Week 3 journal

Week 3 Journal

This week in the tutorial we looked at different buildings around campus and explored their different structural systems and materials. The first site we focused on was the canopy roof at the entrance of the Eastern Resource Centre. The materials used for this structure are mainly, concrete, steel, glass and wooden panels. As the canopy is situated between existing buildings, the amount of space available for the roof would be a potential construction constraint during construction.

The canopy features a steel frame for support, as well as a cantilever structure to hold up the protruding canopy. The steel frame extends into the the interior of the building, relying partly on the ERC building for support as well.

Constructing Environments Brian Siu (635900)

Week 3 Journal

This site also contains a number of different materials, such as steel, glass, plaster walls, concrete, tumber decking, carpet flooring, as well as brick walls from the neightbouring existing building.

The next site we looked at was the MSLE building, particularly the part which connected the two neighbouring buildings. One important construction constraint of this structure would be the size, as it must fit in the narrow space. Since it acts as a bridging between the two buildings, it has a strong link to other buildings. This site features a dominantly steel structural frame, while also featuring a cantilever deck on the inside. It has possibly a timber or steel roof.

Constructing Environments Brian Siu (635900)

Week 3 Journal

The third site observed was the Queen’s College extension, which is still under construction. The structure is comprised primarily of concrete, and a steel frame is apparent for a support structure.

In terms of materials it features steel, concrete and glass. As it is an extension building, it is strongly linked to the existing Queen’s College building. Additionally, waterproofing is evident at the foundations, in the shape of a plastic material intended to block out any water runoff in the ground.

Constructing Environments Brian Siu (635900)

Week 3 Journal

The last site we visited was the Ormond Theology Centre reception area. Like the previous sites, this building also featured a dominant steel frame support structure. In addition, concrete columns are also present together with steel frames for support of the overarching roof on the outside. Steel beams can also be seen on the inside of the building. Large glass panels are featured on one side of the building, while a glass block wall is present on the other side.

Constructing Environments Brian Siu (635900)