and if punching shear is there, schedules,
cantilever slabs, slabs carrying floating columns, one way or two-way slabs,
sunk slabs, hollow core slabs HCS, decking slabs in steel structures, precast
concrete slabs, steel diameter, covers, slab sections,)
• Stairs (stair type, supporting system, sections, schedules, thickness, steel)
• Protection retaining walls (type, thickness, their foundations, reinforcement,
connection to other elements like slabs),
• Other structures such as septic tanks, water tanks, holding tanks, swimming
pool, substations, outer blocks,
• General sheets
• Details sheets for complicated structures
• Shoring design and details sheets
• For reinforced concrete structures: show if applicable all required concrete
elements such as foundations, columns, slabs and beams if any. All other
related structural parts such as stairs, walls, pile caps, lift core, shear walls,
retaining walls, plot shoring … etc. all types of roofs including the flat slabs,
rib slabs, two way rob slabs and similar types.
• For steel both structural steel and steel work should be submitted such as
Steel work columns, rafters, main and secondary beams, structs and ties,
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purlins, decking slab, trusses, bracings roof … etc. Provide enough sections
for the steel frames across grids in typical frames. In drawings submitted:
show typical details of baseplates and end connections, trusses connections,
other connections. Show in drawing the foundations, concrete and steel
specifications fully.

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Chapter Three
Documents Required for Application

3.1 Introduction
Before apply for an application, check the required documents that need to be
submitted. If major components are not submitted, the application may be
immediately rejected. If some structural documents are not ready, show in the
application status and in the main consultant letter the reasons for that and when will
be submitted and that effect in the design and calculations. Make sure all the
documents are submitted as per the requirements.
Furthermore, not all the documents are listed here and therefore check always the
engineering common approved practices and the correct procedure to submit all the
documents that are necessary to make the structural design and the structural
calculations clear, safe, stable and can be constructed and ensure it follow all the
local and the international accepted design and construction standards. Make the
submission arranged well and organized. Moreover, make the submission
professional and well documented.
3.2 Main Submission Items
For all projects, the Main submission in general to be uploaded in the application
includes:
• Complete structural drawings if the application involve structural design and
drawings,
• letter from the consultant explaining the situation and the purpose of the
submission,
• photos for the site from all four sides which should be latest, clear,
representative and have date and time.
• structural calculations if the application involve structural design and
drawings

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For Additions and modifications in addition to the previously listed documents add
the followings
• (Previously approved drawings)
• and in structural calculations check existing structure for additional loads.
• Add photos for the location where the parts are proposed to add or modify

3.3 Special Submission Items

Some Projects need soil investigation report check chapter nine for that
requirement and check other documents if required such as the followings:
• Undertaking letter as required by the Municipality such as safety letter,
number of floors, conditional permit letters … etc.
• Safety report whenever required by the municipality
• Safety report for as built structures, strengthening report for existing
structures such as built, Consultant report on safety and the modifications
done at site
• Specialized structural system design (pile cap and foundation, pile
geotechnical design report, soil enhancement geotechnical report, shoring
design, epoxy connection report, specialised design report, special design
and calculations such as escalators, machine foundation, generator and
transformer foundations, steel cranes ….etc)

3.4 Other Documents

The letters are the ones uploaded in the application such as the frequent letters,
responsibility letters, request letters for services or explanation or the letters which
are submitted by the owners and related parties:
The letters framework should include mainly the followings:
• Consultant or related companies (logos and details)
• Date and time
• Official Signatures and
• for companies sign and stamp should be the official one)
• Plot full details
• Owner/s full details involves as per the letter relevant
• Details of related clients and or private companies
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The subject of the letter should include:

• Subject clearly mentioned and the purpose of the letter.
• If applicable show the building permit number of the project or registration
number.
• Refer to previous letters or any related letters useful.
• Explain clearly and text should be sufficient and comprehensive.

Some examples of frequently submitted letters:

• A letter submitted for all types of submission of projects which shows the
purpose of submission, plot type level or not, soil type and bearing pressure,
type of submission such as new proposal, modifications and others.
• A letter for responsibility and eligibility such as project details and safety,
conditional permits, undertaking letters (may be from clients or consultants
or both), safety and stability of buildings, letters as per request from
Municipality and other similar letters.
• A letter from owners or consultants asking a service, technical explanation
...etc.

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Chapter Four
Design Codes for Buildings
4. Structural Codes
4.1 Structural Loadings
For loads, design in accordance with the latest editions of the American, European,
or British codes and specifications and any updates and amendments there. For
example: use
• In general, The American Code ASCE7 latest, or The British Code BS6399-
1: loadings for buildings or The European code: Eurocode1 Actions on
structures.
• For wind loads, The American Society of Civil Engineers ASCE7-5/
ASCE7-10/ ASCE7-16 or The British Code BS6399-2 or The European code:
Eurocode 1 Actions on structures.
• For seismic loads. Oman Seismic Design Code for buildings or The American
Code ASCE7 latest or The European code: Eurocode1: Actions on structures.

4.2 Reinforced Concrete Structures

For concrete buildings and structures, design in accordance with the latest editions
of the American, European, or British codes and specifications. For example: use
• The American Concrete Institute (ACI) code latest
• The Eurocode 2: Design of concrete structures
• The British Standards Code: BS8110: Structural Use of Concrete.

For post tensioned buildings use the American Code ACI latest.
4.3 Steel Structures Codes
Steel buildings and structures should be designed in accordance with the latest
editions of the American, European, or British standard codes and specifications as
follows:
• The American Institute of Steel Construction Specifications for Structural
Steel Buildings (AISC):
a. Specification for structural steel buildings (AISC 360).

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b. Seismic provisions for Structural Steel Buildings (AISC 341).

• Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other
Structures by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE7-05 / ASCE7-
10 / ASCE7 -16).
• The Structural Welding Code: steel by the American Welding Society (AWS
D1.1 / D1.1 M).
• The Structural Welding Code: Reinforcing steel by the American Welding
Society (AWS D1.4 / D1.4 M).
• The Structural Welding Code: Seismic Supplement of the American Welding
Society (AWS D1.8 / D1.8 M)
• The latest edition of the Metal Building Systems Manual of the Metal Building
Manufacturers Associations (MBMA 2006 & MBMA 2010).
• Eurocode 3: Design of Steel structures (BS EN 1993-1-1 To 12)
• The British Standard Code of Practice (BS - 6399 Part 2): Loadings for
Buildings.
• The British Standard Code of Practice (BS 5950): structural Use of Steelwork
in Buildings.

4.4 Codes of Concrete Masonry Blocks

The British Standard Code of Practice for use of concrete masonry blocks (BS 5629
part 1:1978/1985 as read with BS 5628 part 3).
4.5 Codes for Timber Structures
The British Standards Code of Practice for Structural Use of Timber (BS 5628 part2:
1989 & BS 5628 part3: 1985)
4.6 Codes for Aluminium Structures
The British Standards Code of Practice for Structural Use of Aluminium 118-1969
(CP 118:1969)

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4.7 Design Codes for Foundations and Geotechnical Works

The design should be prepared according to the American, European on British
codes. And as follows
4.7.1 Codes for Foundations and soil Investigation Works:
Soil investigation Codes:
• The European Code (Eurocpde 7): Geotechnical Design
• The British Standard Code of Practice (BS 5930): Ground Investigations.
• The British Standard Code of Practice (BS 1377): Methods of test for soils for
civil engineering purposes
• The British Standard Code of Practice (BS 10175): Investigation of
potentially contaminated sites.
• ASTM International (American Society for Testing Materials)
Excavation Codes:
• the European Code (Eurocode 7): Geotechnical Design
• the British Standards Code or Practice (BS 6031): Code of practice for
earthworks.
Shoring and its Excavation Codes:
• the European code (Eurocode 7): Geotechnical Design
• the British Standard Code of Practice (BS 8081): Code of Practice for Grouted
anchors
Piling works Codes:
• the international Building Code IBC
• the European code (Eurocode 7): Geotechnical design.

4.7.2 Codes for Geotechnical Works

European Standards for Execution of Special Geotechnical Works:
• BS EN 1536 Execution of special geotechnical works – bored piles
• BS EN 1537 Execution of special geotechnical works – Ground Anchors
• BS EN 1538 Execution of special geotechnical works – Diaphragm Walls

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• BS EN 12036 Execution of special geotechnical works – Sheet piles walls

• BS EN 12699 Execution of special geotechnical works – displacement piles
• BS EN 12715 Execution of special geotechnical works – Grouting
• BS EN 12716 Execution of special geotechnical works – Jet grouting
• BS EN 14199 Execution of special geotechnical works – Micro Piles
• BS EN 14475 Execution of special geotechnical works – Reinforced fill
• BS EN 14490 Execution of special geotechnical works – Soil nailing
• BS EN 14679 Execution of special geotechnical works – Deep mixing
• BS EN 14731 Execution of special geotechnical works – Ground treatment by
deep vibrations
• BS EN 15237 Execution of special geotechnical works – Vertical drains

4.8 Other Design codes

For any other codes, not mentioned, obtaining approval is necessary from the
Municipality.

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Chapter Five
Loads on Buildings
5.1 Vertical Gravity Loads (DL & LL)
For vertical gravity LL and DL loads, design in accordance with the latest editions
of the American, European, or British codes and specifications. For example: use
• The American ASCE7 or
• The European code: Eurocode 1 Actions on structures or
• The British Code BS 6399-1 loadings for Buildings.
Vertical gravity loads (LL and DL) will be calculated in accordance with the
American codes, European code, or British code, taking into account the followings:
• Include all design loads including but not limited to Loadings in details (LL,
DL, SDL, walls, finishing, collateral loads, services, AC’s, pedestals,
hydrostatic loads, earth pressures, water tanks, machines, swimming pools,
landscaping loads, thermal loads, lateral loads (seismic and wind), dynamic
machine loads, …etc.) in details for each floor and for each part of the building
if applicable.
• Live load on floors including mezzanine floor, commercial areas, shops,
showrooms, and halls should not be less than 5 KN/m2.
• Live load on stores should be at least 5 KN/m2 and should be evaluated
accurately as there are heavy stores.
• In car park buildings and car parks floors in other buildings, live load should
be not less than 3 KN/m2, taking into consideration the loads of car movement
lanes, and also using the modal load pattern in design.
• Live load on final roof should not be less than 1.5 KN/m2
• Live load in post tensioned slabs and RCC flat slab designs should not be less
than 3 KN/m2 in all buildings. The designer can use the values specified in the
code such as 2 KN/m2 for residential use but in this case should consider the
modal loads pattern in the design and take into account the installation and
services in the ceiling.
• Minimum finishing loads on roof should be 2 KN/m2 but it can be higher
depending on the type of the finishing and the composition of the finishing
sections.

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• The minimum values for the walls and partitions loads of the slabs should be
determined in according with the following table
Type of partitions DL min. (KN/m2)
Normal wight partitions 5.5
Light weight partitions 4.5
Dry wall partitions 4
Façade cladding loads 1.5 KN/m

5.2 Thermal Loads on Building

5.2.1 Introduction
In the summer, the temperature in Muscat Governorate can exceeds 50 C. so the
weather is relatively hot and thus the temperature loads need to be considered in
most cases. Daily temperature variations and seasonal temperature variations need
to be addressed as well. A minimum temperature of 25 C degree variation need to
be considered when designing for thermal loads. Expansion joints are recommended
to be introduced to control thermal loads and stresses. However, if expansion joints
are not to be proposed then the thermal loads need to be analysed separately with the
load combination as shown in the code and the stresses need to be checked and the
required reinforcement should be added to that for other loads such as gravity loads
and lateral loads.
5.2.2 Thermal loads Requirements
Thermal loads in general need to be considered as per the adopted code
requirements. It should consider type of the structure and the exposure, the building
performance and use. Also, the effect of the thermal loads should be calculated in
the in the following’s cases:
• If the length of the building exceeds 50m long without expansion joints.
• If the building type or design demand thermal loads design because its
importance, high temperature sensitive, its nature or its material type
irrespective of its length.
• If the building has long RCC walls such as large water tanks.
• The last roof in all multistorey building exceeding 35 m long.
• Any building the Municipality requires it to be designed for thermal loads.
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5.2.3 Thermal Analysis and Design

The thermal loading should be analysed by approved software as per the code with
the applicable load combination. Since adding the thermal loads as load combination
with other loads still need studies and works as approximations, it is preferable to
analysed the thermal loads separately and add the required steel to that with gravity
and lateral loads. It is recommended to check both gradient top and bottom surface
variation and the full axial temperature variation. The thermal analysis should not
include the floors only but its effect on the external beams and all the columns and
shear walls as extra stresses and moments are introduced and these structural
elements should be designed for those effects. Therefore, thermal loads preferably
need to be applied for all the 3D model of the structure.
The provided reinforcement to resist thermal loads should be divided in half and
specified for top and bottom surfaces of the slabs. And the extra steel on beams and
columns needs to be added. If a building has expansion joints, the width of that
expansion joint should be enough to consider both the elongation due to thermal
loads and the movement due to seismic loads. Early and seasonal thermal loads and
their effect should be calculated. Temperature variation minimum is + - 25C. In
calculating thermal loads, the value of the axial stiffness modifiers will be (1.0) for
reinforced concrete slabs of typical floors.

