Studio East Dining Structural Analysis

STUDIO EAST DINING

By Isaac Tejeira & Vanille Fricker

Image by The Architectural Review

Carmody and Groarke

Located in the heart of London, Studio East Dining was erected to celebrate the construction of surrounding buildings. It stood atop a 115 feet high parking structure, opening up spectacular views of the 2012 Olympic Park. The views were framed by the restaurant’s structure and the several prisms in which the structure was organized. This structure was made of scaffolding borrowed from the surrounding construction sites. Short lived, this restaurant was put together and taken apart quickly and only remained standing for a total of three weeks. This was made possible by the modularity of scaffolding units. To render the inside of the building more cozy

and programatic, wooden panels were attached to the scaffolding. This gave the effect of having a fairly normal dinning space when looking at it from eye level.

However, if the restaurant guests were to look up, they would notice the exposed scaffolding. This duality emphasized the purpose of the building in celebrating the soon to be completed buildings surrounding the restaurant. To protect the restaurant users, a thin Polyethylene membrane (100% recycled material) was draped over and attached to the scaffolding.The overall structure was estimated to be 160 feet by 120 feet. After the restaurant’s deconstruction, the 2000 planks and 3500 scaffolding pipes used for the frame

and inside paneling were brought back to their original construction sites.

The program of Studio East Dining was formed by dining tables, a kitchen, and bathrooms. The height of the roof sloped in the direction of the building’s center. The roof’s height defined the kind of activity that would take place. Each prism (from which the building was composed of) provided some degree of intimacy and individuality by framing a different view.

The restaurant provided luxurious panoramic views but also was a beautiful sight itself. The building’s transparent membrane allowed for the colors of the day to be captured and dyed the restaurant’s facades.

Why We Chose Studio East Dining

Project Details

We choose Studio East Dining by Carmody and Groarke as our fist choice due to the complexity Architects: of its structural scaffolding. Scaffolding is typically Project Manager: used as portable structures in the context of renovations or building sites. What attracted it us Scaffolding Company: to this project was how although based on a simple Client: module of scaffolding the building expresses high Location: level of complexity in its assembly. One other aspect was the buildings ephemeral qualities. When the Dimensions: building was removed, nothing had to be demolished, Date of Completion: it only needed to be disassembled. Also, Studio East Time of existance: Dining offers an interesting juxtaposition of ambiance Program: in its interiors. From a person’s eye level, the building does not show any hints as to its structure. All is covered by wood panels. When that person looks up, suddenly, all the scaffolding becomes visible. This

effect is uncommon and elegantly executed in this

building.

Proposed Model Details

T.A.: Trimmed Dimensions: Scale: Scaled Dimensions: Base Dimensions: Model Materials:

Arista Jusuf & Lisa Zhu 90’ x 60’ x 24’ 3/8” = 1’ 35” x 24” 36” x 36” 1/8” Aluminum pipes 1/16” Steel Dowels Plastic 3D Printed Joints 1/32” Steel Dowels

Base Materials:

1/8” Plexi Sheet (36” x 36”) 1/2” thick MDF (36” x 36”)

Carmody + Groarke Bistrotheque / Westfield Stratford London About 800 m2 May 2010 3 Weeks Restaurant

Cost Estimate

Grand Total = 510.00 USD

Proposed Schedule Week 1: 10/2 - 10/8 a) Order Materials b) 3D print all joints c) Start on base d) Make Vierendeel soldering jig

Week 2: 10/9 - 10/15 a) Finish Base b) Produce Vierendeels c) Start Assembly (1/3 done)

Week 3: 10/16 -10/22 a) Finish Structure Assembly

Week 4: 10/23 - 10/29 a) Add veneer on the inside and outside b) Buffer week

Week 5: 10/30 - 11/5 a) Buffer week

Due November 5th

Construction Proposal

The model will be built at 3/8” = 1’-00” scale.

The size will approximate 35 inches by 25 inches by 12 inches. The base itself will be 36 inches squared.

The model will sit on a frosted 1/8” plexi surface.

This plexi will be reinforce by an 1/2” MDF board with beveled edges. This will allow the MDF board to not be seen under the plexi sheet. The plexi sheet will be punctured by lazer cut squares in which the base joints will be slotted to keep the structure stable.

In reality the base of Studio East Dining is the same as any other scaffolding system. It consists of a steel

part with a squared base and a large tube in which the column of the scaffold is slid in and screwed in place (2). The unit is then itself screwed to a plank of wood for stability. In our model, we will be representing this by using 3D printed footings that resemble the ones in reality.

