How to and with what to backfill the voids of shoring?
▲ 34 r/GeotechnicalEngineer+2 crossposts

How to and with what to backfill the voids of shoring?

Hi, a soil improvement is being made for a shallow foundation as shown in the diagram (walers, props and timber planks not shown for clairty).

Solder piles are to be removed once backfill is complete. It would not be much of an issue for footings placed on normal soils, but as this is a soil improvement situation and the railway track is adjacent, I think the voids might give way for the footing to settle. Hence the thought of backfilling the voids with an appropriate material once the verticals are pulled out, before loading the footings.

So the two questions are whether backfilling is needed or not and if yes, what to backfill with and the methodology)... Any and all input on this is appreciated. TIA!

P.S. GWL is at around -2m.

Update:

  1. Railway would not be used during construction and shoring members are sized for train surcharge anyways.

  2. Grout injection is not reliable in my country. Micro piling is our preference but based on previous experience on another sector of the project, the consultant is a headache to work with when it comes to piling.

u/AnotherSLGuy — 7 days ago

How do you model the transfer floors?

Hi, basically as the title says.

To add context, wall loads of about 50 typical residential floors are to be transfered to walls in the car parking floors through a transfer floor. We are using ETABS for the modeling and the senior engineer has given preliminary sizing for the transfer beams (the walls are more or less in line, so no need of a transfer slab). I and my colleagues are discussing whether to model the transfer beams with beam elements (2D lines) or thick shell elements (3D) before approaching the senior for advice.

Even if we get advice, since it would be their POV, I am wondering how others do it: whether frame of thick shell or something else altogehter. What are the pros and cons of your choice and why would you avoid using other options?

Any and all input is appreciated. TIA.

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u/AnotherSLGuy — 10 days ago

What would be your design approach to place a 2000kg generator w/o dampers on a suspended slab?

A question by a friend of mine;

So, the architect wants a 2000kg diesel generator to be placed on the first floor (on a suspended slab) to free up the ground space for parking on a very tight plot. The common practice in my country is to place the generator on vibration absorbing polymer pads and simply design the slab and beams for the dead weight.

However the client's engineer is declining payment for the pads as apparently it had not been included in the original BOQ. While what to do is being debated amongst stakeholders, my friend (the structural engineer) is adamant that vibration reduction pads are essential for user comfort even if the structure is safe.

However user comfort aside, he (and I as well cuz he asked my opinion on this) is wondering what the procedure should be to design the structure, especially the local elements for this vibration.

Any and all input on a design approach as well as your experience is deeply appreciated. TIA.

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u/AnotherSLGuy — 11 days ago

How is the structural engineering job market in Singapore?

Hi, as the title says basically... I have 3+ years post qualification experience in structural engineering along with a full time 2yr MSc in concrete technology (BSc(Hons) is washington accord accredited and the MSc is from a sub 25 ranked uni on QS ranking, if that matters... I guess not that much though). I am working towards the charter in my own country, but it would be atleast mid next year when I get it.

I have applied to some vacancies in Singapore. But have not gotten a positive response yet. I guess getting through the AI primary screening is a major issue I got to work on, but I also would like to know how the job prospect would look like to someone like me in Singapore.

Is there any point in applying for structural engineering jobs in Singapore? Or should I switch to site engineer side to get in the door and to get site experience, and then switch back to structural work? Or would it be better to look at another country altogether?

TIA for any and all input.

P.S. The reasn I am looking at Singaporean opportunities is because it is in between my country and my partner's, making it convenient for both of us to visit families and also because pay is better than both our countries.

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u/AnotherSLGuy — 12 days ago

Any wood workshops in Colombo that let you use their equipment/space?

Hi, basically as title says...

On one hand I wanna polish up the craft and also wanna make some stuff for myself. I have had the basic education on the equipment back in school and also comes from a family that does our stuff by ourselves.

I have the equipment at home (out of Colombo) yet it would be hassle to bring them to the rental space in Cmb and also operating them would be a nuisance to the neighbors. Hence this search.