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Chapter Five
Loads on Buildings
5.3 Wind Loads Design of Building
5.3.1 Introduction
Wind loads affect buildings and thus the structures should be designed safely to
withstand wind loads and their effects according to the code of practices. Muscat is
located on coastal area and it is affected highly by extreme cyclones that reach
category five. One cyclone on 2007 reached category five approached the
governorate where winds can exceed 280 KM/hr. Furthermore, the calculations of
the wind load should be accurate and consider these high winds. Apply wind loads
for all steel structures, RCC buildings of 4 floors and above and important concrete
structures irrespective of size, locations, height and type.
5.3.1 Wind Loads Codes
Codes of Practice:
• British BS6399 part 2 code wind loads
• Eurocode 1: Actions on Structures
• American ASCE7 code for wind loadings
5.3.2 Basic Wind Speed
Consider the map shown below for basic wind speed. The figures are based on the
mean annual average hourly wind speed in (m/s). The map does not take into
consideration the tropical cyclones that affect the Country which can reach category
five where wind speeds can exceed 280 Km/hr. Currently the Municipality is looking
for conducting a study to prepare a map to consider these extreme values for wind
speeds. Till the study is ready, consider now the figures presented on the map and
multiply them by 1.25 to get the basic annual hourly average wind speed.
BS code utilizes annual mean average hourly wind speed. For example, for Muscat
city take 30 x 1.25 = 38 m/s. then multiply the value 38 by the following table 5.3.1
for importance factor (I). ASCE7 utilize 3 – second gust wind speed. Follow the best
practice and code conversion guidelines of basic wind speed value between annual
mean hourly to 3 second gust. Usually, a minimum of 1.5 factor is used for
conversion. For example, before Appling the values of the importance factors, in
Muscat, the 3 second gust wind speed is 38 x 1.5 = 57 m/s.
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Table 5.3.1 the importance factor (I) for different buildings types and functions
Type of the structure The importance factor
(I)
Villas, car park, open small sheds, small workshops,
small stores, commercial or industrial building with
1.0
height less than 10 m buildings. Industrial small
warehouse
Medium size warehouse or workshops, height of
general building larger than 10 m but less than 15 m, 1.10
tourism projects such as located at beaches and hotels
Governmental projects, public large projects, heights
greater than 15 m, large area investments, buildings
include special uses such as factories, stores where
explosives, hazardous or toxic materials are stored,
telecommunication towers and power plants including
generation or stand alone. Civil defence, transportation
1.25
essential facilities and important similar
infrastructures. Shopping malls and markets,
stadiums, museums, educational facilities such as
colleges and schools, health institutes such as
hospitals. Projects that are on the beach or on high
hills and mountains which are exposed to high winds
Note:
• If abuilding type or its specification use is not listed in the table 5.3.1 above,
the closest use type can be assumed.
• The Municipality can increase the importance factor if required depending
on the nature of the submitted project.
5.3.3 Wind Exposure and Wind Calculation Factors
For calculating the winds loads, the code uses factors for terrain, height,
probabilities, structure type and exposure. Use the code requirements and apply
applicable and suitable factors exactly for the structure. For exposure, Muscat city
is located mainly in the coastal areas. Use exposure C as minimum exposure type
for areas far from the beach and areas surrounded by many buildings (obstacles) but
preferable use exposure D as default especially for important structures. For coastal
areas or areas close to the beach use exposure D.

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A basic wind speed for Oman. (Annual hourly mean speeds) (m/s).
Credit: A.S, Al Nuaimi et al. (2014). A basic Wind Speed for Oman. The Journal of Engineering
Research.11(2), 64-78

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Chapter Five
Loads on Buildings
5.4 Seismic Design of Building
5.4.1 Introduction
The consultant in all cases will be responsible to take into account all the loads
including the seismic loads on buildings with sufficient margin of safety accurately
so that the design and the performance ensure full safety and stability of the building
for the whole anticipated life time of the building as per the local and the
international codes. It is recommended to design all the buildings to resist seismic
forces for all types of projects irrespective of size, type, location or height to ensure
full safety of the project. However, it is necessary to apply seismic design for all
types of the projects that are listed in clause 5.4.3 below. The municipality has the
right to ask for seismic design if needed for any project at any time.
5.4.2 Seismic Design Codes
The codes that can be used in seismic design of buildings are the followings:
• Oman Code: Oman Seismic Design Code for Building (recommended)
• American code: ASCE7
• European code: Eurocode Volume 8
It is recommended to use one code to design buildings to be consistent. Oman
seismic code is recommended to be used in seismic design for building. Figure 5.4.1
shows one of Oman Seismic Hazard Maps. If building is to be design fully by the
American code, then for seismic design, ASCE7 should be used. In all cases
irrespective of the above permitted codes used, the calculated base shear and seismic
forces and actions should not be less than that calculated by the Oman seismic design
code for buildings. Alternatively, use ASCE code for seismic design with R value as
q in Oman seismic design code for buildings table 5.4.1 as follows:
Table 5.4.1 – Behavior Factors (q) for reinforced concrete structural types

Structural type q
Moment resisting frame system 3.5
Coupled structural wall system 3.5

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Uncoupled structural wall system 2.5

Frame-dominant dual system 3.0
Wall-dominant dual system (coupled 3.0
walls) 2.5
Wall-dominant dual system (uncoupled 1.5
walls)
Inverted pendulum system
Retrieved from “Oman Seismic Design Code for Building”

and the importance factor (I) should be from Oman seismic code table 5.4.2.
Table 5.4.2 – Building Importance Factors ( I )
Occupancy (I)
Purpose of Occupancy of Building
Category

(a) Buildings required to be occupied immediately after an

earthquake (Hospitals, dispensaries, health wards, fire
fighting buildings and facilities, PTT and other
telecommunication facilities, transportation stations and
terminals, power generation and distribution facilities,
governorate, county and municipality administration
I buildings, first aid and emergency planning stations) 1.5

(b) Schools, other educational buildings and facilities,

dormitories and hostels, military barracks, prisons, etc.
(c) Museums
(d) Buildings containing or storing toxic, explosive and/or
flammable materials, etc.
II Sport facilities, cinema, theatre and concert halls, etc. 1.2

Buildings other than above-defined buildings. (Residential

III and office buildings, hotels, building-like industrial 1.0
structures, etc.)
Retrieved from “Oman Seismic Design Code for Building”

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Note: the buildings listed in category III should be increased to category II in case
the project is important or occupied by many users or represent a large investment
or is a full complex or the building is large in terms of size, complexity or number
of floors exceeds 3 floors or need increase due the nature of the project. The
Municipality may request to design for seismic and increase the importance factor
for any building at any time if it was found that this is more suitable.
5.4.3 Buildings with Seismic Design
Since the country is located in a seismic zone, it is recommended to design all types
of buildings for seismic design irrespective of size, type, location or height. The
following represents the cases where seismic design should be added.
• All governmental projects irrespective of size, type, location or height
• All private project essential to support the community irrespective of size,
type, location or height
• City infrastructures such as Power plants, grid electrical facilities,
telecommunication towers, water building and sewage treatment
infrastructures, transportations buildings and similar important projects.
• All the public buildings projects irrespective of size, type, location or height
including but not limited to the followings: educational institutions and
facilities (universities, colleges, schools), health institutions (hospitals), All
Worship buildings, halls, stadium, sports,
• Residential complexes such as large housing areas
• Commercial and residential commercial complexes
• Toursims complexes including hotels, tourism development
• Large investments both public or private irrespective of type, location or
height
• Building that are used by large number of users overthought they are one floor
• multi story buildings (Residential, commercial or residential commercial)
with more than three floors.
• All markets, shopping malls and assembly areas
• Industrial buildings medium size and above
• Villas with more than 4 floors

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Figure 5.4.1 Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Maps for the Sultanate of Oman
Credit: El-Hussain Issa, et al. (2012). Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Maps for the Sultanate of
Oman. Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural
Hazards.64(1), 173-210

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5.4.4 Notes to be Considered in Design of Building for Seismic

For building design for seismic loads, consider all the code procedures,
specifications and structural requirements as well as all the regulations. The
following are some points to be highlighted.
• Follow all the code requirements and guidelines
• Consider zone factor, building type, soil type
• Consider appropriate method of analysis, static, dynamic, repones spectrum,
time history, pushover, linear, nonlinear …etc
• Participation mass and modes of vibrations should be detailed.
• Analyse accurately by accepted software.
• Design all the members for all seismic forces
• Consider all the load combinations as per the codes. If more than one code is
used, calculate both codes combinations and use the maximum resulted forces
among them.
• Check maximum allowable drifts. Ensure enough space between adjacent
building to account for lateral movement. The provided expansion joint
between buildings or within a building should be wide enough to consider
thermal expansion as well as the lateral movement due to seismic effects.
• Detail all the structural members for seismic design as per the code
specifications and check sections requirements and steel percentages and
related details.
• Show in drawings sections for seismic detailing for connections such as
columns and beams connections internally and externally for links
confinement and shear resistance
• The structural calculations should be clear and follow all the analysis and
design that consider all seismic loads requirements and codes.
• Minimum columns with are 300 mm as per the code. See Oman Seismic
Design Code for Building clause 4.3.1.1
• Minimum slab thickness is 150 cm to assist floors to act as diaphragm action.
• All isolated footings and pile caps should be connected by tie beams in all
directions at foundation level as per the code requirements. See Oman Seismic
Design Code for Building clause 8.3.
• Make sure that soil type used in seismic design represent the actual soil. It is
recommended to consider a weaker soil for safer design. Soil geotechnical

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company who prepares soil report can give more accurate values for soil type
such as class A, B, C, D, E, F and it is included in the soil report.
• The building should have enough stiffness and rigidity for seismic resistance
and this can be done by adding sufficient shear walls and lift cores as well as
eccentricity in the buildings is minimized as possible in both directions.
Distribute all shear walls and lift cores in proper manner in both directions.
• Add beams as possible as can be. Make floor rigid enough with thick slabs.
• Minimize ducts and duct sizes and if required try to add stiffening beams or
drop caps or other suitable methods.
• Check if the slab is rigid or semi- rigid and reflect that in the calculations.
• Check diaphragm behaviour as per the code requirements and reflect that in
the analysis.
• Avoid opening adjacent to columns or even nearby columns.
• All lateral bracing systems such as shear walls and lift cores should be
continuous starting from foundation so no lateral bracing system is permitted
to be planted or floating on above floors.
• Try to minimize planted (floating columns) in number and in number of floors
as possible. Main columns should be continuous throughout the buildings. If
required make a reasonable percentage of columns only floating (planted).
• The planted columns or walls should be on designed transfer beams or transfer
slabs as per design and code requirements. The loads on the columns which
carry the transfer beams and slabs should be multiplied by 2.9 extra factor or
as per the code specifications.
• The width of the shear wall or lift core should not be less than 250 mm and
preferable at least 300 mm or as per the specified code above. wider section
could be needed depending on the design. At lift core and shear walls corners,
more steel should be added as per code requirements.
• The building should have sufficient lateral bracing systems where one lift core
could be not enough and thus more shear walls should be distributed in the
building at different locations in both directions.
• The steel at columns head should consider gravity loads, seismic loads, and
thermal loads (if applicable) added together.
• Spacing between stirrups (links) and diameters should be detailed for seismic
requirements on the drawings.
• Seismic mass is 25% live load, 100% mechanical live load and 100% of DL.

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Chapter Six
The Structural Systems
6.1 Reinforced Concrete Structures
6.1.1 Reinforced Concrete Structures Codes
Codes of Practice:
Concrete Buildings and structures in general including the conventional
reinforced concrete structures and precast structures should be designed in
accordance with the latest editions of the American, European, or British codes
and specifications. For pre-stressed refer to the relevant chapter. American codes
such as ACI Code, and ASCE7 for loadings, British Standards including BS8110
and Eurocode including Eurocode 2 design of concrete structures. Some code
does not have seismic loads components, so if seismic loads are involved it is
recommended to use one code only (mixing codes not recommended) that have
those important components such as the American Code.
6.1.2 Reinforced Concrete Drawings
• Match the structural drawings fully with architectural including floors
dimensions, loadings, heights, RCC frame, load paths, the facade structural
system, walls, opening, projections and number of floors.
• Check the lateral bracing system. Control the drifts as per the code. lateral
bracing such as shear walls and lift core are useful. They should be adequate.
Lateral bracing system should be arranged to be distributed correctly in both
directions as required so that they provide full diaphragm and lateral load bath.
The centre of the rigidity should coincide with the centre of the mass so that
no torsional effects exists or torsional effects to be kept on steel works to very
small values. Check diaphragm behaviours for slabs in buildings and add
beams as much as can be. Avoids ducts and cut outs nearby or touching the
lateral bracing systems and columns. Reduce larger spans as possible. Try to
make planted columns and transfer beams and slabs to the minimum.
• Make design safer and not complicated for constructions. Do not use extreme
design alternatives. Some times more columns can be starting from
foundations throughout the whole buildings and not affecting the architectural
design so in many cases no need to propose too many planted columns and
thus making the structure more relaxed and safer and easier for construction.

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• Floors and roofs must be coordinated with the vertical framing actions to resist
all the forces both gravity forces, thermal forces if calculated and lateral
seismic and wind forces. The whole structure including the steel works and
the RCC part such as columns, slabs, pedestals and foundations should be
checked for integrity and safety.
• Submit load maps in colours and make detailed loadings for all proposed loads
and code requirements loads such as live loads, finishing, DLs, suspended
loads, walls load, services, water tanks loads, ACS pedestals, swimming pools
loads, landscaping loads … etc. and show these loads are they line loads or
distributed. Expect any additional future loads to be added. Add wind loads
for all types of the steel works structures irrespective of size, type, height, use
and location.
• Check all elements, frames drifts and deflections are within allowable limits.
• For long structures without expansion joints, exceeding 55 m, add thermal
loads in the analysis and the design. Separate the structure if possible and
make expansion joints not more than every 50 m for long structures.
• Try not to make very long spans if the architectural drawings permit which
means better to add columns to make the structure relaxed and safer by
reducing the spans as possible.
• Submit reinforced concrete drawings including but not limited to, all floors’
plans, details and sections, materials and loads, the RCC thicknesses and
reinforcement details, all schedules, all typical connections such connection
between main beams and columns, RCC cores and shear walls sections, and
all possible details that makes the drawings representation clear and adequate.
• When there are large openings, it is preferable to add beams, or stiffen
columns and check how the loads are transferred because such large opening
may make slab behave as one way instead of two-way.
• Floating columns and transfer beams should be avoided as possible as can be
unless it has been proven that there are no other alternatives.
• Check the supporting elements and load path and how the floor behaves
structurally.
• Add margin of safety for the calculated forces, stresses, moments and
deflections. Do not use the code upper limits especially if the project is new
and the design is under control. Consider the likelihood of extra loads are
added, future extension, site quality conditions, workmanship skills and
construction errors.

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• Make all the drawings clear, organized, complete and representative.

• Add in the drawings that the main Consultant logo and others if applicable.
• Add all general sheets for foundations, steel work specifications and typical
design and construction specifications if needed.
• Design for two hours minimum fire rating and show clearly in all the structural
drawings highlighted that all steel works should be protected for at least two
hours fire rating.
• Show durability requirements such as the minimum cover to the main
reinforcement for all structural members such as foundations, columns, …etc.
• Show depth of foundation excavation, designed for how many floors (consider
future additions), Soil bearing capacity, Materials strength such as concrete
cube strengths and reinforcement strength.
• Show all plot levels protections internal and external if applicable such as
retaining walls and shoring systems
• For unlevelled plots or if there are basements show all levels (existing,
proposed and foundation levels) accordingly and match them with
architecture drawings.

