Ghost Sighting in Singaore

Personal Ghost Sighting at Bukit Rimau Natural Reserve  in Singapore

This story happened during my College days when I visited my friend Ah Kong in his house in Singapore. After several days, his girlfriend Rita and her sister Sue, suggested that we spend some time at the reservoir at Bukit Timah Reserve. As we didn’t have any plans, we readily agreed, besides I was hoping to spend time with Sue.

We left very early the next day by bus and we plan to spend the time until evening. We spend our time jumping off cliffs and swimming in the quarry. We were just swimming and not worried about sharp objects like sharp wooden sharps or rusty nails, guess we are just too busy to show off our ‘prowess’ to the girls.

We dried off and we proceeded with lunch, which consisted of bread with sardines and tomatoes prepared earlier by Kong’s mother. Our drinks were provided also provided by Kong’s mother. At first, we were busy joking and laughing, when Rita got upset with Ah Kong and she was adamant about going home. Unable to convince her otherwise, we reluctantly decide to pack up and leave.

As we were leaving about late evening time, we suddenly heard a pack of dogs barking and howling continuously. The evening was lifeless there were no sounds from crickets and no sound of birds. Suddenly I notice a smell, a sweet and flora aroma or around of us. Confused we walk straight towards the gathering where we saw the packs of the howling dogs. Something was not right and we told the girls to walk on, after all we can use our sticks on the dogs. When we got to the gathering, we notice the dogs were not barking at us but at something behind us. I notice Ah Kong turned to look back from where we came but he quickly turned around and rapidly charged after us. Slowly, the sweet odour disappeared after we left the place.

We finally manage to get a bus but hardly spoke among ourselves. Since Ah Kong is a Chinese, we had to get our feet washed and walked three times around the house before heading indoors (an old Chinese ritual, I think).  We did not talk about the incident and I left shortly after that to go back to my place in Malaysia.

Months later we were back in Malaysia when I asked Ah Kong about the incident in the reservoir in Bukit Timah. He was reluctant to talk about the event but finally relented. It seems that he saw a Pontianak (a female vampire) up in the tree that night!

Syatilla Melvin, up & coming actress and model Syatilla Melvin, who is fondly as Tilla, was a former finalist Junior Goddess (a local reality local TV) Name : Siti Nur Syatilla Bt Amirol Melvin Date of Birth : 08 Februari 1991 Age : 20 tahun Race : Eurasian Religion : Islam Height : 171 cm Weight : 49 kg Various wild accusations were thrown at the 21 year old performer, Tilla, when a video titled 'Syatilla Melvin Section In Lingerie Ad' first spread on the social pages. "I am not upset, but rather disappointed over the negative comments from people who have watched the clip," she said. At the same time, the star of TV3 drama BFF, also expressed regret on the video. Friends BFF drama starring Sari Yanti, Munif Jesus, Irfan Roslan and Syatilla Melvin in TV3 series. From left: Irfan Roslan,Sari Yanti,Muniff Isa and Syatilla Melvin in the TV drama series "I'm definitely not linking La Senza, with the lingerie with the video casting. Actually, the video was not made for La Senza.” “I'm sorry that there are those who are hurt when they watched the video. I will make sure these events do not occur again in the future.” added Tilla drama that also stars TV3 titled BFF. (Note : there are a lot of blogs who did not approve of the ‘hot dress’ worn by Tilla) In the video, Syatilla dances provocatively to Doris Day's 1960s hit “Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps”. (Really a great song) http://www.lepak.tv/watch/34c5c2b5f473abe64b60/Syatilla-Melvin-Seksi-Dalam-Iklan-Pakaian-Dalam-La-Senza-Lah-

Pre-Engineered Frames

It is still very quiet in the construction sector. With the 15 cent decrease per liter in petrol price, I was hoping it will generate some activity. Unfortunately, I really cannot see any difference yet. Maybe its just too soon. Unfortunately, not everybody has the luxury of time, waiting for the economy to improve, as there are bills to be paid and mouths to feed. In the meantime, all we can do is wait, hope and pray…..(can also grumble and moan. Ha ha)

Heard people complaining that the prices of goods have not come down in tandem with the decrease in petrol prices. Hope the Government realize that its easy for prices to go up and so difficult to come down. In the future, I hope the next time we can elect leaders who well-versed in the workings of an economy. For example, I personally think, the former Prime Minister handled the economy very well.

My bank, just called to remind me of my monthly payment. My loan payment is due on the 15th every month, today is the 4th and they have already called me twice this month.! I sure wish they could be as efficient in their other activities. Like lending money to people who are in need instead of driving them to Ah Longs.

