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1. GENERAL
1.1 Scope of Work
1.1.1 The main aim of this booklet is to set down some regulations and limits based on
local practice, which should be taken into consideration during the structural
design process for building structures using normal weight concrete. The
contents of this booklet should be read in conjunction with the international
codes and specifications to be adopted (see clause 1.3) and in case of any
discrepancy, the requirement of this booklet. Should govern.

1.2 Definitions
1.2.1 The designer: The appointed firm structural engineer, who is directly involved in
the preparation of structural documents.
1.2.2 The Engineer: The Structural Engineer appointed by the Ministry of Public
Works & Housing to check and approve structural documents.

1.3 Basis of Design

1.3.1 One- In general all reinforced concrete elements shall be designed to satisfy
the minimum requirement set out in the latest edition of British Standards.
b- Codes allowed to be adopted in design:
B.S: Code of practice for structural use of concrete British Standards BS
8110 and all other relevant British Standards.
ACI. : Building code requirements for reinforced concrete ACI-318, with
relevant standards cited in the code.
1.3.2 To use other international codes the designer must get a written permission
from the engineer.
1.3.3 Any of the above mentioned codes and standards being chosen, should be
strictly followed together with the requirements of this booklet as mentioned
above and any other local authorities requirements and regulations.
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2. MATERIALS
2.1 Cement
2.1.1 The fineness of the ordinary Portland cement should be between 225 m2/kg and
300 m2/kg (Blaine Test).
2.2 Aggregate
2.2.1 It is not allowed to use aggregates containing serpentine unless directed
otherwise by the engineer.
2.3 Reinforcement
2.3.1 Yield strength of deformed reinforcing bars considered in the design should not
exceed 420 N/mm2 and 460 N/mm2 reinforcement complying with B.S.4449 to
be used in construction.
2.3.2 Yield strength of ordinary mild steel reinforcing bars considered in the design
should not exceed 250 N/mm2.
2.4 Concrete
2.4.1 The designer should consider the nature and type of project; the expected
concrete quality, the economy and all other relevant factors in deciding the grade
of the concrete to be adopted in the design. In general the grades commonly used
are between 30 – 45 KN/mm2. However, the designer in the preliminary design
stage is to inform the engineer regarding the grade to be adopted.
2.5 Durability
2.5.1 The concrete should have an adequate resistance to deterioration and the
environment in which it is placed such as weathering, chemical attack, abrasion
and fire.. etc.
2.5.2 Minimum nominal concrete cover shall satisfy the adapted code requirements
with the following minimum requirements being satisfied for all grades of
concrete:
POSITION Min. Cover
(mm)
a. In internal and external sides of columns & beams 30
b. To main reinforcement in beams 50
c. In floor slabs and soffits of roof slabs 25
d. In top of roof slab 25
e. Outermost bars in internal and external face of walls or
up stands 30
f. Bars in top of ground slab 30
g. Bars near faces in contact with soil for beams & column 40
h. Bars near face in contact with soil for footings 75

2.5.3 Fire Resistance: The designer is required to cover all the requirements of the
Civil Defence Department, Ministry of Interior Affairs, beside the requirements
of the code adopted; and, in case of any discrepancy, the local requirements
mentioned above should govern.
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3. GENERALREQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGN & ANALYSIS

The structures shall be designed to withstand the design loads. Effective
connections are to be made between the various members of structures to ensure
the correct transmission of forces under all loading conditions as well as to
provide general tying of all building’s elements.
3.1 Loading
3.1.1 Dead Loads: shall be calculated on the basis of unit weights, which shall be
established taking into consideration the materials specified for construction.
3.1.2 Imposed loads shall not be less than the requirements of the code adapted with
the following minimum requirements being satisfied:
a-Minimum imposed loads on any horizontal floor or roof 2 KN/ M2
either with or without access

b-Educational Building
Class Room 4 KN / M2
Library 5 KN / M2
Corridors, lobbies, Stairway, Foyer 4 KN / M2