6.1.3 Reinforced Concrete Requirements

• Apply all the loads as per the adopted code.
• For flat slabs it is preferable to add drop caps with punching shear
reinforcement. All columns should have punching shear reinforcement for
ductility requirements for seismic loads.
• The lateral force resisting design must be sufficient such as large columns,
shear walls and left core
• See other requirements for lateral resisting framing system in other chapters
• Check the maximum allowable deflections. Deflections for all short term,
incremental and long term. Short and incremental limits are L/480 or 20 mm
max, and long-term L/240 but long term cannot be too high for long span also
and the preferable max long term is limit 30 mm. Satisfy all deflections limits.
Pre-camber is only used for extreme cases as last option to control deflection
and it is subjected to Municipality approval and only for rare cases and if
proposed need to be as per the code and maximum 25 mm for very long spans.
• For drift and for facade deflection, the overall drift and inter-story drift will
be calculated from L/400 to L/600.

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• Check the total building drift and the inter-storey drift of each floor for the
values limited by the RCC listed codes and also by the relevant listed seismic
design codes limits and wind drift design limits.
• The lateral inter-storey drift may not exceed 10 mm. If it exceeds this limit
then special details should be provided for the installation of non-structural
elements and both drift limits and façade performance specification must be
available for application by the specialist contractor.
• The minimum vertical percent in columns is (1%) and (0.4%) in walls
• The maximum reinforcement limit in reinforced columns and walls should not
exceed (4%). However, it can reach (8%) in case of utilizing couplers.
• The minimum horizontal percent of reinforcement is (0.25%)
• If the vertical reinforcement ratio of columns and walls is greater than (1%),
the diameter of the stirrups should not be less than 10 mm and the maximum
spacing between stirrups should be followed as per the code and the
regulations.
• The minimum percentage of the concrete cube compressive strength is 30
N/mm2 for reinforced concrete structures.
• See the other relevant requirements mentioned in chapter seven and chapter
eight.

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Chapter Six
The Structural Systems
6.2 Steel Work Design
6.2.1 Steel Work Designers
Steel Works companies should register in the Municipality and this details and the
procedure will be given soon and starting from a specified period, steel works
engineering companies are not allowed to practice until registering In the
Municipality and fulfilling the following requirements:
Main requirements
• The local steel works company should be a branch of international
respected steel works company of long records and high standards along
with the proper certificates. Local companies are allowed to practice
temporally (period to be announced soon). However, if a local steel works
company proved professional work, having excellent staff for design,
detailing, and fabrication, material sources are guaranteed, testing are done
frequently for materials and inspections, having local and international
updated certificates, possessing good reputation, with high quality designs
and construction procedure, then, the local steel works company will be
approved.
• Steel works company should fill the form. Form should be collected from
the Building Permit Department and resubmitted. Company’s details,
certificates, data, designers, and profile will be submitted for initial study
before receiving final approval.
• The registration is valid for one year and to be renewed.
• The company should have a professional staff and should have a local
registered office with specialized steel works engineer. The company
suppliers’ details for steel, accessories and all steel works hardware should
be submitted and later testing certificates should be submitted as well.
• The company and the steel works engineers will be interviewed and
examined
• The company has to perform presentation for the Municipality

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• Only the same steel works company mentioned in the drawings is allowed
to construct related project. Later, if owner wants to change the steel works
company, then further submission with the new company should be
submitted for approval. For supervision, the consultant should.
• Approval is subjected to passing all the requirements

Note:
Steel works design is not allowed temporarily (starting from a specified period) for
the following cases but later after companies’ classification and registration, some
of the following cases or most of them will be accepted. For the following cases:
• Villas
• Basements
• Substructures
• Public halls and worship areas (all uses)
• The municipality has the right to reject any steel works design proposal and
ask for conventional structural systems such as RCC frames.

6.2.2 Steel Works Design

During submitting the design and the application, the main consultant should attach
undertaking letter showing:
• The name of selected steel works company,
• Ensure it checked the structural systems and design fully and it is safe.
• Ensure that the steel work company is approved by the Municipality
• Coordinate both horizontal elements of steel works and vertical elements such
as columns and foundations.
• Check the steel part is coordinated with and other structural systems in the
project such as the concrete part.
• Checked all loads as per codes and standards.
• The main consultant has checked the steel works design with no issues related
to its part and no effects in the whole project.
• Both the main constant and the steel works designer should ensure safety of
the whole project every one contribute its specialty and ensure safety of the
whole project.

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• The steel works structural drawings match with the architectural drawings in
areas, dimensions, projections, cut outs, frames, number of floors, including
all the loads.
• Safety letter from steel works design should be submitted along with main
above consultant letter.

Both the main consultant and the steel works designer should always keep updated
and follow the memos and the regulations that are regularly published by the
Municipality regarding all aspects of steel works design and system. The
municipality can reject steel works design if it does not follow the codes and the
regulations or if the steel works as a proposed system was not accepted for the
project.

6.2.3 Steel works Codes

Codes of Practice:
• British BS5950 code with related loading codes
• Eurocode 3: Design of steel Structures
• American AISC code with ASCE7 loadings

6.2.4 Steel Works Drawings

• Match the structural drawings fully with architectural including floors
dimensions, loadings, heights, portal frame slopes, the steel structural system,
walls, opening, projections and number of floors.
• Check the lateral bracing system. For portal frames and trusses for example
check structure behaviours in both directions. Members such as Stiff frames,
cross bracing, tie rods, struts, RCC lateral supports, stiff portal frames or
suitable others or all of these or combination of them can provide lateral
advantage. Control the drifts as per the code. For steel buildings with flat
floors or multiple floors such as the buildings with decking slabs, lateral
bracing such as shear walls and lift core are useful. They should be adequate.
Lateral bracing system should be arranged to be distributed correctly in both
directions as required so that they provide full diaphragm and lateral load bath.
The centre of the rigidity should coincide with the centre of the mass so that

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no torsional effects exists or torsional effects to be kept on steel works to very

small values. Check diaphragm behaviours for decking slab buildings and add
beams as much as can be. Avoids ducts and cut outs nearby or touching the
lateral bracing systems and columns. Reduce larger spans as possible. Try to
make planted columns and transfer beams and slabs to the minimum.
• Make design safer and not complicated for constructions. Do not use extreme
design alternatives. Some times more columns can be starting from
foundations throughout the whole buildings and not affecting the architectural
design so in many cases no need to propose too many planted columns and
thus making the structure more relaxed and safer and easier for construction.
• Steel works roofs must be coordinated with the vertical framing actions to
resist all the forces both gravity forces, thermal forces if calculated and lateral
seismic and wind forces. The whole structure including the steel works and
the RCC part such as columns, decking slabs, pedestals and foundations
should be checked for integrity and safety.
• Normal steel materials such as hot rolled sections or built-up sections are
accepted with the usual grades 275 N/mm2, 355 N/mm2 and 460 N/mm2. For
large structures and built-up sections, it is recommended to use a minimum of
grade 355 N/mm2 (G50). Currently, Light gauge steel, cooled formed steel
(excluding the usual roof purlins) are not accepted for design for structural
elements and structures but later this may change.
• Submit load maps in colours and make detailed loadings for all proposed loads
and code requirements loads such as live loads, finishing, collateral loads,
DLs, suspended loads, walls load, services, water tanks loads, ACS pedestals,
swimming pools loads, landscaping loads … etc. and show these loads are
they line loads or distributed. Expect any additional future loads to be added.
Add wind loads for all types of the steel works structures irrespective of size,
type, height, use and location. for decking slabs buildings, flat roofs or multi-
story buildings, add seismic loads and wind loads.
• Check all frames drifts and deflections are within allowable limits.
• For long structures without expansion joints, exceeding 85 m, add thermal
loads in the analysis and the design. Separate the structure if possible and
make expansion joints not more than every 100 m for long structures.
• Try not to make very long spans if the architectural drawings permit which
means better to add columns to make the structure relaxed and safer by
reducing the spans as possible.

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• Submit steel part including but not limited to base plates, frames at all
possible grids in both directions, all floors plans, bracing systems both vertical
and horizontal, end connections details and sections, typical connection
sections, materials and loads, roof details such as purlins, sandwich or decking
slabs, sections for decking slab with the RCC reinforcement and slab
thickness, all main beams and secondary beams locations and schedules, all
typical connections such connection between main beams and columns,
connection of main beams with secondary beams, in general all types beams
to beams connections and beam to columns connections, steel beams to RCC
beams or RCC cores, anchorage bolts inside pedestals, trusses typical
connections and plates, purlins and roof sheeting connections and all possible
details that makes the drawings representation clear and adequate.
• When there are large openings, it is preferable to add beams, or stiffen
columns and check how the loads are transferred because such large opening
may make slab behave as one way instead of two-way.
• Floating columns and transfer beams should be avoided as possible as can be
unless it has been proven that there are no other alternatives.
• Check the supporting elements and load path and how the floor behaves
structurally.
• Add margin of safety for the calculated forces, stresses, moments and
deflections. Do not use the code upper limits especially if the project is new
and the design is under control. Consider the likelihood of extra loads are
added, future extension, site quality conditions, workmanship skills and
construction errors.
• Make all the drawings clear, organized, complete and representative.
• Add in the drawings that the steel company logo
• Add all general sheets for foundations, steel work specifications and typical
design and construction specifications if needed.
• Design for two hours minimum fire rating and show clearly in all the structural
drawings highlighted that all steel works should be protected for at least two
hours fire rating. Columns can have encasement for fire protection.
• All welding work teams should be qualified as per the requirements specified
in AWS D1.1 M:2015 / BS EN ISO 9606-1, BS EN ISO 14732 and must hold
certificates accredited by independent inspection bodies as well.
• Also, special welding procedures should be compliment with the requirements
of AWS D1.1/ D1.1 M:2015/ BS EN ISO 15614
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• Furthermore, One Site welding is prohibited, and if welding works is required

to be done at site, the required certificates and tests as well as the detailed
clear work process all should be provided. And the welding work should be
carried out by experienced certified welders only.
• Wind- induced oscillations and vibrations should be mitigated to avoid
causing disturbance for its users or damage to its content. Some special
structures such as buildings with large spans or roof having large sports
activities or relatively slender structures may need special checks for such
effects.
• Steel structures should be protected against corrosion. Approved of high-
quality product should be applied such as galvanisation, protective paint,
protective concrete coating or similar protection systems. The most suitable
corrosion protection system should be chosen carefully.

6.2.5 Steel Works Calculations

• Use steel works design software which is approved by the Municipality
• Submit design of all floors and each floor should include (software clear
output or snapshot):
• Calculations should include the project name, location and title, date as well
as the building and the floor name.
• Code used, materials, steel grades, assumptions, structure types
• Deflections and drifts limits, loads, load combinations, design structures
behaviour, support type, bracing system, materials details
• Frames analysis and design, all plans, design of steel part fully including the
rafter, beams, columns, bracings, end connections, baseplates and all the
structural members. and concrete part such as pedestal, RCC columns, floors,
foundations
• Loadings in details (LL, DL, SDL, collateral loads, finishing, services, wall
loads, steel works, ACs, water tanks, pedestals, … etc.) and thermal loads if
required, wind loads, seismic loads and other relevant loads if applicable. All
gravity loads and wind loads to be considered.
• For Lateral loads (seismic and wind) and thermal loads, analyse lateral loads
correctly. Use appropriate assumptions on how to resist lateral loads and
control drifts, deflections and stresses.

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• If the length of structure exceeds 90 m long then thermal loads should be

added in the design with temperature not less 25C, analyse for thermal loads
if the structure is required to be analysed for thermal load due to its nature
irrespective to size, or height or if required be Municipality.
• Wind loads need to be included in all projects irrespective of size, type,
number of floors, and height. Add seismic loads if it can exceed wind loads
and add it for decking slabs projects, multistorey projects, horizontal floors,
important structures and if required by the Municipality.
• Show in analyses and design all the reactions, forces, stresses, moments,
shear, torsion, tensions, compressions as per the steel elements for design
• Make the stress ratio for steel elements as low as can be and in all cases not
more than 0.85.
• Deflections should be all as per codes and cannot be too high. Reaching the
maximum limits of drifts and defection limits is not permissible. Use extra
margin of safety.
• Check all loads combinations. For wind use all combinations in all directions
as per the code as well as the seismic loads if applicable.
• Use wind loads basic speed as shown in these regulations unless there is an
updated requirements as per the Municipality. For Muscat use exposure D.
• Calculate wind pressure correctly and should not be less than 1.2 KN/m2.
• Calculate pressures distributions internal and external as per the code
• Show in the calculations nodes and members labels to follow them in the
design and the analysis
• Submit design of all connections, end connections, bolts, welding, base plates,
purlins, roof sheelings, ties and structs, and lateral bracing checks.
• For concrete part, the consultant should submit design of all RCC including
pedestal, columns, tie beams, decking slabs and foundations. For foundations
add the moments due to the pedestal’s horizontal loads, uplifts forces from
winds and moments if applicable.
• Submit reactions for all columns show if they are working or ultimate, for the
maximum load combinations and show all downwards, uplift, horizontal,
moments and torsions depending on the assumption of the supports such as
pin or fixed for example.
• Consider columns design such as braced or unbraced, short or long, bending
about minor axis or major axis.

