IMRaD Journal Vol. 1 Oct. 2017
SOLAR LIGHT POST AT SAINT FRANCIS LEARNING CENTER Engr. Greg C. Mallari, Clark Chester Agdipa Eugene Benz Garcia, Mark Lester Molino Christian Samonte Erni, Vener Noblado Ralph Dela Fuente
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Abstract-The civil engineering profession has proven helpful to the world’s progress. Building of roads and construction of buildings are but a small portion of the scope of civil engineering. This project shall help its proponents improve skills in designing, giving them first hand insight of the sort of job and problems they would encounter in their chosen career. The proponents constructed light posts using skills in design and construction methods they have learned in school. Methods in reinforced concrete design, steel design and geotechnical aspects were utilized in the design methodology. The proponents also applied skills in materials and cost estimate, and construction methods to complete the project. The proponents limited themselves to the more technical aspects regarding the design of the electrical and electronics components. The design achieved was the minimum design required by the National Structural Code of the Philippines. In light of its compliance to the code, the design can be considered safe and economical. The project could also be presented as a viable model for future undertakings of the same construction. Keywords: Civil Engineering, development, solar light, St. Francis Learning Center,
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Introduction
Civil Engineering is one of the many professions which greatly contribute to the country’s progress. It is through this line of work that all the structures throughout the Philippines were built and are now being used for the country’s necessary advancement. Considering the nation’s reliance to this profession is of grave importance that the structures, no matter the size and kind, 1
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possess soundness and therein give its users a sense of security, thus, inducing productivity. Being one of the producers of civil engineers in the region, Columban College therefore shoulders the responsibility of producing professionals with credibility. In line with this, its students have committed themselves into a project that shall utilize their civil engineering knowledge, raising their aptitude in load analysis, design, computer applications and other engineering fundamentals. The proponents, through the help of this project, shall have their skills improved and eventually contribute to the pool of credible civil engineers this country is in need of. This study is anchored in the following theories: Theory of Structures (Jenkins, W.), Theory of Vibration, Interaction Diagram (Gillesania, 2012), Free-Body Diagram (Singer, 1963), and Precedence Diagramming Method (Usmani, 2017). Theory of Structures. (Jenkins, W.) Theory of structures is the governing theory used in analyzing the effects of loadings to structures. It is concerned with “establishing an understanding of the behavior of structures such as beams, columns, frames, plates and shells, when subjected to applied loads or other actions which have the effect of changing the state of stress and deformation of the structure�. The process of structural analysis applies the principles to analyze a given structure under specified loadings and possibly other disturbances such as temperature variation or movement of supports. This theory has been relevant in determining the effects of different forces in the structure. It includes the different computations regarding maximum bending and axial capacity, slenderness of steel pipe as post, bearing capacity of soil, etc. Another theory used was the Free Body Diagram. (Singer, 1963). Problems involving the design of the components in structures are quite confusing if taken as a whole. It is convenient “that the bodies be isolated from one another so that the forces involved may be analyzed and unknown forces 2
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determined (1994).� An isolated view of a body which shows only the external forces exerted on the body is called a free body diagram. These external forces are caused either by direct bodily contact or by gravitational or magnetic attraction. The free body diagram proves relevant as it makes the analysis of loads acting on the light post easier. This diagram secludes that which is being analyzed and saves the designer from the complexity of the whole structure with all its parts and loads. The project shall serve as a practice for the application of the proponents’ knowledge in civil engineering. This endeavor shall exercise the proponents’ abilities as it shall enforce the use of methods of load analysis and reinforced concrete and steel design. This project shall further benefit the faculty members by providing additional teaching materials for subjects such as Reinforced Concrete Design, Steel Design and Geotechnical Engineering. The faculty members can also present this study to proponents of future projects as a reference for its accompanying technical paper with regards to technical writing. Through this project, the school shall be able to preserve the rapport that it has kept with the residents of St. Francis Learning Center as its benefactor. Another significant possible contribution of this project is to present a fully sustainable model for a solar light post design. It would provide a reliable prototype of the same undertaking. It can also be used as a benchmark for further improvements and development of the project. Moreover, the project shall also contribute to the beautification of St. Francis Learning Center and to the improvement of its illumination. This will promote a sense of security and well-being of the community thereby contributing to its productivity. The general statement of the problem is: (1) What are the parameters necessary to design a structurally-stable and economical light post?; (2) Can the project be used as a viable model for future projects of the same undertakings?; and (3)
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Where the light posts should be placed so as to meet the needs of the residents?
