Dubai Building Code

Part F

Structure

F.1 Performance statements

F.2 Definitions
F.3 References
F.4 Framework
F.5 Structural system requirements
F.6 Materials
F.7 Loads
F.8 Performance and serviceability requirements
F.9 Geotechnics
F.10 Annex: Seismic acceleration and damping
parameters
F.11 Annex: Dubai sustainable concrete baseline (DSCB)
F.12 Annex: Precast stairs

F1
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.1 Performance statements

Performance statement The performance statement will be met

by following the requirements of:
The building structure shall safely F.5 to F.9
sustain and transmit to the ground
the combined dead, imposed, thermal,
wind and seismic load conditions for its
intended life.
The building structure shall provide a F.8 and F.9
structure that protects other property
from physical damage.
The building structure shall provide F.5.5
a structure that does not sustain
damage or collapse to an extent that is
disproportionate to the cause.

F2
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.2 Definitions

F.2.1 Terms
Floor height: Distance between adjacent floor levels measured from the top of the
floor to the top of the floor above.
Geotechnical laboratory: Physical or legal entity in charge of carrying out
geotechnical soil investigations and licensed to practice investigation activities in
Dubai in accordance with the applicable legislation.
Geotechnical Specialist Contractor: Physical or legal person in charge of carrying
out specialist geotechnical works and design, and licensed to practice geotechnical
construction and design activities in Dubai in accordance with the applicable
legislation.
Ground level: Average level of the ground surface or sidewalk at the centre of all
exterior walls of a building.
Serviceability: Condition beyond which a structure or member becomes unfit for
service and is judged to be no longer useful for its intended use.
Strand: High strength steel wires wound around a central wire, typically a seven-wire
strand, which can be used as a prestressing reinforcement in tendons.
Tendon: Complete assembly consisting of anchorages, prestressing reinforcement,
and sheathing with coating for unbonded applications or ducts filled with grout for
bonded applications.

F3
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.2.2 Acronyms and abbreviations

ACI American Concrete Institute GGBS ground granulated blast-furnace slag SPT standard penetration test
AISC American Institute of Steel Construction GIFR geotechnical investigation factual report specification for piling and embedded retaining
SPERWall
walls
ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers GIR geotechnical interpretative report
TMS The Masonry Society
ASTM ASTM International HSS hollow structural section
United Arab Emirates Fire and Life Safety Code
ATC Applied Technology Council IBC International Building Code UAE FLSC
of Practice
AWS American Welding Society ICE Institution of Civil Engineers
UFC Unified Facilities Criteria
BS British Standard ISO International Organization for Standardization
UK NA UK National Annex to Eurocode
BS EN British Standard European Norm LCA lifecycle assessment
w/c water/cement ratio
Ch. chapter MEP mechanical, electrical and plumbing
WAI weighted average impact
CHS circular hollow section MRI mean recurrence interval
Construction Industry Research and Information NOC no objection certificate
CIRIA
Association
ordinary Portland cement (CEM I as defined in
OPC
CRSI Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute BS 8500-1:2015)
Cm cementitious materials MPa megapascal
CPT cone penetration test PCI Precast/prestressed Concrete Institute
CRR cyclic resistance ratio PGA peak ground acceleration
CSR cyclic stress ratio PGD peak ground displacement
DBC Dubai Building Code PGV peak ground velocity
DCD Dubai Civil Defence psi pound per square inch
DM Dubai Municipality PT post-tensioned
DMD Dubai Municipality datum PTI Post-tensioning Institute
DSCB Dubai sustainable concrete baseline PTP preliminary test pile
EIAC Emirates International Accreditation Centre RHS rectangular hollow section
FS factor of safety SCI Steel Construction Institute
G ground level floor SHS square hollow section

F4
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.2.3 Notation
Acf gross cross-sectional area of concrete elements Kh horizontal modulus of sub-grade reactions SSζ adjusted damping parameter at short period
As area of steel in concrete Kv vertical spring constants T fundamental period of the building (s)
B building width Ks piles stiffness TL long-period transition period (s)
average building width normal to the wind LA span of slab reference wind speed (m/s) in accordance with
Bav
direction over the top height of the building Vref ASCE/SEI 7-16 (i.e. 3 s gust speed at 10 m
MCER risk-targeted maximum considered earthquake
above the ground in exposure category C)
width of the column face through which the
bw maximum considered earthquake geometric
reinforcement passes MCEG wk crack width limit
mean
Cd deflection amplification factor β1 damping adjustment factor for long-period
nh constant of horizontal sub-grade reaction
Ec modulus of elasticity of concrete βS damping adjustment factor for short period
MCEG peak ground acceleration adjusted for site
PGAM
Es modulus of elasticity of soil effects (FPGA) δMT total maximum displacement
EI stiffness MCER, 5% damped spectral responses maximum deflection at the location required by
S1 δmax
acceleration parameter at a period of 1s this section determined by an elastic analysis
Fa short period site coefficient at 0.2 s period
design, 5% damped, spectral response maximum inelastic response displacement of a
FPGA site coefficient for peak ground acceleration SD1 δM
acceleration parameter at a period of 1 s structure
compressive cubic strength of concrete at 28
fcu design, 5% damped, spectral response Ф steel reinforcement bar diameter
days SDS
acceleration parameter at a short period ζ damping coefficient
compressive cylindrical strength of concrete at
f'c MCER, 5% damped, spectral response
28 days ∑ sum of
SM1 acceleration parameter at a period of 1 s
fy yield strength adjusted for site class effect
H total height of building MCER, 5% damped, spectral response
SMS acceleration parameter at a short period
floor to floor height measured from the top of
Hs adjusted for site class effect
the floor to the top of the floor above.
MCER, 5% damped spectral responses
h thickness of concrete slab SS
acceleration parameter at short period
hD hydrostatic pressure
life safety, 5% damped spectral responses
SS LS
hw thickness of concrete wall acceleration parameter at short period
Ie importance factor life safety, 5% damped spectral responses
S1 LS
acceleration parameter at a period of 1 s
K0 coefficient of soil pressure at rest
S1ζ adjusted damping parameter at a period of 1 s
Kd wind directionality factor

F5
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.3 References

F.3.1 Essential references Ref. F.5 KILPATRICK, J., SIFTON, V. and GIBBONS ACI 224R, Control of cracking in concrete structures
M., 2020. Dubai wind design parameters review. Final
F.3.1.1 General ACI 315R, Guide to presenting reinforcing steel design
Report. RWDI.
ASCE/SEI 7-16, Minimum design loads and associated details
criteria for buildings and other structures Ref. F.6 KWOK, K.C.S., BURTON, M.D. and
ACI 318-19, Metric building code requirements for
ABDELRAZAQ, A.K., 2015. Wind-induced motion of
ASCE 37, Design loads on structures during structural concrete
tall buildings: Designing for habitability. Virginia: ASCE.
construction ACI 363R-10, Report on high-strength concrete
Ref. F.7 BRITISH GEOLOGICAL SURVEY, 2006.
ASCE 41, ASCE 41, Seismic evaluation and retrofit of Geology and geophysics of the United Arab Emirates. ACI 408.2R, Report on bond of steel reinforcing bars
existing buildings London: British Geological Survey. under cyclic loads
ISO 10137, Bases for design of structures – Ref. F.8 CRSI, 2008. Design handbook, 10th edition. ACI 435R, Control of deflection in concrete structures
Serviceability of buildings and walkways against Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute. BS EN 206, Concrete – Specification, performance,
vibrations
Ref. F.9 IDRISS, I.M. and BOULANGER, R.W., 2008. Soil production and conformity
Ref. F.1 UFC 4-023-03:2009. Design of buildings to liquefaction during earthquakes. California: Earthquake BS 8500-1:2015, Concrete – Complementary British
resist progressive collapse, with change 3, revision Engineering Research Institute. Standard to BS EN 206 – Part 2: Method of specifying
2016. Whole building design guide [online database].
F.3.1.2 Concrete and guidance for the specifier
Available from: www.wbdg.org.
ACI 89-S15, Shrinkage cracking in fully restrained Ref. F.10 CIRIA C766, 2018, Control of cracking caused
Ref. F.2 UAE MINISTRY OF INTERIOR GENERAL
concrete members by restrained deformation in concrete. 3rd edition.
COMMAND OF CIVIL DEFENCE, 2018. UAE Fire and
ACI 117-10, Specification for tolerances for concrete London: CIRIA.
Life Safety Code of Practice (UAE FLSC). United Arab
Emirates: Ministry of Interior General Command of construction and materials and commentary Ref. F.11 TR43, 2005. Post-tensioned concrete floors
Civil Defence. ACI 209.2R, Guide for modelling and calculating – Design handbook, 2nd Edition. Camberley: Concrete
shrinkage and creep in hardened concrete Society.
Ref. F.3 INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL, 2018.
International Building Code. Washington: International ACI 215R, Considerations for design of concrete Ref. F.12 PRECAST/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE
Code Council. structures subjected to fatigue loading INSTITUTE, 2017. Design handbook – Precast and
prestressed concrete, 8th edition and errata vol. I and
Ref. F.4 National Centre for Meteorology and ACI 216.1, Code requirements for determining fire II, 2019. Chicago: PCI.
Seismology [online database]. Available from: resistance of concrete and masonry construction
www.ncm.ae/en/climate-reports-yearly.html?id=26. assemblies Ref. F.13 APPLIED TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL, 1999.
Design Guide 1 – Minimizing floor vibration.
California: ATC.

F6
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.3.1.3 Steel BS EN 10025-1, Hot rolled products of structural F.3.1.4 Masonry

AISC 341, Seismic provisions for structural steel steels – General technical delivery conditions BS EN 1996-1, Eurocode 6 – Design of masonry
buildings BS EN 12944 (all parts), Paints and varnishes – structures – General rules for reinforced and
Corrosion protection of steel structures by protective unreinforced masonry structure
AISC 360, Specification for structural steel buildings
paint system BS EN 1996-2, Eurocode 6 – Design of masonry
ASTM A307, Specification for carbon steel bolts, studs,
BS EN ISO 15614, Specification and qualification of structures – Design considerations, selection of
threaded rods and similar externally fasteners with
welding procedures for metallic materials – Welding materials and execution of masonry
tensile strength between 60 to 100 ksi
procedure test BS EN 1996-3, Eurocode 6 – Design of masonry
ASTM A36M, Standard specification for carbon
Ref. F.14 AISC, 2003. Design Guide 19 – Fire resistance structures – Simplified calculation methods for
structural steel
of structural steel framing. Chicago: American Institute unreinforced masonry structures
ASTM A53M, Standard specification for pipe, steel, of Steel Construction. TMS 402/602, Building code requirements and
black and hot-dipped, zinc-coated, welded and
Ref. F.15 AISC, 2016. Steel construction manual. specifications for masonry structures
seamless
Chicago: American Institute of Steel Construction. F.3.1.5 Geotechnics
ASTM A500, Standard specification for cold-formed
welded and seamless carbon steel structural tubing in Ref. F.16 AISC, 2004. Specification for structural joints F.3.1.5.1 Geotechnics investigation and testing
rounds and shapes using ASTM A325 or A490 bolts. Chicago: American BS 1377, Methods of test for soils for civil engineering
Institute of Steel Construction. purposes
ASTM A501, Standard specification for hot-formed
welded and seamless carbon steel structural tubing Ref. F.17 AISC, 2003. Design guide 3 – Serviceability BS 5930, Code of practice for ground investigations
design considerations for steel buildings, 2nd edition.
ASTM A992M, Standard specification for structural BS 10175, Investigation of potentially contaminated
Chicago: American Institute of Steel Construction.
steel shapes sites – Code of practice
Ref. F.18 AISC, 2016. Design guide 11 – Vibrations of
ASTM F1554, Standard specification for anchor bolts, BS EN ISO 14688, Geotechnical investigation and
steel-framed structural systems due to human activity,
steel, 36, 55 and 105 ksi yield strength testing – Identification and classification of soil
2nd edition. Chicago: American Institute of Steel
AWS D1.1, Structural welding code – Steel Construction. BS EN ISO 14689, Geotechnical investigation and
testing – Identification, description and classification
BS EN 206, Concrete – Specification, performance, Ref. F.19 SMITH, A.L., HICKS, S.J. and DEVINE, P.J.,
of rock
production and conformity 2009. SCI P354, Design of floors for vibration: A new
approach. Berkshire: Steel Construction Institute. BS EN ISO 17892, Geotechnical investigation and
testing – Laboratory testing of soil

F7
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

BS 22475, Geotechnical investigation and testing – Ref. F.20 BURLAND J. CHAPMAN T. SKINNER H, and BS EN 12716, Execution of special geotechnical works
Sampling methods and groundwater measurements BROWN M., 2012. Manual of geotechnical engineering, – Jet grouting
volume I and II. London: ICE Publishing.
BS EN ISO 22476, Geotechnical investigation and BS EN 14199, Execution of special geotechnical works
testing – Field testing Ref. F.21 CIRIA, 2016. C750, Groundwater control – – Micro piles
Design and practice. London: CIRIA.
BS EN ISO 22282, Geotechnical investigation and BS EN 14475, Execution of special geotechnical works
testing – Geohydraulic testing F.3.1.5.3 Execution of geotechnical works – Reinforced fill
F.3.1.5.2 Geotechnical design ASTM D1195M Standard Test Method for Repetitive BS EN 14490, Execution of special geotechnical works
Static Plate Load Tests of Soils and Flexible Pavement – Soil nailing
BS 6031, Code of practice for earthworks
Components, for Use in Evaluation and Design of
BS 8081, Code of practice for grouted anchors Airport and Highway Pavements BS EN 14679, Execution of special geotechnical works
– Deep soil mixing
BS 8102, Code of practice for protection of below ASTM D5778 Standard Test Method for Electronic
ground structures against water from the ground Friction Cone and Piezocone Penetration Testing of BS EN 14731, Execution of special geotechnical works
Soils – Ground treatment by deep vibrations
BS EN 1997-1:2004+A1:2013, Eurocode 7 –
Geotechnical design – General rules BS EN 1536, Execution of special geotechnical works – BS EN 15237, Execution of special geotechnical works
Bored piles – Vertical drains
NA+A1:2014 to BS EN 1997-1:2004+A1:2013, UK
National Annex to Eurocode 7 – Geotechnical design – BS EN 1537, Execution of special geotechnical works –
General rules Ground anchors
BS EN 1997-2:2007, Eurocode 7 – Ground BS EN 1538, Execution of special geotechnical works –
investigation and design – Ground investigation and Diaphragm walls
testing
BS EN 12063, Execution of special geotechnical works
NA to BS EN 1997-2:2007, UK National Annex –Sheet pile walls
to Eurocode 7 – Geotechnical design – Ground
BS EN 12699, Execution of special geotechnical works
investigation and testing
– Displacement piles
BS EN 1993-5:2007, Eurocode 3 – Design of steel
BS EN 12715, Execution of special geotechnical works
structures – Piling
– Grouting
NA to BS EN 1993-5:2007, UK National Annex to
Eurocode 3 – Design of steel structures – Piling

F8
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.3.2 Further reading Ref. F.24 SHAMA, A.A., 2011. Site specific probabilistic Ref. F.30 GRÜNTHAL, G., BOSSE, C., SELLAMI, S.,
seismic hazard analysis at Dubai Creek on the west MAYER-ROSA, D. and GIARDIN, D., 1999. Compilation
F.3.2.1 Concrete
coast of the UAE. Earthquake Engineering and of the GSHAP regional seismic hazard for Europe,
ACI 301, Specifications for structural concrete Engineering Vibration. 10(1). pp. 143- 52. Africa and the Middle East. Annali di Geofisica, 42(6),
ACI 350, Code requirements for environmental pp. 1215-1223.
Ref. F.25 ALDAMA-BUSTOS, G., BOMMER, J.J.,
engineering concrete structures FENTON, C.H. and STAFFORD, P.J., 2009. Probabilistic Ref. F.31 AL-HADDAD, M., SIDDIQI, G.H., AL-ZAID, R.,
F.3.2.2 Geotechnics seismic hazard analysis for rock sites in the cities of ARAFAH, A., NECIOGLU, A. and TURKELLI N., 1994.
ACI 543R, Guide to design, manufacture, and Abu Dhabi and Ra’s Al Khaymah, United Arab Emirates. A basis for evaluation of seismic hazard and design
installation of concrete piles Georisk: Assessment and management of risk for criteria for Saudi Arabia. Earthquake Spectra, 10(2),
engineered systems and geohazards, 3(1), pp. 1-29. pp. 231-257.
CIRIA, 2017. C760, Guidance on embedded retaining
wall design. London: CIRIA. Ref. F.26 PASCUCCI, V., FREE, M.W. and LUBKOWSKI, Ref. F.32 BEYER, K. and BOMMER, J.J., 2006.
Z.A., 2008. Seismic hazard and seismic design Relationships between Median Values and between
INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS, 2016. requirements for the Arabian Peninsula Region. 14th Aleatory Variabilities for Different Definitions of the
Specification for piling and embedded retaining walls World Conference on Earthquake Engineering, 2008. Horizontal Component of Motion. Bulletin of the
(SPERWall), 3rd edition. London: ICE Publishing. Beijing: China. Seismological Society of America, 97(5).
F.3.2.3 Seismic Ref. F.27 MUSSON, R.M.W., NORTHMORE, K..J, Ref. F.33 LUCO, N., 2011. Development of Risk-
NA to BS EN 1998-1, UK National annex to Eurocode SARGEANT, S.L., PHILLIPS, E.R., BOON, D., LONG, Targeted Earthquake Ground Motions for use in ASCE
8 – Design of structures for earthquake resistance – D., MCCUE, K. and AMBRASEYS, N.N., 2006. The 7. NEHRP Advisory Committee Meeting. Available
General rules, seismic actions and rules for buildings geology and geophysics of the United Arab Emirates. at: www.nehrp.gov/pdf/ACEHRMar2011_ASCE7.pdf
Geological Hazards, British Geological Survey, volume [viewed 15 September 2020].
Ref. F.22 MALHOTRA, P.K., 2020. Seismic design
4, Keyworth.
ground motion parameters for Dubai. Report Number: Ref. F.34 MURRIS, R.J., 1981. Middle East:
SMI-93-2019 Revision 6, Prepared for Dubai Ref. F.28 SIGBJORNSSON, R., and ELNASHAI, A.S., Stratigraphic evolution and oil habitat. Geologie en
Municipality. 2006. Hazard assessment of Dubai, United Arab Mijnbouw, 60, pp. 467-486.
Emirates, for close and distant earthquakes. Journal of
Ref. F.23 IRFAN, M., KHAN, Z.H., EL-EMAM, M. and Ref. F.35 HANCOCK, P.L., AL KADHI, A. and SHA’AT,
Earthquake Engineering, 10(5), pp. 749-773.
ABDALLA, J., 2012. Seismic Hazard Assessment and N.A., 1984. Regional joint sets in the Arabian Platform
Spectral Accelerations for United Arab Emirates. 15th Ref. F.29 ABDALLA, J.A., and AL-HOMOUD, A., as indicators of intraplate processes. Tectonics, 3(1),
World Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Lisbon: 2004. Earthquake hazard zonation of eastern Arabia. pp. 27-43.
Portugal. Proceedings of the 13th World Conference on
Earthquake Engineering, Vancouver, Canada, August
1-6, Paper No. 1008.