MY PRESENT JOBS

The only project I got lat week was an existing building, that the owners was thinking of adding another layer of roof on top of the existing layer. The reasons being, the present roof has rusted or something like that. The roof is supported by pre-engineered frames. Attached is a cross-section of the frame. Note: Pre-engineered frames are made up of tapered I-beams which supposedly tapers according to the magnitude of the Bending Moment at that particular section.

My task was to ascertain whether the present frames was strong enough to cater for the additional loads. As nobody has a copy of the old drawings and calculations, I had to re-analyzed the structure based on actual measurement of the existing steel frame etc.

I checked the frame at various locations (as the frame is tapered), had to work out the section properties at these locations. Then check biaxial bending at these points. To cut a long story short, the frame seems adequate.

Then I check the two interior columns (see above sketch) which were made up of UC254x254x 73kg/m. Note: the height/length of the column is 13.09m. The slenderness ratio in the y axis works out to be 202.98! The maximum allowed per the code is 180. Theoretically, the 2 interior columns failed.

I also checked the various connection joints, that too failed!

My client when informed of this ask “How come the structure is still standing?”

More on this in next entry. Do not want to bore people to much at one go.
Bye & happy engineering!

Steel Engineering - Deflection

Happy Belated Merdeka Day to all fellow Malaysians. This year’s celebration seems subdued and low-keyed compared to previous years. Considering the soaring prices of goods and rocketing inflation nowadays, this is to be expected. I hardly saw any cars decorated with mini flags this year and hardly any shops flying the National flag. Well all these “belt tightening” to cope with high price of goods and services can sure put a damper on everybody’s mood.

It was actually a double whammy for me this year. First, the escalating expenses together with the slowdown in business, and secondly, the news that a leader of the ruling party, allegedly labeling the Chinese as immigrants or squatters. Its a bit depressing, having been born here, grew up here, lived and worked here, and suddenly labeled a “squatter”.

Actually there is a third whammy. All I got from this year Budget is an increase in price of cigarettes, my one bad habit (although my wife will disagree that I have only 1 bad habit – ha! ha!)

Somebody once said, “Its easy to be A Malay hero, or a Chinese hero, or an Indian hero, but its difficult to be a Malaysian hero”. I guess its safe to conclude that Datuk Ahmad does not aspire to be a Malaysian hero.

The most disappointing aspect about the whole episode, is the Prime Minister’s response, which is akin to “Aiyo! Never mind-lah. I am sure he doesn’t mean it”. Wow, that’s that even close to a light slap on the wrist.

Some politicians are still playing the racial card, but despite their best (or worst) efforts, the people in Malaysia as a whole are still living and working in harmony. United we must be, to face the challenges and competition from other countries.

MY PRESENT JOBS

Attached with today’s blog, is a photo of a job in Nilai, which was completed recently. Note that when designing cantilever trusses, do remember to check for deflection and make sure the design meets the requirements as specified in the British code are complied with.

Below is an extract from BS5950 : Part 1 : 1985 on the deflections criteria there must be met. Note, imposed or service loads are just another word for Live Load. Live load is generally equals to 0.25 kN/m² for buildings in this country. (per Uniform Building Code, Laws of Malaysia).

BS 5950 : Part 1 : 1985

Structural use of steelwork in building

2.5.1 Deflection

The deflection under serviceability loads of a building or part should not impair the strength or efficiency of the structure or its components or cause damage to the finishings.

When checking for deflections the most adverse realistic combination and arrangement of serviceability loads should be assumed, and the structure maybe assumed to be elastic.

Table 5. Deflection limits other than for pitched roof portal frames.

(a) Deflection of beams due to unfactored imposed load.

Cantilevers	Length/180
Beam carrying plaster or other brittle finish	Span/360
All other beams	Span/200
Purlins and sheeting rails	See 4.12.2

(b) Horizontal deflection of columns in single-storey buildings

Tops of columns in single-storey buildings	Height/300
In each storey of a building with more than one storey	Height of storey under consideration/300

(c) Crane gantry girders

Vertical deflection due to static wheel loads	Span/600
Horizontal deflection (calculated on the top flange properties alone) due to crane surge	Span/500

NOTE 1. On low-pitched and flat roofs the possibility of ponding needs consideration.

NOTE 2. For limiting deflection in runway beams refer to BS 2853.

Steel Construction & Engineering

VIEW POINT OF AN ENGINEER

To start off, congratulations to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on winning the by-election in Penang. I think, some of the support he received was that people hope that he can help the economy. Basically a lot of people have lost confidence in the Government’s ability to manage the economy. He should take this opportunity to help find ways to alleviate the suffering of the people. Millions of Malaysians are struggling to survive after drastic increase in EVERTHING!

