In construction engineering, every project presents its own challenges and difficulties. From standard buildings to specialized structures, each design element demands careful consideration and expertise. To maintain this process, engineers often rely on complexity charts to assess and manage the issues involved. In this article, we’ll discuss the Engineering Complexity Chart, studying its various components and its significance in modern construction practices.

Building Items

Standard Building (Length <= 100 m and Width <= 30 m)

Standard buildings serve as the foundation of construction projects, adhering to predetermined dimensions and specifications. These structures form the basis upon which more complex designs are built.

Special Design Codes (Other than MBMA and AISC)

In certain cases, projects may require adherence to specialized design codes beyond the standard regulations set by organizations like MBMA (Metal Building Manufacturers Association) and AISC (American Institute of Steel Construction). Compliance with these codes adds layers of complexity to the design process.

STAAD Framed or Truss Design (Each Model)

Utilizing software like STAAD, engineers can model and analyze the structural integrity of framed or truss designs. Each unique model introduces additional complexity to the engineering process.

Width greater than 30 M (Add for each 12 m)

Expanding the width of a building beyond 30 meters necessitates adjustments in design and structural support systems. With each increment of 12 meters, the complexity of the project increases accordingly.

Non Standard Slope (Other than 1:10 or 0.5:10)

Deviation from standard slope ratios requires customized design solutions tailored to the specific requirements of the project, thereby amplifying its complexity.

Each Additional Main Frame (With Cranes, Mezzanine, Jack Beam, Walkways, Catwalks, Jib Cranes)

The incorporation of additional main frames, accompanied by various features such as cranes, mezzanines, and walkways, introduces intricacies in structural design and functionality.

By-pass endwall girts

Integrating by-pass endwall girts into the design necessitates meticulous planning to ensure structural integrity and optimal performance.

Special Moment Connections

Implementing special moment connections requires precise engineering to withstand dynamic loads and ensure stability under varying conditions.

Multi-Gable condition

Structures with multi-gable conditions pose unique design challenges, demanding innovative solutions to maintain equilibrium and structural coherence.

Unsymmetrical Ridge Condition

Deviations from symmetrical ridge conditions call for customized design approaches to balance structural forces and maintain stability.

Different Wind Column Spacing per Endwall

Varied wind column spacing along the end walls requires tailored design strategies to mitigate wind-induced stresses and optimize structural performance.

Length of Wind Column exceeding 9M

Longer wind columns introduce complexities in structural analysis and design, necessitating robust solutions to ensure stability and safety.

Skewed Walls

Skewed walls add intricacies to the design process, requiring meticulous planning to accommodate irregular geometries while maintaining structural integrity.

Curved Eaves

Incorporating curved eaves demands specialized design techniques to achieve both aesthetic appeal and structural soundness.

Portal Bracing (Non-Identical)

Non-identical portal bracing configurations necessitate customized design solutions to distribute loads effectively and enhance structural stability.

Strut Tubes (Non-Identical)

Non-identical strut tube arrangements introduce complexities in structural analysis and design, requiring tailored solutions to optimize performance.

Angle Bracing (Non-Identical)

Non-identical angle bracing configurations call for customized design approaches to ensure uniform load distribution and structural stability.

Jack Beams (Non-Identical)

Non-identical jack beam arrangements necessitate precise engineering to support varying loads and maintain structural integrity.

Fascia (Upto 2.0 M high) (SW=1, EW=1)

Installing fascia up to 2.0 meters high entails detailing to enhance aesthetic appeal and structural coherence.

Non-Standard Fascia, Parapet & Inverted Fascia (SW=1, EW=1)

Non-standard fascia, parapet, and inverted fascia designs require tailored solutions to meet aesthetic and functional requirements while adhering to safety standards.

Roof Extension (up to 1.5 M) (SW=1, EW=1)

Extensions to the roof, up to 1.5 meters, introduce complexities in design and structural analysis, necessitating precise engineering solutions.

Roof Extension (Greater than 1.5M) (SW=1, EW=1)

Extensions exceeding 1.5 meters require specialized design considerations to maintain structural integrity and aesthetic coherence.

Canopy (In Main Building) (Non-Identical)

Non-identical canopy designs within the main building demand customized engineering solutions to ensure seamless integration and structural stability.