F9
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

Ref. F.36 JOHNSON, P.R., 1998. Tectonic map of Saudi

Arabia and adjacent areas – Technical Report USGS-
TR-98-3 (IR-948). Saudi Arabia: Ministry of Petroleum
and Mineral Resources.
Ref. F.37 MEGAHED, A., MILUTINOVIC, Z., AL-
MARZOOGI, Y., ALMULLA, H., ALMAZAM, A.,
ALMARRI, A., and ASKARI, L., 2011. West Coast
Fault – Real or factitious earthquake threat to United
Arab Emirates. First EAGE International Conference on
Engineering Geophysics. Al Ain: UAE.

F 10
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.4 Framework

F.4.1 Application F.4.2 Units

This Part applies to the design and construction Units shall be in accordance with A.12.2.
of buildings, and structures or appurtenances
connected to a building. Structures that require special
consideration of their characteristics, functions and
environment as listed in Part A are not covered herein.
Villas and townhouses shall be designed in accordance
with Part K.
In calculations, drawings, specifications and basis of
design reports, the Engineer shall state the codes
and standards that are adopted as the basis for the
design and specification of materials and workmanship.
Codes and standards shall be specified by document
number and title, including version/revision and, where
applicable, the units (i.e. metric).
Where there is conflict between this Part and
referenced codes or standards, the most restrictive
requirements shall be met.

F 11
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.5 Structural system requirements OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL

DESIGN

F.5.1 General conditions

The structural design of buildings shall be undertaken MATERIAL
AESTHETICS
STRUCTURAL
COST
by the Engineer. SPECIFICATION PERFORMANCE

The Engineer shall only use appropriate structural

analysis and design software, approved by the

Whole life costing

Substructure Appearance Strength Dead load Design
Authority.
Superstructure Sense of place Stiffness Live load Construction

The design shall facilitate safe fabrication, transport, Durability Wind Maintenance

handling and erection of structural elements and Stability Seismic Decommissioning

materials, with due regard to site-specific conditions. Robustness Soil pressure
As far as is reasonably practicable, it shall also take Fire
account of the needs of maintenance, final demolition, Blast
recycling and reuse of materials.
Wave

Typical design issues are presented in Figure F.1 for Thermal

inclusion in the design stages.
BUILDABILITY SUSTAINABILITY SUBSOIL PERFORMANCE SAFETY/RISK

Site Recycling Bearing Construction

Access Re-using Settlement Use

Ground conditions Pollution Soil retention Re-use

Weather Energy Liquefaction Decommissioning

Groundwater
Alternative sources

Embedded energy

Energy consumption
during building life

MAINTENANCE MOVEMENT

Figure F.1 Typical issues in relation to structural design requirements

F 12
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.5.2 Design life F.5.3 Design acceptance criteria F.5.4 Structural stability
Design life shall be specified by the Engineer based The design shall honour all design acceptance criteria Measures shall be taken to ensure that the building is
on the minimum recommended values in Table F.1. defined by the design basis codes and standards. stable under the design basis load conditions. Where
The design life of the project shall be agreed between necessary, these measures shall also allow for the
Ordinarily, these acceptance criteria are defined as limit
the Engineer, the Owner and the Authority prior to maximum credible loads for which the collapse limit
states. As applicable, designs shall include:
commencing design. state might be chosen as being applicable.
a) strength limit states including general yielding,
Structure type Design life Any features of the structure that have a critical
rupture, buckling and transformation into a
influence on its overall stability shall be identified and
Temporary structures 10 years mechanism;
included in the design, including all members that
Replaceable structural parts (i.e. bearings,
10 to 25 years b) serviceability limit states including member and provide restraint to critical members in compression.
gantry)
global deflections, vibration and occupancy comfort;
Agricultural and similar 15 to 30 years A structure shall provide continuous load paths
c) stability against overturning and sway;
Buildings 50 years transferring actions from their point of application to
d) fracture due to fatigue and brittle fracture; the ground (see Figure F.2).
Special structures (i.e. buildings higher
than 300 m, monumental building or e) corrosion and durability;
100 years
structures designated as essential for the f) fire; and
community)
g) accidental loads (blast, impact, etc.).
Table F.1 Recommended minimum design life

F 13
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

Key
15
01: Diaphragm
14 02: Collector
03: Structural (shear) wall
04: Basement wall
02 05: Shear transfer in diaphragm
13 06: Transfer slab/diaphragm
01 07: Distributor
12
08: Below grade soil pressure
09: Inclined column
10: Moment resisting frame
11: Out-of-plane wind pressure or inertial loads
11 12: Gravity loads
13: Structural (shear) wall
14: In-plane inertial loads
03 10
15: Collector
16: Thrust
04 09

16

08

05

06 07

Figure F.2 Typical actions and structural system (© ACI. Modified figure based on Figure R12.1.1, ACI 318-19, pg.176)

F 14
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.5.5 Robustness against disproportionate collapse Risk category (per table Design requirement
1.5-1 of ASCE/SEI 7-16)
Measures shall be taken to ensure that the building is robust and resistant to
I No specific requirements.
disproportionate collapse under the specified load conditions. One of the following
approaches shall be used. II Indirect design approach.
OR
a) Direct design: Explicit consideration of resistance to progressive collapse during Direct design option 1: Tie forces for the entire structure and enhanced
the design process through either: local resistance for the corner and penultimate columns or walls on the
first storey.
1) tie forces method (see Figure F.3);
OR
2) alternate path method; or Direct design option 2: Alternate path for specified column and wall
3) enhanced local resistance method. removal locations.
Further details on the direct design methods can be found in III AP for specified column and wall removal locations and enhanced local
resistance for all perimeter first storey columns or walls.
UFC 4-023-03 [Ref. F.1].
IV Tie forces and alternate path for specified column and wall removal
b) Indirect design: Implicit consideration of resistance to progressive collapse locations and enhanced local resistance for all perimeter first storey
during the design process through the provision of minimum levels of strength, columns or walls.
continuity, and ductility. Table F.2 Risk category and design requirements
Further details on the indirect design method can be found in Appendix C of
ASCE/SEI 7-16.
It is recommended that the direct design approach is undertaken in accordance with
UFC 4-023- 03 [Ref. F.1], as illustrated in Table F.2.

F 15
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.5.6 Durability Service life modelling may be used at the preliminary

design stage as part of the durability study. Additional
F.5.6.1 General
protection measures should be included in the
All elements shall be designed with appropriate durability design report. Appropriate provision shall
detailing and material specifications to achieve the also be made to enable inspection and maintenance to
specified design life, considering the environment of be carried out.
the project.
F.5.6.3 Steelwork structures
F.5.6.2 Concrete structures
The Engineer shall provide the steelwork material
The recommendations of BS 8500-1 shall be specifications, stating the steel grades and protective
implemented in the design and specifications of paint systems which are durable and compatible with
concrete structures. Concrete mixes shall conform to the climate of Dubai.
the minimum requirements listed under F.11.
The protective paint coatings for steelwork shall
A project-specific durability design report shall be be specified in accordance with BS EN 12944 as a
provided when one of the following conditions is met: minimum, with additional requirements to address the
a) structures with a designated design life of more susceptibility of the protective coatings to ultra violet
than 50 years; degradation.
Figure F.3 Tie forces method for disproportionate collapse
b) structures exposed to design sulphate class DS-4 The material specifications shall also state the
Key or greater (as defined in Table A.2 of BS 8500 inspection and maintenance requirements with
Peripheral ties 1:2015); definition of the expected coating life.
Vertical ties
Longitudinal ties
c) structures exposed to design chlorides class XD-3
(as defined in Table A.2 of BS 8500-1:2015); and
d) structures exposed to design chlorides (from sea
water) class XS-2 or greater
(as defined in Table A.2 of BS 8500-1:2015).

F 16
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.6 Materials

F.5.7 Fire resistance F.6.1 General

The construction type and fire resistance rating of structural elements shall This section provides the minimum requirements for the design and construction of
be determined based on the type of building, its height/size and occupancy in building and structural components using reinforced concrete, post-tensioned (PT)
accordance with Section 2, Ch. 1 of UAE FLSC [Ref. F.2]. concrete, precast concrete, steel and masonry.
All proposed fire protection products and systems shall be tested and certified by For other materials, such as aluminium, timber, gypsum board, glass and plastic, the
accredited laboratories and approved by Dubai Civil Defence (DCD). structural requirements stated under Ch. 23 to Ch. 26 of the IBC [Ref. F.3] shall be
followed. These materials shall only be used where also permitted by Sections 2, 4, 6
The fire resistance rating of the main structural elements shall be taken into account
and 7, Ch. 1 of UAE FLSC [Ref. F.2].
in the structural design and clearly stated in the structural drawings.
The specification of all constituent materials of the structural system shall be
Fire resistance of concrete and masonry elements shall conform to the requirements
compatible with the specified codes and clearly detailed in the design documentation.
of ACI 216.1.
The design shall take into account how the strength, stiffness and durability of all
Fire resistance of steel structures shall conform to the requirements of the AISC
materials changes over time.
Design Guide 19 [Ref. F.14].

F.5.8 Sustainability F.6.2 Structural concrete

F.6.2.1 Design basis
Sustainability standards shall be observed when designing the structure, during the
building’s lifecycle. The design of concrete for structural purposes, including plain concrete and concrete
containing non-prestressed reinforcement, prestressed reinforcement or both, shall
The design of the permanent works, together with the construction operations conform to the requirements of ACI 318-19 including standards referenced therein.
shall fulfil resource efficiency standards in terms of materials. Concrete mixes shall
conform to F.11. F.6.2.2 Concrete strength
The concrete used for structural elements shall have compressive strength not less
than fcu = 35 N/mm2 and f’c = 28 N/mm2.
Concrete for blinding and screeds shall have compressive strength not less
than fcu = 20 N/mm2.
All concrete in contact with the ground shall be designed for the aggressiveness of
the contact soil (refer to F.5.6.2).

F 17
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.6.2.3 Concrete mixes NOTE: The following notes are applicable to both (Table F.3 and F.11) mix design
The design and technical specification of concrete mixes shall conform to either Table approaches.
F.3 or the alternative Dubai sustainable concrete baseline (DSCB) described in F.11. a) Silica fume may be added to the concrete mixes to achieve the required strength
Table F.3 sets the minimum requirements for cement/binder content, type of and/or durability requirements of any project.
cement/binder, and maximum water/cement (w/c) ratio for different grades of b) Testing of concrete specimens at 56 days for compressive strength may be
concrete used in substructures and superstructures. allowed for mixes with high percentages of cement replacements.
For any mix design to be used as an alternative to those in Table F.3, the concrete mix c) Temporary works (such as shoring, shotcrete, etc.) do not need to conform to this
shall be submitted to the Dubai Municipality (DM) for approval. specification.
d) Screed not providing structural protection does not need to conform to this
The mixes in Table F.3 and F.11 have been developed by DM to account for the
specification.
conditions of Dubai and the durability requirements stipulated under BS EN 206 and
BS 8500-1. e) The use of a high percentage of ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS)
in concrete mixes may cause difficulties in handling concrete (pumping, placing,
The DM mixes provide the minimum durability specifications for concrete structures. finishing, etc.). It is therefore recommended to specify and accept higher slumps
The Engineer shall modify the durability specification based on the structural design for such mixes in order to avoid any addition of water to the concrete mix on the
(service life, exposure conditions, concrete grade, concrete cover, etc.). construction site.
f) The minimum recommended clear concrete cover to reinforcement for
substructures is 50 mm/75 mm (50 mm for concrete cast against blinding;
75 mm for concrete cast directly against soil) and 30 mm for superstructures. The
final concrete cover shall be specified by the Engineer based on the structural and
durability considerations of the building.

F 18
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

Substructures F.6.2.4 Modulus of elasticity

Options Maximum w/c Minimum Composition The modulus of elasticity of concrete (Ec) shall be calculated in accordance with
ratio combination 19.2.2.1 of ACI 318-19. For high strength concrete (f’c > 55 N/mm2), the Engineer
content shall specify a range of acceptable Ec values at a specified test age in accordance
(kg/m3) with ACI 318-19. The assumed values should be verified by testing on-site during
1 0.45 360 OPC with 66% to 80% GGBS construction. In the absence of testing, the Engineer shall adopt equation 6-1
2 0.40 380 OPC with 36% to 55% fly ash of ACI 363R-10. Values adopted in the design shall be stated by the Engineer
3 0.35 380 OPC with 36% to 65% GGBS or 26% to 35% fly ash in the design drawings.
Superstructures F.6.2.5 Section properties
Options Compressive Maximum Minimum Composition Moment of inertia and cross-sectional areas for linear elastic first order analysis shall
strength w/c ratio combination
be defined in accordance with 6.6.3 of ACI 318-19.
(cylinder/cube) content
(N/mm2) (kg/m3) For non-linear response history analysis, the cracked section properties shall be
4 ≥ C45/55 0.35 380 OPC with 26% to 35% GGBS defined in accordance with Appendix A of ACI 318-19.
5 ≥ C45/55 0.35 380 OPC with 16% to 20% fly ash For thermal non-elastic modelling, the effective cracked cross-sectional area of axial
6 C40/50 0.35 380 OPC with 36% to 65% GGBS members under tension should be calculated by the Engineer.
7 C40/50 0.35 380 OPC with 26% to 35% fly ash
In the case of members with direct tension only, reference should be made to
8 C32/40 0.40 380 OPC with 66% to 80% GGBS ACI 224.2R-92 for axial stiffness calculations.
9 C32/40 0.40 380 OPC with 36% to 55% fly ash
F.6.2.6 Detailing of reinforcement
10 C32/40 0.45 360 OPC with 36% to 65% GGBS
Detailing of reinforcement shall be in accordance with ACI 318-19 Ch.25 and
11 C25/30 0.50 340 OPC with 66% to 80% GGBS
ACI 315R.
12 C25/30 0.50 340 OPC with 36% to 55% fly ash
The reinforcement limits shall be within the minimum and maximum limits specified
13 Blinding concrete 0.55 202 OPC with 36% to 65% GGBS
in the clauses listed in Table F.4.
14 Blinding concrete 0.55 202 OPC with 26% to 35% fly ash
NOTE 1: The specifications are based on the requirements of BS 8500-1.
NOTE 2: The minimum cement/combination content specified is for 20 mm aggregate size.
NOTE 3: OPC is ordinary Portland cement (CEM I).