To both Barisan and Pakatan, please realize that people are so tired with all these politicking. Enough of all the allegations and counter allegations. High time to get back to work to find ways to help the people. The well being of the economy is what is truly important to the people. People have children to feed and bills to pay. I believe the party that manages to do this will surely win the next General Election.

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

The construction industry was in the doldrums the past few months and it seems to be even worse now! Various construction related organizations have pleaded unsuccessfully with the Government to help stabilize the building material prices This is the first and much needed step to get the sector moving again. This will directly or indirectly generate much needed activities which will benefit the entire economy.

MY PRESENT JOBS

None to speak of. (ha! ha!). I submitted some roof framing (steel beams and columns made up of rectangular and square hollow section (RHS & SHS)) for a housing project in Puchong last week. Other than that, a meeting tomorrow on framing of laminated glass for IOI Building, also in Puchong. Anybody got work for me?

I have included a drawing of a job I was involved in a couple of months ago. The sketch was done using the “Sketchup” program. I did the steel drawings on Autocad which they require for submission to the authorities. The roof is supported by ‘curved’ steel trusses. Looks nice? By the way, this building is in Australia.

If only I can get more overseas job. Its’ really a win-win situation. I am sure we can do it at much lower costs compared to if its’ done locally (in this particular case, if its done in Australia). Got it done all via email.

Effective lengths of Compression Members

Here in Malaysia, the governing code is the British Standard, specifically BS 5950 : Part 1 for steel structures.

I had some questions from some engineers regarding effective lengths last week. So, maybe it would help to write out the specific clause on effective lengths per the British code.

Clause 19.6.2. Effective lengths of compression Members

BS 5950 : Part 1 : 1985 limits the slenderness permissible in struts to the following :

• 180 for members resisting loads other than wind loads
• 250 for members resisting self-weight and wind loads
• 350 for members acting as a tie but subject to lad reversal under wind action.

The slenderness ratio, which is the effective length divided by the radius of gyration, is used to determine the axial capacity of a structural member.

Hope the above is of use to you. Anybody needs further clarifications, please let me know.

Till the next time, Happy Engineering.

VIEWPOINT OF AN ENGINEER

ECONOMY

Whew! Finally some good news. The PM has announced that he will stepping down (but only in 2 years time). My first reaction is, “Its too long”. However, maybe this long transition is good. Hopefully this will stop the politicking and the Honorable leaders will get down to work, which is helping the people. Millions of citizens are suffering caused by the steep price hike. Besides, as a friend mentioned a new leader does not mean things will get better – could be even worse. All we can do is hope and pray.

Please come up with better ideas than telling people to sell “goreng pisang” after they are done with their day job. Those that are doing this full time are already struggling to make a living! Having extra competition from part-timers does not help. Probably only guarantee losses for all involved!

Another bright idea is paying civil servants twice a month. Maybe I am stupid, but I can’t figure out how this will help the people involved. Unless they are thinking the people couldn’t be trusted with their money and this prevent them from spending all in a couple of days upon receiving their salaries.

Wonder, who comes out with all these ideas?

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

The construction industry is seemingly in a coma. A common respond I get nowadays is, “Project on hold, as budget exceeded” “How to quote, prices now like the stock market” etc. Until the prices of building material prices are stabilized, there is no hope of recovery. I can’t understand why the Government never thought about all this, before they happily hike up the fuel prices.

I applaud the initiatives of the Master Builders’ Association suggestion that the Government stockpile certain materials to stabilize prices. Whether this works or not, nobody knows, but at least its an attempt to stabilize prices and get the construction industry moving again. Its been said that the construction industry has the biggest multiplier effect on a country’s economy (maybe, I am biased).

MY PRESENT JOBS

1) Bungalow at Bukit Damansara

I am working on a bungalow in Bukit Damansara but only on the structural steel portions only, namely the car porch, the staircase and the roof top (which consists of cantilever columns supporting a ‘wavy’ roof structure – tough!) However it’s a creative concept, they even plan to have a ‘koi’ pond on one of the upper open levels and a steel bridge! The owner is an established and successful architect with his own company.

2) Training

I provided some training for the technical staff of a roof truss manufacturer in Klang last week. Basically it’s a training on “How to design a roof truss (using RHSs & SHSs) and its connections”. Design is based on BS5950 , which is the governing code for Malaysia. Considering, that this is my first time I am doing this, I think I did not do too badly. I am quite sure, most of them were still awake when I was through – ha! ha! Anybody, interested in Steel Design training?