1 Logbook (Construction Environment)

Week 1

Reference: Envs10003 Youtube, 2014

Basic Structural Forces A force is any influence that produces a change in the shape or movement of a body.

Collinear forces occur along a straight line, the vector sum of whichis the algebraic sum of the magnitudes of the

forces,acting along the same line of action.

Direction: line of action of force

Sense: the arrow direction

Strength- strong or weak?

Stiffness

Shape-

Economy and Sustainability-

Material behaviours-

2 Logbook (Construction Environment)

Tension forces: When the external load pulls on a structural member, the particles composing the material

move apart adn undergo tension. Amount of elongation depends on (1)stiffness of the material (2)cross

sectional area and the (3)magnitude of the load.

Compression force has the opposite effect of tension force and result in shortening of the material.

Mass construction- construction based on actual matter, volume Eg. Brick as opposed to frame construction

with cables.

MDF= medium density partical fibre

Load path: The path that a load (weight) is transferred down to the ground. Is represented by an arrow. The load will always take the most direct route down to the ground, hence a need for weight distribution.

Masonry: A way of building using small individual units laid and connected together with mortar. An example of masonry is a brick wall. Masonry materials can include bricks, granite, stone, glass and concrete.

Compression: Is where a weight or external factor applies pressure to a structural member (for example a brick), making that bond between that member and the next even stronger.

Reaction force: The force of one object in response to a force applied.

Point load: A specialised spot on a structure where a load or mass is directly applied. Eg a walker on a bridge

Beam: A structural element that is capable and is used to hold loads and not bend. Beams are generally made from strong materials, such as steel or hardwood.

Dead load= force that are permanent eg. Wall, floors and permanent furnitures

Live load= moving forces such as people, tables

Bluestone Story Bluestone- basalt- igneous rock form from volcanoe lava

Gives dark coloring to the city unlike sydney- sandstone

Perth- bricks and limestones

Disadvantages - prone to wheel ruts of carriages in 19th century

- Water damage and impact damage from trucks

- Stiletto heel damage

Bubbles indicate lava flow, most of important buildings in melbourne are made of bluestone foundations (the main local

building material), rough stones underneath....

by looking at the past where basalt hasnt formed, it shows the natural landscape has shaped the cultural landscape

thats occuring these days. ( Envs10003 Youtube, 2014)

3 Logbook (Construction Environment)

Load path diagram

Building of Tower with MDF

This tower making doesnt require much

about planning and can be achieved

even by stacking the blocks in order and

in some sort of geometrical shape in

this case the cylindrical one. However, in

the middle, in trying to achieve the

dome shape, it would be wise if we used

the strategy adopted in other groups like

stacking them all in horizontal

orientation towards the centre. This

allows the towel to become more enclosed within a short time frame.

Figure 1 how the load is transferrred down to the ground (Load path diagram)

No supporting for those elements

4 Logbook (Construction Environment)

Even though our towel managd to stand the tallest among the four in our studio, the main

reason is because of this idea. Here its important to stack the blocks into changing orientation

so that it becomes firmer due to its stronger line of axis. And this would add the towel height

very quick and save materials but on the other hand, it wont be that stable.

Another thing to note here is that

rather than making the towel in

solid materials, it would be wise

to take out some blocks from the

base since the forces would still

act on both sides of arches and

furthermore, it would save

materials and maximise the use of the structure since there

can be pathway through the towel. This also proves how buildings real life can stand

with arches underneath.

Week 2

Building tower with cut thin fibre strips Even though this is what we planned to do in the first place due to many

bracing, we thought it would give more stability and strength than any

other designs but however, even to finish the first layer, it would reqiuire

at least 15 strips for all three sides and moreover, it wouldnt stand tall if

5 Logbook (Construction Environment) we cut the strips. So with the total amount of strips we had, we had to change our designs while making the triangles. So

in the end, our design turns out like this.

Without proper bracing, our structure turns out very weak instead and when being

pressed by a force from top, the structure fails at joints and since they the joints are

only glued at the tips, they werent strong enough to hold the structures.

Here we note that having joints in side the pointy ends actually is is much stronger

than having on tips.

Things to note from other group works

Rather than making the bracing in same direction for all sides, it

would be better to put in opposide directions so that it can withstand the

force more and will lessen the chance of failing. This is due to the structure having

both tension and compression forces and need to consider them.

