In our first Constructing Environments tutorial we undertook an activity where we used small wooden blocks to construct a nearly shoulder high tower which was very nearly structurally sound. To do this we had to think of various ways to build it, which will be detailed below. We also had to define a given term; mine was ‘Load Paths.’ According to toolboxes.flexiblelearning.net.au, the load path is “simply the direction in which each consecutive load will pass through connected members.” Activity details: 1. We first began to build using a lattice-like building structure.
2. Whilst beginning the build of the structure, we soon came up against some problems around the edge. Unstable edges put stress on bricks above and below it, causing the structure to become unstable 3. When the structure was tall enough we attempted to build a roof over it, by slowly edging the tiles inwards (as can seen to the right). However, this was soon abandoned.
4. To increase stability within the structure, we decided to place a beam of blocks across the opening.
5. This was repeated as we continued to build upwards. This helped to even the balance load as the height increased.
6. Eventually, the structure ended up being approximately 1.6 meters high (as can be seen using myself for scale).
7. The load path for our structure was quite evenly spread downwards, as can be seen in the below photo. The load path zig-zags down the structure, following straight paths from the top down to the bottom.
8. It is also worth noting that when we took a large percentage of the corner blocks out, the structure remained intact (for the most part), as can be seen below.
Bibliography: - Build Right Scheduling, Planning and Structural Principles 2013, Build Right, viewed 7 August 2013, <http://toolboxes.flexiblelearning.net.au/demosites/series10/10_01/content/bcgbc 4010a/01_loads_loading/01_primary_loads/page_008.htm>