Table F.3 Green concrete combinations

F 19
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

Structural element Reinforcement limits Remarks DESIGN FOR POST-TENSIONED

CONCRETE ELEMENTS
requirement
One-way slab 7.6 of ACI 318-19 -
CHOOSE:
Two- way slab 8.6 of ACI 318-19 - • Structural layout
• Concrete grade
Beams 9.6 of ACI 318-19 - • Member sizes

Columns 10.6 of ACI 318-19 -

Walls The Engineer should check the effect of creep and
11.6 of ACI 318-19 DETERMINE:
shrinkage. • Loading Tendon profiles
• Force per tendon
Diaphragms 12.6 of ACI 318-19 - • Load to be balanced
• Required pre-stress
Foundations Section 13 of • Number of tendons
-
ACI 318-19 • Pre-stress losses

Table F.4 Reinforcement limits requirements

PERFORM STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

The fire resistance of the concrete elements (cover to reinforcing) shall conform to
the reinforcement requirements specified in ACI 216.1. CHECK FLEXURAL ADEQUACY AT SLS: IF NOT OK
• After all losses
NOTE: The Engineer and the Contractor are responsible for avoiding reinforcement • At transfer of pre-stress

congestion that would otherwise lead to poor concrete compaction or similar. IF OK

REVISE DESIGN:
CHECK SERVICEABILITY AT SLS: • Number and profile of tendons
IF NOT OK
• Cracking • Amount of reinforcement
F.6.3 Post-tensioned concrete • Deflections • Floor thickness
• Vibrations • Concrete grade

F.6.3.1 Design basis IF OK

• Layout

PT concrete elements shall be designed and specified in accordance with ACI 318-19 CHECK ULTIMATE CAPACITY: IF NOT OK
including standards referenced therein. • Flexure
• Shear

NOTE: Further guidance is given in TR43 [Ref. F.11]. The main steps to be followed IF OK
are shown in Figure F.4.
DETAIL STRUCTURE AND
FINALISE DRAWINGS

Figure F.4 Design flow chart for post-tensioned concrete elements (© The Concrete Society. Post-tensioned
Concrete Floors - Design Handbook, Technical Report 43 2nd Edition, pg.22. The Concrete Society, Camberley,
2005 [Ref. F.11])

F 20
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.6.3.2 Additional design requirements for post-tensioned concrete F.6.3.3 Concrete

In addition to the requirements specified in ACI 318-19, the following requirements The concrete used in PT slabs and beams shall have a compressive strength at
shall be met in the design of the PT concrete elements. 28 days, not less than fcu = 40 N/mm2 or f’c = 32 N/mm2.
a) If the structural analysis assumes that a slab provides torsion resistance Concrete strengths lower than fcu = 40 N/mm2 may only be used when it can be
(“twisting moments”) in plane, this moment shall be included in the reinforcement demonstrated that a lower strength is suitable and accepted by the Authority, making
design for the slab and its connections to resisting structures. Otherwise, the sure the effects of creep and shrinkage are included.
slab shall be taken as a non-torsion element and no torsional stiffness shall be
F.6.3.4 Concrete mixes
included in the analysis.
Concrete mix designs shall be in accordance with F.6.2.3.
b) For slabs with pre-compression in excess of 2.0 N/mm2 (as an average over an
area away from concentrations) or a dimension in one direction more than 50 m, F.6.3.5 Tendons
or more than one point of stiff restraint, the following shall be taken into account: Only tendons with a nominal tensile strength of 1,860 MPa and approved by Dubai
1) elastic shortening due to prestressing force; Central Laboratory shall be used.
2) creep (including shortening due to prestress force); and The jacking force shall not exceed 80% of a tendon’s tensile strength.
3) drying shrinkage of concrete. F.6.3.6 Ducts
c) For heavily stressed members (such as transfer beams) where the pre- Ducts for grouted multiple wire, multiple strand, or multiple bar tendons shall have
compression exceeds 3.0 N/mm2, the Engineer shall account for the consequence a minimum internal cross-sectional area of two times the cross-sectional area of the
of shortening of the member. This shall include the effect of the shortening on post-tensioning steel.
connections and design of the supporting elements (typically columns and walls).
The wall thickness of metal ducts shall not be less than 0.4 mm.
d) The minimum thickness of slabs depends on the type of PT concrete system
adopted. It is recommended to keep a minimum slab thickness of 200 mm The profile of the tendons shall conform to the following tolerance levels:
with localized thickness reduction, provided that the PT systems can be a) vertical tolerance: ±5 mm; and
accommodated.
b) horizontal tolerance: ±100 mm.
e) The designer shall verify that the proposed PT system fits within the slab depth
considering the bursting reinforcement with appropriate concrete cover. F.6.3.7 Grout
f) For two-ways slabs with varying cross sections along the slab span, the tendons Grouts shall have a strength not less than the strength of the concrete at 28 days
shall provide an effective pre-compression of 0.9 N/mm2 in accordance with and shall contain additives to compensate for and/or minimize shrinkage.
ACI 318-19.

F 21
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.6.3.8 Permissible stresses in post-tensioning steel

06
The maximum jacking stress for post-tension elements shall be the lesser of 0.80 fpu, 03
or the maximum jacking stress recommended by the system supplier. 01 01

Immediately after force transfer, the tendons shall have a maximum stress of 0.70 fpu h h
at anchorages, points and couplers.
F.6.3.9 Minimum bonded reinforcement for post-tensioned concrete 1.5 h 1.5 h 1.5 h 1.5 h
02
In addition to the requirements of ACI 318-19, a minimum area of bonded un-
tensioned reinforcement shall be provided in all flexural members, as follows.
03
a) Negative moment areas at column supports in flat slabs. 04

1) The minimum area of top un-tensioned reinforcement As in each direction

shall be computed by As = 0.00075 Acf where Acf is the gross cross-sectional 01
Key
area of the concrete slab-beam strips in each of the two orthogonal equivalent 01: Rebar strip
02: Column
frames intersecting at a column, in a two-way slab. 02 03: Slab
2) This reinforcement shall be distributed across an effective width, extending 04: Frame direction
1.5 h beyond opposite faces of the supporting column, where h is slab 05 05: Design strip
thickness (see Figure F.5). 06: Drop

3) The spacing of un-tensioned reinforcement shall not exceed 350 mm centres.

Figure F.5 Strip for top reinforcement (Modified figure based on Figure 3.1.3, Aalami, Dr B, (2000) Layout of
4) The minimum length of un-tensioned reinforcement in negative moment areas Post-tensioning and passive reinforcement in floor slabs. PTI Technical Notes, Issue 8, pg. 7)
shall extend one-fifth the clear span, on each side of the support.
5) Non-tensioned reinforcement shall only consist of fully bonded deformed bars.

F 22
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

b) Thermal and shrinkage reinforcement. d) Edge reinforcement. 3) The area of reinforcement placed perpendicular
1) The minimum thermal and shrinkage 1) Un-tensioned reinforcement shall be provided to the slab edge shall be the greater of thermal
reinforcement shall be in accordance with in accordance with ACI 318-19 to resist spalling and shrinkage minimum reinforcement, or a
ACI 318-19. For slab thicknesses of 200 mm and longitudinal edge tension forces induced quarter of the reinforcement provided parallel
or less, the minimum reinforcement shall by the anchorage devices. The quantity shall be to the edge. It shall be placed evenly between
be provided at the bottom layer. For thicker calculated for the anchorage arrangement. The anchorages and extend the greater of LA or
slabs, the minimum reinforcement can be split effects of abrupt changes in section and the 0.7 LA plus a full anchorage length into the slab.
between top and bottom layers. stressing sequence shall also be included.
2) The bottom reinforcement mesh shall run 2) The area of tension reinforcement (and/or
through the column location. prestressed tendons) provided parallel to
c) Integrity reinforcement. At the member supports, the slab edge shall resist bending moments
at least one tendon comprising at least two strands from the ultimate vertical loads calculated
Key
shall pass through the columns or walls. The for a continuous slab, spanning “LA”. This 01- 03: Slab Span LA
following shall be observed. reinforcement shall be evenly distributed across 04: Unstressed areas
a width equal to 0.7 LA and shall be continuous 05: Tendons
1) If the tendon is not passing through the
along the edge (see Figure F.6).
columns or walls, then a minimum amount of
bottom un-tensioned reinforcement shall be
provided for structural integrity.
2) Minimum bottom un-tensioned reinforcement
shall be the lower of either 150% of the 01 02 03
minimum calculated flexural reinforcement,
or (2.1 bw h/fy ) where bw is the width of the 05 05 05
column face through which the reinforcement
passes.
3) Un-tensioned reinforcement bars passing
through the column shall extend beyond the 45° 45°
45°
column or shear cap face by a minimum distance
equal to or greater than the bar development 04 04
length.
Figure F.6 Unstressed areas between tendons requiring reinforcement (© The Concrete Society. Post-tensioned Concrete Floors - Design Handbook,
Technical Report 43 2nd Edition, pg.40. The Concrete Society, Camberley, 2005 [Ref. F.11])

F 23
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.6.3.10 Post-tensioned concrete reinforcement 02 02

Key
detailing 01: Reinforcement bars.
02: Tendons
Reinforcement and PT tendons shall be detailed 03: Full anchorage length
in accordance with ACI 318-19 and with the 04: Column
requirements stipulated herein.
For situations where it is not feasible to place the
prestressing tendons within 0.5 h from the column
face, un-tensioned reinforcement shall be placed to
bridge the vertical force from the adjacent tendon to
the columns, as shown in Figure F.7 and Figure F.8.

< 500
> 500 03
At least one reinforcement bar should pass over the
column. Reinforcement bars should be positioned
below the pre-stressed tendon (see Figure F.8).
01
These un-tensioned reinforcement bars shall extend
beyond the column or shear cap face by a minimum
distance equal to or greater than the bar development.

< 500
04

Figure F.7 Additional reinforcement required where tendons are not within 0.5 h from the column (© The Concrete Society. Post-tensioned Concrete
Floors - Design Handbook, Technical Report 43 2nd Edition, pg.42. The Concrete Society, Camberley, 2005 [Ref. F.11])

F 24
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

01

04

02

03

Figure F.8 Tendon/reinforcement layering at supports

Key
01: Column centre line
02: Slab bottom reinforcement
03: Banded tendons
04: Distributed tendon

F 25
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

Additional un-tensioned reinforcement is required where tendons are not within 0.5 h Key
02 06 01: 900 mm minimum straight
from the column. This reinforcement shall: 01
02: Maximum curvature typical
a) be placed under the prestressing tendons; 12 03: 75 mm minimum cover
1
b) have sufficient area to transmit the vertical component of the prestressing from 04 04: Tendon
05: Hairpin
the tendon to the column; 03 06: 300 mm minimum
c) extend a full anchorage length beyond the tendon; and
04
d) lie within 0.5 h of the column and at least one bar shall pass over the column. <1
12
04
Additional reinforcement is required in areas of openings in the concrete. For curved
tendons and tendons near the openings, see Figure F.9, Figure F.10 and Figure F.11. 05

02 Figure F.10 Tendon placement for turns > 1:12

01
750 Key
02
Key 01: Where tendon turn is greater than
02 1:12:
01: Opening or centre of <1
tendon turn - keep tendons minimum 50 mm apart
12 at turn for unbonded tendons;
A 02: Edge of opening
where it occurs - place hairpin.
03: PT tendon 02: Hairpin
A 04: PT slab 01
05: 12 mm hairpin placed
03 04 radially to hold tendons in
05 05 plane of slab. Place over
curved length of tendon Figure F.11 Typical hairpin at tendon turns
at (2,000 mm/number of
strands) mm on centre
but not more than
06 450 mm apart
06: Section A-A

Figure F.9 Tendon Section

placement at A-A
opening

F 26
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.6.4 Precast concrete F.6.4.4 Reinforcement and strands

02
F.6.4.1 Design basis Reinforcement and prestressed strands shall conform 03
to the requirements stated under Section 1 of the PCI 02
Precast concrete elements, including those that
design handbook [Ref. F.12]. 04
are normally reinforced and/or prestressed, shall 03
be designed and specified in accordance with this Precast floor slabs acting compositely with topping
subsection, supplemented by the requirements given concrete shall have reinforcement in the topping not
in ACI 318-19 and Precast/prestressed Concrete less than Ф8 at 200 mm mesh.
Institute (PCI) design handbook [Ref. F.12]. In order to allow for composite action of the precast
F.6.4.2 Concrete slab and concrete topping, the Engineer shall specify
01
Reinforcement and prestressed strands shall conform that any conduits and pipes shall be installed within
to the requirements stated under Section 1 of the PCI the screed rather than within the structural topping.
design handbook [Ref. F.12]. Where the above conditions are not met, the
composite action shall not be considered in the design.
The concrete used for precast structural elements shall The Contractor shall ensure that the surface of the 05
have a compressive strength of not less than precast slab is prepared and cleaned before concrete 04
fcu = 40 N/mm2 measured at 28 days. A lower strength topping is cast on-site.
may only be used if its suitability can be demonstrated
Integrity ties shall be provided in accordance with 16.2 Figure F.12 Integrity ties in large precast panel structures
and it is accepted by the Authority. (© ACI. Modified figure based on Figure R16.2.5, ACI 318-19, pg. 221)
of ACI 318-19 (see Figure F.12).
The minimum transfer strength (when prestress force
is transferred to the concrete) shall be 25 N/mm2, Key
01: Vertical ties
unless the adequacy of a lower strength can be
02: Longitudinal ties
demonstrated in the design, making sure the effects of
03: Transverse ties
creep and shrinkage are included. 04: Perimeter transverse ties
F.6.4.3 Concrete mixes 05: Perimeter longitudinal ties

Concrete mix designs shall be in accordance with

F.6.2.3.

F 27
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.6.4.5 Storage, transportation, handling and erection F.6.4.6 Connections

Precast and prestressed elements often require a separate analysis of the loading Typical connections for precast elements shall be designed in accordance with
scenarios during storage transportation and handling. The design under these Section 6 of the PCI design handbook [Ref. F.12] and Ch. 16 of ACI 318-19
conditions shall be undertaken in accordance with Section 5 of the PCI design (see Figure F.13 for typical bearing support).
handbook [Ref. F.12].
01 02
In particular, the following requirements shall be included during the design of the
temporary conditions.
a) Precast units shall be designed to resist all stresses induced by storage, handling,
transport and erection, without permanent deformation. They shall be braced for
handling and transportation when necessary. 03

b) Each element shall be stable after erection and resist wind, accidental impact and
loads that might be imposed due to other construction operations.
04
c) Surfaces shall remain free of discernible cracks by limiting the elastic flexural
tension to the modulus of rupture, modified by a suitable safety factor. 05

d) The arrangement of temporary bracing shall not interfere with adjacent erection 06
and other construction processes. Bracing shall be maintained until permanent
connections are completed.
e) The method used for transporting precast concrete products shall be included in Figure F.13 Typical bearing support (© ACI. Modified figure based on Figure R16.2.6, ACI 318-19, pg. 222)
the structural design including size and weight limitations and the dynamic effects
Key
imposed by road conditions.
01: Support
f) Temporary handling load conditions are the responsibility of the Contractor. 02: Precast member
However, for structures where construction-stage loads might be particularly 03: Unreinforced edge
onerous and/or govern, the Engineer shall include the implications of one or more 04: Bearing length
viable construction procedures on the precast concrete component design. 05: 25 mm minimum and not less than the size of the chamfer
06: Clear span/180 ≥ 55 mm (slabs)
g) The Engineer shall communicate any assumptions they make for the construction Clear span/180 ≥ 80 mm (beams)
to the Contractor as part of the submission. This is particularly important when
combining precast concrete with steelwork and/or in-situ concrete.

F 28
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

In particular, the following requirements shall be included during the design of the F.6.5 Structural steel
permanent and temporary conditions.
F.6.5.1 Design basis
a) Connections shall have adequate strength to transfer the forces to which they are The design of structural steel shall be in accordance with AISC 360 including codes
subjected during their lifetime. and standards referenced therein. Seismic design shall follow AISC 341.
b) The stresses across connections caused by restraint of creep, shrinkage and
Compatible materials shall be specified in accordance with standards set by the
temperature change (volume change) shall be included in the design.
ASTM International (ASTM). Welding shall be specified in accordance with standards
c) Connections shall meet the durability and fire resistance requirements of the set by the American Welding Society (AWS).
connecting elements.
F.6.5.2 Steel grades
d) Connections shall be checked for all load scenarios including horizontal forces
arising from earthquake and wind events. Table F.5 and Table F.6 summarize the steel grade that shall be adopted in the
design. Steel sections can be selected in accordance with either American or British
e) Precast members shall have positive connections (ties) to the supporting
specifications. The Engineer is responsible for ensuring compatibility of the material
structures unless seating lengths are greater than maximum expected
specification with the design basis, including detailing requirements and ductility in
movements.
general.
F.6.4.7 Precast staircase
Precast staircases may be included in buildings if they are not part of the lateral load
resisting structural frame.
The design of precast stairs shall be in accordance with ACI 318-19 and the
PCI handbook [Ref. F.12]. They shall be designed in such a way that they can be
safely incorporated into the structure. Additional design recommendations are
provided in F.12.