c- Hospital
Words & Bedroom 3 KN / M2
X –Ray & Operating Theaters 5 KN / M2
Kitchen 4 KN / M2
Corridors, Lobbies, Stairway, Foyer 5 KN / M2

d-Offices
Public Area 4 KN / M2
For General Use 3 KN / M2

e-Mosque 4 KN / M2
3.1.3 Wind Forces
Basic wind speed considered in the design shall be 45 m/sec through all
UAE.
B- For boundary wall design wind pressure to be calculated on the basis of the
above and shall not be less than 0.6 KN/m2.
3.1.4 Earthquake Forces
Nominal protection of the building against seismic forces shall be applied
according to the following categories; It is to be stressed that these categories
give general guidelines. Since in case seismic design is to be considered this
should be included at the early design stages, the designer is required to consult
the engineer and get approval as to whatever, if any, measures are to be taken.
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a) Very Important Buildings

Are those structures or building which must be safe and usable for emergency
purposes after an earthquake in order to preserve the general public; such as
main hospitals, fire and electrical stations, main police stations, and main
government and municipal centers, and all high rise buildings of ٥ stories and
above. Regarding this category full seismic design shall be carried out
considering according to latest edition of U.B.C. Zone 2A as per UBC-1997.

b)Important Buildings
Pubic buildings such as mosques, schools, etc. and all buildings of less than 5
stories and more than 4 stories. Regarding this category, and in general, it is not
required to calculate any generated forces; forces; however, special
considerations shall be taken into account; these include the choice of the
structural system, uniformity in the lateral rigidity and the special seismic
detailing.

c)Ordinary Buildings
Residential and office buildings with a maximum of 4-stories. In this case, the
effect of earthquake forces can be neglected.
3.1.5 Other Forces and Effects
Such as temperature deflection, shrinkage, creep, vibration, construction,
erection, foundation movement etc.
3.2 Serviceability
3.2.1 Cracking
The shapes and dimensions of all members and the detailing of reinforcement are
to be designed so as to reduce the probability of the appearance of cracks wider
than 0.20 mm. Where members are exposed to aggressive environments, the
surface crack width should not exceed 0.004 times the nominal cover.
3.2.2 Deflection
3.2.2.1 Vertical deflection shall not exceed the limitations and requirements in the code
adopted in addition to the following:

a) That parts of deflection occurring after attachment of nonstructural elements

likely to be damaged by deflection (including the effect of temperature, creep
and shrinkage) is limited to L/480 or 20 mm whichever is the lesser.

b) The final deflection (including the effect of shrinkage, creep and temperature)
should not in general exceed span/250.
3.2.2.2 For tall buildings lateral movement shall not exceed 3.8 mm offset per story with
a maximum of 0.002 times the height.
3.2.3 Other limits as per the adopted code.
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3.3 Age factor for concrete Strength

This should be neglected in all the design stages of structure, i.e. any increase of
concrete strength 28-days is to be neglected in the design.
3.4 Stability of the Structure
3.4.1 Lateral stability in two orthogonal directions should be provided by a system of
strong points within the structure so as to produce a “braced structure”. Floors to
act as horizontal diaphragms particularly if precast unites are used. Where the
structure is divided by expansion joints each part should be structurally
independent and designed to be stable and robust without relying on the stability
of adjacent sections.
Stability of a structure as a whole against overturning and lateral forces shall be
insured.
3.4.2 The anchorage or counterweights provided for overturning members (during
construction and service) should be such that equilibrium should remain even
when overturning moments is doubled.

3.5. Robustness
3.5.1 All members of the structure should be effectively tied together in the
longitudinal, transverse and vertical directions and design code requirement to be
considered.

3.5.2 Whenever the span of any structural element exceeding 20 m, deep investigation
is required, taking into account the effect of shrinkage, creep, temperatural
change,……etc

3.6 Movement Joints

3.6.1 Movement joints should be provided to minimize the effects of movements

caused by, for example, shrinkage, temperature variations, creep and settlement.

