ACTIVITIY: COMPRESSIONThe task we were given was to construct a tower within in a time frame and using a limited supply of material, the aim being to construct the tallest possible tower using MDF blocks. Our group decided to construct a circular base, as this would provide greater stability. For the first fifteen rows we positioned the blocks as can be seen below:

However, this design, while very stable, consumed many blocks and was very time consuming. So alternatively we adjusted our design to faster gain height, as can be seen below:

As can be seen above, we alternated between having three rows of the blocks with the bed face at the base and one row of blocks positioned with the stretcher face facing downwards. Keeping a concise pattern to allow for an even load path to be created. We continued this for many layers so as to make sure our construction had a sturdy base. Upon approaching the second third of our building we

decreased this 3:1 ratio to 2:1 and then eventually to 1:1 so as to limit decrease the amount of blocks needed at increase the rate of height growth. This pattern change can be seen in the photo below:

While this alteration to the design had the above stated benefits, it did decrease the stability of the structure and required precise positioning of blocks.

Upon completing this part, which accounted for approximately two thirds of the entire structure, we decided to decrease the diameter of our structure – to increase speed of

l 3:1 ratio l 2:1 ratiol 1:1 ratio

production as only twenty minutes of time remained. We constructed this tapered section as can be seen below:

This section of design was very effective in decreasing the diameter in a short span, whereas other groups applied different techniques, which used perhaps for time more space to decrease the girth to the same amount as ours.

This method, while effective, due to the decrease in the inner circumference of the build, it meant that we could no longer keep a uniform pattern and spacing between each individual block. What became more important was that each block was provided with enough support from the blocks directly above and below each block. In the photo below you can see the seemingly haphazard arrangement of blocks, however each singular block has been strategically placed to allow sufficient support.

The short length in which we were able to taper our design

The long distance it took another group to taper their design

However, upon reaching this stage, each group had run out of blocks and the decision was made to take down one groups tower.

This was the selected tower as due to is wide circumference, it required many more blocks and took a lot more time to create one layer and was therefore at this point less then half the size of the other towers.

Another way we saved blocks was by created arches and windows in our structure. We positioned these on

opposite sides so that the load was distributed evenly to the ground. This is the load path of the main structure of our construction:

The removal of some blocks to create an arch altered the load path, creating a more complex load path shown below.

The top section of the tower was created using limited materials. The overall structural form was changed from cylindrical to prism-shaped, as this only required the use of two blocks per layer. These blocks were placed in parallel with layers alternating in direction to increase stability.

Some blocks appear to be floating, however this is only an illusion as they are supported by blocks below and above them

After doing this for approximately 30cm, the section collapsed due to its lack of stability and the fact that it was not built directly vertical.

The use of MDF blocks proved very efficient as their solid form allowed us to make a tall yet stable construction. This construction did not fail until we had removed a significant number of blocks from the structure and had disrupted the ability of the building to transfer the load of the blocks evenly to the ground.

ACTIVITY: FRAMEIn this task we were given one sheet off balsa wood, which we cut into approximately 40 thin strips. With this, super glue and pins, we were required to make a tower as tall as possible.

This was the basic plan we designed which we stuck, however making minor adjustments along the way.

We decided to the make the base a square, as well as making several separate squares, which we would attach to the construction to act as beams with the purpose to provide support. We also included bracing in the design to improve the overall stability of the building. The bracing went at diagonals on opposite sides of the structure and in opposite directions – as this would be more structurally sound then having them in the same directions. This bracing also formed triangles at the sides, which are known to be the strongest shape as it is difficult for triangles to distort. All points were joined with super glue and formed fixed joints

Initially we had been joining balsa wood as below:

However this proved to be very weak and could not support the dead load of the structure itself. So for the ones that we had already constructed we strengthened with small scraps of balsa wood:

This amendment proved quite successful, however we decided that from this point on we would join the balsa as below as it would be less time consuming but still strong.