F 29
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

Type of section Material specification fy N/mm2 Type of section Material specification fy N/mm2
Wide flange ASTM A992M 345 Beam BS EN 10025-1 Grade 355J0 or 295 to 355 (based on thickness)
Channels ASTM A36M 250 Grade 275J0 225 to 275 (based on thickness)

Angles ASTM A36M 250 Universal column BS EN 10025-1 Grade 355J0 or 295 to 355 (based on thickness)

Plates ASTM A36M 250 Grade 275J0 225 to 275 (based on thickness)

Built-up sections ASTM A36M 345 Angles BS EB 10056-2 275

Grade S275
Hollow structural section (HSS) ASTM A500 240
rectangular or square Grade B Bars and plates BS EN 10025-1 Grade S275 or 295 to 355 (based on thickness)
Grade S355 225 to 275 (based on thickness)
HSS round ASTM A500 240
Grade B Hot-finished square, rectangular BS EN 10210 Grade S355J2H 240
and circular hollow sections
Pipe ASTM A501 240 (SHS, RHS and CHS)
Pipe (alternate) ASTM A53M, Grade B 240 Cold-formed SHS, RHS and BS EN 10219 Grade S355J2H 240
Type E or S CHS
Anchor rods ASTM F1554 380, with supplemental Table F.6 Steel grades based on British specifications
requirement for weldability fy
= 517
Headed shear stud AWS D1.1, Type B 345 In addition to the steel grades listed above, high strength steel grades with minimum
Table F.5 Steel grades based on American specifications
yield strength of 460 N/mm2 can be adopted in accordance with the requirements of
BS EN 10025-4:2019.
F.6.5.3 Plate thickness
Steel plate for built-up sections shall have a minimum thickness of 6 mm.

F 30
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.6.5.4 Structural connections N

N
F.6.5.4.1 Bolted connections N N

Bolted connections shall be designed and constructed

in accordance with AISC manual of steel construction
[Ref. F.15] including AISC specification for structural
joints using ASTM A325 or A490 bolts [Ref. F.16].
01 02 03
For higher strength applications (> 60,000 psi),
ASTM A307 shall be followed. N N N
N N
F.6.5.4.2 Welded connections N
N
Welding design and procedures shall be in accordance N

with AWS D1.1 or BS EN ISO 15614.

Welding should not be undertaken on-site. If
unavoidable, the detailed method of work with the 04 05 06 07

necessary certificates and tests shall be submitted (a) Tensile loading

for approval. In addition, welding procedures shall be V

implemented by accredited welders in accordance with
V
relevant AWS requirements.
Connections shall not be detailed to rely on the V
combined strength of welding and bolting at the same Key
08 01: Steel failure
time under any circumstances.
02: Pullout
F.6.5.4.3 Post-installed anchors V 03: Concrete breakout
V
Post-installed anchors into reinforced concrete V V 04: Concrete splitting
V 05: Side-face blowout
elements may be used for the purpose of supporting V 06: Bond failure – Single
steelwork where it is impractical to install cast-in 07: Bond failure – Group
anchors. 08: Steel failure preceded by concrete spall
09 10 09: Concrete pryout for anchors far from a free edge
Post-installed anchors shall be designed based on the
(b) Shear loading 10: Concrete breakout
provisions of ACI 318-19, with consideration for all
conceivable failure mechanisms (see Figure F.14). Figure F.14 Failure modes for anchors (© ACI. Modified figure based on Figure R17.5.1.2, ACI 318-19, pg. 238)

F 31
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.6.6 Masonry
F.6.6.1 Design basis
The design of load-bearing masonry walls shall be in accordance with TMS 402/602
including codes and standards referenced therein.
The design of non-load-bearing masonry walls which are not part of the main
structural frame, shall be in accordance with either TMS 402/602 or BS EN 1996-1,
BS EN 1996-2 and BS EN 1996-3.
F.6.6.2 Wall panels
Wall panels shall be constructed with suitable strength bricks or concrete blocks,
arranged in an interconnected manner, typically using cement mortar.
Wall panel dimensions between movement joints and/or lateral supporting structures
shall not exceed the capacity of the wall panel. Wall panels shall be tied to all vertical
and horizontal supporting structures. Supporting structures shall have sufficient
strength and stiffness to provide the support required by the wall panel without
incurring movement that would cause distress.
Any cuts/chases into wall panels shall be included in the calculations by the Engineer.
F.6.6.3 Brick and block strengths
Solid bricks and blocks for load-bearing wall panels shall have a compressive strength
of not less than 9 N/mm2. Bricks and blocks (including hollow blocks) in non-load
bearing walls shall have a compressive strength of not less than 6 N/mm2.

F 32
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.7 Loads

F.7.1 General F.7.4 Superimposed dead loads

Loads shall be defined in accordance with ASCE/SEI 7-16 and this section. The Engineer is responsible for determining the superimposed dead loads for
components not included as either live or dead loads (including the anticipated
F.7.2 Load combinations internal partitions, floor and ceiling finishes, facades and external cladding). Loads
shall be defined as concentrated point loads, uniform loads on plan, and/or uniform
Loads shall be factored and combined in accordance with Ch. 2 of ASCE/SEI 7-16. loads on elevation, as appropriate.
The results from compatible linear analyses of load cases acting individually may be
combined and summed algebraically. The following minimum load allowances (defined as average uniform loads on plan)
shall be adopted for the purpose of evaluating the maximum load effect:

F.7.3 Dead loads a) internal drywall partitions: 0.75 kN/m2;

b) suspended services with ceiling finishes: 0.50 kN/m2; and
Dead loads shall be calculated using the densities and volumes of the materials
making up the construction. Default densities of common materials are scheduled in c) suspended services without ceiling finishes: 0.30 kN/m2.
Table F.7. When minimum load effect is critical (e.g. buoyancy check), an appropriate minimum
NOTE: More refined densities and the densities of other materials can be sourced load criterion shall be assumed. The minimum load for features that are easy or likely
from the referenced codes and standards, material data sheets, or obtained via to be removed should be zero (0.0 kN/m2).
testing. The Engineer is responsible for ensuring the densities assumed in design The Engineer shall provide detailed calculations supporting the superimposed dead
align with those of the specified construction materials. load assumptions. If supporting calculations are not provided, the vertical load listed
in Table F.8 shall be included for the partition assumptions.
Description Load (kN/m3)
Concrete (normal weight, including allowance for reinforcement) 25 Type of wall Superimposed dead load applied vertically, including finishes (kN/m2)
Concrete (lightweight, including allowance for reinforcement) 18 Lightweight block wall 4.5
Concrete blockwork (normal weight) 20 Normal weight block wall 5.5
Concrete blockwork (autoclave aerated block) 7 Drywall 4.0
Steel 78 Table F.8 Minimum superimposed dead load
Screed and blinding 20
Loading plan drawings showing the load provision should be submitted for approval.
Float glass 25
Table F.7 Default material densities The design assumptions shall be validated against the systems installed. Any late
amendments and/or retrospective changes shall not be made without new approval.
Where appropriate, dead loads shall make provision for additional weight
concentrated at structural connections.

F 33
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.7.5 Live loads In addition to the geotechnical requirements specified in F.9, the Engineer shall
include the following in the design of permanent structures.
Minimum uniform live loads shall not be less than those listed in Ch. 4
of ASCE/SEI 7-16. The following requirements shall also be applied. a) All foundation elements and retaining walls shall be designed following the
recommendations given in the geotechnical interpretive report (GIR).
a) Concentrated live load shall be evaluated for objects creating significant point
loads, including machinery, vehicles and storage racks. b) The design water table shall be established in the GIR considering the fluctuation
of the water table level during the design life of the structure. In particular, the
b) The minimum live load for garage and car parking is 3.5 kN/m2 which should
effect of dewatering in the neighbouring areas, the seasonal variation of the water
be validated based on the type of vehicles accessing the facility. The Engineer
table, future developments (such as canal, water bodies, landscaping and similar)
shall also take into account the load imposed by emergency vehicles along the
and potential impact of climate change shall be included in the definition of the
designated route.
design groundwater level. The design groundwater level and its fluctuations shall
c) The live load for drained areas of floor surrounding a swimming pool is 2 kN/m2. be stated by the Engineer in the design drawings and agreed with the Authorities.
Pool tanks and other areas susceptible to flooding are to be designed for a load
c) In any case, the minimum water table level shall be assumed as follows.
not less than the maximum retained head of water.
1) In proximity to bodies of water: ±0.00 m Dubai Municipality datum (DMD)
d) The Engineer shall design the supporting structure to withstand the loading
plus 1.0 m for seasonal and tidal variations.
imposed by the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) equipment in the
designated areas and along the proposed equipment access route. 2) Away from bodies of water: actual water table level with dewatering taken into
account, as defined in the GIR, plus 1.0 m for seasonal and tidal variations.
F.7.6 Soil loads and hydrostatic pressure d) For structures below the water table, hydrostatic uplift and lateral pressures
shall be checked in accordance with Section 10 of BS EN 1997-1:2004 and the
Minimum soil and hydrostatic pressure loads shall not be less than those listed in associated United Kingdom National Annex (UK NA). Any dewatering system,
Table F.9. Lower values shall not be used without project-specific justification. whether used for construction or throughout the design life, is temporary unless
the system can be demonstrated to be reliable throughout the design life.
Description Minimum load (kN/m3)
e) Where construction of the project is staged, or in case of construction on an
Soil for planters (saturated) 19
adjacent plot, any possibility of unbalanced lateral soil load shall be included.
Compacted soil for trafficable areas 22
f) Any retaining wall assumed to be subjected to lateral pressure during
Water 10
construction shall be designed according to possible surcharge and hydrostatic
Brackish water 10.3 loading. The lateral soil pressure arising from compacted soil placement shall be
Table F.9 Material densities included where this exceeds the at rest or passive pressure (as relevant).

F 34
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

g) Bracing conditions of the retaining structure and construction sequence shall be F.7.10 Self-straining forces
carefully captured in the analysis and design.
Structures shall be designed to resist any self-straining forces arising from the
h) Uplift due to heave shall also be included for both permanent and temporary contraction or expansion of structural elements.
conditions whenever applicable.
Such volume changes can result from shrinkage, creep and/or moisture change in
component materials, including the soil. It might occur at any stage in the structure’s
F.7.7 Construction load
lifecycle.
Minimum design load requirements during construction of buildings shall be defined
The use of details to alleviate self-straining forces may be used when practical and
in accordance with ASCE 37.
when not in violation of any assumed load paths. Such details, where permanent,
Construction-stage loads, including locked in stresses arising from the construction shall be durable and have provision for maintenance.
sequence and affecting the overall behaviour of the structure, shall be included by the
Engineer.
F.7.11 Thermally induced forces
The Engineer shall clearly state the construction load assumptions on the detailed
Thermally induced forces shall be derived considering the structural restraints, and
design drawings and verify that the structural system can withstand these loads
the changes in temperature of structural members arising across the construction/
during all stages of construction.
operational phases, seasonal and daily variations.
Any departure from the Engineer’s assumptions by the Contractor’s construction
For effects on covered concrete structural members, mean monthly temperatures
sequence shall be assessed.
should be used to establish an appropriate temperature range. A default thermal
range of ±20 °C may be used for exposed elements above ground level and ±15 °C
F.7.8 Accidental impact load for non-exposed elements (i.e. basement). Gradient thermal analysis (non-uniform)
Structural elements shall be designed to resist accidental impact loading conditions shall be applied for permanently exposed slabs like roofs and exposed last podium
specified under Section 4.6 of ASCE/SEI 7-16. A secondary protection system should floors.
be provided to all primary structural members to avoid accidental impact load. For steel structural members and structural members exposed to solar radiation,
a range equivalent to the maximum temperature swing is appropriate. A default
F.7.9 Helipad and heliport loads thermal range of ±25 °C may be used for protected steel elements. For exposed
steelwork, this can arise from hourly maxima and minima. The Engineer shall assess
The minimum live load allowance for helipad and heliports shall be in accordance with the thermal range and assess the thermally induced forces on a case by case basis
Section 4.11 of ASCE/SEI 7-16. considering the construction stages, exposure and when the steel structure is locked
in the final configuration.

F 35
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

NOTE: For further guidance, the mean monthly 50 90

temperatures
50 and relative humidity values for specific 90
80
sites are available from the National Centre for 40 70
80

Temperature (˚C)

Humidity (%)
Meteorology
40 and Seismology website 60
30 70
(www.ncms.ae/) [Ref. F.4]. Figure F.15 and Figure F.16 50
Temperature (˚C)

Humidity (%)
show30air temperature data and relative humidity data, 60 40
20
30
respectively, from the National Centre for Meteorology 50
20
and Seismology.
20 10 40
10
30
0 0
10 20

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec
Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec
10
0 Figure F.150 Air temperature data from National Centre for Meteorology Figure F.16 Relative humidity data from National Centre for
Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec
and Seismology Meteorology and Seismology

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec
Key Key
Maximum temperature Mean maximum relative humidity
Mean maximum temperature Mean relative humidity
Mean temperature Mean minimum relative humidity
Mean minimum temperature
Minimum temperature

F 36
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.7.12 Design for wind loading effects ASCE/SEI Reference wind speed Application
7-16 MRI for 3 s gust at
F.7.12.1 Design basis (years) 10 m height on open
The Engineer shall calculate the effects of wind loading on buildings. The calculation terrain, V = Vref (m/s)
shall take into account strength for life safety, and serviceability for buildings 1 22 Serviceability – occupancy comfort (refer to F.7.12.4.2)
movements affecting cladding or building occupant comfort. Calculations for wind 10 30 Serviceability – displacement (refer to F.7.12.4.1)
design shall be based on ASCE/SEI 7-16. The Engineer shall also use supporting 50 38 Strength in accordance with Clause 5.3.5 of ACI 318 19
information and additional rules for application in Dubai from the DBC.
300 44 Strength – category I
NOTE: The rules are intended to fully cover buildings of the kind envisaged in the 700 47 Strength – category II
writing of a code of practice. For unusual constructions, additional studies are 1,700 51 Strength – category III
expected, such as wind tunnel testing, and might result in a need for an appropriate
3,000 53 Strength – category IV
variation of the rules.
Table F.10 Reference wind speeds per risk category as defined in Clause 1.5 of ASCE/SEI 7-16 and mean
F.7.12.2 Wind pressures recurrence interval (MRI) as defined in the RWDI report [Ref. F.5]
This clause provides the basis for calculation of wind pressures to be used with
ASCE/SEI 7-16. The wind speeds of Table F.10 shall be used instead of the wind
Where wind tunnel testing is used together with up-crossing or storm-passage
maps in Section 26.5 of ASCE/SEI 7 16.
methods to account for directionality, the wind directionality factor (Kd) shall be
The 50 MRI wind speed stated in Table F.10 shall only be used in accordance with taken as 1.0.
Clause 5.3.5 of ACI 318-19.
In all cases, the design wind pressure shall be not less than 1 kN/m2.

F 37
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.7.12.3 Wind tunnel testing F.7.12.4 Allowable building movements for wind
F.7.12.3.1 Requirements for testing F.7.12.4.1 Allowable displacement
The wind behaviour of buildings meeting any of the following criteria shall be wind Building overall displacements shall be calculated using 10-year return (MRI) wind
tunnel tested: pressures and total building height (H).
a) taller than 120 m; Building inter-storey shear shall be calculated using 10-year return (MRI) wind
b) the height of the building is greater than five times its average width normal to pressures and floor to floor height (Hs).
the wind direction over the top of the building (i.e. an aspect ratio, H/Bav > 5); These two calculations shall meet the limits given in Table F.11.
c) of unusual shape or surroundings not covered by the wind loading provisions of
ASCE/SEI 7-16 or other reliable published data, and which cannot be designed Description Deflection limit
safely with conservative wind loads; or Overall displacement H/500
d) any other building where the designer wishes to better establish the wind Inter-storey drift between Hs/400 and Hs/600
behaviour. Table F.11 Displacement limits
Wind tunnel testing shall follow the wind tunnel procedure described in Ch. 31 of
ASCE/SEI 7-16.
The purpose of the overall displacement calculation is to control displacements of the
F.7.12.3.2 Wind direction factors building which might cause overstress or fatigue damage or loss of effectiveness to
Wind climate information used for directional evaluation of wind strengths shall be cladding, internal partitions or other non-structural components of buildings.
provided in any wind tunnel reports where these are used.
Inter-storey displacement may be estimated from inter-storey drift or calculated to
F.7.12.3.3 Peer review of wind tunnel testing include other deformations of the structure.
The Authority might require a peer review for wind tunnel testing of unusual
buildings or where testing provides results which are not readily comparable to
codified values.
Suitable reviewers shall have a recognized engineering qualification and at least
15 years of full-time experience in relevant wind engineering education and practical
application.

F 38
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.7.12.4.2 Motions affecting occupant comfort Motions of a building due to the wind might affect occupants directly or cause
Accelerations of the uppermost occupied floor shall be assessed for return periods of motion of contents such as hanging objects and water, which can also cause concern
1 year and 10 year return with the structural damping described in F.7.12.5. to some individuals. Motions should be kept within an appropriate limit, noting
that acceptability of motions is subjective and that other factors, including noises
The motions shall be compared with internationally recognized criteria such as those
resulting from building movement, can also trigger concerns.
of ISO 10137 (see Figure F.17) or as described in ASCE guide wind-induced motion
of tall buildings: designing for habitability [Ref. F.6]. F.7.12.5 Structural damping for assessment of wind responses
Unless design measures or special construction provide additional damping, the
50 estimates of structural damping of Table F.12 shall be used to assess motions under
serviceability conditions and for strength design. Values are given for buildings
Office
30 with main lateral load resisting structure of steel or concrete. For composite steel/
Residential
concrete constructions, intermediate values should be used.
Acceleration (milli-g)

20

14 Design condition Percent of critical damping

10 Concrete structures Steel structures
8
Serviceability 1% to 2% 0.75% to 1%
6
Strength design 1.5% to 2.5% 1% to 1.5%
4
Table F.12 Percentage of critical damping for normal buildings

2
0.06 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.5 1 2 3 5
Natural frequency (Hz)

Figure F.17 Horizontal motion limits from ISO 10137 (Modified figure based on ISO 10137:2007, Bases
for design of structures - Serviceability of buildings and walkways against vibration. Reproduced with the
permission of the International Organization for Standardization, ISO.