Another thing is that if we use the pins at the joints, the

structure becomes firmer.

6 Logbook (Construction Environment)

Reference: Envs10003 Youtube, 2014

Structural System- To support and transmit applied gravity and lateral loads safely to

the ground without exceeding the allowable stresses in its members. (Ching, D.K. 2008)

Superstructure-vertical extension of the building above foundation

Supporting elements- columns, beams and load bearing walls for floor and roof

structures

Substructure- underlying structure forming the foundation of a builiding

Enclosure system-Shell or envelope of building, consisting of the roof, exterior walls,

windows, and doors (Ching, D.K. 2008).

The roof and exterior walls to protect from weather and control moisture, heat,

and air flow through the layering of construction assemblies.

Exterior walls and roofs also dampen noise and provide security and privacy for

the occupants of a building.

doors provide physical access.

Windows provide access to light, air, and views.

Structural systems

- early buildings working with stones, bricks and

compression is the main structural action

- sydney opera house example

- frame system –efficient way of

transferring loads to the ground

- to cover large areas efficiently and cheaply and can

withstand tension

- membrane and steel frame

7 Logbook (Construction Environment)

Interior walls and partitions subdivide the interior fo a buiilding into spatial units.

Mechanical systems-for essential services such as water supply system(Ching, D.K. 2008)

sewage disposal stsyem for removing fluid waste and organic matter

Heating, ventilating and air conditioning systms for envioronmental comfort

Electrical system- distributes power supply for lighting, power and communication systems

Vertical transportation system- to carry people from one level to another

Fire fighting system- to detect and extinguish fires

R

Reference: (Ching, D.K. 2008)

performace requirements

•structural compatibility- for safety reasons

• fire resistance

•heat and air flow control

•accomodation for expansion and contraction

•noise reduction

•resistance to wear, corrosion and weathering

•cleanliness and maintenance

construction practices

•safety requirements

•division of labor and coordination of building rades

•budget constraints

•construction equipment required

•erection time required

Aesthetic qualities

•relationship of building to the site, properties or to neighbourhood

•Prefer qualities in form, massing, color, pattern, texture and detail.

Economic constraints

•cost including material, transportation, equipment, and labour costs

• life cycle costs including initial costs plus maintenance and operating costs, demolition and replacement cost

8 Logbook (Construction Environment)

Common ESD Strategies

1. Local materials

2. Material efficiency

3. Thermal mass- to conduct heat across the walls through bricks

4. Night air purging- convention system buildings deal with hot air escaping and cold air moving in

5. Solar energy

6. Wind energy

7. Cross ventilation- having two openings create air flow

8. Smart sun design

9. Insulation

10. Water harvesting

Key terms

Bracing- strengthening the structure by placing additional structural member in building framework

Reference List Ching, F. D.K,2008, Building Construction illustrated, John Wiley & Sons, inc. U.S.A

ENVS10003 Construction environment Youtube channel e-learning module

Key terms LOAD BEARING WALL- A wall specifically designed and built to support an

imposed load in addition to its own weight.

MASONRY– construction composed of shaped or molded units, usually small

enough to be handled by one man and composed of stone, ceramic brick, or tile,

concrete.

COMPRESSION– structurally, it is the force that pushes together or crushes, as

opposed to tension which is the force that pulls apart.

REACTION FORCE– resistive forces acting on a surface to hold it stable.

POINT LOAD– a concentrated load on a structural member.

BEAM– A horizontal structural member that supports a load and transfers the

load to vertical members such as columns and walls.

MASS CONSTRUCTION– building construction approach using masonry or actual

matter opposed to frame construction with cables or timber structural frames.

PARAPET ROOF– the part of the wall that extends above the roof level. Half

length wall or less than half.

MDF-medium density particle Fibre

CLADDING-covering or sheathing applied to provide desirable surface properties,

such as durability, weathering particular for outside...also for decoration.

SKIRTING-a wooden board running along the base of an interior wall

DEAD LOADS– static loads acting vertically downward on a structure and the

weight of builidng elements, fixtures and equipment permanently attached to it.

