2014-1_Logbook Interim_ENVS10003

CONSTRUCTING ENVIRONMENTS LOGBOOK INTERIM SUBMISSION

ACHINI ATTANAYAKE 698278

WEEK 1: COMPRESSION

Figure 1: Models constructed to support a brick

During our first week, we were introduced to the concept of compression. We made paper structures which would be able to support a brick.

Most of the successful models were short and stout in nature.

View from above

Figure 2: Original Plan

Opening for horse

In the tute, the aim was to build the tallest structure using MDF blocks. We also had to accommodate sufficient room for a toy horse.

Our original plan was to have a large square foundation, with tall walls built on the sides. At one end, there was to be a small rectangular opening for the toy horse. The ceiling of the structure was to be resolved later during the process.

Applied force

Figure 3: Brick arrangement No. 1.

Note: Compression is in action

View from above

Reaction force

Figure 4: Brick arrangement No. 2

We used two methods of brick arrangement for the foundation.

Original foundation Figure 5: Brick arrangement No. 1 (Picture: Achini Attanayake)

The MDF blocks whilst sturdy and suitable for compressive loads, lacked a frictional surface.

Hence, despite the blocks’ neat appearance, we struggle to keep the arrangement in a tidy manner.

Figure 7: The placement of the walls Figure 6: Altered foundation (Picture: Achini Attanayake)

Note: Arrows show load paths

The original size of the foundation was approximately 19×19 blocks. However, we reconsidered its size as there was a limited timeframe as well as a restricted supply of resources. The altered sized was approximately 10×10 blocks.

1

Figure 10: Deconstruction of the model

Figure 8: Finished model due to lack of time (Picture: Achini Attanayake)

Note: Arrows show the load paths

Figure 9: Deconstruction of the model (Picture: Achini Attanayake)

During the deconstruction process, each side collapsed after around 3-4 blocks were removed.

Figure 11: Alternative brick arrangement Note: Arrows show the load paths

The others also opted to place their blocks in the same arrangement (See Figure 3). However, some groups placed blocks on its side in order to increase height at a faster rate.

Figure 12: Another group’s model (Picture: Achini Attanayake)

This group closed off the ceiling by gradually decreasing the size of the surrounding circles.

Unlike us, all of them preferred circular bases.

Figure 13: The winning model (Picture: Achini Attanayake)

2

3

WEEK 1 KNOWLEDGE MAP

References: see Reference list on pg. 11

4

WEEK 2: FRAME

The aim was to build a high structure using thin long pieces of balsa wood.

We incorrectly cut the wood into shorter pieces.

Fixed joint

Figure 14: Models Figure 15: The base (Picture: Achini Attanayake)

During the lecture, we were taught the importance of certain framing techniques. As seen in Figure 14, diagonal structures are more stable and stronger than vertical members.

We tried applying this technique when constructing our tower.

Figure 17: Lateral bracing

This was to be a structural skeletal system.

Therefore, we tried to employ certain aspects like lateral bracing.

Figure 16: Fixed joint (Newton, 2014)

However, the wood pieces proved to be too short to provide bracing between the sides.

Figure 18: Construction of the sides (Picture: Achini Attanayake)

Adding another triangular formation proved to be sufficient support.

5

We increased its height by sticking wood pieces together. We also added triangular formations to keep the sides in place.

The balsa was too soft and hence, it kept snapping on occasions. The sticky tape was an unreliable source of binding material as its stickiness wore off. Glue took too long to work effectively.

Figure 19: Construction of the sides (Picture: Achini Attanayake)

We added a supporting leg on the side to prevent structure from toppling over.

Figure 20: Finished model (Picture: Achini Attanayake)

Point load

Figure 21: Load paths in finished model

Stress point

Figure 22: Stressing process (Picture: Achini Attanayake)

When put under stress, our structure took a while to break. This was due to the short pieces of wood which provided more sturdiness than longer pieces.

Figure 23: Load paths in model while under stress

6

Figure 24 (on left) and Figure 25 (on right): Other models (Pictures: Achini Attanayake)

Others also utilised triangular formations in their structures.

Figure 24: This group used lateral bracing and hence, their structure was very stable.

Figure 25: The winning structure used the same approach as us but it collapsed easily due to the longer pieces.

87

References: see Reference list on pg. 11

WEEK 2 KNOWLEDGE MAP

8

GLOSSARY BEAM: a rigid structural piece which carries and transfers transverse loads to supporting members (Ching, 2008) BRACING: a structure, usually diagonal, which supports adjacent framework

COLUMN: a vertical and cylindrical structure which usually upholds a horizontal member above COMPRESSION: when an external load pushes on a member, the particles within the material are condensed together (Newton, 2014)

DEAD LOADS: a static load which acts vertically downwards on a structure; it is the self-weight of the structure itself (Ching, 2008)

ESD: Environmentally Sustainable Design; the efficiency of a building’s design along its lifespan (Newton, 2014) FORCE: any influence which produces a change in the shape or movement of an object (Newton, 2014) FRAME: also known as skeletal systems; efficiently transfers loads down to the ground (Newton, 2014) LIVE LOADS: moving or movable loads (Ching, 2008)

9

LOAD PATH: the most direct path taken by applied loads (Newton, 2014)

MASONRY: stonework POINT LOAD: a load located at one point

REACTION FORCE: an equal and opposite force to an applied action STABILITY: the ability to sustain any possible load conditions (Ching, 2008) STRUCTURAL JOINT: a method of connection between structural members STRUCTURAL SYSTEM: a particular system which supports, and transmits gravity and lateral loads to the ground (Ching, 2008) TENSION: when an external load pulls on a member, the particles within the material are pulled apart (Newton, 2014)

UNIFORM LOAD: loads that are distributed equally along a plane

VECTOR: a quantity with a magnitude and a direction (Newton, 2014)

10

REFERENCES Ching, F.D.K. (2008). Building construction illustrated (4th ed.). Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons Grose, M. (2014). Walking the constructed city. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGMA71_3H6o&feature=youtu.be Newton, C. (2014). Construction systems. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zTarEeGXOo&feature=youtu.be Newton, C. (2014). ESD and collecting materials. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luxirHHxjIY&feature=youtu.be Newton, C. (2014). Introduction to materials. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4CJ8o_lJbg&feature=youtu.be Newton, C. (2014). Load path diagrams. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y__V15j3IX4&feature=youtu.be Newton, C. (2014). Structural joints. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxRdY0jSoJo&feature=youtu.be Newton, C. (2014). Structural systems. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l--JtPpI8uw&feature=youtu.be Selenitsch, A. (2014). Column and Wall; Point and Plane. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJ97Whk1kGU&feature=youtu.be

11