Structural Engineering
POST TENSIONING FLOOR SLABS IN THE V&A WATERFRONT
ENGINEERING PERSPECTIVE
Structural engineering provides a platform for all the other engineering disciplines to thrive. Whether it be elevated towers or water retaining walls for reservoirs, foundations and plinths to support machines, electrical cables and panels, or columns and beams to carry roofs, all structures are devised to bear a specific load. Therefore, structural engineering always forms part of the multi-disciplinary built environment projects.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Hand calculations remain a cornerstone of structural engineering. To stimulate conceptual thinking and increase confidence in design, Virtual Consulting Engineers strives to make use of simple design principles before engaging specialist software. Where complex structures require iterative calculations, we use Prokon Structural Analysis and Design for dynamic load analysis, design and detailing of:
- Frame and finite element analysis
- Steel member and connection design
- Reinforced and prestressed concrete design
- Post tensioning of multi-storey floor slabs
- Timber member design
- Masonry design
Our structural Analysis and Design modules support appropriate design codes in a single family of software tools. Prokon allows detailing of reinforcement directly in AutoCAD, which we link with AutoCAD 3D and Revit models for integration of civil, mechanical, electrical and structural design.
PROJECTS
Beitbridge Reservoir Construction (2007)
Department of Public Works
Virtual Consulting Engineers was responsible for construction monitoring of the new 2Mℓ flat roofed reservoir at Beitbridge Port of Entry. Our resident engineer approved all concrete mix designs for a water retaining structure, formwork, steel reinforcement and cube tests to verify concrete strength. The work was completed within six months.
Madadeni Wastewater Treatment Works (2012)
Newcastle Local Municipality
For the upgrade of the old Madadeni Works, a new aerobic reactor basin of 20Mℓ, 5m deep with 97m long walls, was designed adjacent to the old aerobic zone. The latter was converted with five dividing walls to form anaerobic and anoxic zones. A new 30m diameter flat bottomed clarifier was also constructed.
Beitbridge Truck Scanner (2015)
South African Revenue Services
Virtual Consulting Engineers constructed new facilities for a mobile truck scanner at Beitbridge Land Port of Entry, allowing for the streamlined clearance of vehicles. Design work included foundations, reinforced concrete pavement and a steel canopy. The construction contract was implemented on a turn-key basis.
Ermelo Old Gaol (2017)
Department of Public Works
Ermelo’s Old Gaol (circa 1905) remained in use as a prison until 1990 after which it fell into disuse. As an example of Wilhelmine Architecture, the building is subject to the National Heritage Resources Act No. 25 of 1999. Virtual Consulting Engineers designed and supervised the structural renovation of the building to become new office space.
North West Health Boiler House Construction (2020)
National Department of Health / Development Bank of Southern Africa
As part of a turn-key project, Virtual Consulting Engineers designed and supervised the construction of new boiler houses for hospitals at Schweizer-Reneke, Gelukspan and Mafikeng. Structures included boiler foundations, reinforced concrete walls with pulling points, coal and ash bunkers, galvanised portal frame buildings with masonry bracing and overhead crane supports.
3-Arts Post Tensioning Floor Slabs (2021)
Post Tensioning & Structural Solutions (Pty) Ltd
Post-tensioning is the construction method of choice for reinforcing concrete slabs that require longer spans with less supporting columns, which is ideal for parking areas. Virtual Consulting Engineers’ design at the Three Arts Village centre is unique, achieving minimum deflections of an elongated cantilever slab with a plan-view S-shape, within the constraints of post-tensioning concrete slabs.