CONSTRUCTING ENVIRONMENTS

LOGBOOK INTERIM SUBMISSION

ACHINI ATTANAYAKE

698278

Applied force

Figure 2: Original Plan

In the tute, the aim was to build the tallest structure

using MDF blocks. We also had to accommodate

sufficient room for a toy horse.

Our original plan was to have a large square

foundation, with tall walls built on the sides. At one

end, there was to be a small rectangular opening for

the toy horse. The ceiling of the structure was to be

resolved later during the process.

We used two methods of brick arrangement for the

foundation.

Opening for horse

View from

above

Figure 3: Brick arrangement No. 1.

Note: Compression is in action

Figure 4: Brick arrangement No. 2

The MDF blocks whilst sturdy and suitable for

compressive loads, lacked a frictional surface.

Hence, despite the blocks’ neat appearance, we

struggle to keep the arrangement in a tidy manner.

Figure 5: Brick arrangement No. 1 (Picture: Achini Attanayake)

Figure 7: The placement of the walls

Note: Arrows show load paths

The original size of the foundation was approximately

19×19 blocks. However, we reconsidered its size as there

was a limited timeframe as well as a restricted supply of

resources. The altered sized was approximately 10×10

blocks.

View from above

Original foundation

Reaction force

Figure 6: Altered foundation (Picture: Achini Attanayake)

Figure 1: Models constructed to support

a brick

During our first week, we were introduced to the

concept of compression. We made paper structures

which would be able to support a brick.

Most of the successful models were short and stout in

nature.

WEEK 1: COMPRESSION

1

Figure 8: Finished model due to lack of time

(Picture: Achini Attanayake)

Figure 10: Deconstruction of the model

Note: Arrows show the load paths

During the deconstruction process, each side

collapsed after around 3-4 blocks were removed.

The others also opted to place their blocks in the same

arrangement (See Figure 3). However, some groups

placed blocks on its side in order to increase height at a

faster rate.

This group closed off the ceiling by gradually

decreasing the size of the surrounding circles.

Unlike us, all of them preferred circular bases.

Figure 12: Another group’s model

(Picture: Achini Attanayake)

Figure 13: The winning model

(Picture: Achini Attanayake)

Figure 9: Deconstruction of the model

(Picture: Achini Attanayake)

Figure 11: Alternative brick arrangement

Note: Arrows show the load paths

2

3

WEEK 1 KNOWLEDGE MAP

4

References: see Reference list on pg. 11

WEEK 2: FRAME

The aim was to build a high structure using

thin long pieces of balsa wood.

We incorrectly cut the wood into shorter

pieces.

Figure 15: The base (Picture: Achini Attanayake)

Fixed joint

This was to be a structural skeletal system.

Therefore, we tried to employ certain aspects

like lateral bracing.

However, the wood pieces proved to be too

short to provide bracing between the sides.

Figure 18: Construction of the sides (Picture: Achini Attanayake)

Adding another triangular formation proved to

be sufficient support.

Figure 14: Models

During the lecture, we were taught the importance

of certain framing techniques. As seen in Figure 14,

diagonal structures are more stable and stronger

than vertical members.

We tried applying this technique when constructing

our tower.

Figure 16: Fixed joint (Newton, 2014)

Figure 17: Lateral bracing

5

Figure 19: Construction of the sides (Picture: Achini Attanayake)

We added a supporting leg on the

side to prevent structure from toppling

over.

We increased its height by sticking wood

pieces together. We also added triangular

formations to keep the sides in place.

The balsa was too soft and hence, it kept

snapping on occasions. The sticky tape

was an unreliable source of binding

material as its stickiness wore off. Glue

took too long to work effectively.

Figure 20: Finished model (Picture: Achini Attanayake)

Figure 22: Stressing process (Picture: Achini Attanayake)

Stress point

When put under stress, our structure took a while

to break. This was due to the short pieces of

wood which provided more sturdiness than

longer pieces.

Figure 21: Load paths in

finished model

Figure 23: Load paths in model while under stress

Point load

6

Others also utilised triangular formations in their structures.

Figure 24: This group used lateral bracing and hence, their

structure was very stable.

Figure 25: The winning structure used the same approach as

us but it collapsed easily due to the longer pieces.

Figure 24 (on left) and Figure 25 (on right): Other models

(Pictures: Achini Attanayake)

8 7

WEEK 2 KNOWLEDGE MAP

8

References: see Reference list on pg. 11

GLOSSARY

BEAM: a rigid structural piece which carries and transfers transverse loads to supporting members (Ching, 2008)

BRACING: a structure, usually diagonal, which supports adjacent framework

COLUMN: a vertical and cylindrical structure which usually upholds a horizontal member above

COMPRESSION: when an external load pushes on a member, the particles within the material are condensed together

(Newton, 2014)

DEAD LOADS: a static load which acts vertically downwards on a structure; it is the self-weight of the structure itself

(Ching, 2008)

ESD: Environmentally Sustainable Design; the efficiency of a building’s design along its lifespan (Newton, 2014)

FORCE: any influence which produces a change in the shape or movement of an object (Newton, 2014)

FRAME: also known as skeletal systems; efficiently transfers loads down to the ground (Newton, 2014)

LIVE LOADS: moving or movable loads (Ching, 2008)

9

LOAD PATH: the most direct path taken by applied loads (Newton, 2014)

MASONRY: stonework

POINT LOAD: a load located at one point

REACTION FORCE: an equal and opposite force to an applied action

STABILITY: the ability to sustain any possible load conditions (Ching, 2008)

STRUCTURAL JOINT: a method of connection between structural members

STRUCTURAL SYSTEM: a particular system which supports, and transmits gravity and lateral loads to the ground (Ching,

2008)

TENSION: when an external load pulls on a member, the particles within the material are pulled apart (Newton, 2014)

UNIFORM LOAD: loads that are distributed equally along a plane

VECTOR: a quantity with a magnitude and a direction (Newton, 2014)

10

REFERENCES

Ching, F.D.K. (2008). Building construction illustrated (4th ed.). Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons

Grose, M. (2014). Walking the constructed city. Retrieved from

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGMA71_3H6o&feature=youtu.be

Newton, C. (2014). Construction systems. Retrieved from

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zTarEeGXOo&feature=youtu.be

Newton, C. (2014). ESD and collecting materials. Retrieved from

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luxirHHxjIY&feature=youtu.be

Newton, C. (2014). Introduction to materials. Retrieved from

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4CJ8o_lJbg&feature=youtu.be

Newton, C. (2014). Load path diagrams. Retrieved from

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y__V15j3IX4&feature=youtu.be

Newton, C. (2014). Structural joints. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxRdY0jSoJo&feature=youtu.be

Newton, C. (2014). Structural systems. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l--JtPpI8uw&feature=youtu.be

Selenitsch, A. (2014). Column and Wall; Point and Plane. Retrieved from

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJ97Whk1kGU&feature=youtu.be

11