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• Submit steel work beams detailed design and other RCC beams found in the
steel work roof
• For trusses, submit design of all the members and connections
• Match in design the used loads in calculations, height of buildings and shape
with architecture. Submit all buildings design in the project.
• If there are extra loads on the building add them. Check if presents concentrate
loads or the project is affected by others loads such as earth pressure, liquids,
floods, loads transmitted be nearby structures, traffic or similar.
• The grade of steel as code specified such as G43 275N/mm2, G50 355N/mm2
and G55 460 N/mm2. For built up sections use grade G55 minimum. For hot
rolled sections G43 can be used but preferably G50 at least.
• Use sand blasting and Protect steel for durability and rusting with best
treatment with full epoxy system (epoxy primer with undercoat with top coat)
total should be at least 250 microns or more or as per client higher than that
requirement. Or provide a better performance protection.
• Apply fire rating not less than 2 hrs for all steel elements and connections
• Primary design loads include LL, DL, seismic and wind. Secondary loads
include other design loads such as mechanical equipment and devices both
static and dynamic. Both the primary and the secondary loads need to be
specified and indicated in the drawings.
• Steel structures loads should be applied according to the design loads listed.
In additions, loads need to be calculated in accordance with the latest edition
of the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) Manual. See wind
loads requirement and steel structures system requirement in other chapters.
The loads stated below are the minimum design loads:
a. Roof DL: 0.25 KN/m2 (excluding self-weight)
b. Pitched roof live load: 0.6 KN/m2
c. Flat roof live load: 1.5 KN/m2
d. Other roof loads to which a roof is exposed:0.25 KN/m2
e. Wind loads see wind load chapter.
f. Construction loads and initial loads
g. Crance and winches loads and their effects. Also based on factory
specifications
h. Thermal loads +_ 25 C

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i. For structures with flat decking slabs and horizontal roof , the loads should be
as per the code and see the gravity vertical loads requirements in the
regulation.
• Each steel structural element should be designed according to the stress
resulting from a combination of load as per the code requirements, taking into
account the maximum ratio of actual stress to allowable stress in the element
in accordance with the applicable code.
• Steel structures ultimate allowable deflection limits should be as per the code
used for each structural element and also as follows:
a. (L/360) for deflection of the primary horizontal elements caused only by live
loads (LL).
b. (L/240) for deflection of the primary horizontal elements caused only by DL
and LL
c. (H/100) for deflection of vertical elements (for buildings with metal cladding)
d. (H/200) for deflection of vertical elements of brickwork with a height greater
than 2 m.
• Loads resulting from construction works should be considered at all
construction stages
• All types of loads and load combinations acting on a structure resulting from
construction works should be taken into consideration.
• Wind- induced oscillations and vibrations should be mitigated to avoid
causing disturbance for its users or damage to its content. Some special
structures such as buildings with large spans or roof having large sports
activities or relatively slender structures may need special checks for such
effects.
• Steel structures should be protected against corrosion. Approved of high-
quality product should be applied such as galvanisation, protective paint,
protective concrete coating or similar protection systems. The most suitable
corrosion protection system should be chosen carefully.
• Other requirements than need to be considered in the design such as vibrations
and displacements, Expansion and shrinkage, Corrosion and durability,
Upwards arching and Sliding joints

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6.2.6 Steel structural integrity and robustness

To reduce the risk of the local damage caused by progressive collapse and to ensure
robustness and the structural efficiency, buildings should apply the following
requirements
• Horizontal and vertical ties should be provided.
• The basic structural elements should be designed as per the applicable code
which is shown in the figure below
• The capacity to resist minimum lateral loads must be followed as instructed
by the used code of practice.
• Consider the possibility of removing the vertical member and redistribution
of forces to prevent collapse or damage of the main structure should be
allowed so that when removing structural elements, the deflections of the
remaining structural elements are within acceptable limits.

To avoid disproportionate collapses, steel – frames buildings which are designed in

compliance with the applicable code requirements should satisfy the following
important requirements:
• The horizontal ties should be provided in two perpendicular directions at each
floor and roof level. Moreover, the horizontal ties should be generally
arranged in a way that provide the maximum possible sustainability,
robustness and durability.
• Ties or other lateral force resisting systems should be distributed within the
building in two orthogonal directions as per the used code. Also, no part of

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the building may be connected to the lateral force resisting system with only
one point.
• All column splices should be capable of resisting a tensile force equal to the
largest factored vertical reaction from (DL + LL), DL, or (WL + LL) and
applied on the column at a single floor level located between that column
splice and the next column splice below.
• Unless the steel frame is fully continuous, all column should be carried
through at each beam-to-column connection.
• When precast concrete or any other solid construction systems are used, they
should be connected tightly at their own level by tying them directly to the
bearings or by bonding them together at the bearings level as specified by the
applicable code.

• If the requirements listed above were not fulfilled, then, each floor should be
checked to ensure that disproportionate collapses will not occur when
hypothetical removal of any element of the lateral force resisting systems, on
at a time, and also that the area of that part at risk of collapse does not exceed
(15%) of the area of that floor or roof or does not exceed 70 m2 whichever is
smaller, whether at the immediately adjacent upper or lower levels or at the
effected level.
• If the removal of any element of the lateral resisting system or hypothetical
removal of a column increase the risk of a collapse in larger areas which are
more than the upper limit, then this element or column should be designed as
a key element as specified by the used code. This key elements and ties should
be designed to resist an accidental load of 34KN/m2 due to accidental loads
such as explosion or vehicle collision for example.

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Chapter Six
The Structural Systems
6.3 Post Tension Concrete Design
6.3.1 Post Tensioning Designers
Post tension companies should register in Municipality and this details and the
procedure will be given soon and starting from a specified period, post tensioned
engineering companies are not allowed to practice until registering In the
Municipality and fulfilling the following requirements:
Main requirements
• The local pt company should be a branch of international respected pt
company of long records and high standards along with the proper
certificates. New local companies are allowed to practice temporally
(period to be announced soon). However, if a local pt company proved
professional work, having excellent staff for design, detailing, and
fabrication, material sources are guaranteed, testing are done frequently for
materials and inspections, having local and international updated
certificates, possessing good reputation, with high quality designs and
construction procedure, then, the local pt company will be approved.
• pt company should fill the form. Form should be collected from the
Building Permit Department and resubmitted. Company’s details,
certificates, data, designers, and profile will be submitted for initial study
before receiving final approval.
• The registration is valid for one year and to be renewed.
• The company should have a professional staff and should have a local
registered office with specialized pt engineer. The company suppliers’
details for strands, anchorages and all PT hardware should be submitted
and later testing certificates should be submitted as well.
• The company and the pt engineers will be interviewed and examined
• The company has to perform presentation for the Municipality
• Only the same pt company mentioned in the drawings is allowed to
construct related project. Later, If owner wants to change the pt company,

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then further submission with the new company should be submitted for
approval. For supervision, the consultant should.
• Approval is subjected to passing all the requirements

Note:
Post tensioned design is not allowed temporarily (starting from a given period) for
the following cases but later after companies’ classification and registration, all the
following case or most of them will be accepted. For the following cases:
• Villas (but allowed only for villa that have most areas and rooms in them are
relatively very large spans or its structural system is very complicated which
are rare cases)
• Foundations
• Basements (except the upper basement which should be above ground)
• Substructures
• Public halls (all uses), industrial areas and all worship buildings.
• Buildings with Small to medium spans where other structural system works
• The municipality has the right to reject any pt design and ask for conventional
structural systems such as RCC frames or flat slabs.

6.3.2 Post Tensioning Design

During submitting the design and the application, the main consultant should attach
undertaking letter showing:
• The name of selected post tension company,
• Ensure it checked the structural systems and design fully and it is safe.
• Coordinate both horizontal elements of post tensioned and vertical elements
such as columns and foundations.
• Checked all loads as per codes and standards.
• The main consultant has checked the post tension design with no issues related
to its part and no effects in the whole project.
• Both the main constant and the pt designer should ensure safety of the whole
project every one contribute its specialty and ensure safety of the whole
project.

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• The PT structural drawings match with the architectural drawings in areas,

dimensions, projections, cut outs, frames, number of floors, including all the
loads.
• Safety letter from pt design should be submitted along with main above
consultant letter.

Both the main consultant and the pt designer should always keep updated and follow
the memos and the regulations that are regularly published by the Municipality
regarding all aspects of post tensioning design and system. The municipality can
reject post tension design if it does not follow the codes and the regulations or if the
post tension as a proposed system was not accepted for the project.

6.3.3 Post Tensioning Codes

• Codes of Practice: American ACI code
Design Class minimum as per the code requirements:
Two-way slabs: Class U (uncracked)
Beams: at least Class T (transient) the best value in the given stress range.

6.3.4 Post Tensioning Drawings

• Match the structural drawings fully with architectural including floors
dimensions, loadings, walls, opening, projections and number of floors.
• Check the lateral bracing system such as shear walls and lift core. They should
be adequate. Lateral bracing system should be arranged to be distributed
correctly in both directions as required so that they provide full diaphragm
and lateral load bath. The centre of the rigidity should coincide with the centre
of the mass so that no torsional effects exists or torsional effects to be kept to
very small values. Check diaphragm behaviours and add beams as much as
can be. Avoids ducts and cut outs nearby or touching the lateral bracing
systems and columns. Reduce larger spans as possible. Try to make planted
columns and transfer beams and slabs to the minimum.
• Make design safer and not complicated for constructions. Do not use extreme
design alternatives. Some times more columns can be starting from

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foundations throughout the whole buildings and not affecting the architectural
design so in many cases no need to propose too many planted columns and
thus making the structure more relaxed and safer and easier for construction.
• Pt slabs must be coordinated with the vertical framing actions to resist all the
forces both gravity forces, thermal forces if calculated and lateral seismic and
wind forces.
• Submit load maps in colours and make detailed loadings for all loads such as
live loads, finishing, walls load, services, water tanks loads, ACS pedestals,
swimming pools loads, landscaping loads … etc. and show these loads are
they line loads or distributed. Expect any additional future loads to be added.
• Try not to make very long spans if the architectural drawings permit which
means better to add columns to make the structure relaxed and safer by
reducing the spans as possible.
• Flat pt plate with columns is not preferable. Instead, better to add drop caps,
band beams, beams either RCC or PT in order to make the structure more rigid
and stable and work conveniently with vertical lateral bracing systems
• When there are large openings, it is preferable to add beams, or stiffen
columns by drop caps and check how the loads are transferred because such
large opening may make slab behave as one way instead of two-way.
• Floating columns and transfer beams should be avoided as possible as can be
unless it has been proven that there are no other alternatives.
• Check the supporting elements and load path and how the floor behaves
structurally.
• Add margin of safety for the calculated forces, stresses, and deflections. Do
not use the code upper limits especially if the project is new and the design is
under control. Consider the likelihood of extra loads are added, future
extension, site quality conditions, workmanship skills and construction errors.
• There should be a separate drawing that show the theoretical (software
generated) elongations of strands. The accepted deviation between the
theoretical elongation and site recorded elongations should be within +_ 10%
and should be inspected by the specialist engineer and the consultant.
• The maximum allowable differences between the location and the height of
the tendon are +_5 mm in the vertical direction and +_ 100 mm in the
horizontal direction. But is recommended to minimize the differences and use
exact values as specified in the drawings and follow the adopted code.

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• Attention should be given to the sequence of stressing so that there is no

damage to the formwork of the primary beams in case of stressing tendons for
slabs or a system consisting of restressing secondary beams supported by
primary beams.

6.3.5 Post Tensioning Calculations

• Use post tensioned design software which is approved by the Municipality
• Submit design of all floors and each floor should include (software clear
output or snapshot):
• Calculations should include the project name, location and title, date as well
as the building and the floor name.
• Code used, class types, stresses limits, loads, load combinations, design
assumptions, materials details and cables…
• Meshing and Finite element also design strips
• Loadings in details (LL, DL, SDL, finishing, services, wall loads, post
tension) and thermal loads if required, wind loads, seismic loads and other
relevant loads if applicable. All gravity loads and seismic loads to be
considered.
• For Lateral loads (seismic and wind) and thermal loads, analyse lateral loads
and thermal loads separately by approved software and design for the effect
and that additional steel at spans and at columns head or in beams should be
added to the steel required by the pt design due to the gravity loads resulted
in pt software. Their maximum lateral loads reactions and can be collected
from the approved frame software and modelled on the pt software with the
thermal loads if applicable but the resultant forces and reinforcements here
should not be less than when lateral loads and thermal loads modelled
separately.
• If the short side of structure exceeds 55 m long then thermal loads should be
added in the design with temperature not less 25C
• Seismic loads need to be included in all projects irrespective of size, type,
number of floors, and height.
• Moments both in X and Y directions and one way shear, two-way shear
• Stresses at both bottom and top faces at all stages (transfer, service, ultimate
loads, . etc as per code)

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• Deflections all short term, incremental and long term. Short and incremental
limits are L/480 or 20 mm max, and long-term L/240 but long term cannot be
too high for long span also and the preferable max long term is limit 30 mm.
satisfy all deflections limits. Pre-camber is only used for extreme cases as last
option to control cracks and it is subjected to municipality approval and only
for rare cases and if proposed need to be as per the code and maximum 25 mm
for very long spans. Pre-camper in the PT slabs if accepted and used, then the
designer should give a clear justification in accordance with the adopted code.
• P/A should be submitted for both directions. The lowest is 0.9 but preferable
to exceeds this low limit to 1 or more.
• Cables in both x and Y directions.
• Crack widths should be shown on calculations in both direction at different
stages.
• If the design graphics are not clear and contains overlap details due to large
size of the slab, then one full floor and enlarged parts in every floor need to
be submitted so an engineer can review clearly.
• Submit reactions for all columns for every floor and show if they are working
or ultimate.
• Submit punching shear plan and related calculations checks. Submit punching
shear plan and stress ratios and the design for that by an approved software or
spread sheets for every column Flat plate better to have drop caps with
punching shear reinforcement or at least thicker plate with punching shear
reinforcement for medium stresses.
• Submit PT beams detailed design and other RCC beams found in the PT roof
• Submit the full design status check plan
• For every floor for every check in the calculations write note. For example the
calculation shows maximum deflections in the contour 20 mm. write what is
the maximum limit as per the code and whether satisfied or not.
• Show reinforcement requirements plans for both directions for all top and
bottom areas. The steel provided on the drawings should include gravity loads,
post tensioning, lateral loads and thermal loads.
• Use only laboratory certified tensile strands tests of high approved quality
with nominal tensile strength of (1860 MPa)
• The wall thickness of metal ducts should not be less than (0.4 mm). Both
galvanized flat or corrugated metal ducts can be used.

