Architectural
Te c h n o l o g y
Portfolio 2017-2019
Ya m u n a
Sakthivel
+971-545038438 yamunas akth i v e l @ gm ai l .co m Tower A, Damac Park Towers, Al Mustaqbal Street, Dubai 1
CONTENTS
M a s t e r
t h e s i s
4 - 1 1
Facade Renovation 1 2 - 1 9
MEGA
Str uct ure
2 0 - 2 7
2
Earth Architecture
Structural glass
S h e l l s t r u c t u r e
2 8 - 3 5
3 6 - 3 9
4 0 - 4 5
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URBAN FACADES
Photocatalytic building envelope for passive remediation of air pollution Course: Sustainable Graduation Studio Academic project TU Delft Master Thesis - Cum Laude
TiO2 phototcatalyst’s capability of breaking down NOx (Nitric oxides) compounds has broadened its scope in pollution abatement. The graduation project targets on adoption of passive air remediation techniques like TiO2 coating on facade panels. The performance of the phototcatalyst in urban scenarios is affected by contact wind speed and incident UV irradiation. Also, increased surface area provides more active surface area for the catalyst. This can be manipulated by the geometry of the panel. Hence, the objective of this research is to design facade panel with enlarged surface area and surface roughness to to favor photocatalysis in response to the environment.
Site: Putney High Street, London 4
Work Flow Material Study Design Parameters
Conceptual Design
Design Development
Optimisation
Evaluation
Context | Tools |
| Rhino CFD | Ladybug | Honeybee |
| Octopus |
| COMSOL |
Research Structure
Material Study & Analysis
Material science of the photocatalyst and applications 5
Design Goal Surface Enlargement
Context
Maximise incident irradiation
Reducing contact wind speeds
Design Requirements
Goal
Visual Comfort
Maximise surface area Design
Facade Concepts (Retrofits / Primary envelope)
Evaluation
Maximise incident radiation UV > 10 W/m2
Minimise wind velocity
Design Strategies
Pyramidal surface enlargement
Omnidirectional light
Surface roughness Hexagonal pyramids have the highest range of irradiance during winter and least amount of shaded surface during summer.
Surface enlargement and irradiation levels are compared to shorlist the optimum shape
The shape of hexagon shows better light capturing abilities. To break the visual monotone, a tessellation pattern of hexagon was chosen where the hexagon in rotational motion of 120° forms a pattern. The module indicated in red is optimised in octopus.
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Concept Optimisation
Radiation on winter solstice Radiation on summer solstice Surface enlargement
Graph from Octopus plugin plotted with the optimized panel results for south facade
Area for photocatalysis on south facade Surface Enlargement: 1.81
Panelling
1.25
1.11
0.78
20 mm gaps to allow for fitting dowels as fixing points
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Evaluation Scenario
Inlet Open Boundary Outlet Wall Flux Domain Measuring section for NO Exhaust Irradiation measuring point
Analysis model: Street section with exhaust source and photoctatalytic surface
Scenarios
Street section with flat panel
Street section with designed panels
Situation
Without active With active surface surface 2 m/s
Without active With active surface surface 2 m/s & 4 m/s
Wind speed UV irradiance (W/m2)
Summer: 16 Winter: 0.8
Summer: 16 Winter: 0.8
Visualization
Air purification in Summer
Reduction of pollutant speed due to photocatalytic surface
Air
quality difference with photocatalytic facade
the
The accumulation of pollutants is higher closer to the faรงade compared to a flat faรงade which shows the potential of the geometry to slow down the movement of wind over it. 8
Result Inference Designed Panel
Conc. of NOx in mol/m3
Flat Panel
Width of the street
NOx in Reference street NOx levels after purification (winter) NOx levels after purification (summer)
Width of the street
Pollution abatement by the designed facade with and without the photocatalytic active surface for summer and winter for inlet velocity of 2 m/s (lowest wind speed when there is maximum accumlation of pollutants)
Air purification in Summer
Air purification in Winter
8%
18-38 %
3%
4-9 %
Minimum resultant air purification effect of the panels on the south facade during slow winds
The extent of reduction was measured at a pedestrian breathing height along the longitudinal section of the street. And at higher wind speeds, air purification is increased to 8.9% and 37.8% in winter and summer respectively. 9
Materialisation CRITERIA 1 Pollution abatement performance
Metal
