Log Book Yazid Hussein 699202
Week 1 studio session activity report: The first session of the semester for constructing environments started with a quiz on introductory topics discussed in the first lecture. Mass structures were introduced as structures that have a purpose of carrying a lot of weight like apartment buildings carrying static load (dead load) and live load (moving load). A diagram was drawn on the board illustrating how loads are transferred with in a building, if a load is located in the centre of the object (beam for e.g.) the load will be transferred along the beam all the way to the ground, which elicits an opposite and equal reaction force explained by Newtons third law “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction”. The class got divided into three groups of five, and got asked to build the highest tower possible using wooden blocks. The tower had to sustain its static load without the use of any exterior objects to help attach the wooden blocks to each other. An objected was provided by the class tutor that had to enter the tower through two openings one on the bottom floor and one in the middle of the tower. The group took an unusual approach in the construction of this mass building. Mass constructions transfer these loads predominantly by using compression concrete is a great compressor. However, since wooden blocks were used, a ‘Jenga’ approach was chosen for this building. The base of the tower was a square base with 10 horizontal blocks on each of the four sides; gaps were left in between every block in order to widen the tower and hence transfer the load in a way that would reduce the lateral force as the structure increased in height, or so it was hypothesised. As the tower got taller it started moving slightly at the top. It was observed that the four sides did not stay in a straight line and had different widths which really decreased its ability to resist lateral forces and as a result broke apart at knee height (around 60cm).
2D view of the tower with 10 blocks on each side of the square base
Draft sketch of the wooden block structure using a ‘Jenga’ design from a 3D perspective
Week 2 studio session activity report: In this week’s studio session the quiz revised force distribution, materials, and construction systems and processes. There are many important components in the built environment some require certain building criteria such as strong, skeletal, surface membrane or hybrid. It can be argued that a skeletal system is the most used and effective system in construction, it has a great way of transferring loads; it uses a frame system which gives it a nice looking display. What defines a building is not just the construction system used but rather the enclosure, structural, and service systems that are all combined to form a structure. The class discussed how doors and windows qualify as an enclosure system as it is not part of the structural system and are a matter of personal comfort, opening and closing windows with comparison to walls that cannot be moved as they are a part of a structural system. In the same groups as the previous studio session a frame construction was built. 20 long pieces of cut balsa wood were used with the help of PVA glue and tape to help stick the pieces of balsa wood together. With structural loads and load distribution in mind a square design with diagonal bracing was adopted as seen in the sketches and pictures. Measurements such as the height and width of the balsa wood were recorded in order to find out the dimensions of the tower. Two 20cm pieces of balsa wood were used for width and height to give extra support and a 28cm (20 ) diagonal in a ‘Z’ shape to divide the load and produce a steady and sturdy structure. Due to time constraints the tower only went up to around 70cm, but had a strong base which resulted in an evenly distributed load. For the deconstruction process the balsa wood was cut with scissors one side at a time to see when the tower would collapse starting with the diagonal bracing all the way to the 2 diagonal pieces at the base, which is when the structure dissembled.
First stage of construction PVA glue used to stick the Balsa wood together Process of bracing and reinforcing the structure
The drafting and calculation sketches after measuring balsa wood, calculations of width height and diagonal bracing
The highest stage of tower construction approx 70cm
Deconstruction stage to test when the tower fails
Week 1 E-learning and Reading module Knowledge Map:
Week 2 E-learning and Reading module and lecture Knowledge Map
Week 1 Glossary: Load path: A path that forces take as they distribute through to the foundation of the structure
Masonary: Building built with a mason, stone, brick/clay and concrete Compression: Action of pushing the material from each side hence shortening it
Reaction Force: Newton’s thrid law “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction” meaning that the ground will result in an equal and opposite force as the beam transferring the load to the ground
Point Load: Specific local load in a structure Beam: A long, durable timber or metal piece used in construction e.g. roof
Week 2 Glossary: Structural Joint: When 2 pieces of material (e.g. wood, metal) are joint together physcially Stability: Being balanced by gravity from all sides and has the ability to sustain its own weight (Dead load) and possibly a moving load (Live load) Tension: Stretching an object by pulling it away from each side
Concrete is good under compression
Pre tensed steel rods help distributing the load and withstand larger forces
Frame: A building technique involving vertical and structural members e.g. skyscrapers use bracing for more stability by undergoing tension Bracing:Material that holds 2 parts of the structure together usually placed diagonally, its under tension and distributes the load more effieciently