3.6.2 Unless otherwise directed by the engineer, expansion joints are to be provided
every a maximum of 30 m.
3.6.3 Temperature change to be used calculating the thermal effect should not be less
than 30C.
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4. Some Special Requirement for Structural Elements

4.1 Solid Slabs
4.1.1 The thickness of ordinary solid slabs shall not be less than 125 mm, and the
reinforcing bars should not be less than 10 mm in diameter every 200 mm c/c.
4.1.2 The maximum spacing of reinforcement to be as follows:
a) Main Bars: As per design but not more than 200 mm.
b) Secondary Bars; As per design but not more than 200 mm.
4.2 Ribbed, Hourdy, Hollow Block or Voided Slabs
4.2.1 Blocks are to be shaped to minimize probability of falling.
4.2.2 Reinforced concrete topping shall be as per design but less than 75 mm in
thickness.
4.2.3 Stiffening ribs should be provided at an adequate spacing depending on the
nature of the slab and the applied loads. In general, the spacing should not be
more than 6 m in voided construction and 4.0 m for hourdy slabs.
4.3 Beams
4.3.1 Spacing of lateral supports in simply supported or continuous beam shall not
exceed 50 times the least width b of 250 b2/d whichever is less. For a cantilever
the clear distance from the free end of the cantilever to the lateral restraint shall
not exceed 25 b or 100 b2/d whichever is less. In both cases b is the least width
of the beam and d the effective depth.
4.3.2 When the overall depth of a beam exceeds 750 mm, longitudinal side bars should
be provided over a distance of 2/3 of the overall depth from the tension face.
This reinforcement should be positioned near the side face with a maximum
spacing of 250 mm.
4.3.3 Open links are to be avoided.
4.4 Columns
4.4.1 The percentage of cross-sectional area of longitudinal reinforcement should not
be less than (1 %) and not more than (6 %) except that laps the percentage may
be (10 %).
4.4.2 The spacing of longitudinal bars measured along the periphery of the column not
exceed 300 mm.
4.4.3 Lateral ties shall be at least 8 mm in diameter.
4.5 Foundation
4.5.1 The design of foundation shall be based on complete engineering soil
investigation report to be carried out by an approved specialist firm.
4.6 Soil Investigation
4.6.1 The soil investigation has to be a detailed study of the soil and groundwater
conditions to a considerable depth below the surface by means of bore holes
and/or trial pits, in-situ and laboratory tests on the materials encountered.
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4.6.2 4. The Number of bore holes and/or trial pits, their location and the depth of each
has to be approved by the engineer in advance of commencing the investigation.
4.6.3 The soil investigation engineering shall include:
a) Study of the general topography of the site as it affects foundation design and
construction.
b) Study of location of buried services if encountered.
c) Study of general geology of the area and any special features such as the
possibility of earthquake or climatic factors such as flooding.
d) The previous history and use of the site including any defects or failures of
existing or former buildings attributable to foundation conditions.
e) A detailed record of the soil and rock strata (including S.P. Test results at a
distance of 1.0 m maximum), and ground water conditions within the zones
affected by foundation bearing pressure and construction operations or any
deeper strata affecting the site conditions in any way.
f) Results of laboratory tests on soil and rock samples appropriate to the
particular foundation design or constructional problems.
g) Results of chemical analysis on soil or ground water to determine possible
deleterious effects on foundation structures.
h) Discussion of results of investigation in relation to foundation design and
construction.
I) Description of the main structures and the related loading.
j) Studying of all alternative types of foundation which could be adopted from all
points such as safety, settlement, economy, construction, etc.
k) In case of pad foundation, required depth of foundation from the bench mark,
the allowable bearing pressure and the settlement to be expected should be
stated.
I) In case of piled foundation, the bearing stratum, the required penetration of
piles in this stratum, the working loads and settlement likely to occur is to be
given. Also the recommended type of pile and any possible effects on adjacent
structures shall be noted.
m) Classes of soil with related type and quality of concrete, type of cement,
minimum cement content and any adequate protective coating, all based on the
chemical test.
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PROCEDURES FOR SUBMISSION AND