Terracota
Ceramic
Absorption Capacity Method of Immobilization
CRITERIA 2
Photocatlytic Activity
Design Performance
Polymers (ABS)
UHPC
Design Flexibility Weight of the panel
CRITERIA 3
Durability Substructure Requirement
UHPC
35.47 kg
40% less Embodied energy
Environmental impact Embodied Energy Carbon Footprint
Ultra-high Performing Concrete
UHPC Facade panel
M6 Threaded bolt Dowel embedded into the facade panel with2mm projection
Wind restraint anchor
Channel section with groove to slide the panel into the support T- bracket with a 4mm projection to lock the panel in position M10 Threaded bolt Anchor body (60 x 30 x 60 mm) Load bearing Anchor
Fixing detail of the facade panels using hidden anchors
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Applications
Variations in level of Irradiance on the designed panels applied in a street canyon of a south faรงade with aspect ratio 1
Photocatalytic panels installed on the bridge walls 11
FACADE RETROFIT Course: Technoledge Facade Design Academic project TU Delft Group Project: Team of 4
A cost-effective retrofit extension for residences is made possible by the usage of modular prefabricated boxes. Goal: The facade retrofit has to be easily demountable and contain decentralized for heating, ventilation and cooling. In the floor plan, adding such boxes to the facade can not only directly increase the thermal insulation of the facade, but also create a thermal buffer that will heat up the interior more. The modules therefore can act both as a logical extension of a house and as a sunspace.
Site: Marconi towers, Rotterdam
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Work Flow
Refurbishment Concept
Design Development
Analysis
Detailing
Facade Assembly & Maintenance
Sustainability calculations
Building Physics
| Tools |
| Ladybug | Honeybee | | Auto CAD | Rhino 3D |
Concept
Decentralized
Standardization
Fast and easy Modular
Subdivision of systems
Demountable
Usage of virgin materials
Customisation
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Concept
Modular prefabricated boxes are added as a thermal skin to upgrade to passivehaus
Balcony units for residential typology
Sun space: Addition of such boxes to the facade can not only directly increase the thermal insulation of the facade, but also create a thermal buffer that will heat up the interior like a sun space.
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Innovation
100 % Glazing
75 % Glazing
50 % Glazing
Vacuum insulated panels
Photovoltaic panels
Green and digital panels
Mixed application
The customisation of the modular facade system through various components.
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Facade Exploded View
Drilling of concrete and epoxy glueing of steel rods or casting in of halfen channels Galvanised steel cantilever connector with halfen channels fixed to concrete. Galvanised steel pegs for spacing adjustment
Galvanised steel angle, bolted to main steel channel, supporting adjustable bracket to mullion
Building Physics
Dew point temperature
Inside
The comfortable relative humidity level for indoor ranges from 40 to 50% at 22 째C. The dew point varies from 3.36 째C to 13.89째C with indoor RH being 30-60% respectively. This would require a vapor barrier in the modules to prevent the seepage of condensed water into the insulation.
Thermal Analysis 째C
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Floor carpentry with wooden beams on steel U clips with water resistant plywood sheathing.
cade brackets above to hich curtain wall is hung
Softwood and plywood flooring Galvanized steel beams Gypsum walls (Gyproc) Ventilation unit: Trox Technik FSL-B-PCM Galvanized steel connectors
Aluminium unitized curtain wall system (Reynaers CW65-EF) Plywood sheathing
Sectional view of the box module 17
Detail
18
Views
View of the retrofit box module from the interiors
Aerial view of the Europoint complex after refurbishment
19
MEGA Course: MEGA Studio Academic project TU Delft Group Project: Team of 7 Role: Structural designer
Goal: To return the existing green landscape to the city and not overshadow the landmark Rotterdam central station that is adjacent to it. The concept is a reflection of the awardwinning Rotterdam central station. The built form is distinguished with two levels of volumes: one which is a high rise and the other a low rise that forms the plinth. The pivot of the architecture is the sloping green pedestrian accessible plinth that gradually leads into the building. The high rise emerges from the center of the plinth.