Key terms STRUCTURAL JOINT- The point, area, position, or condition of a structure at which

two or more things are jointed. (fixed, pin and roller joints)

STABILITY– A measure of ability of a structure to withstand overturning, sliding,

buckling or collapsing.

TENSION– The state or condition imposed on a material or structural member by

pulling or stretching.

FRAME– An assembly of vertical and structural members only.

BRACING– A diagonal tie that connects two scaffold members to stabilize the

structure against lateral forces from either directions.

COLUMN– A long, relatively slender, supporting pillar. A column is usually loaded

axially in compression.

THERMAL MASS– A method suited to climates with wide temperature swings. It

involves running cool nighttime air across a large indoor building mass, such as a slab.

The cool thermal mass then absorbs heat during the day.

SOLAR ENERGY– radiant energy from the sun.

FRONTAL VENTILATION-A natural or mechanical process by which air is introduced

to or removed from a space, with or without heating, cooling, or purification

treatment. But by use of proper placing of doors, windows or outlets according to

wind direction.

WATER HARVESTING-On-site rainwater collection and storage systems used to meet

water needs for a building or landscape. Usually consists of roof or other impervious

surface and a storage system.

NIGHT AIR PURGING-In Buildings in environments where daytime air is too hot,

passive ventilation is kept closed during the day, but then opened at night to

flush out warm air and cool the thermal mass with the often cooler night time air.

SUBSTRUCTURE– underlying structures forming foundation

SUPERSTRUCTURE– vertical extensions of builidings above foundations (beams,

columns and load-bearing walls, floors and roof structures.

ENCLOSURE SYSTEM– shell or envelope of the building

Key terms MOMENT- An applied load or force that creates bending in a structural member

around a pivot point.

RETAINING WALL– A structure used to sustain the pressure of the earth behind it.

PAD FOOTING–

STRIP FOOTING–

SLAB ON GROUND– A flat, horizontal molded layer of plain or reinforced concrete,

usually of uniform but sometimes of variable thickness, positioned either on the ground

or supported by beams,columns, walls, or other framework.

PERPEND– vertical joint on the face of the wall directly over vertical joints in the

alternate course.

STRETCHER FACE– A masonry unit laid with its length parallel

with the face of the wall.

HEADER FACE– A rectangular masonry unit laid across the

thickness of a wall.

BED-the facing surface on which mortar is placed.

EXPANSION JOINT-In a building structure or concrete work, a joint or gap between

adjacent parts, which allows for safe movement of the parts, caused by thermal

variations or other conditions.

IRONED MORTAR JOINT-the curved form of

the mortar inside each horizontal rows of

masonry brick units.

COURSE– A horizontal layer of bricks or blocks

in a masonry wall.

STRUT– a structural component designed to resist longitudinal compression along

its long axis .

FOUNDATION– The entire masonry substructure below the first floor or frame of a

building, including the footing upon which the building rests to support the entire

structural load while stablizing.

WATER PROOF MEMBRANE– The application of a layer of impervious material on

cement especially in a foundation wall to prevent water seeping towards the building

structures.

STUDIO ACTIVITIES (Campus Site visit) LOT 6 Cafe

This is a frame structure building with

concrete columns with a mix of

aluminium frame openings. We could see

concrete is the In SITU concrete since we

could notive joints and as well as uneven

surfaces. Here, the structural elements

would be these concrete supports.

The steel girder that we see here outside looks like it’s not

part of structural element since it is not holding up against

anything and act as only a simple beam resting on another

element simply. But however, the one inside is a structural

element since it ‘s holding the load bearing wall and as well

as the flooring panel. So the outside one is the continuation

work so the whole structure works likea huge girder

starting from inside but having a wall to

rest outside with this LOT 6 Wall to transfer

the loads from the upper floor towards the

Here, the loads from

top transfers to the

ground through

horizonal slab and

vetical columns

around windows.

Underground car park

The underground car park is made up of vertical

columns and curved slab on top. All these

concrete are made on site by sections since we

can notice all these joints in the middle of large

slabs on top as well as across the vertical columns.

This whole structure works with all

the vegetation on top because Water

is prevented from seeping inside all

these concrete works through

membranes underneath. Water from

all over the membrane collects onto

top of downpipes due to its sloping

nature and go through them and

finally drains into the large dainage

pipes at the base.

