7. Structure Brief 01 - Tension + Compression

Case Study - Denver Airport, Northeast Denver, Colorado, U.S.

Including different building components which allow making a building more sustainable including: Slab: This is a new Peikko product that allows for the mechanical connection of slabs. This product makes it possible to connect two adjacent slabs, creating a stronger and more stable structure.

Wall and foundation (Horizontal): Peikko have adapted their existing “SUMO® Wall Shoe” product for horizontal connections between walls and foundations. This allows for a mechanical connection between the wall and the foundation, creating a more stable structure.

Beam, Column, and Wall: Peikko has also adapted their existing “PCs® Corbel” product to make a mechanical connection between a beam and a wall or column. This connection is almost hidden, creating a clean and seamless appearance.

Slab/Wall: Peikko has developed a new product that allows for mechanical connections between slabs and walls. This connection creates a stronger and more stable structure, especially in areas where high loads are expected.

Wall (vertical): Peikko has adapted its existing “SUMO® Wall Shoe” product to allow for vertical connections between two wall elements. This mechanical connection creates a more stable structure, particularly in areas where lateral forces are expected.

Column/Foundation: Finally, Peikko offers their existing Column Shoe product cast with lime mortar. This allows for a strong mechanical connection between a column and its foundation, ensuring the stability and durability of the structure.

The milestones for the design were experimenting with the steel joints cast with lime mortar. This approach has been explored by GXN, and they have worked with the theory that Peikko brackets can be cast out with lime mortar, which can then be removed again by hydro-blasting. The idea is that the mortar only needs to protect the connection from fire and corrosion and needs to transfer any loads. The advantage of using lime mortar is that it is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly material than other types of mortar. Lime mortar is made from natural materials and has a lower carbon footprint than traditional cement-based mortar. Additionally, the use of lime mortar can lead to a waste reduction and more efficient use of materials.

However, there are also potential drawbacks to using lime mortar in steel joints. For example, the strength and durability of the joint may be compromised using lime mortar. Additionally, there may be challenges in terms of ensuring the accuracy and consistency of the joint, which could impact the overall structural integrity of the building. Some potential strategies for customizing the Circle House construction system for a hilly site could include: Using a modular design approach that can be easily adapted to the contours of the site. Incorporating site-specific materials into the construction, such as stone or timber. Implementing innovative foundation solutions to accommodate the slope of the site Using advanced digital design and fabrication techniques to create a more precise and efficient construction process By exploring these and other options, Tim Bruun and Rasmus Feddersen hope to develop a construction system that is adaptable, sustainable, and responsive to the unique challenges of building on a hilly site.

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