F 39
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

The final damping values chosen shall be based on studies carried out by the The performance of the building is dependent on the adequate performance of
Engineer and wind specialist. both the structure and the non-structural components (e.g. MEP system, façade
and vertical transportation systems, etc.). All the structure and the non-structural
Where additional damping is provided by moving mass dampers, strength shall be
components shall be included in the seismic design process, in line with the
verified taking account of the risk of non-operation. The motions of the damper at
requirements of ASCE/SEI 7-16.
beyond service design limits shall be limited in order to maintain safety in extreme
events. F.7.13.3 Seismic ground motion values
F.7.13.3.1 Near-fault sites
F.7.13 Design for earthquake effects There are no known active faults mapped within 15 km of Dubai, so near-fault effects
do not need to be assessed. It is assumed that the West Coast Fault is not an active
F.7.13.1 Scope
seismotectonic structure [Ref. F.7].
Every structure, and portion thereof (including non-structural components that are
permanently attached to structures, and their supports and attachments) shall resist F.7.13.3.2 Dubai acceleration parameters
the effects of earthquake motion in accordance with ASCE/SEI 7-16. In line with F.7.13.2, the seismic design criteria shall be modified as given in Table
F.13. These are hazard values and shall be used in ASCE/SEI 7-16 directly. No
Where any building is modified and there is change to the stiffness or mass of corrections to adjust for risk-targeted ground motion shall be carried out.
more than 10%, the seismic behaviour shall be reconfirmed and ASCE/SEI 7-16
requirements shall not be followed (refer to F.7.13.13).
Location SS S1 TL (s)
F.7.13.2 Seismic performance criteria Dubai 0.51 0.18 24
Following the requirements of ASCE/SEI 7-16 would meet the life safety structural
Table F.13 Enhanced performance seismic ground motion parameters for Dubai (site class B)
performance level for a probabilistic ground motion, with a 2% probability of
exceedance within a 50-year period. The enhanced ground motion parameters given
in Table F.13 shall be used for design of building structures (refer also to F.10).
Where the Owner requires a specific level of seismic performance (such as the
immediate occupancy structural performance objective), the structural and non-
structural components shall be explicitly analysed and evaluated in line with the
requirements of Section 1.3.1.3 of ASCE/SEI 7-16. Both the proposed target
performance level and ground motion parameters shall be accepted by the Authority.

F 40
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.7.13.4 Site class Site class Short-period Fa Long-period Fy

Based on the site soil properties, assessed in accordance with F.9, the site shall A 0.80 0.80
be classified as either site class A, B, C, D, E or F in accordance with Ch. 20 and B 0.90 0.80
Table 20.3-1 of ASCE/SEI 7-16. If the soil properties are not known in enough
C 1.296 1.50
detail to determine the site class, site class D shall be used unless the Authority or
D 1.392 2.24
geotechnical data determines that site class E or F soil is likely to be present at the
site. E 1.684 See F.7.13.9
F See F.7.13.9 See F.7.13.9
F.7.13.5 Site coefficients and risk-targeted maximum considered earthquake
(MCER) spectral response acceleration parameters Table F.14 Short- and long-period site coefficients for building design in Dubai

The MCER spectral response acceleration parameters for short periods (SMS) and at
1 s (SM1), adjusted for site class effects, shall be determined by Eq. F.1 and Eq. F.2
respectively. SDS=2/3 SMS Eq. F.3
SD1=2/3 SM1 Eq. F.4
SMS=Fa Ss Eq. F.1
SM1=Fy S1 Eq. F.2
F.7.13.7 Design response spectrum
where: Where a design response spectrum is required by this Part and site-specific ground
SS is the MCER spectral response acceleration parameter at short periods as taken motion procedures are not used, the design response spectrum curve shall be
from Table F.13; developed as indicated in Figure 11.4-1 of ASCE/SEI 7-16 and Section 11.4.6 of
ASCE/SEI 7-16.
S1 is the MCER spectral response acceleration parameter at a period of 1 s as taken
from Table F.13; and site coefficients Fa and Fy are defined in Table F.14. F.7.13.8 Risk-targeted maximum considered earthquake (MCER) response
spectrum
F.7.13.6 Design spectral acceleration parameters
Where an MCER response spectrum is required, it shall be determined by multiplying
Design earthquake spectral response acceleration parameters at short periods, SDS, the design response spectrum by 1.5.
and at 1 s periods, SD1, shall be determined from Eq. F.3 and Eq. F.4, respectively.
Where the alternate simplified design procedure of Section 12.14 of ASCE/SEI 7-16
is used, the value of SDS shall be determined in accordance with Section 12.14.8.1 of
ASCE/SEI 7-16, and the value for SD1 need not be determined.

F 41
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.7.13.9 Site-specific ground motion procedures F.7.13.12 Damping

A site response analysis shall be performed in accordance with Section 21.1 of Damping shall be adjusted for the analysis of structures where non-linear or soil
ASCE/SEI 7-16 for structures on-site class F sites. structure interaction analysis methods are required. A damping value of 0.5% shall
be used for the convective (sloshing) component of tanks or pools. The coefficients
A site response study or a ground motion hazard analysis is not required in any other
in Table F.16 shall be used together with Eq. F.5 and Eq. F.6 to generate design
circumstances unless specifically requested by the Authority.
parameters for damping other than within 5% of critical.
F.7.13.10 Seismic design category
Structures shall be assigned a seismic design category in accordance with Section SSζ=SS/βS Eq. F.5
11.6 of ASCE/SEI 7-16 and Table F.15. Each building and structure shall be assigned
to the more severe seismic design category in accordance with Table F.15, irrespective S1ζ=S1/β1 Eq. F.6
of the fundamental period of vibration of the structure, T. The provisions in Ch. 19
of ASCE/SEI 7-16 shall not be used to modify the spectral response acceleration where:
parameters for determining seismic design category. S1ζ is the adjusted damping parameter at a period of 1 s;
SSζ is the adjusted damping parameter at short-period;
Short period value SDS Risk level Long-period value SD1 Risk level
I, II & III IV I, II & III IV β1 is the damping adjustment factor for long-period; and
SDS < 0.167 A A SD1 < 0.067 A A βS is the damping adjustment factor for short-period.
0.167 ≤ SDS < 0.33 B C 0.067 ≤ SD1 < 0.133 B C
0.33 ≤SDS < 0.50 C D 0.133 ≤ SD1 < 0.20 C D Damping coefficient (ζ) βS β1

0.50 ≤ SDS D D 0.20 ≤ SD1 D D 0.5 0.47 0.54

2.0 0.72 0.78
Table F.15 Seismic design category based on short- and long-period response acceleration parameters
5.0 1.00 1.00
10.0 1.40 1.30
F.7.13.11 Geological hazards and geotechnical investigation
20.0 1.90 1.70
Liquefaction shall be assessed in accordance with F.9.4.5.
Table F.16 Damping adjustment factors for short- and long-period values in Dubai

F 42
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.7.13.13 Cracked section stiffness

Stiffness properties of concrete and masonry elements shall include the effects of
cracked sections. Recommendations for computing cracked section properties for
non-linear response history analysis can be found in Appendix A of ACI 318-19.
Where necessary, detailed section analysis can be carried out to determine cracked
section stiffness for reinforced concrete sections.
F.7.13.14 Seismic assessment of existing buildings
The seismic assessment of existing buildings shall be carried out following the
guidelines of ASCE 41. The seismic criteria shall be derived as stated in F.7.13.2.

F 43
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.8 Performance and serviceability requirements

F.8.1 Design basis F.8.3 Deflection control

The basis of design shall include these aspects as a minimum: F.8.3.1 General
a) strength; Deflection limits shall be adopted that enable functional requirements to be
maintained. Limits may be governed by the requirements of internal and/or external
b) deflection control in concrete and steel structures;
furniture, finishes, fixtures and fittings.
c) crack control in concrete structures;
Vertical and horizontal deflections shall be within the limits specified in the
d) building movement and motions due to wind;
referenced design standards, as applicable, and the project-specific requirements
e) building movement due to seismic; dictated by features such as the cladding, crane girders, members supporting
f) movement joint and building separation; sensitive machinery, etc.
g) vibration; When checking for deflections the most adverse realistic combination and
h) lateral acceleration; arrangement of serviceability loads shall be included.
i) fatigue; and The Engineer shall verify that the adopted deflection limits will enable the functional
j) additional requirements for transfer elements. performance of the building to be maintained.
F.8.3.2 Concrete beam and slab deflection
F.8.2 Strength
Deflection limits for concrete slabs and beams shall be in accordance with Section
Buildings, other structures, and parts thereof, shall be designed and constructed to 24.2.2 of ACI 318-19. The value of the incremental deflection (δINC) shall not exceed
support safely the factored loads in load combinations defined in this Part without 20 mm after the installation of partitions and finishes and shall be calculated in
exceeding the appropriate strength limits states for the construction material. accordance with ACI 435R and ACI 318-19.
The incremental deflection limits do not consider pre-cambering which may be used
to reduce the effect of total deflection as deemed necessary.
When evaluating the deflection of concrete structures, the detrimental effects
of cracking shall be included by modifying the stiffness (EI) for areas which have
exceeded the allowable tensile stresses. The modified EI shall be chosen based on the
extent of cracking under the design load. Default stiffness modifiers given in
ACI 318-19 may be followed for regular structures subject to approximately uniform
loads.

F 44
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.8.3.3 Steelwork deflection limits Crack widths shall be controlled in accordance with maximum crack widths defined
Deflection limits for steel structures shall conform to the requirements stipulated in in the referenced codes and standards. The Engineer shall perform crack width
the AISC 360 and AISC design guide 3 [Ref. F.17]. calculation checks in accordance with ACI 224R.

The following points should also be taken into account. It is also recommended that basements and liquid retaining structures be classified in
relation to the degree of protection against leakage. An appropriate limit to cracking
a) For cantilever elements the span length can be equal to double the cantilever depending on the classification should be selected by the Engineer and Owner’s
length. representative, paying due regard to the required function of the structure, the
b) The deflection limits do not take into account pre-cambering, which may be used intrinsic durability requirements, and soil and water properties.
to reduce the effect total deflection as deemed necessary. CIRIA C766 [Ref. F.10] provides guidance on aesthetically acceptable crack widths.
F.8.3.4 Post-tensioned concrete deflection control In the absence of more specific requirements, the following maximum crack width
Design for strength and serviceability requirements of members shall conform to limits shall be adopted.
ACI 318-19.
1) For sections of the structure in contact with groundwater, the crack width
Structural calculations shall verify that short- and long-term deflections, camber, limits (wk) are defined as a function of the ratio of the hydrostatic pressure, hD
vibration frequency and amplitude are within permissible limits. to the wall thickness of the containing structure, hw.
Effects of cracking should be included by modifying the stiffness EI properties i) For hD/hw <5, wk = 0.2 mm.
as detailed in ACI 318-19. ii) For hD/hw >35, wk = 0.05 mm.
Most PT concrete structures combine non-prestressed reinforced concrete, 2) For intermediate values of hD/hw, linear interpolation between 0.2 mm and
un-cracked PT and cracked PT sections. The design method shall capture the real 0.05 mm shall be used.
behaviour of the structural system by taking into consideration the stiffnesses of the 3) Section of the structure not in contact with water, wk = 0.3 mm.
cracked and un-cracked sections. 4) Structural elements (such as piles) under permanent tension loads,
wk = 0.1 mm.
F.8.4 Crack control in concrete structure The above listed limits may be adopted providing that they do not contradict the
The significance of cracking is contained within three categories. requirements of ACI 224R and that a proprietary waterproofing system is provided
for structural elements in contact with water in accordance with BS 8102.
a) Cracks that lead to durability problems and consequently a reduction in
structural capacity.
b) Cracks that lead to a loss of serviceability of the structure
(e.g. the leakage of water or damage to finishes).
c) Cracks that are aesthetically unacceptable.

F 45
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.8.5 Crack control in restrained members The Engineer shall assess the impact of the following design aspects:
Where structural walls, columns and piles provide significant restraint to shrinkage 1) elastic shortening;
and temperature movements, the reinforcement provisions should be verified against 2) creep and shrinkage of concrete structures where the Engineer shall refer to
the requirements stated under either ACI 89-S15 (as in R24.4.2 of ACI 318-19) ACI 209.2R and the environmental conditions of Dubai as discussed in F.7.11;
or CIRIA C766 [Ref. F.10]. 3) foundation settlements;
4) transfer elements, as discussed in F.8.10; and
F.8.6 Drift and deformation of buildings 5) construction stages.
F.8.6.1 General The analysis methodology and parameters adopted shall be discussed and agreed
The Engineer shall assess the drift and deformation of the building considering with the Authority. The Contractor shall review and validate the differential vertical
the whole life of the structure, including the construction stages. shortening analysis as it is strongly dependent on the construction stages sequence.
F.8.6.2 Drift due to permanent gravity load The Contractor shall submit the type of corrections to be implemented on-site to the
The Engineer and Contractor shall verify that any deviation from plumbs for the Engineer and Authority, for review and approval.
building and cores, under permanent gravity loads only, conforms to the limits stated F.8.6.4 Drift and deformation due to wind
in Section 7 of ACI 117-10. Drift and deformation due to wind shall be assessed in accordance with F.7.12.4.
If necessary, the Engineer shall specify any correction in the setting out of the F.8.6.5 Drift and deformation due to seismic
building. This should be validated by the Contractor, taking into account the sequence
and method of construction. Movements of buildings due to earthquake effects shall conform to the requirements
stipulated under Section 12.12 of ASCE/SEI 7-16.
F.8.6.3 Drift and deformation due to differential vertical shortening
A non-linear static construction sequence analysis should be performed to assess
deflection and drift due to differential vertical shortening. At a minimum, the analysis
shall be performed by the Engineer and/or Contractor for the following structures:
a) multi-storey buildings with different stresses between the core and perimeter
columns;
b) structures with an asymmetrical structural plan layout and/or asymmetrical
massing;
c) buildings with stepped setbacks;
d) buildings with outriggers.

F 46
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.8.7 Movement joints and building separation F.8.8 Vibration

Movement joints shall be provided, where necessary, to address the requirements of F.8.8.1 Steelwork
expansion and/or deflection under load for above-ground structures. The minimum The natural frequency of steelwork floor systems for normal occupancy shall be
separations between a structure and any surrounding obstructions shall not be less evaluated in accordance with AISC design guide 11 [Ref. F.18] or
than the total maximum displacement (δMT) as specified in Section 12.12 of SCI P354 [Ref. F.19].
ASCE/SEI 7-16:
F.8.8.2 Concrete
δMT=√((δM1 )2+(δM2 )2) Eq. F.7 Cast-in-place floor systems designed in accordance with the minimum thickness
and deflection requirements of ACI 318-19, have generally been found to provide
vibration performance suitable for human comfort under typical service conditions.
Where δM1 and δM2 are the maximum inelastic response displacements of the
However, there might be situations where serviceability conditions are not satisfied.
adjacent structures at their adjacent edges.
For example:
a) long spans and open floor plans;
δM=(Cd δmax)/Ie Eq. F.8
b) floors with strict vibration performance requirements such as precision
manufacturing and laboratory spaces; and
Where:
c) facilities subject to rhythmic loadings or vibrating mechanical equipment.
Cd is the deflection amplification factor in Table 12.2-1 of ASCE/SEI 7-16; Further guidance can be sought in the ATC Design Guide 1 [Ref. F.13].
δmax is the maximum deflection at the location required by this section, determined by The performance of PT concrete floors may follow the recommendation of
an elastic analysis; and TR43, Table 1 [Ref. F.11]. For those PT concrete floors that do not follow these
Ie is the importance factor determined in accordance with 11.5.1 of ASCE/SEI 7-16. recommendations, their performance should be assessed in accordance with the
dynamic assessment method defined in TR43, Appendix G [Ref. F.11].
Movement joints are a common source of water infiltration. Structures should be
designed below ground level, without movement joints to mitigate the risk of water Precast concrete structures shall be checked for vibration as detailed in Section 9.7 of
ingress. Design for construction without permanent joints below ground level can be PCI design handbook [Ref. F.12].
achieved by following the recommendations provided in the CIRIA C766 [Ref. F.10].