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• An inspection at the beginning of the grouting works should be carried out by

the consultant and should be noted in the drawings
• The grouting admixture consists of cement, water and shrinkage
compensating materials. The minimum strength of the grout mix after 28 days
should be the same as that for concrete
• The cube strength of concrete used in prestressed concrete should be not less
than 35 M/mm2 at 28 days.
• The effect of vibrations on slabs should be analysed accordance with the
applicable codes.
• The concrete cover in prestressed concrete should satisfy the maximum value
of the durability requirements or fire resistance requirements.
• If the precompression exceeds (3 MPa), the designer engineer should consider
the effect of shortening of the structural elements which are connected with
the restraint of the support’s structural elements.
• Long term deflection (cracked deflection) should be within the allowable
limits as per the code taking into consideration the cracked section criteria.
• To calculate long term deflection, use the following coefficients
Loading type Coefficients related to short-
term elastic deflection value
DL 3.0
Prestressing after losses 3.0
LL 1.5

6.3.6 Post Tensioning Specifications

• Bottom mesh should be provided in all cases. The mesh required depends on
the design. Furthermore, it also helps in early thermal effects, creep and
shrinkage and other related parameters. The minimum diameter of the basic
mesh is 10 mm bar and maximum spacing 200 mm but preferably less than
that as per the design. More steel in the basic bottom mesh by higher bar
diameter and lesser spacing and additional bottom steel should be provided
whenever is required.
• Top mesh in slabs should be provided whenever is required by the design
code. Top mesh should be also provided when the building width exceeds 50
m, in final roof at top such as pent house irrespective of length and when the
thickness of the slabs is equal to or exceeds 300 mm. The municipality can

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ask for top mesh whenever the project demand that. Additional top mesh
should be provided in the spans and over the beams and columns to control
moments, shear, thermal stresses, seismic effects and to assist in resisting
punching shear at columns. The minimum diameter of the basic top mesh is
10 mm bar and maximum spacing 250 mm. The thermal load’ reinforcement
will add to the top mesh and can be separated by half in top and bottom.
• Show all cables in both directions X and Y. the spacing between the cables
should not exceeds 1.5 m. It is preferable to make alternatives stressing where
live ends stressed from both sides. For cables exceeds 30 m make stressing
from both sides. It is recommended to limit maximum length of the cables not
more than 50 m.
• Add pour strips around RCC in basement floor. Divide long buildings to many
pour strips in all directions and it is preferable to add pour strips every not
more than 30 m. design pour strips and their locations should be in the first
third or quarter of the span from the support.
• Show in drawings the PT company logo, materials (concrete strength,
stressing details, strands properties, … etc
• Show the number of the cables as wells as the cable profile shape and values.
• Additional steel in top and bottom of the pt slab must be provided as per the
calculations.
• For all the code regulations for design, sections and detailing.
• Top steel should be provided on supporting beams and as U bars around all
external beams and slabs supports. Top steel should be provided on column
heads and around shear walls and lift core as per the calculations and the code
requirements.
• Show all the possible and necessary sections for example sections for
punching shears reinforcement, anchorage reinforcements, beams profiles,
sections on pt beams both at mid span and support, sections for slab
reinforcements, section for seismic connections, some reinforcement detailing
sections and other structural important sections.
• Show all the materials properties and the posttensioning specifications for the
project.
• The use of curved tendons should be avoided as much as possible. If required,
it is subjected to the Municipality approval, and the tendons curving should
not exceed 1:12 and anchorage should be used in additions to the top and or
the bottom steel mesh.

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• Tendons should not be stopped inside the slab without supports at the end such
as walls or columns, drop or hidden beams or any other special details.
• Jacking force should not exceed (80%) of the breaking loads and should be
compliant with the design code.
• A minimum amount of reinforcing steel bars must be provided over the
supports to ensure many requirements such as mitigation of any cracks that
could occur in these places.
• The reinforcement bars should be placed along the edges of all slabs in all
directions. And this should include U-bars with longitudinal both bars top and
bottom as shown below

• All columns should be checked for punching shear. To meet all the
requirements of the ductility for the seismic resistance design, all the columns
should be provided with a minimum punching shear reinforcement.
• Steel bars should be used to resist stress concentration at cables ends. These
reinforcements can be achieved by using spiral steel reinforcement, or any
other approved detailing of the steel reinforcement may be used.
• The bottom steel at columns and support locations should not less than (30%)
of the top steel used at this same location. More percentage is recommended

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Chapter Six
The Structural Systems
6.4 Load Bearing Buildings
6.4.1 Introduction
Load bearing structures are structures that their roof loads are transmitted to the
foundations though the walls and strip foundations. They can be used when the
buildings are relatively small, they have small spans, the architectural design wall
division is the same in all the floors and for limited number of floors. Generally, they
are weaker in the performance compared to the reinforced concrete structures. They
have low capacity to resist lateral loads such as seismic loads, wind loads, and floods.
However, for light small structures, if conventional RCC not to be used, they can be
used for small size structures provided that all the requirements for masonry
structures as per the adopted code have been considered as well as taking into
account the quality of work at site and workmanship skills.
6.4.2 Load Bearing foundations
Load bearing has to have strip foundations along all the structural walls that carry
the loads from the roofs. The walls have to be fully through all floors till foundations
where no walls can be starting from the roof. No floating walls are permitted. The
load bearing walls should be fully solid block work not hollow of good strength
usually 10 – 12 N/mm2 or more. The load bearing foundations should be designed
for the suitable soil bearing capacity. The foundations excavation depth should be
determined as per the adopted code and the soil parameters. In all cases the minimum
allowable excavation for load baring foundation is 1.2 m where deeper excavation
might be required but the recommended depth should not be less than 1.5 m.
6.4.3 Load Bearing Structural Layout
• Use load bearing system for light structures such as small to medium spans,
less no of floors, light loads, the upper floor architectural divisions is same as
the blow floor.
• Use solid block work to carry the loads
• Opening need to be small as possible and the maximum openings size in the
walls should not exceed 2 – 2.5 m such as large internal doors or arches and
these openings should be in limited locations.

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• Add beams at plinth location and roof along the whole walls for tying the
structure and to add more stiffness.
• Add columns at least 20 x 25 cm, 4Y16 vertical bars, stirrups Y 8@200 c/c.
at all the corners within the buildings to assist in resisting lateral loads such
as seismic loads.
• Add enough lintel around all the opening both top and bottom and should be
stiff capable of transmit the loads throughout the wall.
• The load bearing is a choice for buildings with small to medium spans say up
to 5 m and the roof is a two-way direction slab not one way.
• Projections and cantilever should be not used with loads bearing structures as
possible as can be,
• Load bearing structures is allowed up to two floors only for new structures.
For additional third pent house floor, there should be approval from the
Municipality before proposing that floor.
• Submit design calculations for the load bearing structure including foundation
design, masonry design and all other structural members.
• Specify in drawings block work type, materials, SBC, depth of foundations
and show all the plans and add sections throughout full buildings both inside
and outside the buildings. Add sections as much as can be to give enough
details.
• Loads bearing foundations should be all inside the plot. If there are neighbour
load bearing foundations then tie these foundations be tie beams every 5.5 m.
• To avoid differential settlements, it is not recommended to mix strip load
bearing foundations with other part of buildings which have different types of
buildings such as isolated and raft foundations.

6.5 New Building Systems

All the new building systems and new structural materials other than the approved
reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete, steel work buildings and precast concrete
should be approved by the Municipality before use. For the current approved new
structural systems, they can be used within the restricted specifications as per the
Municipality regulations.

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Chapter Seven
Structural Calculations Requirements
7.1 Documentation of the Structural Calculations
The structural calculations book should be documented, organized, complete and
clear. The calculations should be documented very well. One example as follows:
• In the first cover sheet show clearly: the land location as per the krooki, the
project name, main consultant name and logo, sub consultants names and
logos if involved in the design and the designer name and logo (designer can
be a specialized company) if involved in the design , building type, reference
to which building in the plot, show if the whole building or part of it, if for the
whole building or a particular floor, to show if (new, modifications, additions
, or mix) , other requirements such as strengthening or particular special
design , date …etc and any particular information the consultant wants to add.
• In the later pages, the following should be included: the designers, the
checkers, date and signatures for involved designers and the main submitting
consultant.
• along with responsibility letters as separate files uploaded in the application
from the main consultant as well as the sub consultant or designer if involved
showing that the submitted calculations are matching with the drawings
completely and design was carried out as per the local and international code
considering all structural elements for safety, stability, long term effects,
structural effects as well as environmental effects, integrity with other
structural elements in the building are met, effect of the proposed structure or
loads on existing structures are considered, protection for building, protection
for neighbor or plots are all considered….etc.

7.2 Organization of the Structural Calculations

The calculations should be organized very well. One example as follows: Then,
include pages of summary of design calculations includes but not limited to:
• Table of contents with page numbering. Optionally, if possible, to make the
contents integrative so that by clink it reaches the required title would be better

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• Present the calculations sections and chapters in meaningful and systematic

manner
• Start with introductions, the analysis and after that the design. Make the
calculations book easy, readable, and organized.
• The calculation book can be one full document or can be separated in different
books but should be labeled clearly to know which book for which building
or which part of a building.
• Design assumptions
• Types of analysis
• The software used for which structural elements or buildings
• Design codes and their dates
• Loadings in details (LL, DL, SDL, finishing, services, AC’s, pedestals,
hydrostatic loads, earth pressures, water tanks, swimming pools, landscaping
loads, thermal loads, lateral loads (seismic and wind), dynamic machine loads,
…etc.) in details for each floor and for each part of the building if applicable.
• Frame types like sway and un-sway, fixed, hinges, ...etc.
• Analysis type such as static, dynamic, linear or nonlinear … etc.
• Design limitations
• Other considerations, expansion joints, ...etc.
• Feedback when necessary if available from soil report, site tests, water table,
soil bearing capacity, type of foundations
• Lateral bracing systems and diaphragms
• Stiffeners modifiers for structural members used as per the used code.
• Materials strengths, stiffness E, thermal coefficients, SBC, … etc.
• Assumptions for structural elements like slabs are solid, ribs, flat…., beams
are …, columns are braced or un-braced, foundations settlements…. etc.
• The structural calculations should be organized well to include the analysis of
the whole buildings either by approved software preferable or clear manual
design and should cover all the structural elements even the other structural
elements such as stairs, retailing walls, corbels and lift cores shear walls,
column drop caps, shoring system, generators and machine bases, water tanks,
swimming pools or all other elements.

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• The outputs of some software are not clear and difficult to review and, in this
case, submit with that other meaningful output and snapshot from the
software.

7.3 Contents of the Structural Calculations

The calculations should be complete very well. One example as follows:
• It is required to submit full calculations. Concentrate mainly on the necessary
sheet, graphs, tables…etc. that gives sufficient idea and feedback regarding
the analysis and the design. If the software input and output results
presentation is not clear add snapshots from the input and the output.
• Add your comments in the main results, if they are within the code limits such
as moments, shear, stresses and deflections.
• Paying attention to reinforcement detailing as per codes, reflecting local
quality levels, sufficient factors of safety, local environmental effects such as
high humidity and temperatures, materials, integrity of structural systems and
elements, effects of floods mainly in areas need wadi or beaches, wind effects,
seismic effects, thermal loads, short and long term effects and all related
design aspects.
• Along with full calculations book, there should be a summary section in the
calculations book for the main input and output results. If the consultant
prefers, the calculations can be submitted in in two books, the first is the full
calculations and the second file is the summary. The summary input
calculation file will include the items shown in the clause 7.2 briefly and the
main output such as support reactions, typical foundations designs, main
important beams moment, shear, and deflection summarized and design, main
columns forces and designs, and large slabs designs.
• Include all buildings, main structural elements and secondary ones.
• Design of slabs should include all code requirements and mainly moments
and deflection (short, incremental and long term). However, shear design can
be included as required especially for slabs like flat slabs and also punching
shear design. Design for punching shear if required should be submitted.
Structural members as group design are allowed as convenient. All other slab

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design aspects required by the code such as thermal effects, long term
deflections, vibrations, fatigue, dynamic loads, thermal, … must be submitted.
• Design of beams should include moments, shear, torsions, and also deflection.
Special cases such as for design for long beams, deep beams, spandrel beams
or two-way beams design such as waffle slab and rib beams should be
comprehensive.
• Design of columns should be clear to reflect braced or un-braced, pin or fixed,
axially loaded or with uni-axial or biaxial, short or long …etc. Some types
such as floating (planted) columns, terminated columns, change in column
orientations should be addressed carefully as per code.
• Transfer beams and slabs should be designed carefully.
• Foundations should show type, settlements, modulus of sub-grade reaction,
assumptions, pressures, moments, shear, may be punching shear, etc
• Design of retaining wall of all possible cross sections and types
• Design of shoring, Post tension slabs, precast, steel work, pile caps, composite
elements should be submitted (conditional permit can be issued if required
when a specialized design consultant is not appointed yet and these will be
submitted later for Municipality approvals).
• Design of base plates, connections, composite sections, bracings for steel
structures must be submitted.
• Add lateral loads such as seismic and wind whenever is required. See loading
chapter. Check design stability for the building.
• Design of building and protection systems such as shoring. If shoring design
is not available, later to be submitted for approval before construction.
• Design of all the structural elements should be submitted fully in details
• If the plot is affected by floods or sea waves, especially the ones close to wadis
and beaches ensure design a safe protection.
• Consider durability in design, high humidity and high temperature which can
reach over 50 C. Pay attention to these requirements as per the code such as
the cover to the main reinforcement.
• Consider fire resistance in the design with a minimum of two hrs. or check the
civil defense requirements if higher rating is required.
• Design number of floors as per the architectural requirements and consider if
future addition is required.
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• For additions and modifications on existing structures, check the extra loads
coming on the existing structure so check all footings, columns, beams, slabs
or other related existing members. If a new building affects nearby building
check the extra loads and ensure safety of both buildings or both structures.
• If the existing structure cannot withstand proposed additions or modifications,
find solutions to reduce loads or propose strengthening for the existing
structure if applicable.
• Model the structures as 3D with all loads (lateral and gravity loads). Show in
the calculation’s nodes and members label for emery floor in order to review
them and refer to their output. 2D modes such as portal for steel frames can
be used provided that the stability is checked correctly. For post tension design
each floor can be modeled separately.
• Check all the combinations for all loads as per the code with all possible types
and directions. If the software gives automatic combinations, show a note in
the calculations in the first page a reference for few mostly used ones such as
the service gravity loads, the ultimate gravity loads, the envelope ultimate
combinations for quick reference while checking.
• When designing and calculating sections, steel, stresses and deflections, it is
a good practice to consider enough margin of safety not taking exact results
only to account for many factors such as for errors in calculations,
underestimated loads, materials uncertainty, local labor qualifications and
experience, construction methodology, severe environmental effects, floods,
high winds and dynamic loads.
• Consider punching shear extremely, make lower one-way shear and punching
shear stresses as much as can be and make maximum shear stress ratio after
considering all loads, safety and stability factors, and load combinations to be
not more than 0.8. lower ratios is safer and better.
• Check deflections (short term minimum of L/480 or 20 mm, incremental
minimum of L/480 or 20 mm, long term minimum of L/240 or 30 mm). For
the combination of these three cases refer to the code or get from the provided
circulations. It is not accepted to design new building and reach the upper limit
of the deflections so make margin of safety.
• For flat slabs and raft foundations and flat plates when using software, submit
snapshots for moments in both directions, steel designs where this can be by

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showing steel in the plans or assigning a mesh and the extra steel is shown in
the contour for both directions. Show also punching shear plans stress ratio.
Show also defections contours for short, incremental and long term. For raft,
show plan contour for soil bearing capacity, settlements and punching.
• Add stiffened modifiers to structural members as per the code requirements
• Model the buildings projections, cutouts, structural framing, dimensions, and
loadings as per the project.