Concrete columns as well as the slab

are reinforced because the structure

needs to be strong and firm in order

to hold the poplulation above as well

as trees’ weight. Thus, we could work

out there are reinforced iron bars and

columns inside those large columns.

Concrete Foundation walls: In addition to carring

vertical loads from superstructure, also resist

active earth pressure and anchor the

superstructure against wind and earthquake

forces.

Must have water-proof membrane all along the

wall in the ground with subsoil drainage system at

the bottom to prevent water penetration.

This structure resists large gravity loads from

above as well as lateral force from ground

pressure. SO here, cast-in-place concrete has been

used, and we could imagine some kind of footing is

underneath as well for transfering loads.

Arts West Student Centre

The building system is a frame system with solid masonry for outside facade. The huge truss hangs the small

cantilever on the side so the cantilevers are actually structural elements for small sloping roofs on top but not

for the truss.

Truss is made of galvanised steel for its

resistance to corrosion property and as

well as strength property since it’s

responsible to hold the strutures

underneath.Catilevers are made of timber

and and bolted with iron bolts across each

crossing timber frames.

For drainage, downpipes could be seen under the roof and through the

drainge system on the group.

The huge structure that the truss is resting on

is made of concrete and probably in situ one

since it has volume and would be difficult to

construct with precast concrete.And in the

middle is the sealant made of rubber for

water proofing which count as caulking and

probably there could be a backing rod behind

for saving space.

Sealant allows acomodation for some

movement if there’s expansion or

contraction.

Here, overlapping of bricks is noticed with expansion

gaps in between. Since this is exterior wall, it’s easily

exposed to sun as well as rain,so if bricks expand and

contract under these conditions, the expansion gaps

would prevent bricks pounding against each other and

prevent from collapse.

Weep holes are seen that means flashings have been

installed behind the bricks for prevention of water

penetration through capillary action. They allows air in

to equalise air pressure within the cavity behind while

draining the water out.

Here, the brickwork is arranged in a way that top load is

evenly distributed through multiple columns of bricks

and successfully got to base foundations without. If

bricks are arranged without overlapping, serious

problems could arise.

Type of brickwork we noticed here is the alternative

courses of headers and stretchers. Purpose is to achieve

greater bond as well as to minimise straight joints.

The main structural

elements for upper deck of

staircase are the steel

girders underneath. These

are actually hanging there

by the cables in tension by

the top cantilever. Even

though the steel beams

underneath the stairs are

not structural, they are

there so that they provide

neutral forces for the

cantilever to work.

Fascia

Soffit

In order for both cantilevers to work, the weight of lower steel

structure must be held by the tensile force through string by the

upper steel structure. Here, the galvanised steel is used for

corrosion resistant and its strength.

The structural system used here is the planar for the

roofing since it has to cover large area cheaply and

effectively. SO the material is not soft membrane sheet

but rather plastic sheet hanging from the base and tied

to each respective joints near the buildings across the

space. The membrane is quite translucent material so

that it doesnt fully blocked the feeling of feeling

openess.

And the membrane finally comes to a hole in the middle

with sloping shape so that water or dust could come

easily into the drainage system on the ground. Not only

the hole allows for the water and dirt, it also allows light

and ventilation as well.

The base anchorage cables have to be in tension so that it

keeps the membrane to stay in place while the other tensile

forces are pulling the membrane from all directions. Thus,

the cables need much strength and has to be resistant to

water since they are being exposed to rain and sun,

therefore, steel cable has been used. And all the steel cables

are strongly secured at the base again with the galvanised

steel circular ring for more firmness.

Sport Centre

The gym building structure is mainly the rigid frame

strucuture with steel girders for additional support

at each side of the wall.This kind of rigid frame

provdies more space in between due to its lacking of

columns in the space but all the loads have to be

properly transferred from horizonal top elements to

foundation. Thus, the whole structure is made

entirely of steel with masonry bricks in between

columns. For roofing, bracings need to be used.

The exterior steel columns have been painted as another way of

preventing corrosion, rather than using galvanised steel columns.

The foundation type we see here is the pad footing. Usually, strip

foundation is found underneath continous masonry walls but in this case,

because of isolated columns, pad footings are used since there is a

sufficient depth of resonably strong subsoil exists near the surface of the

ground.