Coloumn: A long and sturdy supporting pillar usually under compression
References: Francis D.K. Ching, 2008, Building Construction Illustrated, 4th Edition, John Wiley & Sons, 20/3/2014
https://app.lms.unimelb.edu.au/bbcswebdav/courses/ENVS10003_2014_SM1/WEEK%2001 /CHING_chapter02.pdf Photographs: Yazid Hussein, 14/3/2014
Week 3 Studio Session Activity This week’s studio session consisted of a tour around campus. 10 buildings were visited and analysed with regards to the structural systems and elements, materials, exposure and joints used. Lot 6: This building consisted of a basic frame structure with the main use of steel and concrete. The concrete was used for load bearing walls whereas; the steel was used as framing around doors and openings. This suggests that the forces that the building undergoes are mainly compression forces due to the properties of concrete and its ability to undergo great compressive forces. The building makes good use of flashing as it doesn’t allow water to enter the building. The exposure of the building to sunlight and rain might affect the cladding and sheets but no sign of any tearing was visible. Underground car park & South Lawn: The car park used an unusual tree looking support columns that distributed the load in a more efficient way than normal concrete columns. There was also a resemblance with the physical structure of a tree as this was taken into consideration due to south lawn being on top the trees were not removed and the car park was built underground. Arts west Student Centre: The main system employed in this building was a standard concrete structure with a brick veneer wall and out the front a truss system made of refined timber and copper was seen with extra diagonal bracing to enhance the transfer of loads. A cantilever was formed at the end of the truss system possibly to get rid of water as there was a slight slope.
Stairs on west end of Union House: The stairs at the west end of union house were held up by tension in the cables and used a steel stair stringer that transferred the load from stairs into cables into the main beam that connected to a brick wall. Given that steel is an excellent material under tension it is ideal to use. The stair steps were also made of steel as it’s a very strong and durable material.
North Court Union House: This used a membrane system with a curved cone shape that was connected by cables that work under tension. The curved design makes use of water capturing and is all transferred into sewage systems underground this is seen where all the cables meet.
Beaurepaire Centre Pool: The main elements found here was a frame construction with a concrete slab base which is cheaper than steel construction. This suggested a lightweight building system was used.
Oval Pavilion (north side of oval): This is a masonry solid construction with a timber roof and use of timber column and panelling. The clock is also made of timber with a coat of paint over it. A few fixed joints could be seen in this building.
New Melbourne School of Design under construction from various sides: This new building is a typical frame construction with a skeletal structure supporting the facade that was transported to site. Diagonal bracing is seen on the slab frame, with silver metal holding the ceiling up. Precast concrete is used for vertical walls whereas horizontal is in situ. The truss system under construction allows for expansion and provides more support.
Old Geology South Lecture Theatre Entry Structure: The structure is a steel frame construction. The load bearing walls are made of brick veneer a truss seen in this area as well. The entrance is quite small and curved with the cantilever hanging off to allow water to drip.
Frank Tate Pavilion (west of Sidney Myer Asia Centre): Some of the main elements of this building are its roof cladding and copper walls with use of a timber strip. The floor slab is carried by using a steel frame, with the footings present alongside the main timber beams and columns.
Lecture content: 2012 Olympic Park Development
Clear the land (moving soil) is expensive Underground power cables hard to get onto island Use materials wisely, that can be reused 8 times less carbon than Beijing Olympics All bolted rather than welded Fabric membrane surface used Peter macinative film (Pool)
Week 4 Studio Session Activity
During this week’s studio session the main focus was on construction drawings, structural drawings, and architectural drawings. The Old pavilion was used as an example to illustrate these examples. The title block contains information about the architect, the client, the level, scale etc. A very important aspect of a plan is the legend, which explains what different symbols mean on a map. A to D on a map marks the vertical direction whereas from left to
right shows the horizontal direction. There are many different plan types such as elevation plans, cross-section plans. Elevation plans are meant to show the height of the building at a certain scale and help visualise how tall the building will look like and its surroundings whereas, a Cross-section plan shows the building cut in half and this shows what the building will look like from inside and the spaces that will be occupied. In the Oval Pavilion plan windows use the letter W and doors the letter D this is just a way to simplify and to represent it on a map in an easier way. Floor levels and room numbers are shown by placing a decimal point after the floor level example 3.03 means level 3 room 3.
Lecture content: The main message was the differences between architects, engineers and project managers. Project managers talked about the project, the amount of money and that’s an issue and that they communicate idea from architect and engineer. Architect plan the design and use of space whereas, engineers do the calculations and test the structure.