1/8” Aluminum tubes will be used for all of the scaffolding elements (apart from the Vierendeel beams.) The aluminum tubes that serve as columns will slide into the 3D printed base units described above. They will also have rosettes along their length

at certain intervals to allow the attachment of cross bracings and frames (3). These rosettes will be 3D printed as well. 1/32 “ Thick dowels will be cut very short and used as pins to hold bracings onto the rosettes. In reality, that is exactly how scaffolding is put together. There are rosettes and pipes which are put together with the help of a pin (4). As the scale of our model is relatively small, some of the connections will not use the rosettes and directly pin to other aluminum members. This will be done by flattening the aluminum tube, drilling a hole, and using a steel pin.

Welded connection or soldered in model

Aluminum to steel connection

The aluminum tubes and rosettes will form units of scafolding which constructure the walls of the restaurant. These units in reality are 6” by 6” by 1.5”.

In the model they will be 2 1/4” by 2 1/4” by 9/16”.

The roof and floor are a bit different in that they use cross bracings at a much larger scale. The roof also consists of Vierendeel beams.

Vierendeel beams in this project will be created with steel dowels. This will allow for them to be soldered and imitate the welding of Vierendeel beam elements in reality. The connection between the steel

and the aluminum (where the scaffolding meets the Vierendeels) will be solved by cutting the aluminum pipes at its ends (as if to cut it into half tubes.) Then both parts of the aluminum tube will wrap around the steel dowels and then will be pressed so as to trap the Vierendeel beam. In reality the two are joined together by the same kind of pinned joint as shown earlier.

The plastic veneer for the outside of the scaffolding will be applied to three of the five prisms.

It will be attached to the structure in with the help of glue and the 1/32” steel dowels. This will keep

true to the buildings original connection which was melting (with a special glue) the recycled polyethylene membrane in some areas, while fixing of total mass to the scaffolding by the use of screws.

The wood veneer for the inside was also attached with screws to the scaffolding. In the model, the 1/32” steel dowels will again be used.

roof

1 unit

4 units high

2 units high Elevation

4

3

4

4

2

4 4

3

4

A

2 E

B

2 4 2

C

D

Calculations

Since the only information given were found images and articles and no information was given by the architects, all dimensions, systems, and structures had to be estimated and calculated. Below will be a breakdown of how all numbers and calculations came from. To help simplify we named the 5 prisms that we will be constructing A, B, C, D, and E

By the use of only one diagrammatic plan and photographs, we found that Studio East Dining was composed of 6’ by 6’ by 1.5’ scaffolding units. These units extend along the walls and are stacked on top of

4 each other to create roof to floor spacing.

With the help of images, we found that the lowest possible height within the building was 2 units high. The highest possible height was achieved by stacking 4 units. Each of the prisms that compose the building are sloped towards the middle of the restaurant. All those prisms have different heights ranging from 4 to 2 units. Below is a drawing of those heights marked out onto the plan.

4 2 4

floor

Vierendeels

Extra Long spanning support

Cross Bracings

Unit base with footings

4

23’ 25’

23’ 34’-6”

A

5

E

6

B

A

E

6

35’-6”

25’

4

B

6

34’-6”

56

4

4

C

6

C

5

D

4

41’

D 6

5 With the different heights figured out, the

A E 6 lengths of each prisms could also be determined.

Once both were decided, we were able to approach B 6 the floor and roof patterns of the scaffolding structure. Both resemble each other but have slight variances.

C The floor consists of cross bracings elevated 5 from the base by the square footings. The roof on the other hand, has the cross bracing but also vierendeel 4 beams at certain intervals and extra support along the D length of each prism.

Here are diagrams of both the 6 floor and the roof shown plan.

The shape formed by all five prisms create some areas of conflict where the unit systems do not work perfectly. Certain solutions at to be invented to solve those issues. Here are the solutions highlighted.

Once all of the parts of the structure where analyzed and redesigned so as to best replicate what was observed in photographs, we were able to break down all of the components and calculate how many of each joint, rod, and tube are needed for the construction of the structure.

Materials

The structure of Studio East Dining is exclusively made out of metal. The properties of metal allows it to act well both in tension and compression.

Steel in particular has a high tolerance for both. In addition, the tubular section of the steel tubes allows for even more strength against bending moment.

Steel’s own weight is part of the reason why the structure of Studio East Dining can stand on its own without having to attach onto an existing structure (like most scaffoldings.) On a side note, the reason why we choose aluminum instead of steel pipes is due

to the malleability of aluminum. As the scale of our model is fairly small, providing the ability to be drilled through and cut easily will help facilitate and expedite the assemblage of the model.

The two other materials used in the building, polyethylene membrane and plywood had very little to do with structure. Perhaps the only case of it acting with the structural system would be when the wood transfers live loads down to the cross bracings of the floor structure. Or when the exterior membrane spreads lateral loads across the side of the building.

The membrane of Studio East Dining is made of a recycled polyethylene membrane. This membrane allows either exterior light to penetrate diffusely during the day or interior light to show through during the night. This material is easily to manipulated and low in cost. The inhabitable space on the interior is coated with planks of plywood. Those are easily assembled and attached to the scaffolding structure.

loading diagram

bending diagram

shear force

Structural Systems

The three structural components involved in the Studio East Dinning are: vierendeel beams, cross bracing, and braced frames. All of which are put together with pinned joints (except in the construction of the vierendeel itself.)