I haven't still started walking in and asking... LMK if you know any wood workshops that would let me use their space. Preferably around Nugegoda or Dehiwala, but going down to Moratuwa is also okay.

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u/AnotherSLGuy — 13 days ago

What is a good ergonomic, reliable and long lasting wireless mouse that I can get in SL?

Hi, as the title says... Main use case is office work but also occasionally game. So any extra buttons are not necessary, but I do know how to make use of them. Priorities are in the order I said; ergonomic, reliable and long lasting... Better if it can be charged with USB-C rather than having batteries.

Since we are on the topic of mice, drop you suggestions for wired mice as well. I have only ever used wired but the one I currently have is glitching.

Any and all suggestions are welcome.

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u/AnotherSLGuy — 27 days ago

Recommendations for high rise building modeling/design literature

Hi, as the title saya basically...

I am a practicing structural engineer and got assigned my first high rise project (60 floors). I work at a large firm and there are very cordial superiors who have high rise design experience to guide me. Yet I'd like to read and see how the rest of the world does this, what issues that even my superiors might have missed and how to optimize the design.

Any and all recommendations leading me towards above points are welcome. TIA.

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u/AnotherSLGuy — 1 month ago
▲ 22 r/Colombo

Looking for a queer/ally roommate

Hi, I myself am queer and currently live in a rental with room+bathroom. But I want to move to an annex with living space, a kitchenette, separate utilities (so that I can fix an AC) and a damn place to dry clothes in the humud hell of Colombo. I can afford an annex by myself, but it would be far more economical to go for a two bedroom annex and share the cost rather than going for a one bedroom annex.

However, I do not want to live with a non-queer or a non-ally person either cuz then I'll have to hide my true self even within my own place. Hence this post...

Let me know if you have place and wanna split with me or you also are looking to join the forces.

My preference is around Nawala or along the 176 route but would go for a second bus route which cross onto 176 if it is a good place. 😌

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u/AnotherSLGuy — 2 months ago
▲ 12 r/Colombo

Are there any air conditioned library spaces in Colombo?

Hi, as the title says basically. Am renting a place in Colombo for work and wanna spend the weekends or in-middle-of-the-week holidays at a library. But given the heat, humidity and dust, a non-AC space seems too uncomfortable.

Only the British Council comes to mind, but it's location is a bit inconvenient for me to travel to. Looking for other options to see whether there is one closer.

TIA! 😌

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u/AnotherSLGuy — 3 months ago

A date change request blame game

Hi, I checked-in to a hotel and had a change of plans. Originally intended to stay here for multiple days, now it is only one night. Talked with the owner (not just the management, the owner himself cuz it is a family run place) and they agreed to the earlier check-out, but asked us to either cancel of modify from our side on bookingdotcom.

I tried cancelling but the website did not allow us to (photo attached). So I tried changing the check-out date and informed the owner via whatsapp that I went ahead with a date change cuz the cancellation was denied on the platform.

Come morning I see that website saying that the date change is denied by the property (website does not allow screenshots of this page for some reason). I then called the owner and he says it is denied by the website it self and he did not do anything.

However he also added that we'll have to pay the full price if that is so cuz the bookings for the hotel is frozen since we have already arrived. That makes perfect sense. My question is whether it is truely the website not allowing to change the dates and blaming it on the owner or whether the owner is lying.

For info: the place does accept free cancellations until 6pm of the day of check-in.

Update: went to see the owner in person as he lives in a house at the adjacent land. I requested a date change again through the web app and he accepted the change in front of me. But it still shows as declined by the properly!

So in essence, Booking(dot)com is a giant ass hole of a company as other have said already.

u/AnotherSLGuy — 3 months ago

Hi, a few Japanese friends are arriving in SL and they are interested in local cuisine. Any recommendations for a place with a good selection of curries and other stuff in Galle? Not necessarily cheap, but the price should justify the cleanliness, vibe, presentation and taste.

Any and all input is welcome. Thank You!

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u/AnotherSLGuy — 4 months ago