Week 5 Studio Session Activity
This week’s studio was linked to week 4 studio and understanding drawings. With this information in mind each group was allocated a section of the Oval Pavilion and were requested to make a model interpreting different materials and floors. The Foundations and footings were modelled based on the scale from the plans. Black foam core board was used for the footings and as pre cast concrete walls, white cardboard was used as walls for the ground floor and grey cardboard was used for the concrete slab. Diagonal bracing on the ground floor was represented also with black foam core board. The walls of the ground floor were double the thickness due to measurements shown on plan. The concrete slab is an efficient material to be used due to its durability and ability to sustain loads and distribute loads. Bracing is an essential element in construction as it provides the load distribution and prevents buckling of walls due to failure. The main problem with concrete is that it is not environmentally friendly as it is a high emitter of carbon dioxide but cannot be replaced due to its excellent qualities. Lecture content:
Precast concrete stairs Metal roofing Cantilever built stick by stick Galvanised steel section
The building consisted of:
Basement Pre cast concrete walls and columns Pre cast concrete facade (South Australia- best precast concrete) Suspended slabs and beams Structural steel cantilevers Hanging studio Y shaped stairs Triple glazed glass
Week 6 Studio Session Activity
Continuing on from week 5 this studio a model presentation of the detailing of an element of the oval pavilion was done. The group I worked in were assigned foundations and footings and the model can be seen below. Unfortunately no other models from other groups were brought so no comparisons could be made. Some details were discussed about current the second assignment submission and the rules and regulations on site visits. The current stage of construction was still at its beginning starting with foundations and footings and focusing on reinforcing using steel cages and steel beams in concrete. Some of the details of the model made:
Truss spans more than beam Plates usually square shape Grids located along 4 edges of slab Grid structural reference for slab design
Week 7 (No studio session)
Week 8 Studio Session Activity
This studio session focused on drawings from the oval pavilion and representing them in a different scale from a 1:10 to a 1:1 the detail from the drawings given were seen in the oval Pavilion site visit. An hour was spent on finding the detail in the drawings and what to focus on when going to the site visit. Going to the oval pavilion helped visualise the site better, although it was hard to see the exact detail due to the gutter box covering the view and so a very small part could actually be seen from the site visit. However, it was interesting to note the importance of scale and how representation changes from drawings to the actual building. When the class got back from the site visit, measurements were taken of the original 1:10 drawings and were multiplied by 10 to get a 1:1 scaled drawing. The class pinned up and presented what was worked on so far and the detail could be seen in a much easier way due to the larger scale, this enables us to see the different materials and functions that such details have on a building.
Week 9 Studio Session Activity
This studio session the group met at the site (485 Spencer St) at 12:15 and commenced site visit at 12:45 with all safety equipment needed such as safety hat, safety glasses, and steel cap boots and florescent safety vest. The site manger started the tour of the building from the basement it was a 2 level basement there is 1-1.5 metres between floors he stated that all vertical elements were precast and all horizontal elements were in situ. He mentioned that water proofing the building was the biggest issue and that there was a difference in progression between different floors and that the 2nd floor was a week and a half behind the 1st one. All horizontal floors used a method of post tension from the ground floor to level 6. The steel beam is stretched by up to 50 mm on the first attempt then a further 15-20 on the second attempt. The pre stressed reinforcement saves around $100,000 from the overall project and since conserving money and resources was a main issue this helped reduce costs greatly. This system made sure that beams don’t move at all and that they are well secured. Once the steel cables are inserted, concrete is poured through and is let to dry an set. A mark is made with yellow pain to see where the steel reached and won’t let it move back in that direction. A packer joint system is implemented and the car stacker system is used This makes in this building as it’s a more efficient way of stacking cars from different sure levels. This project is set to cost $3.1 million and it is going to be a pressure residential complex. remains on According to the site manager the architect visits the site approximately once a week and bearers
highlighted some issues in construction of this building like the alignment of the pipes to lower levels according to plans but was not seen as a problem.
Precast concrete walls
The roof is going to be built at a 1 degree angle to allow water to slide off and so that not water can enter through openings and to break up wind blow and direction so that it doesn’t cause and dampness or moisture.
This step is used to stop water from flowing outside the apartment
Fixed joints used on site
Rubber material covering holes to stop water from entering
Week 10 Studio Session Activity
This studio session the drawings from week 6 were pinned up again, viewed and compared by the class. This showed the different details of the oval pavilion from different sections such as footings and foundations to roof detailing. The 1:1 model was then turned into a 3d view by extending lines at 35-45 degrees in either direction. Once the class pinned up and presented, another visit to the oval pavilion enabled a greater visual understanding and allowed to see the difference between connecting the physical appearance of the building to the drawings before making the 1:1 drawing and after making it, to see if there are any differences or similarities between the two. Many things can go wrong in buildings due to cracks, leaks and gaps which allow water, moisture and termites in and can potentially ruin a building exterior and interior. Some measures can be taken such as the inclusion of eaves and flashing that stop water from entering and the use of different materials can stop termites from entering as they tend to cause problems when building is made of wood. Some coating of toxic material can deal with termites or use of material that covers spaces efficiently.