Methodology To actualize the project, the design should undergo theoretical computations to identify the appropriate and most economical materials and define the forces that may affect the structure. Theoretical computations should comply with the existing codes from both National Building Code of the Philippines (NBCP) and National Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP) to avoid conflicts in design. Theoretical designs may vary with the actual design based on different factors including the availability of materials. After designing the structure, clear detailing of components of the light post should be provided to avoid ambiguity during its construction. The construction of the project Solar Powered light post will be carried out in a manner that will incorporate the design and methods cited in Chapter 4: Design and Computations. This will include estimates, designs, bill of materials, specifications and other quantitative data. The project construction will be implemented in various stages following below: 1. Site Selection and Clearing 2. Soil Excavation 3. Fabrication of Rebars and Forms 4. Installation of Rebars and Anchor Bolts 5. Concreting 6. Installation of Base Plate 7. Welding of Steel Pipe 8. Installation of Solar Panel, Lighting and Other Electronic Device 9. Plastering 10. Painting 4
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Area Selection. The researchers were assigned to construct the project at the St. Francis Learning Center. A site inspection was conducted for the purpose of gathering information with regards to the location of the project to be constructed. The area selected is located in front of the high school building and near the multi-purpose building as it is where the residents need light the most. Materials Gathering. Several materials will be needed for the construction of the said project that will be prepared by the researchers. The members were assigned to make inquiries from different hardware stores for the purpose of identifying price ranges and quality materials to be used for the construction. Considering the information gathered, the researchers were able to minimize the project expenses whilst keeping in mind the quality of the project. Construction. Construction of the project was conducted by the researchers starting from the excavation up to the finishing and installation of the solar panel and of the lighting. Throughout the construction, the researchers were thorough with the step by step procedures.
Results and Discussion In this project, the proponents were able to design the structural of the solar light posts. The dead load, live load, wind load and earthquake load were all identified and were used to determine the dimensions of the structural parts. Computation pointed towards using the following specifications: 3� diameter steel post, 0.25m x 0.25m x 1.0 m concrete pedestal, 0.6m x 0.6m x 0.2m concrete footing. 12mmdiamter bars were used for the main reinforcements of the pedestal and the footing. The project was estimated to be 23, 988 PHP for the two light posts. The light posts were placed in front of the high school building and near the multi-purpose building. 5
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The proponents were able to determine all the factors that affect the design of the light post, using a design which complies to the requirements of the accepted structural code for construction and design. In light of its compliance to the code, it can be said that the light posts are structurally stable and the study therefore presents a viable model for future projects of the same undertaking. The light posts were placed in areas where it will serve the residents best. The light posts were placed in front of the high school building and near the multi-purpose building as these are where the residents need lighting the most. Should the project encourage future undertakings of the same construction, it is recommended that the proponents who shall do so be accompanied by electrical and electronics engineering students. This will enable the team to be more technical with matters regarding the solar panel and its components. Having knowledge about these matters can prove to be very helpful as having the solar panel and its components manually set up can relatively reduce the cost. REFERENCES Dela Vega, J., et al. 2016. Proposed Solar Street Post at Columban College-Barretto Campus. Fajardo, M. Simplified Construction Estimate 3rd ed. Gillesania, D.I.T. 2012 Simplified Reinforced Concrete Design (2010 NSCP). Gillesania, D.I.T. 2012 Simplified Reinforced Concrete Design (2010 NSCP). http://www.engineeringcivil.com/effect-of-eccentricity-on-analysisand-design-of-isolated-footings.html http://www.learnengineering.org/2012/12/theory-of-vibration.html
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http://www.mu.edu.et/iphc/images/liblary/Heritage/Heritage_Culture _and_Tourism/Theory_of_Structure/theorys_of_structures.pdf https://pmstudycircle.com/2012/07/precedence-diagrammingmethod-activity-on-node-method-scheduling/ Roy, S., Sharmin, R. and Ferdous, T. 2014. Performance Analysis of Mono-Crystalline and Poly-Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells Under Different Climate Conditions: A Comparative Study. Singer, Ferdinand. Engineering Mechanics. 3rd ed. The Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (ASEP) (2010). National Structural Code of the Philippines 6th ed. The Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (ASEP) (2010). National Structural Code of the Philippines 6th ed.
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