F 47
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.8.9 Fatigue The following shall be included in the design of transfer elements.
Structural members that support vibrating machinery, vehicles or plant should be a) Transfer beams are to be supported on at least two direct supports.
checked for fatigue resistance. b) Eccentricity between the column axis and the longitudinal axis of the beam is not
Stress changes due to normal fluctuations in wind loading do not need to be included permitted. The load transferred to the planted column, transfer beam or slab shall
in the fatigue check. However, where aerodynamic instability can occur, account not be less than the loads calculated by manual method (tributary area).
should be taken of wind-induced oscillations. c) Any structural elements supporting planted/floating columns that might cause
a progressive collapse are to be included as a key element. Reinforcement shall
Where fatigue is critical, the design shall be checked in accordance with the following
be detailed to facilitate robustness by means of provision of adequate peripheral,
codes:
vertical and horizontal ties.
a) Appendix 3 of AISC 360 for steel; and d) The entire length of the supporting columns shall be included as critical length
b) ACI 318-19, ACI 215R and ACI 408.2R for concrete. and the stirrups shall be spaced closely to provide effective confinement for the
All design details shall be fully defined, including clear specification of the columns.
workmanship and quality assurance tests. e) Structural systems elements of the planted portions of the structure shall
have redundancy to provide alternative load paths in the case of failure of any
F.8.10 Transfer elements structural member, as discussed under F.5.5.
f) Any structural members or element that do not fall under the purview of this part
Any beam, slab or truss structure used to redirect the vertical gravity or lateral load
should be analysed and designed for various possible critical combinations.
path of upper stories to the vertical structure of the lower stories shall be treated as
a transfer element. g) Transfer structure shall be capable of withstanding the reactions from any
attached building components. The reactions should be the maximum values
Such elements are typically used where a change of use on a floor dictates a different that might reasonably be transmitted considering the strength of the attached
column or wall arrangement, or to accommodate architectural features. component and its connection.
Transfer structures have significant design, cost, material and construction schedule h) The Engineer shall check that the deflections of the structural members
implications, requiring careful consideration of construction logistics, as well as supported by the transfer elements are within the deflection limits specified in
consideration of the impact of long-term deflections of the transfer members and F.8.3.
supporting elements. As such, transfer structures should be avoided where possible.

F 48
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.9 Geotechnics

F.9.1 Introduction UK NATIONAL

ANNEX

This section provides minimum geotechnical

requirements that are appropriate for the geology,
stratigraphy, geotechnical and groundwater conditions BS EN ISO 14688
Identification of soil
BS EN ISO 14689
Identification of rock
BS EN ISO 17892
Laboratory testing
BS EN 1993-5
Steel piling Other Eurocodes
BS EN 1536
Bored piles
BS EN 14199
Micro piles

of Dubai. A major characteristic of the ground in Dubai

is its calcareous origin for both soils (e.g. calcareous
sand) and soft calcareous rocks, with clay minerals of
various expansion potential. Groundwater is saline with GEOTECHNICAL
GEOTECHNICAL DESIGN
EXECUTION OF SPECIAL
INVESTIGATION & TESTING GEOTECHNICAL WORKS
chlorites and sulphates that make a very aggressive
environment for concrete and reinforcement in the
ground.
The geotechnical requirements and design aspects are BS EN ISO 22475 BS EN ISO 22476 BS EN ISO 22282 BS EN 1997-1 BS EN 1997-2 BS EN 12699
Groundwater Field testing Geohydraulic testing General rules Ground investigation Displacement piles

discussed in F.9.3 to F.9.5.

The geotechnical design of buildings shall be based
on the requirements stated herein and the referenced
UK NATIONAL UK NATIONAL
ANNEX ANNEX

standards (see Figure F.18). This section should be also Figure F.18 Suite of standards for geotechnical investigation and testing, design and execution of piling works.
read in conjunction with all the other relevant sections
of this Part.
Additional studies are expected for unusual The geotechnical site investigations and testing shall All the geotechnical design works and site investigation
constructions, and might result in a variation from be undertaken by the geotechnical laboratory. All reports shall be submitted to the Authority for the
these requirements which would require approval from geotechnical reports submitted by the geotechnical necessary approval.
the Authority. laboratory shall be reviewed and approved by the
All the geotechnical design and execution packages
Engineer who witnessed the execution of soil testing.
Geotechnical design and construction shall conform shall be undertaken by a qualified Geotechnical Civil
strictly to the current health and safety regulations Any geotechnical design packages submitted and Engineer.
issued by the Authority. executed by the Geotechnical Specialist Contractor
shall be reviewed and approved by the Engineer.

F 49
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.9.2 Standards DECISION TO DEVELOP SITE AND

CARRY OUT SITE INVESTIGATION
Geotechnical site investigations and geotechnical works shall be designed to meet or
exceed the minimum requirements of the codes and standards listed in F.3.
DESK STUDY
F.9.3 Geotechnical site investigation
F.9.3.1 General
Geotechnical site investigations shall be planned and carried out in accordance with WALK-OVER SURVEY
BS 5930, BS EN 1997-2:2007 and the associated UK NA, BS 1377 and BS 10175.
As indicated in BS 5930, the primary objectives of a geotechnical investigation are as
follows:
GROUND INVESTIGATION
a) to assess the general suitability of the site for the proposed works; • Preliminary investigation
• Main investigation
b) to enable an adequate and economic design to be prepared;
c) to foresee and provide against difficulties that may arise during construction due
to ground and local conditions; and
FIELD WORKS LABORATORY
d) to predict any adverse effect of the proposed construction on neighbouring AND TESTS
SAMPLES
TESTING
structures.
A schematic representation of the geotechnical site investigation is illustrated in
Figure F.19. GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION
FACTUAL REPORT (GIFR)

GEOTECHNICAL INTERPRETATIVE
REPORT (GIR)

DESIGN

Figure F.19 Schematic organization of a site investigation

F 50
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.9.3.2 Geotechnical desk study F.9.3.4 Geotechnical on-site investigations The minimum number of boreholes shall conform to
The geotechnical desk study shall provide a The requirements for geotechnical soil investigations BS EN 1997-2:2007, the associated UK NA and the
conceptual model of the site based on all the available are provided in BS EN 1997-2 and the associated UK following:
morphological, geological, hydrological, geotechnical NA and BS 5930. As a minimum, the investigations 1) for high-rise buildings: more than G+12, one
information, and land use history from public sources shall include the following: borehole per 750 m2 and a minimum of five
and technical literature. The extent of the study will boreholes;
a) non-intrusive investigations (mapping, geophysics);
vary according to the nature of the project and the
b) intrusive investigations (boreholes, trial pits, 2) for buildings: less than G+12, one borehole per
anticipated ground conditions.
observation wells); 750 m2 and a minimum of three boreholes; and
F.9.3.3 Planning geotechnical investigation 3) for large structures: 60 m grids between boreholes
c) sampling of soils, rocks and groundwater;
The extent of the geotechnical investigation is required.
d) in-situ testing including:
dependent on the complexity, size and criticality of An example of the organization and phasing of the on-
the development. Guidance on the spacing and depth 1) standard penetration test (SPT);
site investigation is given
of the investigation points is given in Annex B of BS 2) cone penetration test (CPT); in Figure F.20.
EN 1997-2:2007, and the associated UK NA. Soil 3) pressure meter;
03
RB-1
investigation for any building shall be defined by: 01
4) permeability;
RB-4
CP-1 CP-3 03
a) the location of the building; 5) in-situ
DMP-1strength; and RB-1
b) the magnitude of the imposed loads; 01 RB-4
6) deformability.
DMP-2
RB-3
c) the number of floors; The depth of investigation
RB-2
CP-2 shall extend to at least three CP-1 CP-3

d) the shape of the building; times the shortest plan dimension of the proposed DMP-1

e) previous uses of the land; foundation as specified in Annex B of BS EN 1997- DMP-2

02
2:2007. RB-3
f) terrain surface features; RB-2
CP-2
g) geological features; and
h) surface water drainage. Key
Soil test boring with SPT
CPT 02
Dilatometer test
01: Building Layout
02: Utilities line
03: Topographical contour line Figure F.20 Typical organization and phasing of on-site investigation

F 51
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.9.3.5 Geotechnical laboratory testing f) accurate account of the equipment specified, mobilized and used for the on-site
The requirements for geotechnical soil investigations shall conform to BS 1377, investigation and in-situ testing including the methodologies and standards
BS EN 1997-2:2007 and the associated UK NA and BS 5930. The following list adopted;
indicates a minimum level of laboratory testing: g) all levels of topography including any lidar scans or other means of obtaining
point cloud data, all site investigation points (e.g. trial pits, boreholes, CPTs, SPTs),
a) soil classification/index tests;
all stratigraphic levels, groundwater levels recorded and similar, to be specified in
b) soil engineering properties tests (strength, stiffness, deformability); the DMD;
c) rock classification/index tests; h) groundwater monitoring level, period and frequency;
d) rock engineering properties tests; and i) groundwater temperature;
e) soil, rock and groundwater chemical tests. j) borehole and trial pit logs with coordinates and description of encountered strata,
Soil tests shall be conducted in laboratories licensed and approved by the EIAC. levels and types of all specimens taken (soil, rock and groundwater);
All soil tests shall conform to EIAC approved standards. k) qualitative and quantitative description of boring (e.g. rock quality designation,
F.9.3.6 Geotechnical reporting total core recovery, etc.);
Throughout, and particularly at the end of the investigation, the geotechnical l) levels and results of all in-situ tests (e.g. SPT);
laboratory shall issue the geotechnical investigation factual report (GIFR) and m) borehole logs shall be supplemented with all relevant laboratory tests that
geotechnical interpretative Report (GIR), which are then reviewed and approved facilitate classification of strata (e.g. uniaxial compressive strength);
by the Engineer. n) colour photos of borehole cores, including depth labels and colour chart;
For major developments and special projects, the GIR should be issued by the o) full documentation of all performed laboratory tests, with suitable illustrative
Engineer based on the GIFRs issued by the geotechnical laboratory. plots/diagrams;
The following items shall be as a minimum included in the GIFR: p) ground profile plot with key information of stratigraphy and groundwater level
(see Figure F.21).
a) clear definition of the site, general topography;
b) site plan/drawing with all as-completed investigation location coordinates;
c) time and duration of on-site investigations;
d) meteorological/weather conditions at the time of investigations;
e) the use and state of the site at the commencement of the on-site investigation;

F 52
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

The GIR shall include the following details as a minimum when submitted to the
01 02 03 04 05 06 07
Authority:
1) details of the recommended foundation system, with allowable bearing capacity,
modulus of sub-grade reaction and allowable settlement;
2) provision to mitigate the effects of expansive and collapsible soils in accordance
with the recommendations provided in Ch. 32 and 33 of the ICE Manual of
geotechnical engineering (vol. I) [Ref. F.20];
08 09 10 11 12 3) provision to mitigate the effect of soil liquefaction, which shall be assessed as
Figure F.21 Typical geological section stipulated in F.9.4.5;
4) provision to mitigate the effect of soil settlement and loads from adjacent plots;
Key
01-07: Boreholes
5) various seismic parameters for the uppermost 30 m, in accordance with the
08: Ground fill specified codes;
09: Sand 6) piles working load capacity under compression and tension for different sizes, at
10: Sandstone varying depths and effective length (all levels should be in DMD);
11: Conglomerate
12: Calcisiltite 7) if applicable, recommendations for pile groups with modification factors for load
and settlement;
8) values of modulus of elasticity of soil (Es);
9) horizontal modulus of sub-grade reactions (Kh);
10) constant of horizontal sub-grade reaction (nh);
11) vertical spring constants (Kv);
12) Poisson’s ratio;
13) piles stiffness (Ks);
14) optimal spacing between piles within a pile group;

F 53
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

15) soil parameters required for shoring and basement wall design, such as: F.9.4 Geotechnical design
i) average bulk density; F.9.4.1 Earthworks (excavation and filling)
ii) angle of shearing resistance; Excavation works shall be designed in accordance with BS EN 1997-1:2004 and the
iii) cohesion; associated UK NA and BS 6031. The design recommendations of Ch.23 of the ICE
iv) coefficients of soil pressure at rest (K0) pressure; and manual of geotechnical engineering (vol. I) [Ref. F.20] should also be followed for the
v) coefficient of active and passive soil pressure for all soil layers. slope stability analysis.
16) soil classification and index test results (particle size distribution, plasticity The Geotechnical Specialist Contractor shall provide slope stability analysis for any
chart); open cut excavation (see Figure F.22).
17) rock classification and index test results;
18) permeability of soil and rock layers;
19) plan showing boreholes, in-situ test location and coordinates;
20) water table level (in DMD) and temperature;
21) laboratory test results on soil and groundwater samples for the presence
and concentration of pH, sulphate and chloride, or any other chemicals or
components that might affect the structure;
22) type of cement based on the chemical test results of soil types;
23) summary of soil parameters;
24) subsoil conditions and description;
25) recommendation on the earth work, excavation, filling and compaction; and
26) recommendations for suitability of site material to be used as fill material.

Figure F.22 Open cut excavation

F 54
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

The Geotechnical Specialist Contractor shall design remedial actions when slopes Key
03
display signs of instability or the geotechnical analysis confirms the risk of failing. 01: Permanent facing (e.g.
cast-in-place reinforced
The list below presents some of the common slope stabilization techniques which 01 02 concrete)
may be used in Dubai. 02: Temporary facing
a) Regrading of the slope. If the available land plot permits, the slope can be (shotcrete)
regraded to reduce the slope angle. 03: Geocomposite strip drain
04: Grout
b) Drainage. Deep drains are perforated plastic tubes that can be embedded into the 11
05: Steel bar
slope to reduce the pore water pressure.
06: Welded wire mesh
c) Retaining wall. Retaining walls shall be designed in accordance with F.9.4.3. 04 07: Reinforcement
d) Soil nailing. An in-situ reinforcement technique consisting of drilling or driving 08: Bearing plate
10 05
steel bars into the soil mass (see Figure F.23 and Figure F.24). The soil nails are 09: Washers
secured to steel plates at the surface and optional erosion and vegetation control 09
10: Nail head
geosynthetic mesh can be placed over the slope face. If the soil is loose on the 11: Studded head
surface, concrete can be sprayed to cover the slope face (see Figure F.23). Further
guidance can be sought in Ch. 74 of the ICE manual of geotechnical engineering 08
(vol. II) [Ref. F.20].
e) Filling material. The material used for backfilling purposes shall be of selected fill
composed of a sand/granular mixture. The plasticity index of the backfill material
should not exceed 10%. The maximum particle size of backfill material shall not
07 06
exceed 75 mm. The percentage passing through a 75 mm sieve shall not exceed
20%. The organic materials content shall not exceed 2% and the water-soluble
salt content shall not exceed 5% Figure F.23 Soil nailing detail (Modified figure based on Figure 2.1 from CIR 7 FHWAO-IF-03-017, Geotechnical
Engineering Circular No.7, Soil Nail Walls, 2003, United States Department of Transportation Federal Highways
f) Compaction. The backfill materials shall be placed in layers of thickness 150 mm Administration)
to 250 mm and compacted to not less than 95% of the maximum dry density.
The Engineer shall state whether the material available on site could be used for
general backfilling or not after performing the necessary analysis.

F 55
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

Key
01: Strip footing
02: Isolated footing
03: Stepped footing
04: Combined footing
05: Mat foundation
06: Deep foundation system
with piles and pile cap
01 02 07: Retaining and buttressed
wall foundation
08: Column
09: Piles
10: Pile cap
11: Stem
12: Toe
13: Key (optional)
03 04 14: Heel
15: Counterfort
Figure F.24 Installation of soil nailing system
08
10

F.9.4.2 Foundations design

F.9.4.2.1 General 09
The geotechnical design of foundations shall be undertaken in accordance with BS
EN 1997-1:2004 and the associated UK NA. 05 06

The typical foundation systems in Dubai are illustrated in Figure F.25

11 15

12
13 14 07

Figure F.25 Types of foundation (© ACI. Modified figure based on Figure R13.1.1, ACI 318-19, pg.192)

F 56
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.9.4.2.2 Shallow and raft foundations F.9.4.2.3 Deep and piled foundations
The geotechnical design of shallow foundations (i.e. isolated, strip, stepped, combined The geotechnical design of deep and piled foundations shall be in accordance with
footing and raft) shall be in accordance with Section 6 of BS EN 1997-1:2004 and Section 7 of BS EN 1997-1:2004 and the associated UK NA.
the associated UK NA.
The following limit states shall be included in the design of deep foundations:
The most common limit states for spread foundations are:
a) loss of overall stability;
a) loss of overall stability; b) bearing resistance failure of the pile foundation;
b) bearing resistance failure (the equations for bearing capacity are given in Annex c) uplift or insufficient tensile resistance of the pile foundation;
D, BS EN 1997-1:2004 and the associated UK NA);
d) failure in the ground due to transverse loading of the pile foundation;
c) failure by sliding;
e) structural failure of the pile in compression, tension, bending, buckling or shear;
d) combined failure in the ground and in the structure;
f) combined failure in the ground and in the pile foundation;
e) structural failure due to foundation movement;
g) combined failure in the ground and in the structure;
f) excessive settlements (refer to Annex H of BS EN 1997-1:2004 and the
h) excessive settlement;
associated UK NA);
i) excessive heave;
g) excessive heave due to swelling, frost and other causes; and
j) excessive lateral movement;
h) unacceptable vibrations.
k) unacceptable vibrations; and
Design of the permanent concrete structural elements shall follow F.6, F.8 and
ACI 318-19. l) liquefaction effects on piles.
The load-bearing mechanism (i.e. end bearing, friction, friction with end bearing piles)
Raft foundations shall be designed as “rigid” unless a specific geotechnical model and
shall be recommended in the GIFR. In particular, the end bearing capacity shall be
calculation are adopted to validate the design approach.
agreed with the Authority before the design is commenced.
Design of the permanent concrete structural elements shall be in accordance with F.6,
F.8 and ACI 318-19.
The design criteria listed in Table F.17 are applicable to reinforced concrete
foundations on piles.