5. APPROVAL OF STRUCTURAL DESIGN DOCUMENTS.
5.1 GENERAL
5.1.1 Engineering drawings should contain an adequate set of notes and all other
essential information in a form that can be quickly and correctly interpreted.
Written instructions should be clear and concise, kept to a minimum and include
special details of cambers, sequence of construction, etc.
5.1.2 Drawings should be made in standard sizes. All sheets in any one set of drawings
should be of the same size.
5.2.3 All dimensions to be in metric units.
5.1.4 An arrow indicating the direction of north should be shown on the drawings.
5.1.5 The drawings should convey definite instructions and show complete details of
reinforcements. It has to furnish a clear statement of design requirements.
5.1.6 In general drawings for elements like beams, girders, columns, walls and
foundations shall show type and grade of reinforcement, characteristic strength
of concrete, concrete dimensions, lap lengths, concrete cover, required joints and
any other information needed for the preparation of workshop drawings.
5.1.7 If it is required to divide the plan into parts, this should be according to certain
construction techniques, and in general this should be as far as possible
according to the position of the expansion and/or other joints.
5.1.8 It is recommended to put all the general notes in a separate sheet, considered as
part of the drawings.
5.1.9 Submission shall be in three phases (see 5.2, 5.3, 5.4).
5.2 Design Documents Comprising Preliminary Study Report (Phase 1) At this
stage the designer is required to submit a preliminary study report showing:
i) General description of the structural system to be used and the construction
techniques.
ii) The availability of the structural materials and grades to be used.
iii) Soil investigation reports (See 4.6).
iv) Names and dates of issue of code and other standards to which design
confirms (See 1.3).
v) Any special loading requirements to be considered e.g. earthquake forces,
other special live load, etc.
vi) Any other information required by the engineer or the designer at this stage.
N.B. If the designer is unable to submit any of the above documents at this stage
he should state the reasons in writing.
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5.3 Design Documents Comprising Preliminary Design (Phase 2)

The designer should not proceed to this stage until he gets an approval of his
preliminary study reports (Phase 1). At this stage the designer is required to
submit at least 3 sets of the following:
i) The information contained in the above documents (Phase 1) as amended
and/or approved.
ii) General arrangement drawings, showing plans, sections, dimensions and sizes
of the main structural elements, e.g. columns, beams, slabs etc.; all being based
on a preliminary design with a minimum analysis.
iii) It is important for the designer at this stage to inform his design team
members of his structural system and to solve any conflicting requirements.
5.4 Design Documents Comprising Final Design (Phase 3)
The designer should not proceed to this final stage until he gets as approval for
stage 2, In this phase of submission the designer in required to submit at least (4)
copies plus all in CDS copy of the following documents:
i) Final complete soil investigation report.
ii)Structural calculation: These should consist of:
a) Design information sheet: The purpose of which is to summarize on which the
engineer has based his design and include those items which are of particular
interest to the checking authority.
b) Structural Summary Sheet: The purpose of which is to illustrate the main
structural elements, the form of the structure and the provisions for overall
stability.
c) Index Sheet: The form of index should be simple, consisting of a description
of the items and page number at which it starts.
d) Calculation Sheets: should be written on sheets of standard format, when
automatic data processing is used, design assumption and identified input and
output data have to be submitted in lieu of calculation.

iii) Specification for the Works.

iv)Drawings:
a) General Arrangements and Details Drawings (Set 1): represent plans,
elevations and sections showing the layout of the reinforced concrete works and
all required details. Also show dimensions, levels and location of all structural
elements with respect to their axes.
b) Reinforcement Drawings (Set 11): Describe and Locate the reinforcements in
relation to the structure and to be read in conjunction with (Set 1). All data and
information regarding the reinforcements has to be shown in details and to a
proper scale. Special attention has to be paid to the details of connections.

c) Special details (if any) Set 111): showing the details of all precast and
prestrssed concrete elements, size and shape of the units, positions and sizes of
all holes and all other data required for proper handling and fixing of the units.
This Set 111 (if any) should include any other special details.