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

Calculation of Safe Bearing capacity of soil on site | SBC Values for Different Soils

Safe Bearing Capacity of Soil:

The First test which one should be performed before construction is the safe bearing capacity of the soil. It’s a preliminary test that should be conducted before the construction of any structure. It is recommended that the safe bearing capacity of soil should be tested at all the points of footings.

What is a Safe Bearing Capacity of Soil?

A safe bearing capacity of soil field test is done to check the capacity of the soil to withstand loads. Let us consider an example of a small plastic chair, This small plastic chair is made for kids and It can bear a capacity of 10 Kgs. Suppose, if an adult sat on it, then Chair will be broken. The same case is applied to the soil, If more load is applied on soil than its resistance, then soil starts displacing or breaking which leads to settlements. In order to keep the structure safe, the Safe bearing capacity of a soil is calculated on the field at different points and the selection of footing is done accordingly.

The maximum load per unit area which the soil can bear without any displacement or settlements is designated as the “Safe bearing capacity of the soil.”

Safe Bearing Capacity of Soil formula:

Ultimate Bearing Capacity of Soil:

The point at which soil starts displacing is called the Ultimate bearing capacity of the soil.

For Example: Take a rubber band and stretch it oppositely, Rubberband has an elastic property which it can regain back to the original position. If u start stretching it more, it may break at a certain point, that point is known as the Ultimate point of Rubberband where it loses its elasticity and it won’t come back to its original position.

The same can be applied to the soil, Soil has an ultimate bearing capacity where it can bear the load up to a certain point. After that point, Soil starts displacing (Settlements). That point is called as Ultimate bearing capacity of the soil.

The ultimate bearing capacity of soil varies with the type of soil and the atmospheric conditions.

The factor of Safety depends upon the type of construction and it usually ranges between 2 and 3. For High rise constructions, we go with F.O.S 3.

Safe Bearing Capacity of Soil Testing Procedure:

Well, so many theories explained how to find the safe bearing capacity of the soil. Among them, the Drop weight method is the easiest and reliable test.

Drop weight method:

This method is the field test for the Safe bearing capacity of the soil.

1. Firstly Excavate a pit of required depth. (preferably equal to the depth of foundation)
2. Take a square cube of known weight and dimensions.
3. Now drop the square-cube on the pit with a known height.
4. Measure the impression made on the pit by square cube using the scale.
   (For accurate results, Drop the cube several times on the same pit and calculate the average depth of Impressions “d”.)

Example:

Weight of Cube = 0.6Kg, Height of fall = 120cm
Depth of impression = 0.8cm;
Cross Section Area (A) = 20cm2; Factor of Safety=2

Ultimate Bearing Capacity [UR] = [0.6 x 120]/0.8 = 90Kg

Safe Bearing Capacity of Soil = 90 / [20 x 2] = 2.25Kg/cm2

Why calculate the Safe bearing capacity of the soil before starting construction:

From the above figure, it is clear that the building is fallen on only one side. It is occurred by the settlements on one side of the building, due to this the building is overturned on one side but didn’t collapse.

The reason for this is The safe bearing capacity of the soil is enough at one part of the building, but not the other part. It is recommended to check the SBC of soil at all footing positions to overcome the Soil Liquefaction.  And the perfect type of footings is chosen by checking the Safe bearing capacity of the soil.

Safe bearing capacity (SBC) Values for different types of soils:

Search:

Type of Soil	SBC Value
Soft, Wet or Muddy Clay	0.5Kg/cm2
Black cotton soil	1.5Kg/cm2
Loose Gravel	2.5Kg/cm2
Compacted Clay	4.5Kg/cm2
Soft rocks	4.5Kg/cm2
Compacted gravel	4.5Kg/cm2
Hard rocks (Granite)	33Kg/cm2
Coarse Sand	4.4Kg/cm2
Medium Sand	2.45Kg/cm2
Fine Sand	4.45Kg/cm2

These are probable values that are only used only for preliminary design. The actual safe bearing capacity of the soil is calculated by using IS mentioned Codes.

Must-Have knowledge for Civil Engineers | Civil Engineering Tips

There are many activities that should be performed by civil engineers at the site and in the lab. Here we are going to discuss some important points which every civil engineer must learn and remember. These tips can also help to crack the interview. This is a kick start guide if you are joining in any company as a Civil engineer.