F 57
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

Design criterion Minimum requirement Design criterion Minimum requirement

Pile design: general Ensure pile design allows for both gravity and lateral loads. Minimum design of horizontal/ For the lateral pile design, the following requirements shall be
Piles to be designed for out of verticality tolerance of 1/75. lateral force included:
Piles to be designed for eccentricity of vertical load of 75 mm. a) minimum 5% of pile capacity and not less than the horizontal
loads resulting from the superstructure and foundation
Factor of safety shall be at least 2.5, unless geotechnical model
analysis;
and geotechnical calculations based on the geotechnical site
investigation are provided. b) moments due to out of position (75 mm) piles; and
Minimum rock socket length of three times pile diameter. c) horizontal force due to verticality (1/75).
The use of bentonite is not recommended. If it is used, the shaft The above design (a) may be excluded if geotechnical calculations
capacity shall be reduced. and geotechnical models are provided and the following items are
included in the design:
Pile caps shall be designed in accordance with the requirements
specified under ACI 318-19 and the CRSI design 1) isolated temperature changes within raft, and temperature
handbook [Ref. F.8]. distribution from column to raft;
2) detailed pile group assessment considering soil-structure
Crack width limit for tension 0.2 mm considering the tension load.
interaction, building stiffness and foundation stiffness;
piles (wk) 0.1 mm considering the uplift load due to permanent tension load
3) moments due to slab dishing;
(i.e. groundwater uplift, out of balance gravity loads).
4) kinematic effects of earthquake loading;
Geotechnical design parameters The recommendations provided in the GIR shall be followed unless
a specific geotechnical model and geotechnical calculation are 5) sensitivity checks should piles be constructed out of position;
developed. 6) embedment of raft; and
Materials test reports To be implemented by laboratories approved by DM or EIAC. 7) lateral load path analysis and load transfer into the raft slab.
(aggregate, steel, concrete, etc.) Rational study of pile spacing Minimum pile spacing shall be 2.5 times the diameter.
Minimum bar diameter 12mm not available

Minimum number of bars Six bars evenly spaced. Pile stress under compression Maximum 25% of concrete strength.
load
Minimum percentage of To be provided for the full length of the piles in order to provide
reinforcement ductility and in accordance with Table 18.13.5.7.1 of ACI 318-19. Lateral stiffness of piles 50% to 100% of vertical stiffness.
Any other percentage (such as 10% to 15% of vertical stiffness)
Minimum stirrup reinforcement Bars of 10 mm diameter for all the piles.
shall be justified by geotechnical models and calculations including
The top region of the pile below the caps or raft, shall be confined the piles lateral group effect.
effectively with closely spaced stirrups, for a length of three times
the pile diameter. Vertical stiffness of piles The impact of subsidence of the piles group on vertical stiffness,
as well as its effect on the raft and piles, shall be validated by
Stirrup reinforcement shall be in accordance with Table 18.13.5.7.1 geotechnical models and calculations.
of ACI 318-19.

Table F.17 Piles foundation minimum design criteria

F 58
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.9.4.3 Shoring and earth retaining system NOTE: Shoring and earth retaining systems typically used and accepted in Dubai are
F.9.4.3.1 General as follows:
The geotechnical design of earth retaining systems shall be performed in accordance a) non-watertight shoring systems:
with Section 9 of BS EN 1997-1:2004+A1:2013 and the associated UK NA. Design 1) soldier piles with lagging system/king post walls;
of the concrete structural elements shall follow F.6, F.8 and ACI 318-19.
2) contiguous pile walls;
Shoring systems and retaining structures are deemed to be temporary if the design 3) slurry walls;
life of the system is less than two years. They shall not be deemed to be part of
b) watertight shoring systems:
the permanent structures and a physical segregation shall be provided between
temporary and permanent structural systems. 1) secant pile walls;
2) diaphragm walls;
The shoring and retaining systems shall be designed to retain the soil and actual
groundwater pressure (including tidal effect). 3) sheet piles;
c) bracing for temporary earth retaining systems:
1) anchors;
2) rakers; and
3) struts.
Alternative techniques specified in accordance with international codes and
standards may also be accepted.
The shoring and bracing systems are further described in Ch. 62, 63 and 64 of the
ICE manual of geotechnical engineering (vol. II) [Ref. F.20].

F 59
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.9.4.3.2 Required shoring systems Design criteria Minimum requirement

Table F.18 should be followed for different depths of excavation and site conditions. Minimum additional loads Additional uniform distributed load of 20 kN/m2 shall be taken into
consideration in proximity to roads and land plots. The additional
surcharge load needs to be assessed based on the actual conditions
Type of shoring system Permitted under following criteria on-site and adjacent structures.
All types up to 5 m deep excavation; Minimum distance between 1.2 m
one basement. anchors
All types, except soldier pile up to 9 m depth and no buildings in the adjacent plots. Maximum length of anchors 10 m
with lagging
Minimum length of anchors 3m
Shoring system preventing presence of buildings in the adjacent plots;
Maximum lateral displacement 40 mm
water leakage high groundwater level;
Unplanned excavations Retaining walls shall be designed assuming presence of unplanned
proximity to water bodies. excavations in front of the wall, with depth of not less than 10%
Table F.18 Type of shoring system of the total height of vertical walls, or 10% of vertical distance
between the lowest anchor and the bottom of the excavation, but
not less than 0.5 m.
It is possible to adopt shoring systems other than those in Table F.17, based on Heave The geotechnical design shall assess heave if swelling and
the soil examination report, groundwater level, presence of water sources, adjacent collapsible soils have been identified in the GIFR. Further guidance
buildings and surrounding constructions. can be sought in Ch. 32 and 33 of the ICE Manual of geotechnical
engineering (vol. I) [Ref. F.20].
The minimum requirements listed in Table F.19 shall be included in the design of Table F.19 Minimum requirements for earth retaining system
temporary shoring systems.

F 60
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.9.4.3.3 Permanent earth retaining system F.9.4.4 Groundwater control and dewatering
Any retaining structure is deemed to be permanent if the design life of the system is Dewatering systems shall be designed in accordance with BS EN 1997-1:2004, and
more than two years. The permanent retaining system shall be designed to retain the the associated UK NA and CIRIA C750 [Ref. F.21], taking into account the following.
soil and future groundwater pressure (including tidal effect) without allowing for the
a) All existing facilities shall always be protected.
temporary retaining system.
b) The dewatering system shall reduce the loss of soft materials in the soil and any
The temporary retaining structures listed under the NOTE to F.9.4.3.1 may be effect on the surrounding structures. The hydrogeological model shall identify and
designed as permanent structures, provided they are included in the analysis of the assess any piping effect (see Figure F.26).
overall structure. The same design life, performance and durability requirements shall
c) The depth of shoring systems and internal excavations shall prevent soil heave.
be applied to both the main structural system and the permanent retaining system.
This is to avoid the possibility of seepage, and to ensure compatibility between
In addition to the requirements for temporary retaining systems stipulated under the designs of the shoring systems and the dewatering system (see Figure F.27).
F.9.4.3.2, the Engineer shall design the retaining system with consideration for d) A seepage analysis and groundwater/hydrogeological model shall be prepared for
the intended design life. In particular, the Engineer shall consider the applicable at least 20 m below the bottom of the excavation. The model shall determine the
performance, serviceability and durability requirements stated in F.5.6 and F.8. following:
The geotechnical design of permanent earth retaining systems (including 1) type of soil and rocks;
counterfort/buttressed wall systems) shall be performed in accordance with 2) horizontal permeability of each layer;
Section 9 of BS EN 1997-1:2004 and the associated UK NA. Design of the concrete
3) incoherent or gypsum soils; and
structural elements shall be in accordance with F.6, F.8 and ACI 318-19.
4) other areas exposed to water leakage under the surface.
F.9.4.3.4 Basement walls
Figure F.28 shows the permeability of different soil types and recommended
A permanent basement concrete wall should be provided in front of the temporary
dewatering systems.
retaining systems detailed in F.9.4.3.2. The permanent basement wall shall be
designed to retain the soil and future groundwater pressure (including tidal effect)
without considering the temporary retaining system.
The permanent basement wall shall be fully integrated with the main structural
system of the building. The same design life, performance and durability
requirements shall be applied to the main structural system and the basement walls.
The geotechnical design of permanent basement walls shall be performed in
accordance with Section 9 of BS EN 1997-1:2004 and the associated UK NA. Design
of the concrete structural elements shall follow F.6, F.8 and ACI 318-19.

F 61
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

01

02

01
01
02 01

03

03
06 05
04

Figure F.26 Example of situations that might cause piping (© British Standards Institute. Figure F.27 Example of a situation where heave might be critical (© British Standards
Figure extracted from BS EN 1997-1:2004. Permission to reproduce extracts from British Institute. Figure extracted from BS EN 1997-1:2004. Permission to reproduce extracts from
Standards is granted by BSI Standards Limited (BSI). No other use of this material is British Standards is granted by BSI Standards Limited (BSI). No other use of this material is
permitted). permitted).

Key Key
01: Free water level 01: Excavation level (left); free-water level (right)
02: Piezometric level in the permeable subsoil 02: Water
03: Low permeability soil 03: Sand
04: Permeable soil
05: Possible well; starting point for pipe
06: Possible pipe

F 62
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.9.4.5 Liquefaction
02 03
0 This section shall be read in conjunction with F.7.13 and Section 11.8 of
04 ASCE/SEI 7-16.
05
Drawdown (m)

5 The 2% probability of exceedance within a 50-year period hazard parameters are

06
01 09 given in Table F.20. Specifically, the values of peak ground acceleration (PGA) and the
10
07 life safety, 5% damped spectral responses acceleration parameter at short period
(SS LS) and at a period of 1s (S1 LS) are given. The long-period transition period (TL) is
08
15 also provided.

20 -8
10
-7
10
-6
10 10
-5
10
-4
10
-3
10
-2 -1
10 Location PGA SS LS S1 LS TL (s)
Permeability (m/s)
Dubai 0.13 0.33 0.11 24
Figure F.28 Permeability of soil and dewatering systems Table F.20 Life safety seismic ground motion parameters for Dubai (site class B)

Key The following amendments to Section 11.8 of ASCE/SEI 7-16 shall be used.
01: Dewatering not feasible and may not be necessary
02: Vacuum necessary a) Section 11.8.1 of ASCE/SEI 7-16 does not apply to Dubai.
03: Vacuum beneficial b) Liquefaction shall be assessed using a PGA determined on the basis of either (1)
04: Sump pump a site-specific study considering soil amplification effects as specified in F.7.13.9
05: Single stage well point system
or (2) the PGAM, from Eq. F.9.
06: Two stage well point system/deepwell system
07: Deepwell systems
08: Excessive seepage flows: cut-off or wet excavation may be necessary PGAM=FPGA.PGA Eq. F.9
09: Ejectors

where, PGA is the MCEG peak ground acceleration taken from Table F.20 and FPGA
is the site coefficient from Table F.21.

F 63
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

Site class Short period FPGA The requirements for foundations design in liquefiable sites shall follow the
A 0.80
requirements in Section 12.13.9 of ASCE/SEI 7-16 and associated subclauses. This
shall include consideration of the following issues regarding liquefaction, namely:
B 0.90
C 1.27 a) lateral spreading;
D 1.54 b) global and differential settlements;
E 2.25 c) provision of ties between individual foundations; and
F See F.7.13.9 d) negative skin friction (i.e. downdrag) on vertical capacity of piles.
Table F.21 PGA site coefficient FPGA for liquefaction assessment in Dubai Where the impact of liquefaction exceeds the requirements of ASCE/SEI 7-16
(Table 12.13-2 for lateral spreading and Table 12.13-3 for differential settlement
thresholds), then suitable ground improvement shall be required.
The factor of safety (FS) against the occurrence of earthquake-induced liquefaction
shall be defined as the available soil resistance to liquefaction, the cyclic resistance F.9.4.6 Ground improvement
ratio (CRR) divided by the cyclic stress generated by the design event, the cyclic Ground improvement shall be designed according to BS EN 1997-1 and the ICE
stress ratio (CSR) as shown in Eq. F.10. The FS shall not be less than 1.5. Manual of geotechnical engineering (vol. I) Ch.25 [Ref. F.20].
NOTE: The following ground improvement techniques are accepted in Dubai
FS≥1.5(CRR/CSR) Eq. F.10 (see Figure F.29):
a) dynamic compaction;
The groundwater level shall be selected based on the peak over the design period, b) vibro-compaction;
which allows natural changes (such as the “spring” tide peak), land use changes and
c) soil replacement;
considerations for global warming.
d) soil mixing;
In calculating the CSR, a magnitude of 6.2 shall be used for Dubai.
e) grouting; and
When assessing the potential for liquefaction any published and internationally f) vertical drains.
accepted methodology can be used provided it is internally consistent. It is
Alternative techniques specified in accordance with international codes and
recommended to use the “Idriss Boulanger Method” [Ref. F.9]. The impact of
standards may also be accepted.
carbonate sands on the liquefaction potential should also be included.

F 64
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

75 4.75 0.075 0.002 0.0001 Figure F.30 illustrates the indicative range of soil type (particle size sieve analysis)
100 100
Key suitable for compaction techniques.
01 01: Explosive compaction
100%
90 02 90 02: Deep dynamic
90%
compaction
03 80%
03: Vibratory probes
80 80 70%
04: Particulate
04 60%
(cement) grout
50% 01 02 03 04
70 05 70 05: Compaction grouting
Percentage finer by weight

40%
06: Jet grouting
30%
60 06 60 07: Vibro replacement
20%
07 08: Drains for liquefaction
10%
09: Drains for compaction
50 50 0%
08 09 10: Compaction piles 0.001 0.01 0.1 1 10 100 1000
11: Admixtures Particle size (mm)
10
40 40 12: Deep soil mixing
Figure F.30 Indictive range of soil type (particle size sieve analysis)
11 13: Remove and replace
30 30 14: Gravel
12 Key
15: Sand
01: Stone columns are a solution for a foundation in these soils. There is a resulting increase in bearing
16: Silt
20 20 capacity and reduction on total and differential.
17: Clay
02: Compaction is only possible by adding suitable backfill (material from zones 03 or 04) from the
10 13 10
surface (stone columns or sand columns).

14 15 16 17
03: The soils in this zone are suited for vibro compaction. They have a fines content of less than 10%.
04: The soils of this zone are very well compactable.
0 0
75 10 1 0.1 0.01 0.001 0.0001 The right borderline indicates an empirically found limit where the amount of cobbles and boulders
Particle size (mm)
prevents compaction because the vibroprobe cannot reach the compaction depth.
Figure F.29 Type of ground improvement systems and type of soil

F 65
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.9.5 Execution of geotechnical works F.9.5.3 Shoring retaining systems

F.9.5.1 General In addition to the requirements of BS 8081, BS EN 1536, BS EN 1537, BS EN 1538
and BS EN 12063, the following requirements shall be included in the construction of
Geotechnical works shall be carried out in accordance with the BS EN standards
earth retaining structures.
listed in F.3.1.5. The Engineer and Geotechnical Specialist Contractor shall also
conform to the following clauses. a) All existing structures and utilities shall always be protected.
F.9.5.2 Earthworks (excavation and filling) b) All works of shoring systems shall be carried out within the land plot. The
Geotechnical Specialist Contractor shall obtain all required approvals from all
In addition to the requirements of BS EN 6031, the following requirements shall be
concerned Authorities and Owners of the adjacent plots regarding any shoring
included in the execution of excavation and backfill activities.
system or anchors protruding outside the land plot limits.
a) The materials used for backfilling purposes shall consist of selected materials c) The top 2 m of the shoring systems on the roads or services side shall be removed
such as sand/granular mixture free from organic materials or other biodegradable upon completion of the basement wall works.
materials. The Engineer shall determine whether excavated materials can be used
d) All works of shoring systems shall be continuously monitored by the Geotechnical
in general backfilling works after conducting the necessary testing.
Specialist Contractor.
b) All excavations exceeding 1.2 m in depth require an excavation permit issued by
e) Anchors can be removed on-site only after obtaining the written consent
the Authority.
of the Engineer.
c) All health and safety requirements shall be strictly followed while executing any
F.9.5.4 Foundations
excavation works.
It is envisaged that the following foundation systems will be typically provided
d) All excavation activities shall be carried out inside the plot limits only.
for buildings in Dubai:
A no encroachment, no parking, and no stopping zone with a minimum width
of 1 m shall be provided in proximity to the excavated area. a) shallow foundations;
e) For any works required outside of the plot limits, no objection certificate (NOC) b) deep foundations; and
/approval from all the relevant Authorities, departments or plot Owners shall be c) raft foundations.
submitted. In addition to the requirements of BS EN 1536, BS EN 12699 and BS EN 14199,
f) Execution of excavation and filling activities shall conform to the requirements the minimum testing criteria listed in Table F.22 shall be followed during and after
stipulated in Ch.75 of the ICE manual of geotechnical engineering the execution of reinforced concrete foundations on piles.
(vol. II) [Ref. F.20].
g) Installation of soil nails shall conform to the requirements of BS EN 14490.
Further guidance can be sought in Ch. 88 of the ICE manual of geotechnical
engineering (vol. II) [Ref. F.20].

