A03 STUDIO JOURNAL Sierra Stathis 640338
This weeks tutorial we discussed the concept of compression. The challenge was to build the highest structure using only small mdf bricks. Once we had build out structure we had to carefully excavate an opening to fit in the toy elephant. The aim was to create the opening without the structure collapsing. Our tower was a three sided structure. Using a simple brick laying construction. The weight of the structure and force of compression helped to hold all the blocks together.
WEEK 1
Compression
When we began to create the opening we decided to start excavation from the corners carefully pulling blocks out one by one. We soon realised that the structure was quite solid and that it could easily support itself even when many base blocks were removed. The reason this construction style is so successful is that the load is evenly distributed across the blocks. Even when blocks are removed the weight gets distributed elsewhere. This makes the structure very stable even when base supports are removed.
Other structures included a cylindrical tower which was the tallest in the class. It too supported itself when an opening was excavated.
WEEK 1
Compression
We decided to construct our frame using a triangular prism shape. Similar to the structure we built last week. Our plan was to build it on the ground first and then lift it up. This weeks class activity was building a structure using a frame technique. Using the balsa wood cut up from last week, we had to construct a structure using only super glue to join the wood. As we learnt from this week’s lectures, frame structures are very efficitent building technique as it is quick, strong and has good tensile strength. The super glue was difficult to use as it had the tendency to stick to everything but the wood!
WEEK 2 Frame
Our structure was designed on having a main 3 frame structure with support beams placed about 30 cm along the length. At the top we tapered the tower in and joined it to a point to give the structure more stability.
Our original design idea
Although the balsa wood was a good light weight material, it was very brittle and often broke causing difficulty. We eventually lifted our structure up. The problem we had was that the structure wasn’t in proportion to its height. We made the base much too narrow and so we had to add extra scaffolding to hold it up. We did reach roof height which was an achievement although I don’t think you could say that it was a quality construction technique.
Our other design concept. This one was designed to be an A-frame shape. We didn’t think it would be structurally strong enough to support such a tall structure.
Extra scaffolding used to support the structure when standing.
WEEK 2 Frame
SITE 1: Eastern Precinct Student Centre This site was an extension built between two existing buildings. It creates a inked to original library and to Doug Mcdonnel building. Main constraints included it having to be accessible during construction and for machinery and builders to access the site. Storage of materials is also something that had to be considered.
Existing cantilever
Main materials used: • Concrete • Glass • Steel • Polished concrete (control joints)
One particular aspect I noticed at the site was the new library opening. It looked like the original base of the library building had been removed. However after closer inspection I noticed that the cantilever was an existing feature of the building. I noticed this when viewing the outside of the original library structure which hadn’t been touched.
WEEK 3
Case Study Site Visits
SITE 2: MSLE Building This site was another extension joining two existing buildings. The construction is mainly steel and timber framework onto existing brick buildings. The design has been stepped back from sitting flush with the other buildings as it would have blocked existing windows. The entry however was set forwards as it is easier for students to access their student centre.
Constraints when building included: Low bearing capacity of existing buildings, this was resolved by using steel and timber frames (joints to the walls). Main materials used: The brick wall inside was never intended to have a roof extended to it, this was resolved by including waterproofing and drainage systems. Access to the site including: Machinery, materials and workers. Waterproofing the existing buildings
• • • • •
Steel Plaster Timber Glass Clay pressed bricks
WEEK 3
Case Study Site Visits
SITE 3: Queens College This building was currently under construction during our site visit. It is an extension to a college building. The construction techniques that have been used are precast slab concrete and timber framework. It has a simple flat roof design. The steel beams which hold cantilever elements of the structure would have been welded.
Main materials used: • • •
Precast concrete slabs Steel Timber
By constructing a timber frame inside the concrete shell, it is easier to install plaster board. This is done by simply nailing it in opposed to joining it to concrete directly. The timber framework also allows for insolation
WEEK 3
Case Study Site Visits
SITE 4: Ormon Theology Centre Reception This construction used a combination of materials mainly: concrete, steel, timber and glass. The framework of this design is held together by steel beams. These have either been welded or bolted to the concrete. Lots of the concrete has been poured in situ. Main foundations are concrete pads which have steel beams bolted to the base for support.
Examples of concrete poured in situ. Different textures have been achieved through the materials used to hold the concrete as it was poured. The far left is using ply wood and circles are formed from the support bolts. The middle is using a textured plastic. The right is a timber created by stacking planks of timber.
WEEK 3
Case Study Site Visits
CASE STUDY SITE VISIT PHOTO 1: This photo shows the existing pavillion that was partially demolished. At the moment they are putting in a new floor and roof for the building. They are trying to keep the materials similar to the ones it was originally constructed with and using simiar techniques.
PHOTO 2: This is a photo i took through the safety fencing. The photo shows the floor currently under construction. The technique they are using is poured concrete in situ. They assemble a floor in a traditional manner using bearers and joists and place plyboard on top. Then they pour the concrete and wait for it to set before removing the timber.
WEEK 3
Case Study Site Visits
OVAL PAVILION PHOTO 3: This photo shows the wall construction and safety railing. The wall is constructed from concrete bricks which have steel rods through the middle of them to add tensile support. The bricks are then filled with cement and the steel beams get bent over to provide added support to the floor when the concrete is poured.
PHOTO 4: This photo shows the base of the structure which lies below ground level. The base has been waterproofed by using several subsurface drainage techniques. The concrete blocks are first covered in a resilient plastic and then covered in a sponge like film. The sponge absorbs the water and then transfers it down to the scoria rock below which has a drainage pipe to collect the water and prevent damp.
WEEK 3
Case Study Site Visits