Constructing Environments ENVS 10003 Journal Submission Week 3
The first site was the ‘oval pavilion’ redevelopment where we saw a retaining wall from our initial position. There was an external frame, which was being used to texture the concrete outer surface. Lateral bracing was being administered to ensure stability and best possible results of the low bearing wall. A key component to this structure was the foundations that had been laid. Footings were incorporated to further brace the wall. The texture that was being administered was to enhance aesthetic presence, and this was done through lots of fiddling and was completed through the use of Oregon which is a timber used by many builders due to its ratio of weight to strength. Overall, the retaining wall is a compression structure that is held up by a number of reinforcing techniques.
Josh Davis 641144
Overlooking from the back end of the pavilion redevelopment a slab can be seen of 250mm thick. This slab consisted of 2 layers for reinforcements and the due to the span being relatively large the depth of the slab needed to be increased proportionally. Crank bars were seen from the surface and it was noted, that all electrical and plumbing outlets/inputs need to be built into the fixtures and foundations throughout construction. Quality Assurance is a crucial factor across a building site so that the highest outcomes are obtained. A major aspect of upholding this QA was to keep weathering forces out and consequently an agi-‐drain was incorporated. There were many aspects of load bearing across the site and span played a key part in the considerations of how thick some materials needed to be.
Constructing Environments ENVS 10003 Journal Submission Week 3
Josh Davis 641144
The Queens College Extension had constraints in relation to space due to the surrounding buildings that carry a similar, ‘grand’ style. The building consisted of prefabricated concrete members for the walls, which were placed on top of a concrete slab. This compression structure therefore can carry excessive loads and due to the span of the structure most components are quite thick. Bitumen, concrete and steel are materials that are all core in the construction, with timber being used on the inner of the structures as framework.
The MSLE building consists of a linking walk way. The area joins two buildings and therefore loads are working differently and therefore movements in either building need the walkway to be sufficiently stable. The span across the area is not enormous but through the use of reinforcements across the base and roof of the area, the built structure can sufficiently hold the structures together. The walkway consisted of vinyl on the flooring so that the elements that people walk into the building can be maintained. The entire concept of the walkway is to ensure that maintenance is easy.
Constructing Environments ENVS 10003 Journal Submission Week 3
Josh Davis 641144
The Ormond Theology Centre Reception is a mass structure with major components of framework. There are steel beams that run throughout the buildings structure and aside from design purposes other steel components such as rods incorporate an element of suspension. The roofing consists of a facia, which adds to aesthetic components and functional components. The drainage system is also notably different to that of common down pipes.
The Eastern Resource Centre is of a very modern design in relation to its surrounding buildings. It is full of prefabricated materials and structures that have all been constructed in conjunction with each other. The entry has structural foundations and fixtures which envelope the entire structure and ensure that elements of strength are obtained. Joists are prevalent throughout the floors and ceilings whereby everything is held together. A major material is steel, which goes as far as steel strips through the floor to account for movements of the base overtime.