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Chapter Eight
Design Detailing Requirements
8.1 Introduction
The structural details in the drawings should be clear and comprehensive so that for
construction the details are clear. Sections thicknesses and reinforcements amounts
should be as per the design and within the code limits. Make design detailing
professional according the best practices. Structural plans, reinforcement schedules
and steel sections details should be well organized, coordinated and clear.
8.2 Durability Requirements
Durability requirements as per the code of practice should be met. Some
requirements include the cover to the main reinforcement. The cover to the
reinforcement should be shown in the drawings for all the structural elements
including foundations, columns, beams and slabs. The structural members should be
checked if it is fully exposed to the environment or partially to decide the cover
requirements. Muscat Governorate is affected by relatively high humidity and high
temperature and a large area is coastal area. This means a large part of the plots are
affected by severe climate conditions and thus need to be considered in the design
for the cover thickness and other design related parameters. The minimum concrete
cube crushing strength should not be less than 30 N/mm2 for villas and 40N/mm2 for
other projects. Grade 35 N/mm2 can be accepted for small size projects other than
villas but 40 N/mm2 Is recommended as a minimum value. More strength is better.
8.3 Fire Rating
Recheck the code specifications for fire rating in structural design of buildings such
as the minimum thicknesses of the structural members and similar specifications for
concrete structures and for steel work structures, all steels work should be covered
by approved high quality fire protection product. The minimum design fire rating is
two hours. If the project requires civil defense approval from the authority, then
check the required number of hours of fire rating if it exceeds the two hours then
design for that value.
Points to be considered
• All buildings should be designed to withstand fire for the periods specified in
the used code. However, fire rating should be not less than two hours.

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• The type of the fire protection system needed to be achieved based on

classification rating will be determined in accordance with the following
criteria:
a. The fire protection system in use
b. The required fire – resistance period
c. For steel work structures: the log and size of the steel section
d. Also for steel work structures: the perimeter of the steel section that is exposed
to fire
e. E. building use and its occupancy.
• The fire resistance of a building should be evaluated according to the building
type, functions, hazard assessment, uses, and occupancy of the building
• All details of fire protection such as the fire rating of columns, slabs, and roof
as well as the proposed customized or special fire rating system and other
necessary details should be included in the drawings.
• Steel column encasement is a choice for column fire protection if possible.

8.4 Member Sections

• For solid slabs the minimum thickness is 120 mm and that is to meet
requirements of two hours minimum fire rating.
• For multistory and the buildings which are designed to resist seismic forces,
the minimum thickness of the solid slabs is 150 mm to assist the roof to act as
diaphragms.
• The minimum depth of the beams or hidden beams is 300 mm.
• The minimum thickness of the retaining walls, shear walls and lift core is
200 mm.
• The minimum width of the columns is 200 but for building designed for
seismic loads, columns minimum width is 300 mm.
• Minimum thickness of flat slabs is 210 mm.
• For reduced columns sizes for example for above floors, recheck eccentricity
in the design
• The minimum column size is 200 x 300 mm.
• If the thickness of a continuous slab changes, it is recommended to separate it
by beams
• Tie beams in neighbor foundations should be stiff and a minimum width of
300 is recommended.
• long columns sections should be large enough to withstand buckling effects.
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• Load bearing structures should have solid block work and large opening is not
permissible. Preferable maximum opening is 2 m.
8.5 Slab Cutout and Ducts
Large cut outs or ducts should be supported by beams on columns, small cut outs
can be on slabs but should not be in critical stress areas and steel sections should be
provided for that to show extra steel around the cut out or alternatively, the
reinforcement can be shown on the plans. No cutout or duct around columns or shear
walls so if that present, use drop caps or preferable beams to transfer the loads.
8.6 Reinforcement Detailing
For all the structural members check the code requirements for minimum and
maximum steel percentage and the reinforcement presentation. The spacing is
calculated center to center (c/c). The following are some main requirements:
• For all types of slabs, the minimum bar diameter of steel is Y10 and the
maximum spacing of reinforcement is 200 mm. If the basic mesh is at 200
mm spacing then the extra steel can be at larger spacing to resists the forces
such as the moments and the punching shear provided that the extra steel is in
the same layer as the basic mesh not another layer.
• For all types of foundations, the minimum bar diameter of steel is Y12 and
the maximum spacing of reinforcement in is 200 mm. If the basic mesh is at
200 mm spacing then the extra steel can be at larger spacing to resists the
forces such as the moments and the punching shear provided that the extra
steel is in the same layer as the basic mesh not another layer.
• For beams and columns maximum spacing of longitudinal bars depends on
the code and related to its requirements but should not be more than 150 mm.
• For structural walls, shear walls, and retaining walls, minimum main vertical
steel is Y12 but higher diameter steel can be required depending on the design.
and the reinforcement spacing for vertical and horizontal bars in both faces is
limited maximum to 200 mm.
• For piles, the vehicle steel spacing is limited to 200 mm.
• The minimum diameter of stirrups or links steel in beams and columns should
be limited to Y8 and spacing is limited to 200 mm max. but check seismic
requirements for steel confinement at joints such as beam to column
connection where links spacing can be limited to 100 mm max or less.

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• For wide beams and columns, there should be sufficient number of links to
bind the main bars as per the code specifications. The minimum stirrups
diameter is 8 mm.
• The minimum punching shear reinforcement diameter is 8 mm for slabs and
12 mm for foundations and higher diameters may be required depending on
the design.
• Face bars (side bars) should be provided for beams equal or greater than 700
mm in depth.
• For usual beams with 200 mm wide, provide not than two bars top in each
layer and this is for vibrator to work properly during casting. But the number
of the bottom bars can be more than two in a layer. In all cases minimum
spacing between reinforcement should be satisfied as per the code.
• For sections of (wide beams, large columns and hidden beams) show in the
schedule number of legs or stirrups to be provide and sections should be
shown for clarity.
• Minimum size of longitudinal steel bars in beams and columns is 14 mm.
• Top steel should be added as per design for columns in flat slabs, for shear
walls and lift cores, above beams for negative moments and above periphery
beams.
• Solid slabs which are equal to 200 mm or more should have top mesh also or
T/B steel.
8.7 Substructures Requirements
For foundation and substructure, the type of the cement used should be addressed to
deal with substances such as sulphate and chloride. Soil investigation report can give
guidelines on the type of the cement used such as OPC or SRC. Details such as
water/cement ratios and the minimum and maximum cement content on concrete
should be shown on drawings as guideline. Water proof protection for foundation
and substructures is required and the most suitable method and protect should be
illustrated on the drawings. Make sure no foundations are overlapping with other
existing foundations and no foundations are outside the plot. Check the requirements
of the underground water table.

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8.8 Cracks widths Control

Check the requirements for crack width control as per the code. Smaller crack width
than the limit is preferable so try to give margin of safety not reaching the upper
limit of crack width. For post tension structures, the design crack width should be as
per the code, for example for two way slabs the roof is designed as uncracked. For
water retailing structures, the design maximum crack width is 0.1 mm.
Crack widths in reinforced concrete structures will be designed as per the American
Concrete Institute Code (ACI 224R Table 4.1) or alternatively Eurocode 2 (BS EN
1992-3 Section 7.3). If there are structural elements that cannot be accessed for
maintenance, even though they have waterproofing, they should be considered as
non-insulated elements.
Design crack widths
The following values should be considered for design crack width provided that they
should not conflict with the requirements prescribed by the above-mentioned
building codes.
• For substructures, foundations and retaining walls that are exposed to water
pressure = 0.1 mm
• For water retaining structures such as water tanks, holding tanks and
swimming pools = 0.1 mm
• For substructures, foundations and retain walls that are not exposed to water
pressure = 0.2 mm. for safer design it is recommended to not exceed 0.1 mm.
• For superstructures, that are exposed to water pressure = 0.2 mm
• For superstructures, that are not exposed to water pressure = 0.3 mm.
however, it is recommended to not exceeds 0.2 mm.
Note:
A full approved water proof tanking system of good high quality and insurance
should be provided for all elements that are exposed

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8.9 Plot with Levels

Match all the levels in the structural drawings with the levels on the architectural
drawings. If the plot has level difference, reflect these on the design and on the
foundations and retaining walls sheets. For foundation, show the excavation level
and match this with plot level and check if the foundations are on natural strata or
on filling. For unleveled plots, plot survey is needed which show existing plot levels
and this case there will be proposed levels and foundation base excavation levels. In
this case it is recommended to submit a foundation sheet with existing levels,
proposed levels and foundation levels.
The foundation excavation levels should be based on the lowest plot level or
alternatively show full section of the plot in both direction and may be at different
locations to illustrate the foundation levels compared to the existing and the
proposed levels. Moreover, if there is plot level differences, levelling floors or
basements, it is advised to show more sections for clarity. For retaining walls, show
levels on the plans with foundation and show sections at different locations
especially if the retaining wall sections or protection types changes. Add filing loads
on the foundations if exists.

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Chapter Nine
Foundations, Excavations and Soil Investigation Reports

9.1 Soil Investigation Report

9.1.1 Introduction
The consultant in all cases will be responsible in estimating the soil strength and
related design parameters to evaluate accurately the design and the performance in
order to ensure full safety and stability of the foundations and the whole project on
the plot for the whole anticipated life time of the building as per the local and the
international codes. Furthermore, it is recommended to submit soil investigation
report for all types of projects irrespective of size, type, location or height to ensure
full safety of the project and to have sufficient knowledge regarding the soil
specifications and related design aspects. However, it is necessary to submit soil
investigation report for all types of the projects that are listed in clause 9.1.4 below.
The municipality has the right to ask for a soil report or to renew existing soil report
if needed for any project at any time.
9.1.2 Plots and Soil Reports
Geotechnical Requirements in General
• The soil investigation report and the geotechnical design of buildings and
structures should be prepared by a qualified approved geotechnical civil
engineer licenced to practice the profession and approved.
• All the designs submitted by the geotechnical contractor (foundations and
piling contractor) should be approved by the consultant.
• The soil investigation reports submitted by the geotechnical testing laboratory
should be approved by the consultant, and the consultant should supervise the
soil investigation process.
• The software used by the geotechnical engineer should be approved by the
Municipality and the engineer who use the relevant approved technical
geotechnical software should have experience and the approval to use such
design packages.
In additions, soil investigation report should be submitted by specialized
professional registered geotechnical companies. Every plot should have a separate

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soil report which should be new or at least prepared not long before the submission.
If the plot is exposed to high fluctuation in water tables, or its soil strata or natural
topography has been changed, then the soil details and parameters could have been
changed and thus another soil investigation report might be needed. Soil report for
neighbouring plots is not permitted as well as not valid for soil report conducted on
plot and then the plot size, topography or its previous natural landscaping have been
changed. Soil investigation report need to be submitted in clause 9.1.4 below which
cover new project and even projects that have modifications or additions. If there is
a proposal for soil enhancement for the building then this enhancement should be
detailed in the soil report and should be approved by specialized soil company. The
soil improvement details and related detailed sections should be shown on the
structural drawings. Moreover, if required soil improvement, when doing
compaction of soil while enhancing the soil, compaction tests should be carried out
for all soil layers and later plate load test should be conducted. The results of these
tests should be submitted to the Municipality for approval before constructing
foundations. For the projects that do not need soil report, while excavation, if water
table encountered, or soil types and specifications found to be different than the
assumed values, then construction work should stop and there should be technical
evaluation, design change of foundations and consequently another approval is
necessary from the Municipality as structural modifications and in these cases a soil
report could be requested depending of the situation.
9.1.3 Content of Soil investigation Report
Experienced and professional geotechnical companies submit professional report
that include most of the required details and specifications. Soil investigation report
should be carried out in accordance with the latest editions of the adopted codes,
regulations and standards. The soil investigation report should be based on the
location of the structure, geological features, topography, previous plot use, the
number of floors, the floors below the grounds such as the number of the basements,
the shape of the structure and other required parameters as per the adopted codes
requirements.
In additions to that, soil investigation reports should in all cases include the
followings:
• The company details and logos
• The owner, plot, and locations details

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• The investigation date and time

• To be original and signed by the soil company.
• Front page and table of connect
• A summary page for main finding
• Krooki and plot plan with exact location of pore holes and trial bits
• If the plot is not levelled then plot survey level should be coordinated with the
bore holes level and their depths and this has to verified with proposed depth
of foundation excavations.
• Some plots are not levelled and therefore bore holes if done at top or middle
level, they should cover also lower side of the plot so that enough soil strata
under the lower side of the plot have been tested.
• If the plot under consideration has basements, then the foundations are below
basements and thus the bore holes should be long enough to investigate well
down blow basement foundations. Example: if the project has two basements,
then 10 m bore holes are obviously not representative. Consultant should
inform the soil company who prepare the report if there are floors under the
ground and how many floors.
• Enough photos for the plot while testing especially if the plot is relatively
large or having plot level differences.
• If the plot is not levelled, then the testing should be representative
• Physical and chemical tests on soil, rocks, groundwater and other similar
elements.
• Provide standard penetration test (SPT)
• All the required tests
• Water tables and dewatering
• Bearing capacity for different types of footings, at different levels
• Any soil improvement details if required
• The preliminary opinion on shoring types and related details
• Depth of foundations and backfilling details
• Soil active and passive pressures parameters used for protection walls and
similar design
• Seismic class of the soil type to be used in the design
• Liquefaction analysis if required as per site conditions

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• Grading and details for soil enhancement if required and for the backfilling
soil
• If soil encountered issues, it is recommended to highlight some suggested
solutions.
• All the tests, drilling sections and laboratory results
• Materials recommendations and concrete
• The European Code (Eurocode 7) refer to the minimum number of boreholes.
Provided that there is a homogeneity between the soil samples collected from
the boreholes. more boreholes are better to reflect the site. It is recommended
for important structures, public structures or multistorey buildings which are
more than 5 floors to have a minimum of three boreholes and this number
increases when the area of the plot increases and the site features and details
demand that. The code of practice guidance recommendation should be
followed regarding these requirements and the geotechnical contractor should
provide sufficient boreholes to provide full knowledge about the site
conditions, soil strata, the challenges and the soil report recommendations.
• The minimum borehole depth should extend below the level of the pile and
the zone of the influence of proposed foundations in accordance with the
European Code (Eurocode 7) as follows:
a. The Drilling should be carried out at a greater depth at some locations to
investigate the possible groundwater issues and settlements conditions
according to the recommendations of the experienced specialists in the field.
b. For isolated and strip foundations the depth of the bore holes should exceed
the anticipated foundation level by at least 3 times the width of the foundation.
c. In all cases, the depth of the boreholes should not be less than 8 m below the
proposed level of foundations.
d. In some case, deeper boreholes need to be considered below the strata level
of the ground when the soil is not suitable for the foundations of the buildings
such as compressive soils, weak soils and expansive soils.
e. For raft foundations, the depth of the boreholes should be at least equal to or
greater than the width of the foundation, unless a bedrock is encountered
within this depth.