Framed Openings

Incorporating framed openings into the design requires meticulous planning to maintain structural integrity and functionality.

Framed Openings (Special)

Special framed openings introduce additional complexities in design and structural analysis, necessitating customized solutions to meet project requirements.

Roof Transition

Managing roof transitions entails careful planning to ensure smooth integration and structural coherence across different sections of the building.

Wall liner (SW=1, EW=1)

Integrating wall liners into the design requires meticulous detailing to enhance aesthetic appeal and structural integrity.

Roof Liner

Installing roof liners involves precise engineering to optimize thermal insulation and moisture control while maintaining structural stability.

False Ceiling

Incorporating false ceilings demands meticulous planning to achieve both aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency.

Staircase (Single & Double Flight)

Designing staircases, whether single or double flight, requires careful consideration of space, safety, and structural integrity.

Special Staircase (Multilevel or Independent Structure)

Special staircases, such as multilevel or independent structures, introduce complexities in design and functionality, necessitating customized solutions.

Expansion Joint

Implementing expansion joints requires precise engineering to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining structural integrity.

Partitions (SW=1, EW=1)

Integrating partitions into the design demands meticulous planning to optimize space utilization and structural coherence.

Cage Ladder

Incorporating cage ladders into the design necessitates careful consideration of safety standards and structural integrity.

Catwalks & Walkways

Designing catwalks and walkways requires meticulous planning to ensure safe access and structural stability.

Roof Platform

Installing roof platforms involves precise engineering to support equipment and facilitate maintenance activities while maintaining structural integrity.

Jib Cranes

Integrating jib cranes into the design requires specialized engineering solutions to optimize functionality and structural stability.

Monorails or Under Hung Cranes

Incorporating monorails or underhung cranes introduces complexities in design and structural analysis, necessitating customized solutions.

Top Running Cranes (Number of Different Crane Beams)

Utilizing top running cranes with multiple crane beams requires meticulous planning to optimize space utilization and structural integrity.

Crane Tower OR Independent Crane Columns

Choosing between crane towers and independent crane columns entails careful consideration of load-bearing capacity and structural stability.

Standard Mezzanine (Number of members to be designed)

Designing standard mezzanines involves precise engineering to optimize space utilization and structural integrity.

Roof Monitor

Installing roof monitors requires meticulous planning to optimize natural lighting and ventilation while maintaining structural integrity.

Handrails (Other than staircase) (Per Line)

Integrating handrails into the design requires adherence to safety standards and meticulous detailing to ensure structural integrity.

Non Standard Sliding Doors

Incorporating non-standard sliding doors introduces complexities in design and functionality, necessitating customized solutions.

Hanger Door Support System

Implementing hanger door support systems requires precise engineering to withstand dynamic loads and ensure operational efficiency.

Ridge Vents (600 mm throat)

Installing ridge vents with a 600mm throat demands meticulous planning to optimize ventilation and maintain structural integrity.

Floor Gratings or Checkered plates (Other than staircase)

Integrating floor gratings or checkered plates requires careful consideration of load-bearing capacity and safety standards.

Hip and Valley Condition

Managing hip and valley conditions entails specialized design approaches to maintain structural integrity and aesthetic coherence.

Sandwich Panel

Incorporating sandwich panels introduces complexities in design and installation, necessitating specialized engineering solutions.

Special Items

Addressing special items not covered by standard design parameters requires innovative engineering solutions tailored to the unique requirements of the project.

Navigating Design Complexity

The Engineering Complexity Chart serves as a comprehensive tool for navigating the intricate landscape of building design. By categorizing various design elements and their associated complexities, engineers can streamline the planning, analysis, and execution phases of construction projects. From standard buildings to specialized structures, each item on the chart represents a distinct challenge that demands careful consideration and expertise.

In construction engineering, managing complex problems is key to delivering successful projects on time and within budget. The Engineering Complexity Chart provides a fast approach to assess the challenges in building design. By understanding these things of each building item and applying solutions, engineers can solve the complexities of construction with confidence and precision.

Click Below to Download the Spreadsheet

Engineering Complexity Chart Excel Spreadsheet Download