Weiyu Kong (Katherine) 683958

LOG BOOK WEEK 02

by Katherine Kong

Learning Loop: pre-learning

Studio Report: Frame Task: to build a Stable structure long enough to span across a gap (1.5m), using 2 pieces of balsa. Glue, tape, pins provided.

The material : balsa Light, low density, high strength, easy to work with virtually no dulling effect on cutters. Can be used for making light, rigid structures including model bridge tests, model tree houses, to-scale architectural projects.

Load is transferred in the middle part of the structure , sideways within the vertical beams then down to two supporting beams then another two supporting beams.

The tension between tape and the beams attached to the table balances the load and gravity of the structure.

Frame -- T-beam

The T-shaped beam is a load-bearing structure. The top part of the beam resists compression force, the part below serves to prevent the beam from bending.

Frame -- collapse

Applied force compresses the part of structure shown in the diagram. Three beams tend to bend under compression. When applied force increases beyond the structure's endurance, the structure fails. What happened was, as shown in the picture, the beam on the top separated with the tape, therefore tension no longer exist, load transferred from the beam at the bottom to the beam in the middle, collapse point occurred.

When load applied on the structure, there is no tension between the tape and the supporting beam as the tape appears to be loose. When the supporting beam fails, tension between tape and beam serves to maintain the stability of structure.

Glossary Bracing: used on the structure elements to stabilise the structure against lateral force (Ching, 2014).

Span: The distance between the horizontal supporting element of a structure. (Ching, 2014).

Frame: a system formed by columns and beams which are connected by joints (Ching, 2014).

Reference Ching, F. (2008). Building Construction Illustrated (4th Ed). USA. John Wiley & Sons, lnc.

August 11). ESD and Selecting Materials [video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watchv=KJ97Wh1kGU&feature=You