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• Design requirements should be included such as Type of foundation,

allowable bearing capacity, modulus of subgrade reactions, and also allowable
settlements.
• Factors of safety used in calculating soil bearing capacities and the
settlements should be given in the report.
• Recommendations on how to deal with issues such as expansive soils, soil
settlement, collapsible soil, soil liquefaction, and the effect of adjacent loads
if exists.
• Loads and settlement modifications factors
• Various seismic parameters. And also, such include such parameters for the
upper layer of the soil (usually 30 m high or as per the code). This should be
carried out in according to the specified standards.
• Modulus of elasticity values (ES).
• Horizontal soil sub-grade reaction modulus (Kh) and the vertical spring
constants (Kv)
• Poisons ratio
• If there are pile groups, provide recommendations, and loads and settlements
modifications factors if applicable. Provide the stiffness and durability of
group piles (Ks) and related recommendations in case of pile group settlement
• If there are piles, show suggestions for load capacity such as that for piles
compression and tensions capacities for different sizes and at varying depths.
Furthermore, provide the optimum range of spacing between piles.
• Soil permeability
• Results of the laboratory tests on soil and ground water samples, PH
concentration, sulphate and chloride contents, or any other chemicals or
components that may impact the design and integrity of the structure.
• Soil classification, overall soil profile and soil size distribution analyses
• Cross section of the soil passing through all the boreholes covering all the soil
strata and provide sufficient information.
• Provide the information required for the design of basement walls, retaining
walls and shoring systems. These details include bulk density, dry density,
saturated density, coefficient of active and passive pressures of all soil layers,
cohesion details, and shear resistance angle.

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9.1.4 Submission of Soil investigation Report

Soil investigation report is recommended to be submitted for all projects. The
following represents the cases where soil report should be submitted.
• All governmental projects irrespective of size, type, location or height
• All private project essential to support the community irrespective of size,
type, location or height
• City infrastructures such as Power plants, grid electrical facilities,
telecommunication towers, water building and sewage treatment
infrastructures, transportations buildings and similar.
• All the public buildings projects irrespective of size, type, location or height
including but not limited to the followings: educational institutions and
facilities (universities, colleges, schools), health institutions (hospitals), All
Worship buildings, halls, stadium, sports,
• Residential complexes such as large housing areas
• Commercial and residential commercial complexes
• Toursims complexes including hotels, tourism development
• Large investments both public or private irrespective of type, location or
height
• Building that are used by large number of users overthought they are one floor
• multi story buildings (Residential, commercial or residential commercial)
with more than three floors.
• All markets, shopping malls and assembly areas
• Industrial buildings medium size and above
• Uncontrolled filled area or with weak soils areas
• All types of plots in beaches or wadis or very nearby and potentially affected
soils irrespective of size, type, location or height
• areas with expected higher water tables.
• Villas in plots with weak soils
• Villas with more than 4 floors

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9.2 Excavation and Foundations

9.2.1 Foundation Design Codes
Refer to the chapter (4) for the codes used in foundations design, geotechnical works,
excavations and their relevant detailing.
9.2.2 The Excavation for Foundations
The depth of the excavation for foundations should not be less than one meter in all
cases but usually for villas between 1.5 to 2 meters in general. Deeper excavation
might be necessary. If there is a soil report for the plot, then the excavation depth
can be evaluated to reach good soil strata and the required value of soil bearing
capacity. In general, the depth of the excavation is determined by many factors such
as the followings:
• The nature of the soil strata in the plot and the soil classifications.
• The number of floors below grounds such as the basements and levelling
floors and their heights.
• The presence of the water table and its hight.
• The need of the soil enhancement layers below level of foundations
• The need to do cutting and filling for the plot when there is level difference
to reach suitable foundation level and the required project plinth level.
• The need to maintain a certain hight to coincide with road levels as per the
approval by architectural design and related requirements.

The soil bearing capacity is evaluated from soil report. In the absence of soil report,
the consultant is responsible in estimating the soil specifications and the soil bearing
capacity to be used in the design and in this case:
• For plots with good soil, the evaluated soil bearing capacity should not be
more than 150 KN/m2
• For plots within 1 km from the beach the maximum bearing capacity should
not exceed a value between 100 - 120 KN/m2
• and in all cases the design consultant should be responsible in estimating the
soil bearing capacity of the project.

When there is filling on foundation, depending on the soil bearing capacity whether
it is gross or net, the filling loads should be added to the design of the foundations.

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The forces exerted by the building on the soil beneath should be considered on the
foundations and the retaining walls of the building itself as well as the nearby
structural elements such as other buildings foundations or protections such as
retaining walls.

9.2.3 Plot Protections and Retaining walls

If there is level difference in the plot, plot survey should be provided. Then the
proposed architectural levels are determined. After that the proposed foundations
and protections such as retaining walls are evaluated. In this case, there will be three
levels (existing levels, proposed levels which may need cutting or filling in the plot
fully or partially depending on the design, and also the foundations proposed levels).
Furthermore, the foundations now may be on cutting on natural strata or could be on
filling. Filling loads should be compacted later by layer as per the code specifications
and compaction test need to be conducted for each layer. Plate load test at the end
need to be check to verify the soil bearing capacity. The level difference requires to
design retaining walls either inside the plot, within buildings or around the plot
boundary.
Designer should select the appropriate protections systems to ensure safety and
stability depending on many factors such as loads, hights, available space and
suitability of construction method. Protections covers a wide range consisting of
many methods such as reinforced block work, retaining walls of different hights
designs, riprap, counterforts, geotextile reinforced soil rafts or any approved new
protection technology which has been approved by the Municipality. Basements and
levelling floors should have retaining walls. If there is nearby a natural effect such
as wadi, water channels, hills or mountains, then, a protection is needed such as
retaining walls. The Municipality decides the type of the protection method if needed
and determine the height of the protection, its type and all the related safety
requirements and the consultant should apply that on design and the structural
drawings. The protection must withstand all loads such as floods, earthwork loads,
surcharge loads, loads from adjacent structures and buildings, and loads from roads
and traffic.

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9.2.4 Some Foundations Requirements

Foundations should be design accurately to achieve the safety and the stability of the
building for all the required loads as per the code. Soil bearing capacity must be
ensured as well as the settlements should be withing the allowable limits. The
calculated reinforcements of the foundations should safe. All the columns should be
checked for punching and make sufficient margin of safety where the punching shear
stress ratio should be low as possible and preferable not exceeding 0.8. All concrete
substructures below natural ground or in contact with water or any liquid such as
foundations, columns, retaining walls and alike should be designed with max crack
0.1 mm. The foundations are recommended to be at one level; however, different
levels may be used for some cases (if the Municipality permits) but differential
settlements and lateral loads transfer to lower foundations should be considered.
Foundation’s design and related requirements should be as per the codes listed in
clause 9.2.1. In additions, refer to the Oman Seismic Design for Building, BS code
and ASCE7 for other requirements related to foundation designs and detailing. If
required to enhance soil below foundations then should be prepared by specialized
geotechnical company and the design should be submitted for approval along with
detailed specifications and sections shown on the drawings and should be approved
by both the consultant and the soil company. Foundation and all substructures’
elements should be protected by suitable high quality water proof approved products.
If during excavation water table was encountered, then, dewatering has to be done
and foundations and all substructures should be protected by high quality approved
water proof membrane with thickness not less 4 mm where higher thicknesses are
recommended. Consultant should design for uplift forces due to the presence of
higher water table.
9.2.5 Plot Protection (Shoring System)
The design of the project should consider plot protection such as shoring systems in
all cases. Shoring is required to protect the plot while excavation and protect the
surrounding areas both public and private making sure safety and stability and
guarantee that adjacent structures not to fall or get affected such as nearby roads,
neighbour plots, adjacent buildings and public services such as electricity,
telecommunications, water pipes and sewage. This becomes a critical issue when:
• The plot utilization is almost full (no setbacks or limited setbacks)
• The depth of the excavation is relatively large

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• There are adjacent plots with close existing buildings especially if these
buildings’ foundations are higher than the proposed foundations and as a
result leading to affecting stability of the existing nearby buildings.
• There are basements or deep structures.
• The plot has large level difference and required to propose very deep cutting
and filling works which are required by the project.

Shoring can be temporary and permanent. Usually if there are deep excavation or
proposing two basements and more, or a in case proposing deep excavation with
adjacent buildings, then, a permanent shoring may be needed. In all cases a
specialized geotechnical company can decide the type of the shoring and design it.
Shoring is very important because it protect the plot and the surrounding public and
private plots, buildings, and services. Permanent shoring consists of many types such
as secant piles and temporary shoring such as soldier sheet piles. The shoring should
be inside the plot. In all cases, no shoring is permitted outside the plot and therefore
when designing the project evaluate the situation if required shoring then allow
setback for the shoring inside the plot and this need to be reflecting in both the
architectural and the structural drawings.
Depending on the depth of excavation, soil type, and surrounding buildings, services
or roads, usually if there are three basement or more or if there are two basements or
more with adjacent multistorey buildings which have no basements, most likely a
permanent shoring is required but this also is decided by specialized geotechnical
company. Shoring design if required need to be submitted to be approved by the
Municipality before construction. To assist in facilitating and accelerate the
drawings approval, the consultant can submit the application of the project for
approval and get a conditional building permit to submit shoring design later for
approval by additional application and this has to be before construction.

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Chapter Ten
Additions, As Built and Modifications
10.1 Additions on Existing Buildings
When adding structures on existing structures such as proposing additional floors or
adding a structure beside a structure and connecting with it, then, all loads need to
checked with all combinations as per the adopted code. Furthermore, the structural
safety, stability and integrity for both the structures (the existing and the proposed)
need to be checked fully. In this case, the existing structure should be checked for
the additional loads and thus its foundations, columns, slabs, beams, … etc all has
to be analysed with all loads as per the adopted code and to verify that the existing
building framing structural sections, their reinforcement is meet the requirements
and safe for all the forces and the stresses such as the moments, shear, axial loads,
torsions and deflections.
The structural calculations for the model should include all the existing and the
proposed part since they are connected. If the new structure is not connected to it its
adjacent building, then it will be analysed separately but its effect on the adjacent
existing buildings should be checked such as if the existing building has basement
and the proposed nearby building has no basement and therefore there is lateral load
form the proposed foundations transferred to the existing basement. If there is
connection between the existing and the proposed structure, then connections details
have to be shown such as using epoxy chemicals or other suitable system. The epoxy
used has to be approved. In drawings, highlight by hatching or clouding the existing
and the proposed parts separately to differentiate them. When connecting structures
either vertically or horizontal they should act as one unit and thus has to be analysed
to perform well and design check for all elements need to be verified and sufficient.
The existing structure after analysis may be not able to resist the additional loads
due to proposal and thus there could be solutions such as reducing the loads by using
light weight blocks or Appling strengthening to the structural elements of the
existing structure. If the additions involve complicated methodology to apply at site
with certain procedure to be followed and considering special care, then, these
details have to be presented in the structural drawings in plans with all necessary
structural sections and structural details and the procedure need to specified step by
step in the drawings clearly.

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10.2 Modifications in Existing Structures

For modification in existing buildings, in additions to what mentioned in clause 10.1
as applicable, care should be taken to ensure safety and stability of the existing
structure. Modifications sometimes involve changing the use of the building such as
change use from offices to commercial areas and thus the live loads acting on the
existing structure will increase. And therefore, the existing structure need to
analysed fully again for all the loads including the changed loads to decide whether
it can take the extra loads. Some modifications involve cutting existing structural
elements such as adding cut-out in the slabs and in this case, this requires analysing
and checking the design of that part and the nearby structural elements if they are
affected directly or indirectly. In some cases, stiffening foundations, column or
beams are necessary for certain modifications.
Using strengthening tools could be needed and these tools need to be approved by
the Musicality as there many new types and advancement in these technologies.
Methods such as jacketing columns, using carbon fibres, enlarging the sections of
the structural members with adding new reinforcement, using epoxy materials, or
any other suitable approved strengthening techniques of high quality. Some
modifications might involve adding partitions or walls and extra loads will present
that need checking. Other modifications may requires adding roof to other roof,
adding foundation or columns, adding stairs and lifts, adding protections such as
retaining walls, changing the elevations and other types of modifications.
As can be seen the modifications alter many things within the structure such as the
nature of the existing building or its use, it framing action, its performance, its mass
affecting and thus seismic performance, the integrity of its elements and the
pressures under the foundation. The structure has to analysed fully after the all
modifications as per the adopted code for all loads combinations and full stresses
check should be carried out to ensure safety and stability of the existing structure as
well as the modified parts it include. These structural calculations should be
submitted along with structural drawings. If any strengthening required, they should
be designed by specialists and the designer should be presented in the drawings and
the calculations. Structural framing layout, its behaviour and load transfer path need
to be checked after Appling the modifications.

