Our Visit from IBA HAMBURG, Introduction and Purpose of this Innovative Building

IBA DOCK: A Hub of Innovation and Inspiration in Hamburg

Introduction:

The IBA DOCK not only houses the exhibition of the International Building Exhibition 2006-2013, but is also itself an exhibit of  innovative building and energy-saving technologies: the building is situated on an approximately 50-metre-long and 26-metre-wide concrete pontoon; the superstructures are made of steel in modular construction. This saves weight and makes it possible to remove a part of the superstructures in case of transport, so that the IBA DOCK can also navigate under low bridges. The IBA DOCK was designed by the Han Slawik Architectural Bureau in Hannover; the 10-month construction period was coordinated by the municipal development company ReGe Hamburg Projektrealisierungsgesellschaft (Project Realisation Company) mbH.

What is the purpose of the IBA HAMBURG?

1. A Center of Inspiration: IBA DOCK is a place where architects, urban planners, researchers, and enthusiasts come together to share knowledge and inspiration. The dynamic atmosphere encourages dialogue, fostering the exchange of ideas that push the boundaries of architectural and urban design. Whether through exhibitions, workshops, or conferences, IBA DOCK sparks creativity and fuels innovation.

2. Architectural Exhibitions: The exhibition spaces at IBA DOCK showcase an impressive collection of architectural projects, highlighting the latest trends and advancements in the field. From scale models to digital presentations, these displays immerse visitors in a world of visionary designs. Here, today on 08, June 2023 we witness the evolution of urban landscapes, explore sustainable building techniques, and discover groundbreaking concepts that redefine our perception of cities.

3. Collaborative Workshops: IBA DOCK is not just a passive showcase; it actively engages visitors through interactive workshops and design charrettes. These collaborative sessions bring together architects, designers, and urban planners to tackle real-world challenges, brainstorm ideas, and propose innovative solutions. The workshops at IBA DOCK foster interdisciplinary collaboration, nurturing a spirit of cooperation and creativity.

4. Future-oriented Conferences: At IBA DOCK, thought-provoking conferences and symposiums take place, exploring the future of urban development and architectural trends. Experts from around the world gather to share their insights, research, and experiences, shaping the discourse on sustainable cities. These conferences inspire attendees to think critically and envision a more inclusive, environmentally friendly, and socially vibrant urban future.

5. Networking and Idea Exchange: IBA DOCK is a melting pot of ideas, where professionals and enthusiasts can network, forge connections, and find potential collaborators. From casual conversations over a cup of coffee to structured networking events, IBA DOCK cultivates an environment that fosters meaningful connections. These interactions often lead to innovative partnerships, further fueling the advancement of architectural and urban design.

Conclusion: IBA DOCK embodies the spirit of exploration, innovation, and collaboration that drives the architectural and urban design community in Hamburg. With its dynamic exhibitions, interactive workshops, inspiring conferences, and vibrant networking opportunities, IBA DOCK serves as a catalyst for change and progress. By bringing together visionaries and enthusiasts, it fosters a shared vision of sustainable, livable, and aesthetically pleasing urban spaces. Whether you're an architect, a student, or simply someone passionate about the future of cities, a visit to IBA DOCK promises to ignite your imagination and leave you inspired.

at last but not least, On behalf of all my classmates I am really thankful of ELBCAMPUS Management and Organizers especially Mr. Heornicke, Mr. Dolgij and Mrs Gesa von Maydell for such an Interesting class and site visits.

Naeem Nekmal

09, June 2023

Hamburg, Germany

How to calculate the shuttering area? Learn about shuttering.

Shuttering:

Shuttering is an arrangement done for vertical surfaces to support the wet concrete till it attains the desired strength. Shuttering is a part of formwork. Follow below to know how to calculate the shuttering area.

 Calculating Shuttering area:-

The shuttering is calculated in terms of Sq.M in the Rate Analysis of Shuttering. In order to calculate the area of shuttering you must know how to calculate the peripheral length (Perimeter) of any shape.