The system outside the theatre is the brick veneer system where the brick is not the

structural system but rather the finishing facade. The brickwork is connected to

inside timber studs with wall tiles. Upper roofing is actually supported by steel girder

and the alumium composite has been used as cladding due to its lightweight and

shiny surface properties.

MSD building construction shows us that the building is made from in situ

concrete slabs and reinforced concrete columns. There are plenty of cantilevers

hanging outside.

Steel columns are spotted in some places to provide additonal support for the

flooring, to transfer loads from horizontal joist beams to base foundations.

Even though it’s not apparent in the photo, there is steel bracing between some

columns, the purpose is to resist the lateral forces.

At the pavilion, we have spotted some precast concrete planks

that could be piled up and finally formed a panel, which is very

useful since it can be transported easily to the site and easy to

handle as well.

The Black pipes are called Agipipes which are going to be

installed underneath the ground so that water collected from

water proof membrane underneath the builiding could seep

into the holes on top side of pipe then finally could be drained

out away from the site. Other white pipes are for servicing

pipes such as for electrical wiring, or air conditioning duct or

heating pipes.

Key terms Joist- Parallel beams of lumber, concrete, or steel used to support floor and ceiling

systems.

STEEL DECKING– Light-gauge, corrugated metal

sheets used in constructing roofs or floors to

increase its stiffness and spanning capability and to

act as formwork for slabs.

SPAN– distance between two supports of a single beam excluding the supports.

GIRDER– A large beam of steel, reinforced concrete,

wood, or a combination of these, used to support

other structural members at isolated points along its

length.

CONCRETE PLANK– A hollow-core or solid, flat beam used for floor or roof decking.

Concrete planks are usually precast and prestressed.

SPACING– distance between two beams in joists (for eg) from center to center.

BEARER–

FOUNDATION WALL– That part of the foundation of a building forming a retaining

wall for the portion of the building that is below grade.

Studio activity Information in the drawing set is more

complete than we have observed at site

last week because it’s so detailed with

architectural plans, structural plans and

as well as referencing codes.

Architectural drawings not only show

the design layout of the building from

one perspective, it has plenty such as

north elevation, section, plan and even

the details of room plan, without even

going inside, we could imagine the

whole building.

Structural drawings are also very

detailed and not only the scaled

measurements are very useful, the

diagrams also illustrates the different

systems so it’s much easier to study

each systems. Moreover, the details of

each material has also been complied in

each legend which are very useful since

we could know the actual dimensions of

materials.

The scale of the drawing to scale of

building are different in each set. For

example, sometimes, it’s 1:100 on plans

but for details, it’s 1:20 but however, by

calculating back, we could work out for

the actual dimensions.

Key terms STUD– vertical framing member.

NOGGING– horizontal frame members between stud frames.

LINTEL- A horizontal supporting member, installed above an opening such as a

window or a door, that serves to carry the weight of the wall above it.

AXIAL LOAD– The longitudinal force acting on a structural member.

BUCKLING– failing of structural member such as beam or columns under load by

bending.

CRUSHING– failing of structural member such as beam or columns under load by

snapping.

SEASONED TIMBER– controlled process of reducing the moisture content of timber

so that it is suitable for the environment and intended use.

PLYWOOD– an engineered sheet product made from timber chips, wax and resin.

BRICK VENEER -A facing of brick laid against a structural wall but not bonded to the

wall, and which bears no load other than its own weight.

CONTRAFLEXURE-in a bending beam, a point is known as a point of contraflexure

if it is a location at which no bending occurs.

STRANDBOARD- Panels made of narrow strands of wood fiber

oriented lengthwise and crosswise in layers, with a resin binder.

Studio activity

System for this canopy section is

truss system with long columns.

Materials used are the steel

columns

Key terms RAFTER– One of a series of sloping parallel beams used to support a roof covering.

PURLIN– One of several horizontal structural members that support roof loads and

transfer them to roof beams.

CANTILEVER- A structural member supported at one end

only.

PORTAL FRAME– a simple structure, usually with two

columns and joining rafter that has joints that resist bending

moments.

EAVE– Those portions of a roof that project beyond the

outside walls of a building.