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10.2 As Built Structures

For Minimum required documents and tests to examine safety of the as built
structures. It is required to submit a comprehensive report for the safety and stability
of the as built parts and its effect on the existing structures as per code requirements.
For the consultant who submit the application, in order to prepare the report, at least
the followings items should be available:
1. A good engineering consultancy office to carry out the safety report (third
party).
2. Sufficient in situ materials tests as per code requirements from specialized
laboratories
3. As built drawings if available
4. Structural calculations
5. Enough photos for the as built part and the overall building
6. Responsibility Letters for safety and stability
The Report Format
The report should be official and it should provide complete idea about the situation.
For example, it should include the followings:
• Cover page, location, plot number, krooki, building, and similar documents.
• Description of the case in details what is the as built part, statement of the
problem, the procedure, methodology, the level of the damages and the
solutions.
• To whom this report is submitted (MM) and who is the consultant who did it.
• Time, date, location, photos, precise location of as built parts
• list of involved consultancies and testing companies and laboratories
• the report must be signed and stamped and a cover letter is attached
• identifying all the structural problems and the degree of effects, any
settlements, cracks, collapse, deflections, excessive shear, bending, extreme
stresses … etc.
• the degree of safety issues, is there is a need to evacuate for example or usual
maintenance and repairs can be done.
• the investigation should cover the as built part and its effect on the existing
building. For example, if a part of a floor was added (as built), both tests and
engineering technical investigations in site visit should cover this as built part

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of the floor and the building’s parts touching such as below and around for
instance as extra loads are coming on existing roofs, columns and foundations.
• Tests details, results, location of tests, types of tests. May be core tests for
concrete is needed, ultrasonic tests, rust tests, deflections measurements or
others tests depends.
• Structural calculations as per the requirements
• Results, is the constructed part as built is safe and stable? any further tests
need to be carried out, if there is need for repairs, enhancement or demolition
should be all specified. Others important notes found can be added and will
be useful.
• Recommendations and conclusions
• Appendices

1. Sufficient in situ materials tests as per code requirements from

specialized laboratories
Tests on materials and structures should be carried out at site and should be
conducted by specialized testing companies which have good experience and
technical staff.
Specification of the testing company:
• The testing company (preferable international ones but good local ones are
accepted provided that they follow high level of standards and do job
accurately as per international specifications and standards).
• Types of tests and tests locations can be determined by both the evaluating
consultant and the testing companies to share experience and get the
maximum expected results.
• The tests should be verified by the evaluating consultant and should give
enough results
• The testing company should add logo, sign and stamp on the tests and show
tine and date and location of tests such as core test on second floor column
grid A – B – 16 …. etc., to locate exactly the tests location and specifications.
With some photos during taking the tests to have a good idea about the test
and the locations and the procedure as well as the equipment used.

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• Tests can be done by more than one testing company if a specific test is
required and the appointed testing laboratory company does not have that
facility.

Specification of the tests:

• Types of tests should be sufficient to give comprehensive conclusion on
the safety of the as built part as well as the whole safety and stability of the
structure for the design life time. Some tests need to reflect short term
effect and others could be for long terms effects
• The tests should cover the materials involved such as the concrete and steel
and the required tests should be performed to evaluate measures such as
strength, buckling, cracks, deflections, stiffnesses and similar tests as per
the code requirements in order to determine safety.
• For part of a building is as built, then, tests not only cover the as built part
but also may cover other related parts such as columns and foundations of
the whole structure.
• The number of tests for similar structural members need to be selected
carefully. For example, there is an area of a floor as built which has many
slabs, columns, beams and foundations which need all to be evaluated for
safety. In this case tests will be carried out in selected slabs, beams,
columns and foundations. The number of tests and their locations need to
be determined as per code requirements to reach a conclusion about the
safety of the whole building. Use proper tests for example for steel
ultrasonic tests, for cracks use crack width, for steel strength tensile test
etc.
• The performed tests location should be shown in the drawings, or the as
built drawings by mentioning grid line location, structural elements
location and type of test. For example, a test performed on a beam. The
test type, location should be illustrated. Furthermore, If there are no
drawings, it is better to draw layout plans to show the locations of these
tests.

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• If there are covered structures like as built foundations, then to tests there
might be a need to excavate or do suitable methods to reach some of these
foundations and do the required tests.
• Some tests give more components. For example, core tests for concrete
may give strength, cover, density of concrete, water content and similar
results where every component leads to some results. Tests are different
for soil capacity, concrete, steel, or any other materials.
2. As built drawings if available
for the as built structure, it could be fully as built without drawings or it could be
partially as built such as some modifications and additions have been added. The
following drawings as built need to be submitted for checking:
• as built architectural drawings need to be prepared as per site conditions
and submitted for checking as per the regulations. For as built
modifications and additions, existing drawings could be useful to prepare
such drawings.
• For structural as built drawings: there could be available as built drawings
with the consultant or the contractor which could be useful and should be
coordinated with site condition and utilized for information only during
preparing the report and should also be checked with the tests results.
Otherwise, if there are no structural details or drawings then depending on
the type of the structure, for example a steel work shed structural elements
can be known like H beams sizes and thicknesses, columns sizes and
thicknesses, bracings, base plates and bolts, end connections … etc. are
clear at site and In this case some can be shown in drawings as possible
as can be. For concrete structures, since steel is inside at least structural
concrete dimensions such as slabs thicknesses, beams, columns cab be
measured and sketches in drawings to give an idea. The few tested
structural elements by ultrasonic will give an idea about the steel.
Concrete strength grade from ready mix if available can give some ideas.
And the consultant needs to decide how to reach a conclusion on the safety
of the as built structure based on available details and specifications. More
detailed drawings will be very helpful but this subjected to available
details.

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3. Structural calculations
Not only tests find out the status of the existing as built structures but calculations
also give the results. Structural calculations with code loadings are required. For
example, if there is an existing building consisting of many floors with detailed
available drawings and a floor as built constructed on top of it. This floor exerts extra
stresses on the columns and foundations. Therefore, it needs to carry out structural
analysis and design for the whole structure to determine the structural safety.
Moreover, Calculations are also carried for as built part. For example, there is a steel
work store as built, after determining the sizes of the sections of the structural
members since they are usually clear, structural analysis can be performed to check
the safety.
For concrete structures with as built structural drawings, calculations can be done to
verify the safety of the building. The only issue is for concrete as built structure
without details, where concrete sections and sizes can be determined at site but steel
is not known. In this case calculations can be done for concrete and resultant force
such as moment. Shear, axial loads and deformation calculated. The limited done
tests such as cover meter tests, ultrasonic tests on members gives steel bars details
and will be cross checked with calculations to verify the safety and stability. Then,
the consultant based on these details and as per code guidance for checking structures
should evaluate the case and decide whether the as built structure is safe.
5. Enough photos for the as part and the overall building
The report should include photos for the as built structure and if it is a part of a
structure, photos for the whole structure should be attached. The photos should be
recent with shown date and should cover different location and different structural
elements in the as built structures. If there is settlements, cracks, deflections or
collapse, some photos should highlight these locations. The photos should be
sufficient and give a clear idea about the situation. The important thing is not the
number of the photos but the details about the as built structure they provide. Some
photos during testing can be attached in the report for more details.
6. Letters for safety and stability
The consultant office who prepares the report has to submit a letter for safety and
stability of the as built and the whole structure. It should declare clearly the status of
the structure whether it is: safe and stable and structurally sound. Or it needs repairs,
strengthening and maintenance and what are the structural elements that need these

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procedures and how will be constructed and what are the outcomes and will the
structure be safe after such improvements. Some of the items that the letter should
include:
• The location, plot number, square, city, … etc
• Date and time
• Description of the case briefly what is the as built part, statement of the
problem, the procedure, methodology, the level of the damages and the
solutions.
• A reference to the submitted report and as built drawings
• To whom this report is submitted (MM) and who is the consultant who did it
• The results conclusion
• Signature and stamp of the consultant
• The letter should be clear and details are enough
• Does the structure need special treatment such as immediate evacuation or
similar?
• A reference for the international code of practices used in the evaluation of
safety (the material testing, structural evaluation as well as and the structural
analysis and design).
• To show that the submitted currently as built drawings in the report are exactly
as per site conditions
• To show that the international and local standards and guidance have been
followed during preparing the report and carrying out tests and technical
evaluations.
• The most important is Declaration of the status of the as built structure current
existing structural conditions and performance, the responsibility for safety
and the stability.

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Chapter Eleven
Treatment of High Underground Water Tables
Underground Water Table
And its effects on foundations
Key Words: Underground water table, dewatering, uplift forces, water proof,
liquefaction, water table in soil report, water table pressures

Notes:
• If there is a soil report for the plot, it should mention the
underground water table and accordingly the design,
specifications and drawings should consider this such as the
effect on SBC, dewatering, depth of excavations, uplift
pressures, water proof methods, and any ground improvement
techniques required.
• For the type of the projects that does not have soil reports, if
during excavation it was found that there is higher underground
water table which was not expected earlier, then work should
stop, dewatering will take place through a specialized
geotechnical company and the approved drawings should be
resubmitted to Municipality for modifications, guidance and
approvals.

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Requirements for design consultant

If underground water table was encountered, the design consultant should

consider this in design and specifications in drawings such as dewatering, design
for uplift forces, soil enhancement if required, type of foundations, excavation
depth required, water proof shown in drawings and structural sections and
related structural requirements as per local and international codes and
international accepted best practices in this field. Water proof specified in
drawings should be of good quality and should show the thickness and in
structural sections should be presented to cover bottom of foundations and all-
around retaining walls, short columns and substructures up to the required
levels, preferably up to the natural ground level. The foundation is preferred to
be either fully submerged or away from the water table so depth of excavation
should be controlled based on water table level. Tidal effects must be
considered for water level fluctuation especially at nearby beaches and wadis.
in additions, in structural calculations, design of uplift forces and dewatering
periods should be illustrated. Shoring such as secant piles are not enough to
make water proof so a retaining wall must be added and water proof attached.

Requirements for supervisor and contactor

supervisor consultant and the contractor should follow the best international
engineering practices when dealing with site with underground water levels.
Specialized geotechnical company should be appointed to carry out the
dewatering. Contractor should choose high quality water proof and skills
workmanship.

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9.1 Underground Water Table

dams
beach wadi
I am wondering if
I do excavation
for my house will
we find water
Fact:
below?!
During excavation,
A. Before water table can be
excavation from encountered at site
And how do I know If the plot is nearby a
there is a water table?
soil investigation
report. Please beach, wadi, dam,
refer to clause 9.4 water channel or the
for further area is usually
information on flooded or even
B. during excavation water will may exist
this report. exposed to water
and then precautions must be followed
since long

What if I found high water table?

There is a need to do dewatering before

pipe A specialized company do dewatering wells
s based on calculations and the available soil
investigations report
A pump
The dewatering should ensure that the water
table at site go down enough below the
excavation level which is the foundation base.

Sometimes there are basements so

dewatering should consider this and make
sure water table go below basements as well
as the foundations levels
A well
Dewatering is a continuous process that
extend weeks or months or longer depending
Before excavation, usually specialized geotechnical
on the area of the site and the underground
company is hired to do dewatering. Some wells are water table height
installed at the site and through pipes and pumps
dewatering take place continuously until the water Dewatering must be continuously working
table at site drop well below under the foundations. until the foundations are fully casted and the
determined particular floor of building is
After that excavation to be started.
casted till counteract uplift forces.

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Well, what else higher water table can cause to my building? And how can I use engineering?

What if I found high water table?

High water table affect the following:

1- Water exerts pressure in all

directions causing forces equal to
liquid unit wight x the height.
2- If foundations or part of a structure
is below the water head, then, they
will be affected and there will be
upward force (uplift force)
3- The structure has to be designed to
resist such forces usually be its
weight during construction.
4- There are some related calculations
that should be carried out to verify
that the weight is sufficient to
counteract the uplift forces
5- Dewatering must be continuously
working until the foundations are
fully casted and the determined
particular floor of building is casted.

In some cases, the weight of the whole

building is not enough to resist the uplift
forces and in this case some techniques
such introducing micropiles or tension
piles to act as tension studs to assist in
resisting the uplift forces

Tension micro piles to resist uplift pressures

Below example of concrete piles:

Fact: consider tidal effect in the estimated

underground water table by at least 60 – 70 cm in
addition to what written in the soil report.

What about water proof methods if I found high underground water table?

High water table affect the following:

If there is a high underground water table, after stopping the dewatering process, the substructures such as
retaining walls of basement or foundations, subgrade level or plinth beams will be submerged fully or partially in
the water. Therefore, the usual applied bitumen-based paints layer for water proof may not be enough, and using
high quality water proof membrane is recommended. At least a water proof membrane of high quality of thickness
not less 4 mm or better.

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There is water table

Some examples of the notes in soil reports regarding the status of the underground water table
water table
There is no

Some examples of the notes in soil reports regarding the status of the underground water table

Underground Water Table exerts pressure

on different types of walls that has to
considered in design

Underground water table add pressures to

underground water tanks, basement retaining
walls, levelling floor walls swimming pools and
similar substructures

Retaining Wall Soil Pressure Surcharge Water pressure

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Water proof guidance for substructures What about the suitable water proof methods and are
there any recommendations?

✓ Use high quality water proof membrane with

guarantee for longer periods
✓ Protect the surface that are affected by the
moisture and liquids all around and should
extend up beyond the effect of the liquid.
✓ It is recommended to protect the substructure
elements up to the natural ground level or
slightly higher to take into account any future
rise in underground water table due to floods.
✓ There many types of the water proof such as
rolls of membranes, liquid based or others
advanced manufactured water proof
materials.
✓ The selection of the water proof should be
careful and should be selected according to
the best specifications and standards and the
produced should follow the best international
practices with very good quality.

Guide: Please choose a specialized water proof

company because if the company has no
experience, even though the material is of high
quality, the membrane may be not applied
correctly so it may have voids that allow liquids to
penetrate or they may it does not stick properly
with the concrete surfaces.
Note: When there is underground water
table in the soil, if there is an earthquake or
Shaking destabilize rabid loading, the soil may get shaking and its
soil. (Liquefaction) strength and stiffness get reduced
(Liquefaction). This happens for some soils
types because the water filled pore spaces
collapse causing the volume of the soil get
reduced. Specialized geotechnical soil
companies can suggest soil improvement
methods to deal with this phenomenon.
Furthermore, this does not need to be dealt
with in all cases because there are other factors
affecting the subject.

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Wishing All Structural Design Engineers All the Best

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