Vierendeels are orthogonal members connected into a rigid frame. Rigid frames are good at carrying gravity loads. It is those rigid frames that provides the vieredeel’s stability. They carry loads by means of bending and shear. The individual members of the structure deform under load by local bending moments and shear forces. This creates a deflection condition known as inflection point (where individual members deform half way.) Inflection points act as hinges. Vierendeels are not as resistant as trusses

but they serve better in terms of aesthetics in the context of Studio East Dinning. The multitude of steel members connecting every which way is already very complex and intense on the eyes. By using vierendeels some sense of order is established due to its orthogonality.

Along the walls, braced frames are used to stabilize the structure. Braced frames can be considered as vertical trusses. They provide visual openness. In the case of Studio East Dining they allow the light to come through the recycled polyethylene membrane. Braced frames have triangular configurations and hinged connections. The diagonal members will restrain the structure from deforming due to lateral loads. It can either act in tension or

compression depending on whether it leans away from the direction of loading or with the direction of loading. It is usually compression that will dictate the size of the member. In the case of Studio East Dinning, all braced frame diagonals are the same dimensions as the braced frame’s frame. In our model however, some of the diagonal members will perhaps take on a smaller diameter so as to accommodate for the scale. As well as to preserve the accuracy of the joints. The braced frames in both the building and our model will be existing in the x and y direction of every wall unit. This will prevent any major deformation of the structure and allow for maximum stability against lateral loads.

gravity loads lateral loads

deformating happening without cross bracing due to lateral load

deformating happening because of gravity loads, resulting in larger dimension members

lateral loads

Cross bracing also occurs in Studio East Dining in the case of the roof and floor systems. Cross bracing acts just like a braced frame, however with tensioned diagonal members only. Typically rods are used. In Studio East Dining the same dimension (as the rest of the structure) steel tubes are used. The reason for such bulky members when much thinner and visually lighter ones could be use, is for two reasons.

Both the roof membrane and the floor boards need to attach to the structure. This attachment is mostly done on the cross bracings and requires to take into account gravity loads. The other reason is the cross bracings also prevent the entire structure to collapse inwards due to lateral loadings. In this case, the cross bracing acts in compression. For this reason, the

architects decided to stay true to the same dimension steel tubes used throughout the building due to its resistance to loads both in tension and compression.

Pinned and fixed joints are the two kinds of joints found in Studio East Dining. Pinned joints or hinges allow one part of the structure to rotate freely with respect to another. This will avoid deflections in one member to transfer adjacent members. It also allows forces to be transmitted. In Studio East Dining, pinned connection are literally pins made of steel attaching two members. In our model this aspect will be replicated exactly. Rigid connections or fixed joints are used in cases where compression and tension forces are wanted to be transferred from one member to the next. Fixed joints only occur in vierendeels in

the case of Studio East Dining. This is because of the structural system of the vierendeel which requires compression and tension forces to be transferred to adjacent members.

windload

elevation

T

windload

C

windload T

C T

T

C

T C

elevation

Gravity and Lateral Loads

In terms of gravity load it is necessary to take into account the material’s self weight, in this case steel. In fact, it is the steel’s self weight that allows the entire structure to simply site on top of the parking structure as opposed to being anchored down or fixed. The load of the polyethylene membrane on the roof and the wood planks on the floor should be calculated. On the flooring system live loads such as occupant load should be accounted for. On the roof live loads such as rain water should be included into calculations. Vierendeels beams and some of the cross

bracing are what carry most of the gravity loads.

Lateral loads are not negligible on this structure. Because of Studio East Dining’s placement on top of a 35’ high parking structure, wind loads are quite dominant. This is the reason for such a high quantity of cross bracing and braced frames in all x, y, and z directions. London is not a highly seismic area but should there be an earthquake, loading for such a condition should be included.

T

floor or roof plan

Bibliography 1) Information about Vierendeels: Steelconstruction.info. “Steel Construction Information System”. Web. 2015 2) The Structural Basis of Architecture: Cruvellier, Eggen, Sandaker. “ The Structural Basis of Architecture.” 2nd Edition. Book. 2015 3) Information about scaffolding: SafLock System Scaffolding. “SafLock System Scaffold Technical Manual.” Safway, Inc. Web pdf. 2015 4) Scaffolding tubing dimensions: IPMfittings. “ipmfittings, galvanised tube.” UK dimensions. Web. 2015 5) Articles from Carmody Groarke’s Website Carmody Groarke. “Studio East Dining.” Carmody Groarke. Web. 2012 6) Images: From Carmody Groarke’s Website Carmody Groarke. “Studio East Dining.” Carmody Groarke. Web .2012