Proposed School Extension

Project Details

This project ivolves the structural analysis and design for a multi-room extension to an existing school facility. The architectural layout incorporates several new classrooms ranging from 55 to 66 sq. m, a multi-sensory room, withdrawal rooms, and a dedicated store area. The primary structural assembly is comprised of steel framing utilizing S275 grade UKB beams and UKC/SHS columns, integrated with grade C24 timber roof joists and precast hollow core floor slabs. The structural design process included a rigorous loading analysis following Eurocodes (EN 1990, EN 1991, EN 1992, EN 1993, and EN 1995) and the Irish National Annex to ensure the building can safely withstand environmental and imposed actions. Specifically, the structure was engineered to resist a peak wind velocity pressure of 1.04 kN/m² and a characteristic roof snow load of 0.32 kPa. The foundation strategy employs a combination of reinforced concrete strip footings (SF1, SF2, and SF3) ranging from 550mm to 900mm in width, alongside independent reinforced concrete pad footings (F01) designed to support concentrated column loads. Additionally, a reinforced concrete raft foundation and RC walls were utilized for the lower ground storage areas. To ensure proper integration with the existing facility, the design specifies a galvanized wall starter system and compressible filler boards to manage junctions between new and old blockwork.

Role

Structural Engineer/Designer

Services Provided

The scope of services included the preparation of structural analysis and structural plans for the proposed structure. Structural analysis considered loading evaluations for wind, snow, dead, and live loads, together with the structural analysis and design calculations of all primary structural components, including foundations, columns, beams, floor joists/slabs, walls, and rafters/trusses. The work involved verifying that all structural elements were adequately designed to safely resist applicable gravity and lateral loads in accordance with the governing building code and project requirements. The services also included the preparation of structural drawings consisting of foundation plans, floor framing plans, roof framing plans, structural details, and general structural notes and specifications necessary to communicate the design intent and support coordination, permitting, and construction implementation.