Peripheral length (Perimeter):

Perimeter is the distance around a two-dimensional shape.
For example square has four sides determine one side length is “s”
then peripheral length = s+s+s+s = 4s

Important Formulae for Calculating Shuttering Area:

§  The perimeter of Square: 4S  (S = Length of Side)

§  The perimeter of Rectangle: 2[L+B]  (L=Length & B = Breadth)

§  The perimeter of Circle: 2πr  (r = Radius of circle)

§  Area of Rectangle = Length x Breadth

§  Area of Square = Side x Side

Remember, each member in a structure either it may be Slab or Beam or Column it has six sides (faces). The shuttering area can be calculated by using two methods. One is by below-mentioned formula and another method is by calculating the individual areas of faces. To keep it clear, I used both the methods in this article.

Formulae of Shuttering Area:

Shuttering area = Peripheral length (Perimeter) x Depth

Calculation of Shuttering Area of a Column:

Consider a column as shown in the below figure. To calculate the shuttering area follow the below steps:-

For Column, shuttering is done for four sides and the other two sides (the top of the column is left for filling concrete and bottom is fixed to ground level). Neglect the top and bottom in the calculation.

The side of the column is in rectangle shape with side length “l” and breadth “b”

Peripheral length of Rectangle is   = l+b+l+b = 2l+2b

Shuttering area = Peripheral length (Perimeter) x Depth

Peripheral length = 2×0.8+2×0.6 = 1.6+1.2 = 2.8Sq.m

Total Area of Shuttering of a column  = 2.8 x 4 = 11.2 Sq.m

In case, the shape of the column is Circular then the below-mentioned formulae is used for calculating the shuttering area

Shuttering area of Circular Column = 2πr x Depth 

Calculation of Shuttering Area of a Beam:

For calculation purpose, I am considering the beam as shown in figure:

For Beam, shuttering is done in 5 sides and the other side (top the side is left to fill concrete)

Shuttering area can also be calculated by finding out the individual area of each faces as below:

Face 1 : Area of rectangle = L x B = 0.8 x 4 = 3.2

Face 2 : Area of rectangle = L x B = 0.6 x 4 = 2.4
Face 3 : Area of rectangle = L x B = 0.8 x 4 = 3.2
Face 4 : Area of rectangle = L x B = 0.8 x 0.6 = 0.48
Face 5 : Area of rectangle = L x B = 0.8 x 0.6 = 0.48

Total Area of Shuttering = 3.2 + 2.4 + 3.2+ 0.48 +0.48
= 9.76.Sqm

Calculation of Shuttering Area of a Slab:

Slab rests on beam, there is no need of providing shuttering to the slab on four sides.  Same as beam & column, the top of the slab is left to fill concrete and for curing. Hence, shuttering is only provided to the bottom of the slab. The below-mentioned values are considered for finding the shuttering of a slab.

Shuttering area of Slab = Bottom area of slab = L x B

Bottom Area = 5 x 4 = 20 Sqm

What are Permanent and Temporary Works at Construction Sites?

Construction site works are generally classified into permanent site works and temporary site works. Permanent site works are required for the entire lifespan of the structure. For example, some retaining walls can be a permanent structure that is part of the design. However, temporary site works are needed for while to execute certain construction activities, for instance, a sheet pile wall may be constructed to withstand the soil during construction. This may be considered as a temporary retaining wall.
There are several permanent and temporary works required to be done in construction sites. The list of these construction activities may vary from one project site to another due to many factors such as type of structure and its complexities, the topography of the construction site, presence of tree or vegetation, presence of groundwater and ponding.

Examples of temporary site works are site clearing, fill low areas, excavations, compaction of soil, removing existing utilities, install temporary lighting; water; or gas supply, provide temporary drainage to the site, and provide temporary paving.

Lastly, retaining walls, roads, parking, ponds and canals, and landscaping are examples of permanent work sites.

Temporary Construction Site Work

Temporary construction works are the parts of the project required to enable the permanent works to be built, as per Code of Practice for temporary works procedures and the permissible stress design of falsework (BS 5975:2008). Commonly, temporary works are removed after use for instance access scaffolds, props, shoring, excavation support, falsework and formwork.


There are certain situations in which temporary works are incorporated into the permanent works, for example, haul road foundations and crane or piling platforms may be used for hard standing or road foundations.

The designer or any other individual who arrange the temporary works needs to be aware of the problems that may arise at each stage of the construction process and how to avoid such anticipated issues.

A person with such responsibility needs to coordinate design, selection of equipment, appointment of contractors, supervision of work, checking completion, authorization to load and removal. These works are required to be executed adequately otherwise problems would hinder the construction progression.