ALLOY– A homogeneous mixture of two or more metals developed and used because

of its lower cost and/or the certain desirable properties it exhibits.

SOFIT– The underside of a part or member of a structure, such as a beam, stairway,

or arch. Outside ceiling.

TOP CHORD– upper section of a truss.

TILE -A thin rectangular unit used as a fi nish for walls, floors or roofs, such as ceramic

tile, structural clay tile, asphalt tile, cork tile, resilient tile, and roofing tile.

PITCH-The angle or inclination of a plane such as a roof, which varies according to

climate, design, and materials used, and is expressed as a ratio of rise per run.

RIDGE BOARD- The longitudinal board set on edge used to support the upper ends of

the rafters.

HOGGING-The sagging of the end extremities of a beam or timber supported only in

the middle.

TOP PLATE- A member on top of

a stud wall on which joists rest to

support an additional floor or to

form a ceiling.

Studio Activity How to indicate long columns or short

columns:

Find h:w

And if it is > 12:1 , its long column

<12:1, its short column

w

h

Truss systems are used here for the

canopy section and truss maximise

the strength while minimising the

materials. The truss system we see

here is the roof truss and purlins

have also been used. In order to

support the roofing sheet, rather

than spanning the width of the roof,

purlins are used.

Roof truss consists of a pair of rafters triangulated to

provide support for the purline at the node points. The

rafters of the truss are called the principal rafters and

the normal rafters are the common rafters.

But for this canopy, the truss are just for structural

addition and not for the purlins because the canopy

sheet is going to be a flat one.

For the foundation, strip foundation under each side of wall has

used because there is a sufficient depth of reasonably strong

subsoil exists near the level of the proposed basement floor.

Other sites presentation:

Key terms DRIP– A groove in the underside of a projection, such as a

windowsill, that prevents water from running back into the building

wall.

VAPOUR BARRIER– is any material used for damp

proofing, typically a plastic or foil sheet, that

resists diffusion of moisture through wall, ceiling

and floor assemblies of buildings and of

packaging.

GUTTER- A shallow channel of wood, metal, or PVC

positioned just below and following along the eaves of a building for the purpose of

collecting and diverting water from a roof.

DOWN PIPE– continuous pipe bringing water collected from gutter towards the

gound by passing through swan neck.

FLASHING– A thin, impervious sheet of material to prevent

water penetration or direct the flow of water. Flashing is

used especially at roof hips and valleys, joints between a roof

and a masonry wall.

INSULATION– Material used to reduce the effects of heat,

cold, or sound.

SEALANT–

Key terms WINDOW SASH– framework of window that holds the glass.

DEFLECTION– vertical bending in a beam due to a load which is

different to buckling since buckling move sideways but deflection is along vertical

axis.

MOMENT OF INERTIA- In a structural member, the

product of each element of mass times the square of the distance from an axis.

DOOR FURNITURE– handles, lock and other fixtures on the door.

STRESS– internal force intensity (force per unit area) that resists the lengthening

under a tensile force/inward pull or to resist shortening under a compressive force/

outward push.

SHEAR FORCE– horizontal shear forces produced to resist

the vertical shear stress formed by downward pressure of

load on beam and upward pressure of end reactions.

DOUBLE GLAZING– Window with two panes of glass with an

air space between for increased thermal and sound insulation.

OVERLAPPING– putting together two elements of same kind for certain purposes

like bricks for water prevention, steel for continuing the shear along vertical.

CAULKING– To fill a joint, crack, or opening with a sealer material like

caulking gun that works like glue gun.

CAPILLARY ACTION– water penetrates into small gaps like joints between slabs or

between glass panels. Designing of joints in downwards direction so that water can be

drained out by gravity is used.

WEEP HOLE– A small hole in a wall or window member to allow accumulated water

to drain.

STUDIO Activity

Key terms SANDWICH PANEL– The center of a plywood, consisting of

plastic foam between wood veneers.

SKIRTING– installation of a wooden board running along the base of an interior

wall.

COMPOSITE BEAM- A beam combining different materials to

work as a single unit, such as structural steel and concrete or

castin- place and precast concrete.

SHADOW LINE JOINT-

CORNICE– An ornamental molding of wood or plaster that encircles

a room just below the ceiling.