Site: Rotterdam Central, Netherlands 20
Work Flow
Concept
Form Generation
Core Design
Structural Concept
Integration
Diagrid vs Tubular
| Tools |
| Grasshopper | Octopus |
| Karamba | GSA |
Form Generation
The mass of the high rise is a reflection of the station.The optimization in Octopus gives a form that captures highest solar radiation, encompasses the required architectural volume and reduces the reflection from the building into the surroundings.
10560740 KWh/m2
10790695 KWh/m2
11670821 KWh/m2
1188259 KWh/m2
11987215 KWh/m2
11862185 KWh/m2
195930
242008
37239
31553
24675
59647
152280 m3
155604.4 m3
176331.6 m3
179864.6 m3
183014 m3
180077 m3
Finalised Concept
Parameters
Maximise Incident solar radiation
Minimise Reflected radiation
Volume of the mass 21
Structural Concept
Architectural mass
Structural System
Column spacing (m) Column and beam Mass
Tube 4.5 0.9 x 0.9 (m) 3.17 e7 Kg
Projection of a bounding grid
Structural envelope
Tube in Tube 4.5 0.5 x 0.5 (m) 1.5 e7 Kg
Tube in Tube 6.0 0.8 x 0.8 (m) 2.7 e7 Kg
Comparison of structural system
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Structural Analysis
Case A1: Serviceability Limit State Deformation scale: 100 Output: Y-axis Unit: mtetre
Case A2: Ultimate Limit State Resolved Moment (Myz) Unit: N.m
Thickness (columns and beams): 0.1m Maximum allowable deflection: 0.24m Load case: (1.0 x Self-weight + 1.0 x windload)
50mm Screed 17mm pipe for concrete core activation 230mm concrete Reinforcement bars Metal decking HE700M I-beam 800 x 400 mm ducts
Composite floor system with concrete core activation
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Structural System
176m
58m
21m
South and east elevation
The kinks present at level 0 and 12 results in high horizontal forces due to lateral loads from winds. The diaphragm action given by the floor would help in even distribution of lateral forces on to the tube and the core. Hence, addition of horizontal bracing was necessary to transfer the lateral forces more effectively at the two mentioned levels. 24
Structural System
Horizontal bracing on floor slabs at level 0 & 12 for effective transfer of horizontal forces to the core
Plan depicting the arrangement of horizontal bracing at the floors with kinks
25
Connections
There are 7 types of inclination of columns and connection typologies between them. The framed structure is added with nodes that would connect the beams and columns such that planes of connections are pushed away from the critical bending moment zones.
90 x 90 x 10 cm RHS Column
Stiffeners for moment resistance
Factory welded cover plates at the end of beams and columns 2.7 x 2.7 x 0.9m H460 Steel connecting nodes High Strength steel bolts Clip on holders 80 x 80 x 80 cm RHS section 32mm x 12mm reinforcement bars C/20 Concrete Gypsum boards
To ensure fire safety, the square hollow composite sections are encapsulated in 50 mm reinforced Gypsum board as an insulating layer that can provide fire resistance up to 120 minutes. 26
Summary : Model built-up
Structural Plan: Ground floor level (Framed structure for the low rise portion)
Structural elements
1
3
4
Internal Column
Primary Beams
Element
Material
Steel (S355)
Steel (S355)
Steel (S355)
Support type
Fixed @bottom & Hingled to floors
Hinged
Hinged
HD 400 744+
HE 800M (at largest))
Square Hollow Section (0.1 x 0.1m) Thickness: 0.02m
Element
Section Profile
2
Core
11.2 x 21.8 m
6
5
Element
Columns & Beams
Floor Slabs
Material
Steel (S460)
Connection type
Moment transfer
Shallowdeck HODY SB60 floor, t = 23 cm
Section Profile
SHS (0.8 X 0.8 m) Thickness (0.1 m) 27
EARTHY Course: EARTHY Academic project TU Delft Built-area: 1326 Sq.m Group Project: Team of 5 Role: Structural designer
