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Constructing Envs Melbourne University
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Constructing Environments Logbook
Hesham MALIK – 699084
Week 1
Compression Structures
Block Tower Construction Task Week 1’s task required a group of individuals to construct a tower using MDF (medium density fiberboard) blocks. The group was required to take into account availability of material as well as stability of structure. Resultantly, the individuals had to produce an effectively stable tower using a limited amount of resources. Materials The MDF blocks were fairly easy to work with as they did not require additional material to support it. Regardless of their size and shape, they appeared to be quite strong under compression as the final product had reached a stable 2 meters high. Design The shape of the tower was intended to have a strong base to be able to support all material above as well as have a narrow top so as to minimise material usage. The finished product tended to resemble the shape similar to that of the empire state building. Arrangement The base of the structure was constructed using the MDF blocks placed in a brick-‐like formation. As this section of the tower would be experiencing the most compression, it was necessary to be reinforced as much as possible. The midsection of structure required much less material as the structure was required to be maintained rather than supported. Consequentially, much less blocks were needed and hence the gap between blocks widened. The top section did not intend to support and hence required the least amount of material.
Base design -‐ Maximum support Midsection – Mild support coinciding with mild material consumption.
Deconstruction When we had finally completed the structure, it was time to remove some of the material mainly from the base of the structure. As we continued to remove the MDF blocks, we came to the realisation that we may have possible used more than the required amount of material. Resultantly, we may have very well possibly jeopardized the height of the structure by overusing building material. In fear of the structures ability to support itself, we flooded the base with more than sufficient building material. Hence, we were unable to achieve maximum height.
Week 2
Frame Structures
Balsa Tower Construction Task Similar to the first task, students were required to construct towers using very thin strips of balsa wood. Similarly, the group had to coincide the availability of the materials with strong reinforcements so the structure would be able to support itself. Materials Due to the limited amount of balsa wood, additional material was required in order to support the structure. Groups were provided with essentials such as super glue and pins to reinforce the structure. Design The design our group intended to portray mimicked that of a triangular pyramid running the length of the structure from the tip to its base. As it would most indefinitely prove to be unstable, extra material was once again required at the base to support the structure and hence a pyramid style base was also erected. Arrangement Due to the fragile properties of the balsa wood, extra precautions were required to maintain a stable structure. Additionally, due to the rare availability of the materials, the base was required to support the structure using minimal material. Hence, precise and thorough planning was required to insure the structure met the needs.
Triangular shape-‐ aesthetically able to support as well as function
Strength Due to the equilateral properties of triangles, forces of equal magnitude are supposedly shared amongst each side as the angles most likely cannot be altered. Consequentially, this
shape is the best bet in providing a stable, rigid and physically enduring structure. However, lack of and inadequate bracing led to the structures breakage as the base support was the
first to fall when pressure was applied.
Rooms for improvement Although the group structure was of triangular formation, the tower itself was too narrow and unstable to support itself. Instability may have owed to the fact that the tower resembled a triangular prism rather than the intended triangular pyramid. The structure itself may have been superior if the base was wider with more supporting material and narrowing at the top. Bracings running along the erect structure may also have proven beneficial in its ability to maintain stable.
Week 1 Readings When building structures, a variety of factors are taken into account in order to satisfy needs. -‐Strength of the material: whether it is strong or weak -‐Stiffness: whether it is stiff or flexible -‐Shape: it being linear, planar or volumetric -‐Behaviour: isotropic-‐ having similar characteristics no matter what direction the force is applied anisotropic-‐ behaving differently depending on direction of force -‐Economy and sustainability: its availability, cost, environmental sustainability, transportation and efficiency
Week 2 Readings Structures come in unique shapes and sizes. This is due to their different systems. -‐Solid -‐Shell -‐Skeletal -‐Membrane -‐Hybrid There are 3 types of structure joints -‐Roller joints -‐Pin joints -‐Fixed joints
Week 3 Readings The Barcelona pavilion was a beautiful structure which had to undergo structural changes whilst retaining its physical appearance. It consisted of columns, walls and a floating plate. A strut is a compression element whereas a tie is a tension element. Foundations are found below the ground to support structures. According to Ching, they are the “substructure of a building.”
-‐ A shallow foundation is used where soil conditions are stable
-‐ A deep foundation is used where soil conditions are unstable
Mass materials such as stone, earth, clay, concrete are strong in tension while being weak under compression Concrete shrinks whereas clay bricks expand There are 3 types of stone -‐Igneous -‐Sedimentary -‐Metamorphic
References -‐ All images are taken by group member Siyun Yang -‐Ching ‘Building Construction Illustrated
-‐ P 2.02, 2.04, 2.08 – 2.11, 3.02 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHqr-‐PyAphw&feature=youtu.be http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4CJ8o_lJbg&feature=youtu.be http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGMA71_3H6o&feature=youtu.be http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y__V15j3IX4&feature=youtu.be http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-‐-‐JtPpI8uw&feature=youtu.be http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zTarEeGXOo&feature=youtu.be http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luxirHHxjIY&feature=youtu.be http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxRdY0jSoJo&feature=youtu.be http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJ97Whk1kGU&feature=youtu.be http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQIa1O6fp98&feature=youtu.be http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAcuwrecIz8&feature=youtu.be http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Au2upE9JN8&feature=youtu.be http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DC8Hv8AKQ8A&feature=youtu.be http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lYlQhkMYmE&feature=youtu.be