BOX GUTTER– A rectangular-shaped wooden roof gutter recessed

in the eaves to conceal them and to protect them from falling foliage, usually behing

parapets.

COVED– cornered

LAMINATED GLASS-A shatter-resistant safety glass made up of two or more layers of

sheet glass, plate glass, or float glass bonded to a transparent plastic sheet producing

spider web effect.

Site Visit (Off campus) The carpark has been done

with the framing system where

there are timber studs with

plasterboards for structural

system and later going to have

brick masonry. The white wall is actually an

aluminium composite cladding as a finishing

facade. But for the wall system underneath, pre

cast concrete panels have been used.

In this building, most of structure is steel

framing and in some areas, larger steel

columns are being used for additional

support.

The two basement floors had basically

steel columns for every column so that

they could act as part of foundation system

since the building is situated on water

table so the foundation couldn’t be very

deep enough so two more floors had to

integrate with stronger vertical columns.

The main core of structural element for

this building is the middle concrete tower

which holds the total structural load of the

whole building. This had to be casted on

site with the use of Jump Form (is a

special type of formwork for vertical

concrete structures that rises with the

building process and allows to reuse the

formwork over and over for identical

sections). Not only it allows concrete to be

poured seamlessly, it also comes with a

space for crews to set up necessary

scaffolding.

These holes are the result of steel rods

being used while in the process of using

Jack form to hold the formwork to the

structure temporarily. After the casting of

concrete and removing of rod, the

structure is left with holes as sacrifices.

Here, slabs are the in situ cast concrete floors

with reinforment acting in one direction only

between two supports. The reinforcement is

with steel as main rods and thinner distribution

bars wired together at right angles, or

electrically welded at the crossings.

Also, for the columns, tieing and connecting

shorter columns not only transfer loads down to

the foundation effectivly, make vertical columns

and horizonal slab reinforcements to act as one

entity and so the building would act as a whole

when in case of earthquakes.

As we went inside, the interior walls have

been finished with cladding. It’s actually

sprayed MDF with steel edges.

The servicing pipes could be seen in the

basement. The big pipe is responsible for

carrying stormwater from the residential

units to stormwater storage in Spencer

Street.The red pipes are the water

carrying pipes for sprinkling in the case of

fire.

These are called parameter strands and

used for health and safety purposes for

every new concrete slab that has been

put up. Without any parapets or

railings, it would be dangerous for crew

to work above, so they provide

boundaries and something to hold on.

These laminated timber are there for

temporary formworks while the

concrete flooring has been casted

above. Using aluminium poles is easier

to put up fast and timber above provide

strength.

Steel cables are used to provide high tensile strength

to a slab as the concrete provides the compressive

strength. The two complementing materials is

achieved by first laying out a network of cables then

pouring the concrete over them. When the concrete

hardens and meets certain strength requirements,

the cables are pulled by a hydraulic jack to thousands

of pounds of pressure then held in place by anchors.

This reinforcing system is commonly used on parking

garages, sky rises, tanks, bridges, and residential

foundations.

These poles are called Peri boxes(Panel slab formwork),

they are effectively quicker than scaffoldig for set up

and penetrate into the concrete while casting,

however, after they are removed, the holes are left but

these holes are easily taped up afterwards and the

ceiling is then sealed with cladding. So this kind of

formwork is used widely in underfloors.

And moreover, these holes are not useless at all. These

holes are in fact fixed with PVC pipes so that in case of

fire, PVC expands and block the hole thus act as fire

separation between floors.

Key terms SHEER WALL– A wall portion of a structural frame intended to resist lateral forces,

such as earthquake, wind, and blast, acting in the plane or parallel to the plane of the

wall.

SOFT STOREY– multi-storey building in which one or more

floors have windows, wide doors, large unobstructed

commercial spaces, or other openings in places where a

shear wall would normally be required for stability as a

matter of earthquake engineering design.

BRACED FRAME– A structural system which is designed primarily to resist wind

and earthquake forces. Members in a braced frame are designed to work in

tension and compression, similar to a truss. Always composed of steel members.

LIFECYCLE– A term often used to describe the period of time that a building can be

expected to actively and adequately serve its intended function.

DEFECT– Any condition or characteristic that detracts from the appearance, strength,

or durability of an object.