The war has moved Syrians away from their home. They have lost their sense of identity, culture and livelihood. To regain their past and secure their future, a center that could provide them employment and enrich them with culture is quintessential. The skill center is an expression space and knowledge hub that induces a sense of belongingness to the community in t he refugee camp. The programs are organised around three courtyards with interactive working areas. Mastabas on the inside and outside acts as a gathering space to express their culture. Site: Zaatari Refugee Camp, Jordan 28
Work Flow Radiation Analysis
(Openings on Structure)
Architectural Concept
(Typology & Site selection)
| Honeybee | Ladybug |
Digital Form-finding
Optimisation Structural Analysis
(Finite Element Method)
| Tools | | Space Syntax | Python |
| Grasshopper | Kangaroo |
| Karamba |
Concept
Courtyards : Sense of connectivity to nature and native architecture of Syria
Gathering Spaces
Confined spaces : Sense of security
Clustering around courtyards
Two way axis : Takes advantage of wind flow pattern and provides access from two sides
Round the clock activities
Soft skills
Arts & Crafts Skills
Construction skills
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Form Finding
Geometry
Extrusion of the plan
Eliminating overlaps
Connecting the units
Subtraction of openings
Mesh Generation Orthogonal mesh
Dynamic Relaxation Applying point load at the vertices of the mesh corresponding to the weight of the material
Mesh generation with a grid of 0.25m
Finite Element Method Determining the thickness of the shell
Solar Radiation analysis on the built-up
Openings of 0.2 x 0.2 m are punctured at zones of minimum solar irradiation
Principal Stress (N/mm2) -0.06
0.03
Structural Analysis C.Section = 480 mm Maximum Span : 6 m Max allowable deflection : 20 mm
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Work Flow
Tension
Compression
Section of a regular catenary arch
Section of the form-found vault
The structure is designed based on a suspended chain which when inverted forms compressive arches.
* Uses less material * Frequent openings * Continuity in spaces
Construction Workshop C.Section = 480 mm Maximum Span : 6 m Max allowable deflection : 12 mm
Classrooms C.Section = 240 mm Maximum Span : 6 m Max allowable deflection : 12 mm
Section 3
Section 1
Section along Construction workshops and Classrooms indicating the variation in thickness of the shell structures
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Fabrication
Concept
Recycled plastic rod
Afghan & Persian Domes
Screw to fix the plastic tube PVC Pipe Knob to tighten @specific angle Compass reading Pivot Wood Base plate
Guiding rod system
Tool designed to set the angle for the guiding rods
Prototype model of the classroom using clay bricks
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Assembly Sequence
Input 1 - Marking the plan
Input 2 - Length of the arc
Input 3- Angle of arc to the origin
Positioning the tool
Laying bricks beneath the guide
Moving the guide for further layers
Recycled plastic rods as guiding frames to place the mud blocks
1
2
3
Sequence of assembly of classrooms
Nubian vaulting for workshops
33
Views
View of a classroom with openings for natural light 34
Assembly Sequence
Night view of the courtyard with cultural meeting
Entrance into the courtyard of the skill development centre with workshops on either sides 35
SHELL Course: Technoledge Structural Design Academic project TU Delft Project area: 2580 Sq.m Group Project: Team of 3
The goal of the project was to design a thin shell pedestrian bridge using reinforced concrete. The form is inspired from catenary shell structures. The 3 points across the bridge with shortest distance was connected based on the perceived traffic flow. The concept of the shell was form-found in grasshopper using Weaverbird & kangaroo. The finalised design with sufficient slope for walking was chosen and finite element analysis was performed to ensure it performed as a shell and not a slab. Further optimisation was done to optimise the thickness of the shell in rhino after curvature analysis.