F 66
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

Test Minimum requirement F.9.5.5 Groundwater control and dewatering

Static test on working piles Minimum 1% of all piles and each different In addition to the requirements given in CIRIA C750 [Ref. F.21], the following
diameter requirements shall also be included during the execution of dewatering on-site.
Dynamic test on working piles 5% of all piles
a) All existing facilities and utilities shall always be monitored and protected by the
Cross-hole sonic logging (for more than 1 m 10% of all piles 900 mm or greater with minimum Geotechnical Specialist Contractor.
diameter and 20 m length) four tubes/holes and minimum three tubes for
750 mm. Minimum length of testing 20 m or full b) A network shall be developed to monitor the groundwater pressure/piezometric
length if shorter. End bearing piles full length pressure separated from the dewatering system, the vertical groundwater
testing
gradients as well as the horizontal gradients, and the water rises inside and
Integrity test working piles 100% outside the excavations/the shoring systems.
Cubes test (concrete) as per technical specification c) Dewatering works shall not be stopped without the written approval of the
Reinforcement test as per technical specification Engineer, after achieving balance between water pressure and the weight of
Table F.22 Minimum testing requirements for pile foundation construction. The factor of safety shall be at least 1.1, irrespective of the friction
between walls and soil.
It is the responsibility of both the Engineer and the Geotechnical Specialist d) Care shall be taken during the dewatering process to ensure that fine particles soil
Contractor to select a test location which does not interfere with the location of is not removed during pumping, as this may lead to unexpected subsidence in the
the permanent structural piles of the main structure. The Geotechnical Specialist surrounding lands and the associated structures.
Contractor may propose test locations to be reviewed by the Engineer who may
accept them or propose alternative locations. Non-working preliminary test pile
(PTP) location and arrangement shall be submitted officially to the Authority during
the design stage and shall at least include the following.
1) Detailed drawings that clearly show the location of the test pile and
instrumentation.
2) Information detailing the planned duration of the PTP.
3) An official covering letter from the Engineer and/or the Geotechnical Specialist
Contractor.
4) Minimum 1No. PTP for each project. The maximum diameter and length of pile
should be considered, assuming that they are the most suitable for the site.
PTP results shall be used to optimize the pile design in accordance with
BS EN 1997-1:2004 and the associated UK NA.

F 67
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.9.5.6 Ground improvement 3) Deep piled foundation: It is recommended that, after completion of the
Ground improvement shall be executed in accordance with BS EN 12715, ground improvement, the weighted average of the CPT tip resistance profile is
BS EN 12716, BS EN 14199, BS EN 14475, BS EN 14679, BS EN 14731 and at least 8.0 MPa.
BS EN 15237. c) A ground improvement report, based on tests conducted after performing the
ground improvement, shall be approved by the Engineer and submitted to the
In addition to the requirements specified in the referenced codes and standards,
Authority.
the following requirements shall also be included during the execution of ground
improvement on-site. d) All existing facilities and utilities shall always be monitored and protected by the
Geotechnical Specialist Contractor.
a) A technical design shall be prepared by the Geotechnical Specialist Contractor and
e) All activities are to be carried out inside the plot limits only. For any activity
approved by the Engineer prior to submission to the Authority.
outside of the plot limits, a NOC from all of the relevant Authority departments
b) Tests shall be conducted before and after the ground improvement activities. (e.g. DEWA, RTA, etc.) or plot Owners should be submitted to the Authority.
Tests shall be proposed by the Geotechnical Specialist Contractor, reviewed by the
Engineer and approved by the Authority. The Geotechnical Specialist Contractor
should perform the following tests as minimum.
1) Bearing capacity:
i) One plate load test per each 750 m2 area (minimum one test for each
building) to be carried out in accordance with ASTM D1195M.
The recommended acceptance criterion is to achieve the targeted bearing
pressure with total settlements less than 25 mm.
ii) One zone load test in accordance with ASTM D1195M shall be required
for major developments comprising more than one building and special
structures.
2) Improvement to mitigate liquefaction risk: The efficiency of the improvement
shall be verified with CPT readings (in accordance with ASTM D5778 or
BS EN ISO 22476-1:2012). The pre-improvement CPT tests should be carried
out every 900 m2 maximum (or as stipulated in project specifications) to
compare the results with the post-improvement CPT tests. The locations of
post-improvement CPT tests should be selected at the central points between
the improved points. Weighted average of CPT tip resistance for near and far
tested point, should not be less than 6.0 MPa for shallow foundations.

F 68
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.10 Annex: Seismic acceleration and damping parameters

F.10.1 Seismic hazard in Dubai Reference Return periods Comment

A seismic hazard assessment for Dubai was commissioned by DM and carried out by 475 years 975 years 2,475 years
StrongMotions Inc. [Ref. F.22], for the purposes of supporting the seismic regulations Malhotra [Ref. F.22] 0.05 0.06 0.08 -
in this Part. Irfan et al. [Ref. F.23] 0.06 - 0.12 Consistent with
Malhotra [Ref. F.22].
The acceleration parameters used are taken directly from Malhotra [Ref. F.22].
Shama [Ref. F.24] 0.17 - 0.33 Includes the West Coast Fault
In this Annex the values are compared with other published studies for the region
as an active structure in their
(see Table F.23). There is consistency between several studies, but other studies model.
indicate higher seismicity in Dubai. Those studies have been reviewed by several Aldama et al. [Ref. F.25] 0.05 0.06 0.09 Consistent with
authors and are proposed to be inappropriate for the reasons highlighted in the table. Malhotra [Ref. F.22].
Pascucci et al. [Ref. F.26] 0.06 - 0.11 Consistent with
Malhotra [Ref. F.22].
Musson et al. [Ref. F.27] 0.05 - - Consistent with Malhotra
[Ref. F.22]. Only presents
results for one return period.
Sigbjornsson and 0.16 0.18 0.22 Includes the West Coast Fault
Elnashai [Ref. F.28] as an active structure in their
model.
Abdalla and Al Homoud 0.14 - - Source zone model allows
[Ref. F.29] seismicity from Iranian
coastline up to the UAE coast.
Grünthal et al. [Ref. F.30] 0.32 - - Regional study. The result
was not calculated but
extrapolated across the UAE.
Al-Haddad et al. < 0.05 - - Consistent with
[Ref. F.31] Malhotra [Ref. F.22], but only
a limited regional study.
Table F.23 Comparison of geometric mean PGA (g) calculated from various references (results to two decimal
places)

F 69
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.10.2 Seismic parameters for ASCE/SEI 7-16 F.10.2.2 Return period

F.10.2.1 Component of ground motion ASCE/SEI 7-16 defines the hazard in terms of a 2% probability of exceedance in 50
years, otherwise known as a return period of 2,475 years. As discussed in Malhotra
ASCE/SEI 7-16 defines the seismic parameters using the maximum rotated
[Ref. F.22], a factor of two-thirds is applied to approximate the hazard in the USA to
component of ground motion rather than geometric mean component of ground
approximate a return period of 475 years, as used in the previous degeneration of
motion. To account for this variation the component of ground motion,
seismic codes. This is an arbitrary requirement, which is country specific.
Malhotra [Ref. F.22] recommends the ratios in Table F.24. The proposed values are
consistent with similar published factors (e.g. Beyer and Bommer [Ref. F.32]). In contrast the Canadian building Code uses a 2,475-year return period directly.
The reason is because this lower probability is considered to provide a more uniform
Parameter Ratio margin of collapse, one that is much nearer to the probability of structural failure.
Similarly, the UK National Annex to BS EN 1998-1 also uses a 2,475-year return
PGA 1.20
period. This is to ensure seismic design is applied to the most critical structures in
PGV 1.22
what is generally a region of very low seismicity.
PGD 1.25
Since Dubai is principally affected by large distant events in Iran, it is considered
Table F.24 Resultant/geometric mean ratios (Malhotra, 2020)
appropriate not to reduce the seismic hazard level using the arbitrary two-thirds
factor used in the USA, but ensure seismic design caters for these larger events.
ASCE/SEI 7-16 also adjusts the seismic hazard to ensure risk-consistent hazard This should not increase the seismic demand compared to current design practice.
parameters for typical USA building stock following the procedure proposed by
Luco [Ref. F.33]. Malhotra [Ref. F.22] recommends that this adjustment is not
made, since the building stock in Dubai is considerably different to the USA and the
uncertainty in the methodology is large.

F 70
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.10.3 West Coast Fault

The West Coast Fault is presented as a structure on the tectonic map of the Arabian
Peninsula in Johnson (1998) [Ref. F.36]. The interpretation was based on figures
presented by Murris [Ref. F.34] and Hancock et al. [Ref. F.35]. Both references show
the West Coast Fault as a right lateral strike slip fault running along the coast from
Abu Dhabi through Dubai and Sharjah to Ras Al Khaimah, whereas
Johnson [Ref. F.36] shows this as a left lateral strike slip fault. They also both focus
on the Dibba line as the principal fault within the UAE and do not even discuss the
West Coast Fault.
The existence of the West Coast Fault is at best contentious. Some tectonic and
seismic hazard studies of the region do not include this fault as a local tectonic
feature (e.g. Pascucci et al., 2008, Aldama-Bustos et al. [Ref. F.25]). Other seismic
hazard studies include the West Coast Fault as a seismic source (e.g. Sigbjornsson
and Elnashai [Ref. F.28]); however details regarding the modelling parameters are
poorly defined.
A study was undertaken by Megahed et al. [Ref. F.37] on behalf of the Abu Dhabi
Department of Municipal Affairs to determine the threat posed to the UAE by the
West Coast Fault. The findings of this study rejected the existence of the West Coast
Fault. This agrees with the conclusions of the geological mapping of the area by the
British Geological Survey [Ref. F.27].

F 71
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.11 Annex: Dubai sustainable concrete baseline (DSCB)

F.11.1 General F.11.2 DM concrete calculator

Dubai sustainable concrete baseline (DSCB) is an alternative approach to the DM concrete calculator serves as a tool to help members assess their concrete mixes
minimum requirements for concrete mixes in F.6.2.3. against DSCB by changing different parameters and prior to submitting for DM
approval.
DSCB represents the allowable upper limit for the environmental weighted average
impact (WAI) of concrete mixes which was based on an industry-wide lifecycle DM concrete calculator is a web-based application and includes all the baseline mixes
assessment (LCA) and environmental product declaration conducted for the most in its data base.
common concrete mixes used in building construction in Dubai.
NOTE: To subscribe to DM concrete calculator, contact Research and Building
The WAI is calculated from the normalized LCA indicators/factors for each concrete Systems Section at dscb@dm.gov.ae.
mix including global warming potential, acidification potential, eutrophication
potential, abiotic depletion potential fossil, blue water consumption, reused water for F.11.3 Standard concrete mixes
washing and water for washing.
A ready-mixed concrete company operating in Dubai might have their standard
Table F.25 lists all the concrete mixes forming DSCB. Full details about the concrete concrete mixes approved to be used. For any standard mix to be approved, it needs
mix proportions, environmental impacts, and WAI can be accessed through a web- to have a WAI less than that of a corresponding baseline mix (see Table F.25) of the
based concrete calculator. same grade.
DSCB does not consider the durability aspects for any one of the concrete mixes Preliminary comparisons may be carried out by the client using DM concrete
listed in Table F.25. It is recommended to consult a design engineer for the right calculator. Final approval for every mix is issued by Research & Building Systems
durability specification for every project based on the prevailing conditions of the Section of the Building Permits Department.
structure (service life, exposure conditions, concrete grade, concrete cover and any
other relevant parameter affecting durability) and in line with F.5.6. Proposed mixes are compared to the WAI of the baseline mixes of equivalent grade.
The aim is to encourage the industry to produce more sustainable concrete,
eventually resulting in lowering the impact of concrete construction on the
environment. It is essential to balance the specification of concrete for sustainability
while ensuring other performance parameters are optimized. Engineers are urged
not to over-specify concrete strength and/or durability parameters and to permit
flexibility in designing the concrete mixes in a way that encourages the production of
more sustainable concrete.

F 72
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

Compressive Mix description Total Cement GGBS Silica w/c ratio F.11.4 New sustainable materials
strength cement/ (OPC) (slag) fume
Cm (kg/m3) (kg/m3) (kg/m3) The DSCB mixes are proportioned using the materials specified in F.6.2.3 including
(cylinder/cube)
(N/mm2) content GGBS, fly ash and silica fume. Other sustainable materials are permitted provided
(kg/m3) that:
C12/15, OPC + 36% GGBS 280 179 101 0 0.55
C16/20, C20/25 a) the material performance conforms to a standard specification and it is verified
(blinding) against that specification; and
C24/30 OPC + 36% GGBS 360 230 130 0 0.44 b) the material has an LCA report and data set submitted to DM for evaluation and
C28/35 OPC + 36% GGBS 380 243 137 0 0.42 approval.
C32/40 OPC + 36% GGBS 400 256 144 0 0.38 Once the material is approved, it is added to DSCB environmental impacts model and
C36/45 OPC + 36% GGBS 410 262 148 0 0.37 DM concrete calculator. Accordingly, it may be used in concrete mixes provided that
C40/50 OPC + 36% GGBS 420 269 151 0 0.36
those mixes have lower WAIs than those of the corresponding baseline mixes.
C44/55 OPC + 26% GGBS 430 397 112 21 0.35
+ 5% SF F.11.5 Concrete mixes for a specific project
C48/60 OPC + 26% GGBS 440 303 115 22 0.34
+ 5% SF
This service permits, for a specific project, the use of mixes different from those
specified in F.6.2.3 The mixes may exceed the WAI of the corresponding baseline
C52/65 OPC + 26% GGBS 450 306 117 27 0.33
+ 6% SF mixes provided that the total WAI for all the concrete mixes used in the project is less
than that of the baseline mixes, as shown in the following equation.
C56/70 OPC + 26% GGBS 460 312 120 28 0.33
+ 6% SF
C60/75 OPC + 26% GGBS 470 315 122 33 0.32 Eq. F.11
+ 7% SF
C64/80 OPC + 26% GGBS 490 329 127 34 0.31
∑(WAI of proposed mix . quantity of mix)≤∑(WAI of baseline mix . quantity of mix)
+ 7% SF
C68/85 OPC + 26% GGBS 500 330 130 40 0.30
+ 8% SF
NOTE: Further information on submitting applications can be obtained from
C72/90 OPC + 26% GGBS 510 336 133 41 0.29 Research and Building Systems Section at dscb@dm.gov.ae.
+ 8% SF
Table F.25 Concrete mixes of DSCB by concrete compressive strength

F 73
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

F.12 Annex: Precast stairs

The design of precast stairs should take into account the following.
a) Where precast stair flights are supported on in-situ landings, the landings should 05 05
be cast against the precast flight. This avoids the problems of tolerances where
precast flights are placed on previously cast in-situ landings.
b) The design should take into account how the stair is tied to the main structure,
the sequence of construction and the temporary works involved.
c) Ties between precast stair and precast supports are a critical aspect of the design.
01
Recommended types of connections are illustrated in Figure F.31 and Figure F.32.
d) Precast staircase flight may be supported by steel beams, providing the shear 02
studs are welded to the steel beam and holes in the precast unit are located over
the studs and then grouted, as shown in Figure F.33.
03
e) Ties between precast stairs and in-situ concrete landings as shown in Figure F.34
and Figure F. 35.
When landings are cast in-situ after placement of the precast stair flights, the stair 04
should be propped. It is important that the temporary braced props are supported by
permanent rather than temporary structures.
Typical connections are shown in Figure F.31, Figure F.32, Figure F.33, Figure F.34 and
Figure F.35. The Engineer can provide alternative details as long as the strength and
serviceability requirements are satisfied.
Figure F.31 Recommended connection between precast flight and precast landing – Lapped horizontal
connection with reinforcement in the topping tied into the structure

Key
01: Reinforcement in structural topping
02: Bar incorporated with reinforcement in precast staircase
03: Nib sized to ensure safety during construction
04: Precast landing
05: Minimum cover

F 74
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

07 φn

01
08 01
03

02
04

05

03 02

06
07

08

Figure F.32 Recommended connection between precast flight and precast landing with a dowel tie Figure F.33 Recommended connection between precast stair and steel beam with a shear stud tie

Key Key
01: Part plan of nib 01: Precast stair flight
02: Grouted clearance hole 02: Welded connection
03: Screed 03: U-bar link
04: Side section of connection
05: Precast landing
06: Precast stair flight
07: U-bar links
08: Dowel

F 75
Dubai Building Code Part F: Structure

04

03 03 04
05
02

02
01
01

Figure F.34 Recommended connection between precast flight and in-situ landing with a single rebar and nib Figure F.35 Recommended connection between precast flight and in-situ landing with a pair of rebars
(NOTE: Other rebars omitted for clarity)

Key Key
01: Precast region 01: Precast region
02: In-situ region 02: In-situ region
03: Bar incorporated with reinforcement in precast staircase 03: Bar incorporated with reinforcement in precast staircase
04: Reinforcing cast into in-situ landing, and lapped/tied with bar from precast unit 04: Reinforcement cast into in-situ landing, and lapped/tied with bar from precast unit
05: Prepared construction joint

F 76