Zaria Military Barracks

Project Details

This project involves the comprehensive structural design and engineering for the Zaria Military Barracks, a large-scale institutional complex located in Kaduna State. The facility is designed as a multi-story structure comprising a ground floor, first floor, and second floor, housing a diverse range of functional spaces including classrooms, physics and chemistry laboratories, workshops, an assembly hall, a library, an ICT lab, and administrative offices. The engineering scope covers the complete structural assembly, from the foundation systems to the intricate roof framing. The structural system utilizes a combination of reinforced concrete and cold-formed steel (CFS) framing. The foundation consists of independent reinforced concrete column footings (C1-F1, C1-F2) and specialized wall footings (WF-1 through WF-4) designed to support slab-on-grade and load-bearing wall configurations. The superstructure integrates reinforced concrete columns, beams, and suspended slabs with light gauge steel wall framing and headers. Lateral stability and load distribution are managed through a detailed layout of floor beams and girders, while the roof system features a series of engineered steel trusses (Truss-1 through Truss-4) and horizontal ties. Design and construction specifications adhere to international standards, including the Uniform Building Code (1994), ACI-318 for reinforced concrete, AISC for structural steel, and AWS D1.1 for welding procedures. The concrete elements are specified with a 28-day cylinder compressive strength ranging from 3,000 to 4,000 psi, utilizing Grade 60 reinforcing steel (fy = 414 MPa) for primary structural members. The design incorporates rigorous loading criteria for dead loads, light roof live loads, and specialized occupancy loads for classrooms and public assembly areas. All CFS connections, including track-to-stud and floor anchoring, are detailed to ensure structural integrity across the light-gauge steel components.

Role

Structural Engineer/Designer

Services Provided

The scope of services included the preparation of structural calculations and structural plans for the proposed structure. The work involved the design and analysis of all primary structural elements to verify compliance with the applicable design codes and project requirements. The services also included the preparation of structural drawings consisting of the foundation plan, floor framing plans, roof framing plans, framing sections and elevations, schedules for footings, columns, beams, and slabs, reinforced concrete wall details, typical structural details, and general structural notes and specifications required to clearly communicate the design intent and facilitate construction and permit review.