Tutorial week 1
Figure 2.
02/08/2013
Figure 1
Side view of tower plan.
Plan: In this weeks tutorial we are looking at compression structures. The main aim for our group was looking at building the tallest structure we could which was still able to carry a weight load. Taking newtons third law into action (a weight pushing its force down upon the bricks will result in the bricks below pushing up the same line equal to the original force) and as tall buildings are particularly susceptible to lateral force effects, we concluded that a construction in equilibrium would provide the most structurally sound tower. In order to achieve this we designed a round structure with a double layered base, allowing solid supports. The circle will have a large circumference enabling for extra height later on and the method in which we lay the bricks ensure evenly distributed loads throughout the system.
Figure 3. Figure 2.
distribution
Photo 8 Our tower proved strong enough to support the weight of the dog. At this point our bricks were later again in the stable method seen at the base
Photo 1: Our base followed through with the original Photo plan. The double layered support system initially3.was useful to create a solid base, howeverWeight once this was established it was important to progress to a more economical (brick wise and time wise) single layer. (see photo below) This base structure was able to transmit applied gravity evenly throughout the tower without over-stressing any components. “words of ching� Photo 5: We also began looking at more economical As you can see from the bricks, arrows experimenting this would methods of stacking be an evenly distributed load throughout the with zig zag bricks, trying to find a more tower, the dead weights will not be focussed Photo 7: economical method, without compromising on one area or no one brick in the base will us again column the stability of ourexperimenting construction. with This turned and be over stressed beam out not to be more economical and also did not allow and equal weight distribution
Photo 6: Members of our class were building their towers in a circular shape with a gap. This proved to be a quicker method of construction whilst saving bricks. We adapted this idea so later we would return to the circle, just to allow us fast easy construction for extra height. This circle later on established would have a much smaller circumference.
Photo 10 . photo 9 Adding boxes As weight throughout our (evenly tower was evenly distributed weight) on top of distributed we were able to remove whole our tower. Thefrom boxes sections of bricks at once thejutted base outwards from our construction without compromising stability of our tower. base. Notice how our tower is straight along the left vertical side but sloping inwards from the right. This lean would Deconstruction: redirect much weight along to Our tower was able to remain very stable even after a large majority the left of our tower and cause Photo 4:evidence of bricks were removed. Whilst I dont have photographic here, large holes were removed from the leaning Once side ofour the tower. base had been established we The actual collapse of the building only occurringbegan once the were to gaps incorporate the greek style of to spread weight beyond the carrying capacity of surrounding bricks. column and beam architecture into our Once the tower had collapsed, (static force met the maximum tower, (mainly for artistic and aesthetic capasity of our building) the base of our tower remained in its initial meritbase. as the load paths distributed with this form, re-establishing the idea it was a solid and sound style of construction proved illogical when trying to build a tall, heavy building where Photo 2: weight distribution would unevenly Our tower is rather simplistic. There is no overstress certain components of the tower. need for extra support systems, such as Also with deconstruction these bricks would frames at the base. Our tower very much be difficult to remove as they support a lot resembled medieval stone towers and turrets of weight.) at regular intervals, when our or a lighthouse structure. Simple and solid tower would appear secure and stable. with the main aim of height being achieved. Columns rigid- more useful for supporting axial compressive loads. Beams subject to buckling