2014-1_Logbook Submission Part 1 ENVS1003

CONSTRUCTING ENVIRONMENTS

LOGBOOK SUBMISSION

ACHINI ATTANAYAKE

698278

CONTENTS

WEEK 1................................................................................................................................................. 3

WEEK 2................................................................................................................................................. 7

WEEK 3................................................................................................................................................. 12

WEEK 4................................................................................................................................................. 24

WEEK 5................................................................................................................................................. 33

WEEK 6................................................................................................................................................. 39

WEEK 7................................................................................................................................................. 46

WEEK 8................................................................................................................................................. 51

WEEK 9................................................................................................................................................. 56

WEEK10................................................................................................................................................. 61

CONSTRUCTION WORKSHOP REPORT.................................................................................................67

REFERENCES..........................................................................................................................................69

2

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

3

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


Figure 13: The winning model


Figure 9: Deconstruction of the model


Figure 11: Alternative brick arrangement

Note: Arrows show the load paths

4

WEEK 1 KNOWLEDGE MAP References: see Reference list on pg. 69-72

5

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

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

(Newton, 2014)

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

6

WEEK 1 GLOSSARY

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

7

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

8

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 9

WEEK 2 KNOWLEDGE MAP

10

References: see Reference list on pg. 69-72

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

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

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

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

STRUCTURAL JOINT: a method of connection between structural members

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

WEEK 2 GLOSSARY

11

Figure 29: Columns (Picture:

Achini Attanayake) Figure 30: Fixed joint

(Newton, 2014)

Fixed joint

WEEK 3: FOOTINGS AND FOUNDATIONS

12

A solid and skeletal system is seen at Lot 6

Cafe.

Load-bearing concrete columns and slab

are used as part of the skeletal system.

They were constructed in situ.

The glazed windows are a primary feature

of this building. Thus, this building is rather

expressive due to the large window

presence.

Fixed joints are only used in Lot 6 Cafe as

it is a rigid structure.

The structures surrounding this building are

predominantly made from brick.

Lot 6 Cafe

A surface structure is the major

system here.

Steel rods hold up the above

structure, which is South Lawn.

Rebar is used for reinforcement.

Each column provides space for

the roots of a tree above.

The flooring consists of a concrete

pad.

The car park is a concealed

structure as it is situated

underground.

Figure 26: Lot 6 Cafe (Picture: Achini Attanayake)

Figure 27: Load paths

Underground Car park and South Lawn

Brick

Slab

Column

Windows

Figure 28: Underground car park (Picture: Achini Attanayake)

13

Arts West Student Centre

Figure 31: Beams and Trusses (Picture: Achini

Attanayake)

The skeletal structure is the

predominant system in this buliding.

Concrete, wooden and stainless

steel beams runs along the roofing.

Glass and brick are used for the

solid system.

Trusses are the major feature of the

building.

As this is a rigid structure, only fixed

joints are used. Figure 32: Truss and

concrete (Picture: Achini Attanayake)


Stairs on west Union House

Trusses

Beams

Truss

The skeletal structure is the

dominant systeem.

The staircase is constructed from

galvinised steel.

There are alumunium cable ties

which are held in place by

cantilevers. However, the structure

is not in suspension or in tension.

The weight of the structure is

actually supported by columns

(Figure 34). Note that there are

fixed joints between these columns

and beams.

The structure is expressive and its

skeletal system is fully exposed.

Figure 34: Stairs on west Union House (Picture: Achini Attanayake)

Figure 35: Pin joint (Picture: Achini Attanayake)

Figure 36: Pin joint (Newton, 2014)

Column Pin joint

Cantilever

Cable ties

14

North Court Union House

Figure 37: North Court membrane (Picture: Achini

Attanayake)

Figure 39: Column (Picture: Achini

Attanayake) Figure 38: Pin joints (Picture: Achini Attanayake)

In this structure, the membrane

system is clearly seen here.

Steel rings and rods are used within

the membrane. Therefore, it is a

hybrid sturcture.

The rids are always in tension and

thus, columns are required for

compressive strength (Figure 39).

Pin joints can also be seen around

the steel ring. This allows movement

of the membrane.

The overall sturcture can be

deemed to be expressive.


Pin joints

Steel ring

Steel rods

Beaurepaire Centre Pool

Figure 41: Windows and Concrete

beams (Picture: Achini Attanayake)

Figure 42: Weep hole; this allows water to exit from the

building (Picture: Achini Attanayake)

This buliding consists both the solid

and the skeletal system.

