Structural Analysis and Design of An-Najah Hotel Tower in Nablus
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Date
2021
Authors
Mohammed-Hasan Tubaila
Hisham Fassed
Mohammed Al-Bada
Rashad Mabroukeh
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Abstract
The proposed project comprised the analysis and redesign of a hotel building in An-Najah
Street in Nablus. The choice of location was due to good soil characteristics and having all
needed services for tenants within proximity of the hotel site. The soil was of Soft Rock with
a bearing capacity roughly equal to 280 kN/m2
.
It consisted of 5 basements and 32 floors above ground level with areas roughly equal to
1200 m2
and an accumulative elevation of +123 m. The reason behind this selection was the
challenges this project presented and the learning value it allowed for. The architectural plans
were a bit unorthodox compared to symmetrical uniform plans studied in previous modules
playing a significant role in widening our broads.
The most important aspect in this project was to understand the architectural plans fully and
have a complete idea about the design process from a structural point of view. Another
positive aspect about this structure in particular was the fact that it’s a high-rise building (37
floors). This demanded the calculation and application of snow, wind, and seismic loads and
actually measure their effect on such a structure.
The methodology undertaken started by choosing a local site for the redesign process where
the geological profile and the value of the bearing capacity were known. The used codes for
both obtaining loading values and the design procedure are ASCE 7-10 and ACI 318-14. The
geological profile helped determining the seismicity factors according to the seismic maps for
the area chosen. This led to determining the type of the structural system resisting both
gravitational and lateral loading cases according to the permitted types in the ASCE 7-10.
Afterwards, the characteristics of the construction materials as the crushing strength for
concrete and so on were determined for all structural elements. Approximating applied loads
for all structural elements followed next in order to suggest preliminary section sizes for the
structural elements. Once a preliminary representation of the structure was present, the
modeling procedure commenced using the ETABS software. Final section sizes were
determined ensuring no failure happened while maintaining serviceability as well. The design
procedure followed according to the code specified beforehand. ETABS results were checked
by designing a sample of each structural element manually. Beams of B5 and LVL30, all
slabs, all vertical members were detailed. Foundation system of mat foundation and piles was
modeled and designed using SAFE software. Stairs and a sample of non-structural wall were
also designed and detailed.