Civil Engineering Tips:

• ASTM Abbreviation: American Society for Testing Materials
• Grade of Concrete is denoted as Cement: Sand: Aggregate (Ex M20 Grade : 1:1.5:3)
• C/C means Center to Center Distance
• DL means Development Length
• Lapping of bars not allowed if the dia of the bar is more than 36mm.
• For circular column minimum of 6 longitudinal bars are used.
• The minimum thickness of the slab is 0.125m
• A water pH value of less than 6 should not be used for construction purposes.
• The concrete Should not be thrown from a height of more than 1m.
• The Compressive strength of Bricks is 3.5 N /mm2
• The initial setting time shall not be less than 30 minutes and the final setting time of cement is 10hours.
• Dead Load means the Self weight of Structure
• Sand having moisture content more than 5% should not be used for Concrete mix.
• DPC means the Damp Proof Course. The thickness of DPC should not be less than 2.5cm.
• A cube test is carried out for each 30m3 usage of concrete.
• RMC: Ready Mix concrete, The concrete is made at the factory and transported to the site, This type of concrete is used where there is a lack of space for mixing the concrete and used where a huge amount of concrete is required for construction.
• The height of the floor is usually 3m or 10ft (If a person asks you whats the height of 12 storied building? Ans: 3m x 12floors = 36m)
• A head mason can work 25-30m3 in a day.

• In construction, the rate analysis for the work of workers is calculated in Man Hours. (Ex: 10$ for 1 Man hour)
• Cantilever Beam has One fixed support and the other end is free, Simply supported beam has a minimum of two supports.
• PCC (Plain Cement Concrete) this type of concrete is used on members-only when the tensile forces are not acting on it.
• The weight of first-class clay brick should be 3.85 Kg. and it has a crushing strength of 10.5MN/m2
• Adding more water in the concrete mix to increase setting time leads to form the Cracks or honeycomb in hardened concrete.
• Vibration in freshly made concrete is done to remove the air bubbles in the concrete mix.
• Impermeability of concrete:  The concrete which resists the entry of water or moisture into it.
• The concrete can be lifted to a maximum height of 50m using Concrete Pumps.
• The curing Period of RCC is 28days.
• The minimum sill level height should be 44 inches.
• The transverse reinforcement provided in columns is called Ties.
• The transverse reinforcement provided in Beams is called as Stirrups.
• Stirrups in Beams and Ties in Column are provided to handle the sheer force and to keep longitudinal bars in position.

• The Prime reason for using steel as reinforcement is due to thermal expansion. The thermal expansion coefficient of concrete and steel is (approximately) same having value 12x10−6/°C

• M20 grade of concrete is generally used in the construction of the slab.
• Weight of Bar is calculated using formula D2/162 (D = Dia of the bar in mm)
• The No. of Bricks required for 1m3 of Brick masonry are 550 bricks.
• Specific gravity of Cement is 3.16g/cm3; Bricks is 2g/cm3;  Sand is 2.65g/cm3 ,
• Standard Size of Brick is 19cm x 9cm x 4 cm or 19cm or 9cm x 9 cm
• The floor area occupied by 50kg of Cement bag is 0.3m2 and height of 0.18m.
• As per IS 456: 2000, Maximum dia of the bar used in the slab should not exceed 1/8th of the total thickness of the slab.
• IS 456:2000 is Code of Practice for Plain and Reinforced Concrete
• IS 800:2000 is code of Practice for General steel construction
• The slope or pitch of the stair should be between 25 degrees to 40 degrees.
• The rise in stairs is in between 150mm to 200mm.
• Tread in the staircase is in between 250mm to 300mm.
• Hook length should not be less than 9D (Dia of Bar)
• Unit weight of PCC is 24KN/m3, RCC is 25 KN/m3, Steel is 7850Kg/m3
• The volume of the 50kg cement bag is 1.3CFT.
• Theodolite least count is 20Secs whereas Compass Least count is 30mins.
• TMT bars: TMT means Thermo Mechanically treated bars
• Cement more than 3 months old cannot be used for construction
• The length of each bar from the factory is 12m. 

Must Remember the Concrete Mix ratio of Different grades of Concrete at least till M20 grade of concrete

Concrete Grade	Mix Ratio
M5	1:5:10
M7.5	1:4:8
M10	1:3:6
M15	1:2:4
M20	1:1.5:3
M25	1:1:2
M30, M35, M40, M45, M50, M55, M60, M65, M70	Design Mix

Know about the Slump value of Concrete for Different concrete works

Concrete Mixes	Slump range in mm
Columns, Retaining walls	75-150mm
Beams & Slabs	50-100mm
CC Pavements	20-30mm
Decks of bridge	30-75mm
Vibrated Concrete	12-25mm
Huge Mass constructions	25-50mm