Constructing Environments ENVS10003 A01- Logbook Semester 2 2014 Week 2- Structural Load and Forces 01 Studio Report This week’s studio activity is “ Frame”. In order to build a 1500 mm long “bridge” by using a 600mm*200mm*2mm balsa and other materials such as glue, ruler and pins that are provided.
The photo shown above is the balsa that provided for us in order to fit the 1500mm gap. First thing to do is to decided to how to cut it and what shapes (rectangle or triangle) were more appropriate. Apart from the shapes, angle was another problem that we also considered. After discussion, the easiest method we came up is that we cut it into small and identical pieces with the shape of rectangle and triangle. The little triangle pieces are made for stability and to keep the bridge strong enough. We used ruler and The Pythagorean theorem to measure the angles and lengths of each pieces in order to make them identical. Considering the balsa is more effective on tension rather than compression, we decided to do some reinforcements to make the bridge stable and strong.
This is the shape we decided to build after the reinforcement by considering the nature of the balsa. Since the balsa is breakable and easy to bend under compression, so we put the bracings to reinforce the light balsa. By adding the bracings, our intention was to maximize the stability of this bridge since it is going to be a really long but thin and easy to bend.
After cutting the balsa into small and identical pieces, we decided to connected them together with the bracings. We considered to use the skeletal system due to the nature and characteristics of the balsa. It is weak after compression and easy to bend, so we tried to make the bracings stick close to each other in order to achieve the maximum stability and reinforcement. The bracings give the bridge
strength to become more strong.
This is the load path of our bridge. From the photo we can see, by using bracings, we can reinforce the balsa to make it stronger.
This is how the tension and compression applied to our design. Since we used two long and thin beams and reinforced it with bracings so that it is capable of pressure that will apply to them and also better in capability of adapting compression.
After connecting the bracings, our design is capable for pressure and is long enough for working as 1.5m bridge. That is the design and idea of our own bridge for this week’s activities.
02 Learning Loop From this week’s learning, I gained an understanding of structural systems, loads, forces, the ESD and Selecting Materials. Structural system, it consists with Solid, Surface, Skeletal and Membrane. Construction Systems, it consists with Enclosure System, Structural System and Service System. ESD(Environmental Sustainable Design): 1. Local Materials 2.Thermal Mass 3. Solar Energy 4. Insulation 5. Cross Ventilation 6. Material Efficiency 7. Night Air Purging 8. Wind Energy 9. Smart Sun Design 10. Water Havesting Structural Joints: 1. Roller Joints 2.Fixed Joints 3.Pin Joints
Glossary Embodied Energy: The total energy (oil, water, power) used during all stages of a material’s life. Structural Joints: The location where two parts of structure are connected. Bracing: Serving as something that holds parts together or in place. Column: Rigid, relatively slender structural members designed to support axial comprehensive loads applies to the end of members. (Ching, 2008). Frame: A rigid structure formed from relatively slender pieces, joined to surround to empty spaces, and used as a major structure. (Newton, 2014) References Ching, F. (2008). Building Constructed Illustrated (4th Edition). Hoboken, New Jersey : John Wiley and Sons. Newton, C. (2014). W02 s1 Structural Systems Video. Retrieved from: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=l--JtPpI8uw&feature=youtu.be Newton, C. (2014). ESD and Selecting Materials Video. Retrieved from: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=luxirHHxjIY&feature=youtu.be