Ministry of Education
Services Provided by Cadreatech Professionals
- Structural and civil engineering services
- Construction supervision
- Measurements for payment certificates
Activities Performed
Structural analysis and design of the 16-storey building
Preparation of structural drawings and design documentation
Coordination with architectural and MEP teams
Contract administration including site supervision and measurement of works
Project Description
This project involves the structural and civil engineering design of a proposed 16-storey institutional building within the Technical University of Kenya campus in Nairobi. The building is intended to support a wide range of academic, research, and administrative functions, including computer laboratories, libraries, lecture halls, faculty offices, meeting rooms, and student support facilities.
A key design requirement was the provision of large clear spans exceeding 8 metres between columns to allow flexible internal layouts, efficient circulation, and unobstructed learning spaces. The structural system was carefully selected and engineered to achieve vertical load efficiency, lateral stability, and long-term durability while meeting Kenyan building regulations and applicable international design standards.
The structural design considered gravity loads, wind loads, and seismic effects appropriate for a high-rise building in an urban environment. Emphasis was placed on constructability, cost efficiency, and coordination with other disciplines to ensure seamless integration of architectural intent, building services, and structural performance.
Outcome
Cadreatech successfully delivered a robust structural design solution for a 16-storey institutional building that accommodates diverse academic and administrative functions while achieving large clear spans and efficient vertical load transfer. The design demonstrates effective application of advanced structural engineering principles, including high-rise reinforced concrete systems, lateral load resistance, and serviceability control.
The project strengthened professional expertise in high-rise structural design, reinforced concrete and composite systems, multidisciplinary coordination, and integration of functional requirements with structural safety and performance. The proposed building is designed to provide long-term structural reliability, adaptability for future expansion, and a safe, comfortable environment for students, faculty, and staff, supporting the Technical University of Kenya’s academic mission and growth objectives.
Basement Excavation Works for Structural Foundations
This image shows excavation works carried out for basement and foundation construction, involving excavation to the required formation level in accordance with approved structural and geotechnical specifications. The works include removal of overburden soil, trimming of excavation faces, and preparation of the foundation base to receive substructure elements such as blinding, foundation walls, and ground beams. Careful control of excavation depth, drainage, and working space is critical to ensure stability of excavation sides and safety of personnel. Cadreatech provided civil and structural engineering oversight to ensure that excavation works complied with design drawings, geotechnical recommendations, and construction safety standards, forming a stable and accurate base for subsequent foundation construction.
Basement Skin Wall, Waterproofing and Screed Protection Works
This image shows basement skin wall construction works combined with the application of waterproofing membranes and protective screed. The works include installation of reinforced masonry or concrete skin walls to retain soil, followed by torch-applied waterproofing membranes to prevent groundwater ingress into the basement structure. A protective screed layer is then placed over the waterproofing to safeguard the membrane from mechanical damage during subsequent reinforcement fixing and concrete placement. These works are critical for long-term durability of basement structures, ensuring water tightness, structural integrity, and protection of internal spaces. Cadreatech provided civil and structural engineering supervision to ensure correct detailing, material application, workmanship quality, and compliance with design specifications and waterproofing standards.
Basement Reinforcement Fixing for Raft Foundation
This image captures the cutting, bending, and placement of reinforcement bars for a basement raft foundation. The works involve precise fixing of bottom and top reinforcement mats, column starter bars, shear links, and service penetrations in accordance with approved structural drawings and bar bending schedules. Proper spacing, anchorage lengths, lap joints, and cover requirements are carefully maintained to ensure structural integrity and load transfer. The raft foundation system provides a uniform load distribution to the underlying soil, particularly suitable for sites with weak or variable ground conditions and deep basement excavations. Cadreatech provided structural engineering supervision to ensure compliance with design specifications, workmanship quality, and adherence to safety and construction standards before concrete placement.
Basement One Slab and Retaining Wall Construction
This image shows the construction of the basement one slab and reinforced concrete retaining wall level, executed in very close proximity to an existing building. The works include completed basement slab casting, vertical column starter bars, and retaining wall construction designed to support lateral earth pressures while safeguarding adjacent structures. Due to the limited working space and the presence of nearby buildings, careful sequencing, structural detailing, and construction supervision were essential to control ground movement and prevent structural distress. The retaining wall system and basement slab were designed to act integrally, ensuring adequate stiffness, load transfer, and long-term durability. Cadreatech provided structural engineering supervision to ensure compliance with design drawings, reinforcement detailing, waterproofing coordination, and safe construction practices in a constrained urban environment.