Construction Workshop (Week 4) The construction workshop consisted of a 2 hour session introduction to tools and equipment that are going to be used to make a load bearing model implementing some of the ideas from lectures and learning modules. The first 30 minutes consisted of a safety induction introduction which explained the various safety precautions and measures to be taken in the workshop and the correct way of handling tools. An hour was allocated for model making in pairs, where a design is sketched and measurements are taken before the model is constructed. The sketch below shows the design idea, similar to the Pantheon in Greece the design aimed to incorporate both compression and tension where plywood which is a material good under compression was placed in the middle used as load bearing columns and Pinewood was used at the top and bottom as it is good in tension. Materials used:
Saw Measuring Square Measuring Tape Drill Plywood (7) Pinewood (2)
Equipment used Other groups’ model
Load taken before fracture Model made
Model in the load tester Weakness around knot under tension
Glossary: Moment: connections that are able to hold their original angle under loading Retaining wall: Wall designed and constructed to resist lateral pressure of the soil being retained Pad Footing: A thick slab-type foundation used to support a structure or a piece of equipment. Strip footing: Number of columns in a row supported in low height Slab on ground: foundation slab is laid directly on the ground without a basement Substructure: Supporting structure Joist: a length of timber or steel supporting part of the structure of a building, typically arranged in parallel series to support a floor or ceiling
Steel decking: Type of steel membrane to support roof Span: Length of beam Girder: a large iron or steel beam or compound structure used for building bridges and the framework of large buildings Concrete plank: A hollow-core or solid, flat beam used for floor or roof decking. Concrete planks are usually precast and prestressed. Spacing: Space between bearers Stud: Upright timber piece where plasterboards are found Nogging: Brick work in timber frame Lintel: a horizontal support of timber, stone, concrete, or steel across the top of a door or window. Axial Load: load from roof to foundations Buckling: Failure under compression usually longer structure rather than wider Season timber: Timber dried and has stable moisture content Rafter: Beam forming internal framework of a roof
Purlin: a horizontal beam along the length of a roof, resting on principals and supporting the common rafters or boards Cantilever: An overhanging beam used to transfer loads Portal frame: a rigid structural frame consisting essentially of two uprights connected at the top by a third member. Eave: The part that meets the overhanging part of building Alloy: metal made by combining 2 or more metallic elements Soffit: underside of arch, balcony or overhanging eaves Top chord: truss structure compromising one or more triangular units with straight members Drip: water falling Gutter: Section beneath roof to carry rainwater Parapet: a low protective wall along the edge of a roof Down pipe: a pipe to carry rainwater from a roof to a drain or to ground level Flashing: strip of metal used to stop water from penetrating junction of roof and other surface Insulation: covering section with material Sealant: Material use to cover something to keep it tight Window sash: frame work that holds panes of windows in window frame Deflection: degree of displacement under load Moment of inertia: tendency to keep moving in direction of acceleration Door furniture: handles, lock and other fixtures on door Stress: pressure and tension exerted on material Shear force: forces pushing one part of body in one direction and other part in another direction Sandwich panel: panel that consists of 2 aluminium sheets bonded to non aluminium core
Bending: force something into curve or angle Skirting: wooden board running along interior wall Composite beam: steel beam with concrete decking causing steel and concrete to act together Shadow line joint: uniform spacing ruled by shadows used to measure Cornice: a moulding around the wall of a room just below the ceiling Shear wall: wall composed of braced panels that effect lateral load acting on the structure Soft storey: multi storey building with openings placed where shear wall is usually placed Braced frame: structural system designed to resist lateral forces they work in tension and compression similar to truss Lifecycle: amount material can remain functioning properly Defut: Standard construction Fascia: a board or flat piece of material covering end of rafters Corrosion: damage caused to metals by oxidisation IEQ: indoor environmental quality eg. thermal comfort
References: Francis D.K. Ching, 2008, Building Construction Illustrated, 4th Edition, John Wiley & Sons, 20/3/2014
https://app.lms.unimelb.edu.au/bbcswebdav/courses/ENVS10003_2014_SM1/WEEK%2001 /CHING_chapter02.pdf All e-learning modules: Constructing environments sem 1 2014, The university of Melbourne
Photographs: Yazid Hussein, 14/3/2014- 14/05/2014