Site: Zuidkolk, Delft, Netherlands 36
Work Flow Physical form finding
Digitalisation
Concept
Finite Element Analysis Digital form finding
| Tools |
| Grasshopper | Kangaroo |
Optimisation
Structual Analysis | Karamba |
|DIANA |
Concept
Design Concept
Orthogonal mesh with diagonal springs
Perspective view of the relaxed mesh 37
Aerial view of the bridge
Section of the pedestrian bridge
38
The shell structure was analysed in karamba for buckling factor, stresses and deflection. Thin shells are prone to buckling even before yield stress is reached. In this case since the shell is thin compared to its span as well as being shallow, a buckling load factor of 6 was sought. Cross section: 260 mm Width: 6.00 m Longest span: 90 m
Deflection
Principal Stresses
0.00 0.26 0.51 0.76 1.02 1.27 1.53 1.78 2.04 2.24 2.55 2.80 3.05 3.31 3.56 3.82 4.07
-6.14 -5.37 -4.61 -3.84 -3.07 -2.30 -1.54 -0.77 0.00 0.62 1.24 1.87 2.49 3.11 3.73 4.35 4.97
Principal Stress Lines
Guard rail
Finished floor level Floor support
Reinforced Concrete
Section view of the bridge The double curve of the shell ensures good shell performance. It is not convenient for people to walk on it. The structurally optimised surface has been added with a lightweight wooden floor and railing to make it pedestrian friendly. 39
GLASS VIEW HOUSE Course: Technoledge Structural Design Academic project TU Delft Project area: 139 Sq.m Group Project: Team of 3
The architectural approach is to offer an insight into the belief about the Aurora Borealis and experiencing the phenomenon along this line of belief. Many stories also tell that the Aurora is none other than the mythical BifrÜst – a rainbow bridge of light that connects Asgard (the realm of the gods) to Midgard (the realm of mortals). Hence, the concept has been evolved from this belief as a stairway that gradually elevates from the ground and faces the sky. The observer has to climb a flight of risers to reach a platform from where one could observe the phenomenon with a sense of levitation from the ground towards the sky
Site: Thingvellir National Park, Iceland 40
Work Flow Concept
Structural Analysis
| Tools |
Panelling
Assembly
Spacing of structural elements
Production constraints
Cross section of the components
Transportation constraints
| DIANA |
Joinaries
| Rhino 3D |
Initial Sketch
Design Concept
Site overlooking the water body
Part of the structure is over the water
Structure is inclined to overlook the northern lights
Lifing the view level of the observer
Flight of stairs over the water body
Structural Concept Load bearing cantilevered walls Tapering geometry creating a focus to the sky 41
Structural Analysis
Structural elements Glass fins Load bearing glass walls Stair beams
Aurora Rib Cross section: 3 x15 mm
Key diagram
The largest spanning rib supporting the roof was taken and analysed in DIANA as a complete frame.
Aurora Wall Cross section: 3 x12 mm
Key diagram
The cantilevered walls were treated as load bearing elements and analysed in DIANA.
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Panelling
Massing to panelling Maximum size of a panel: 3 x 6 m
Structural fins
PLan View Layers of laminated glass
After several design iterations we settled on the form above. All glass pieces were designed to fit within the standard float glass dimensions of 3x6m. This allows for easy production as well as cutting and laminating of pieces. The rib portions are connected together to form the complete piece. The rounded corners will be cut from extruded glass tubes. 43
Assembly
1
2
3
5
6
7
4
The building elements need to be connected such that it allows continuous stress flow for a monolithic function. Critical elements are the cantilevered side walls and the ribs which carry the roof loads. Shear stress resisting connections is necessary as they are tall beams compared to their thickness. The beams and walls use external multi-bolt connections to ensure shear strength. 44
Joinaries
For connections such as the stairs and base of ribs, embedded connections are used as they provide a clean= look. Roof panels and roof to wall connections are clamped since their load is transferred principally through the ribs. All connections are bolted to ensure sufficient resistance in all directions.
The glass viewing platform to observe northern lights
S.S.Splice plates M10 Head screws 3 x 12 mm laminated glass Friction layer 12 mm Embedded Steel
Friction layer 3 x 12 mm laminated glass S.S.Splice plates Elastomer Sleeve M10 Bolts Spring washer
Detail 1
Detail 2 45
Y
a m u n a
S
a k t h i v e l
+971-545038438 yamunas akth i v e l @ gm ai l .co m
Portfolio 2017-2019
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