1. Site clearing

It involves cutting trees, removal of bushes, and the removal of top soil. Machines such as backhoes, dozers, tree cutting machines, stump splitters, and clearing rakes may be used for site clearing.

Fig. 1: Clearing Construction Site

2. Demolition of Abandoned Structures

It includes demolishing of abandoned concrete, steel, and masonry structures.

Fig. 2: Demolition of a Building

3. Mass Grading

The process of obtaining the required elevation of a ground is termed as mass grading. It is carried out after clearing and demolition of the construction site. Machines like dozers, excavators, and loaders are used for this purpose.

Dozers are good to cut through soil, but it is not a good machine to transport soil. Dozers are efficient when transportation of soil is kept to a minimum. Loader can transport soil in the bucket. Other widely used equipment is the scraper. Scrapers have an underbelly to transport soil and are much more efficient in transporting soil than loaders.

Fig. 3: Mass Grading of Construction Site

4. Fine Grading

It is conducted after mass grading is completed

Fig. 4: Fine Grading

5. Compaction of soil

6. Excavations

7. Removal of existing utilities

8. Install temporary lighting, water or gas supply

9. Temporary drainage to the site

The construction site would turn muddy due to water after clearing process. As a result, working would become greatly inefficient. This arise the necessity for temporary drainage through backfilling, gravel beds, perforated pipes, and trenches.

10. Provide temporary paving

11. Temporary retaining walls, coffer dams, sheet pile walls

12. Temporary sediment and erosion control structures (rip rap, silt fences)

13. Soil stabilization (vibro-flotation, dynamic compaction, soil surcharging).

14. Scaffolding

It provides safe working environment for construction, repair, inspection, and access.

15. Formwork Installation and Removal

Formworks are placed for keeping concrete at its position till it gain required strength to support self weight.

Permanent Site Work

Permanent works are the parts of a construction project which are used and remain in position for a long time like sixteen years. This includes buildings and structures such as bridges, roads, retaining walls, etc.

The construction of most types of permanent works would require the use of some form of temporary works. A list of permanent works in construction sites are presented below:

1. Retaining walls

It is constructed for keeping soil mass at its position either during excavation for foundations or maintaining natural landscapes.

Fig. 5: Retaining Wall Construction for Basement

2. Foundation Construction

It might be the first permanent construction activity executed at construction site. It is done after excavation is completed and must be executed with great care in order to have safe foundation structure that bear superstructure loads.

Fig. 6: Foundation Construction

3. Construction of Superstructure Elements and their Connections

Fig. 7: Superstructure Construction

3. Roads

It involves all the roads that connect the structure to other facilities and main roads.

4. Parking lots

5. Construct permanent utilities (water supply, electricity, gas, cable, communication)

6. Planting trees

7. Ponds and canals

8. Landscaping

14 Principles of Management by Henry Fayol

The 14 principles of management stated Henry Fayola uses one of the famous administration theories in management. This is the basics of any powerful management tool used in an organization.

The 14 major principles of management are:

1. Division of Work
2. Authority and Responsibility
3. Discipline
4. Unity of Command
5. Unity of Direction
6. Subordination of Individual Interest
7. Remuneration
8. The Degree of Centralization
9. Scalar Chain
10. Order
11. Equity
12. Stability of Tenure of Personnel
13. Initiative
14. Esprit de Corps

1. Division of Work

In the real case, every individual employee has special skills and are specialized in different areas. They may or may not have similar skills and specialization. This principle explains the importance of distinguishing the employees based on their levels of expertise and their knowledge areas. For example, categorizing the employee from general to specialist.

This management principle promotes the efficiency of the workforce thus increasing productivity. In addition to this, specialization of the workforce increases the accuracy and the speed of the work. The “division of work” principle of management is applicable to both the technical and managerial activities of an organization.

2. Authority and Responsibility

According to Henry Fayol, authority gives the management the power to give orders to make things done by the employees. With this authority comes the responsibility. The performance helps to track back the responsibility. In other words, authority and responsibility are the two sides of a coin.

3. Discipline

This principle states the importance of having obedience. The principle of having discipline forms the essence of having good conduct and respectful interactions.