Beam

Bracing: aligned in opposite directions

90o

45o – creating triangles

As we began to run out of materials we decide to create an apex on the top to add height to the structure in a stable manner. At the top of this apex we would attach a single strip of balsa wood for added height. This, while not being stable would greatly improve the height of the structure. At this point in time we were quickly running short on time so we switched to using pins to attach the balsa strips together as we would not have enough time to allow the superglue to set. For each of the fixed joints connecting the apex to the main structure we used several pins to hold the pieces in place.

For the top spear of the building we attached a single brace (as this is all the balsa we had left) to hold the spear up more vertically. This again created a triangle so was fairly structurally sound.

After the construction was finished, our tutor subjected it to a variety of stresses, the critical breaking point, as shown below, proves the weakest part of the structure to be the long sections of unsupported columns.

in general though our structure was the strongest, this was due to the fact that the load was distributed down the structure evenly.

However, in another group, their structure was not symmetrical and missed members, this disturbing the load path and causing the structure to twist and deform as force was applied to it.

Another pin is positioned on the other side of this joint

Bracing

Fixed joint

Points of weakness

Another group failed to use bracing in their prism-shaped design thus it distorted and twisted excessively and due to the thin balsa strips which is not a strong material, the members of the structure snapped midway.

Breaking points

ACTIVITY: ON SITE

LOT 6 CAFÉ:

This structure has a clearly visible in situ concrete frame structure. It has matte, oxidized aluminium door and window frames, which have been bolted and screwed, forming a glass enclosure system. In the interior of the building there are several steel beams, these are a design feature and are non-load bearing.

Another feature of the design is a small soldier course brick structure on which another non-structural beam sits. It is also clear that below this building is a basement, of which fake turf has been placed over the concrete. The top of the retaining wall of the basement is also visible

UNDERGROUND CARPARK AND SOUTH LAWN:

The carpark is of a mass/frame structure. Which has been made almost entirely out of in situ concrete, with each post being made separately in four different pours and then joined.

Outside of the carpark you can see the concrete retaining wall and structural joints.

ARTS WEST STUDENT CENTRE:

Soldier course brick structure

Concrete frame

Non-structural steel beam

Aluminium door/window frame

Retaining wall

Structural joints

Strut

This building has a frame structure with many design features. The roof is constructed out of zinc sheeting which is malleable and easy to put together. It comes in thin strips; making it easy to manufacture and transport.

UNION HOUSE STAIRS:

These stairs are constructed out of galvanized steel. The supports for the stairs are approximately 600mm off the ground; the ties, which are connected to these supports by pin joints, are purely for aesthetics.

NORTH COURT UNION HOUSE:

Membrane canopy:

Steel truss system

Zinc sheeting

Hanging timber beam

Sandstone cladding

Brick ground cover

Expansion Joints

Tie

Pin joint

Supports

BEAUREPAIRE CENTRE SWIMMING POOL:

The swimming pool building has a steel portal frame structure, which can be seen below. This consists of a series of repeating structures, which are usually fabricated in a factory. This design allows for a large span, which is necessary to cover a pool.

GYM:

OVAL PAVILION:

The additions have been

connected to the pre-existing heritage-listed building. This building has a timber frame structure and has been cladded with weatherboard. The structure has been elevated to avoid the humidity of the soil beneath.

The new section of the building has a steel frame structure, with a brick and glass enclosure system. The brick cavity wall at the rear of the building has been constructed to reduce noise penetration, while the front of the building is mostly glass to allow for clear views of the oval.

Ventilation

Aluminium window frames

Silicon expansion joint

Cavity wall

Weep hole

ConcreteFake turf - high traffic area

Steel frame

Glass windows

ARCHITECTURE BUILDING:

OTHER PLACES TO NOTE ON WALK:

Cantilever

Structural steel frame

Universal beam

Cavity wall

Powder-coated steel downpipe

Alternating stretcher/ soldier course

Weep holes

Soldier course brick pattern

Cavity wall