FASCIA– A board used on the outside vertical face of a cornice. Could also refer to

roof part that shows thickness facing beside soffit.

CORROSION– The oxidation or eating away of a metal or other material by exposure

to chemical or electrochemical action such as rust.

IEQ(INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY)-An important criterion for green, or

sustainable, building design, this refers to general overall building occupant comfort.

Includes humidity, ventilation, and air circulation, acoustics, and lighting.

PURLIN– Horizontal elements that span between rafters in roofing system.

SARKING- A thin board employed in sheathing applications, as under the tiles or

slates of a roof.( similar to insulation with membrane)

Studio Activity

KDHW– king dried hard wood (good quality wood)

Radiata pine joist– low quality wood

While thinking of corrosion, need to think about transfer of ions.

Anode– at which chemical oxidation of an-ions take place, usually, resulting

in the erosion of metal from the electrode.

The further apart they are in the corrosion list, more likely to corrode

because of great difference in ions.

In stiffening the building for prevention against earthquake purposes, must

be careful because too much stiffness can cause cracks, Thus stifen the whole

building as one but let loose at the base perhaps with roller is important.

Thermal movement only concerns with expansion, contraction, air ventilation

and does not have anything to do with cladding

Diferent type of steel– hot dip galvanising– putting a coat of zinc on steel,

iron or aluminuium (cold steel is just usual steel)

1:1 Detailing

1. Hatching means its a cut through and having a cross means there is a gap.

2. Drip edge usually have sealant which is denoted by Curvy thing.

3. If it’s a big concrete mass, its in situ cast concrete and if it’s with mortar

joint concrete, they are core-filled concrete blocks. Usually found

underneath the slab to support for the slab.

4. Thin Sheets of boards that have same pattern with concrete actually are

plasterboards.

Construction workshop After trying out with many

designs, we decided to make

this structure design as the

final one. The reason is

because both materials we

used– beam and the plank

are in their stronger axis by

referring to our knowledge

of moment of inertia.

First design would not work, even though

the side planks are in strong axis and truss

system would give extra strenth, we feel

that the parts the truss is not connected to

the plank seems weak. These could be the

starting points of the failure.

Second deisgn would not work as well since

the top and bottom planks are in weak axis

so they could undergo buckling very fast

with even little force.

So our structure is basically abit more than 1000 mm in length and in the gap

between two beams, small cut square section from beam are placed and

nailed to other two beams, so that loads from horizontal element could be

transferred to the small vertical column. So we placed totally three small

squares in following sections

As our structure went through the load, it worked

well at first but buckling started when the load

reached 241 kg and the two side planks started to

come off as in the picture. Other parts were still

working well. Even though it starts to buckle, other

elements of the structure seems to keep holding the

load because unlike other group, the load hasnt

gone down at 241 kg, it could keep going up until it

reaches 546 kg and finally snapped.

The area it failed is exactly at the point where it the plank has buckled and finally because there is no more structural elements to transfer load, the top beam as well

snapped. The main reason for this failure is because we didn’t put enough vertical columns as well as proper nailing along the whole plank, we only nailed at three

points where we placed the columns. Thus, without proper joints as well as no support for the buckling, our structure has totally resisted 541 kg and has gone under

90 mm deflection from its starting point.

Concepts: In building structures, shape and span are most important because the geometry of structures produce moment of inertia which is mass times the square of

distance from the axis. It’s crucial to keep to the stronger axis no matter what because even if we could add supports for weaker axis, the difference is like 4 or 5 times.

And i feel that we could have used nail plates rather than single nails, that would have provide us with more gripping capacity, now with pin joints, they allow

moments to some extent so it’s important to consider them as well.

Notes from other group:

This group has used the design that we originally

planned to use. And as expected, failure occurs at

the point where there is no contact with truss

members. Their structure only reaches 59 kg which

is relatively low compared to our structure.

Also, the mistake they made is that their truss is

actually not a proper Prat Truss. There has to be

another vertical column right in the middle,

otherwise there is not enough members to go

under tension and compressions.

Bibiliography

Ching, D. K., (2008) building construction illustrated. Canada: John Wiley & Sons, Inc

Greeno, R., & Foster J. S., (2007) I mitchell’s Structure and Fabric Part1. England: Pearson Education limited