4. Unity of Command

This principle clearly defines the need to know from where the employee takes the order and to whom he must report. If an employee receives the order from one or more managers, confusion and sometimes conflicts may occur. Following this principle reduces the chances of making such mistakes.

5. Unity of Direction

The principle of “Unity of direction” emphasis on focus and unity. This highlights the fact that all the employees perform a set of activities that finally links to the same objectives. A single group that forms a team performs these activities.

The activities must be enlisted as the plan of action. The ultimate responsibility of this plan of action is on the manager. He must monitor the progress of the planned activities. The efforts made by the employees and their coordination are the focus areas.

6. Subordination of Individual Interest

As per Henry Fayola, the personal interest of the individuals in an organization are subordinate to the interest of the organization. The main and primary focus is the organizational objectives. This principle of management is applicable to all the levels of the organization including the managers.

7. Remuneration

This principle conveys the importance of remuneration for the employees, which promotes motivation and productivity. There are two types of remuneration namely non-monetary and monetary.

Non-monetary remuneration is conveyed in the form of compliments, assigning more responsibilities and credits. Monetary remuneration is providing a bonus or any other financial compensation. This is all about rewarding the employee for the efforts made by him.

8. The Degree of Centralization

Centralization refers to the practice of having decision making authority at the top management or the executive board level. Henry Fayol explained the process of sharing this decision making authority with the lower levels of management as decentralization.

Now, how big or small the organization, there must be a balance between the two forms of decision-making.

9. Scalar Chain

Every organization must possess a clear cut hierarchy starting from the senior management to the lowest level in the organization. There should be a clear line in the area of authority from the top level to the bottom.

This way, each employee must be able to contact a manager at the top-level without challenging the hierarchy.

10. Order

According to this principle, the right resources for the employees help them to function properly in an organization. In addition to the responsibility of the managers, there must be a safe, clean and tidy working environment.

11. Equity

The equity principle focuses on the core values of an organization. This focus on the importance of treating the employees kindly and equally. Employees in the right place of an organization perform the function right. The supervision and monitoring of these functions are performed by the managers. The employees must be treated fairly without any partiality.

12. Stability of Tenure of Personnel

This principle focuses on minimizing employee turnover and to have the right employee or staff in the right place. Frequent change of position and sufficient development must be properly managed.

13. Initiative

According to Henry Fayol, employee initiatives form one of the important sources of strength of the organization. This management principle hence encourages the employees to come up with new ideas. This makes the employees be more involved in organizational development.

14. Esprit de Corps

The principle of management strives for the unity and involvement of the employees. Morale must be developed in the workplace both individually and in the area of communication. This responsibility is for the managers. The principle of “Esprit de Corps” develops the culture and creates an atmosphere of mutual understanding and trust.

Top 10 Most Impressive Civil Engineering Projects

By M. Naeem Nekmal

Throughout history, numerous incredible engineering projects have been established and completed. From the earliest annals of history to modern times, there are numerous creations that showcase our ability to realize an incredible constructive vision. While every engineer or anyone who appreciates structures may have their own opinion on what engineering project is most impressive, it can be assumed that these men would be placed at the top:

Great Pyramid of Giza: This incredible creation consisted of two and a third million stone blocks, which required the constant labor of thirty thousand laborers to build.

Great Wall of China: What many people do not know about this enormous five thousand and a half-mile long wall is that the mortar used in its construction is made of rice flour.

Aqueduct of Segovia: These amazing aqueducts are made without the use of mortar, and are so well preserved that it is still in use today.

Brooklyn Bridge: Was the first suspension bridge to use steel in its cables.


Panama Canal: This man-made canal was designed to connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to provide trade ships with a passage between North and South America.


Hoover Dam: Named one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the dam generates four billion kilowatt-hours of electricity for use.


Golden Gate Bridge: This historic wonder connects San Francisco to the rest of the bay, and is made up of six hundred thousand rivets.


English Channel Tunnel: A thirty-one-mile long tunnel, the English Channel Tunnel currently contains the longest portion of any tunnel housed under the sea.


Burj Khalifa: Interestingly enough, one of the biggest setbacks to face the construction of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, was one hundred and sixty kilometers per hour winds that required special testing to determine the safety of the construction material.


Qingdao Haiwan Bridge: It is currently the longest bridge in the world and was specially designed to withstand earthquakes and typhoons.