Concrete and aggregates are the

primary materials used. Painted

steel window frames are set on

concrete beams.

The windows are glazed ans

secured properly to its frame. This

regulates the indoor temperature.

Only fixed joints are used as it is a

rigid structure.

Due to its large windows, this

bulidng is rather expressive.

Weep hole

Window frame

Beam

15

Oval Pavilion

This buliding utilises a skeletal sturctural

system.

The substructure consists of concrete

stumps and padding below.

Timber stud framing is used with spans

and spacings.

There is also a steel beam on the ridge of

the roof which acts as a bearer.

Only fixed joints are used as it is a rigid

structure.

The building is rather concealed.

Figure 43: Oval Pavilion (Picture: Achini Attanayake)

Figure 44: Span and spacing (Newton, 2014)

Melbourne School of Design

A skeletal sturctural system can be seen here.

In situ concrete beams and columns are the

dominant structures. Expansion joints are used within

these members. Many concrete cantilevers are also

used in the structure.

Since it is still in construction, scaffolding can still be

seen on site.

Glazed windows are also a major feature.

Only fixed joints are used as it is a rigid structure.

The building can be said to be concealed.

Figure 46: MSD building (Picture: Achini

Attanayake) Figure 45: MSD building


Figure 47: Expansion joint (Ching, 2008)

Cantilever

SPAN

SPACING

16

Old Geology South Lecture Theatre Entry

Figure 48: Theatre entrance (Picture: Achini

Attanayake)

Figure 49: Cantilever (Picture: Achini Attanayake)

This entrance consists of a skeletal sturctural system.

The cantilever-like structure is load bearing.

The walls surrounding the entry is constructed from

brick veneer, which encompasses the encolsure

system.

The windows are glazed however, they are not

carrying any loads despite its large presence within

the structure.

As a rigid structure, only fixed joints can be seen here.

Due to the dominant cantilever, the building can be

deemed expressive.


Frank Tate Pavilion

Figure 51: Frank Tate pavilion (Picture: Achini

Attanayake)

Cantilever

Figure 52: Timber structure (Picture: Achini Attanayake)

The pavilion clearly shows its skeletal system.

Timber and concrete are the two main materials of

this structure.

Steel beams and columns, and concrete columns

support the loads.

The timber structure is mainly for aesthetic reasons.

As a rigid structure, only fixed joints can be seen

here.

The pavilion is designed to be open for ventilation

and therefore, its is an expressive structure.

Fixed joints

Timber Concrete

Steel

17

WEEK 3 KNOWLEDGE MAPS References: see Reference list on pg. 69-72

18

References: see Reference list on pg.69-72

19


20


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MOMENT: the tendency to make an object or a point rotate (Newton, 2014)

PAD FOOTING: also known as isolated footings; helps spread a point load over a wider area of ground(Newton, 2014)

RETAINING WALL: used when sites are excavated or where changes in site need to be stabilised (Newton, 2014)

SLAB ON GROUND: a wide horizontal element designed to carry vertical load in bending usually supported by beams

(Newton, 2014)

STRIP FOOTING: used when loads from a wall or series of columns is spread in a linear manner (Newton, 2014)

WEEK 3 GLOSSARY

(Ching, 2008)

(Ching, 2008)

(Newton, 2014)

22

SUBSTRUCTURE: the lowest division of a building; foundation (Ching, 2008)

(Ching, 2008)

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WEEK 4: FLOORS SYSTEMS AND HORIZONTAL ELEMENTS

24

Scale, Annotation and Working Drawing

Convention

Why is scale used?

To visualise different aspects and

structures of a building in relation to each

other on a smaller scale, i.e. for

comparison

For practicality purposes

To examine certain components in detail

How is scale used?

A ratio of units is used

The ratio varies, depending on

the scale used

Preferred working units/scale for structures

1:100→whole structure

1:20→floors, elevation, plans

1:50→walls

1:15→canopy

Construction Documentation Questionnaire

List the types of information found in the title

block on the floor plan page.

Project name

Scale

Architecture

Orientation

Client

Why might this information be important?

It gives context to the project.

TITLE BLOCK

DRAWING CONTENT-PLANS

What type of information is shown in this

floor plan?

Floor space

Dimensions

Provide an example of the dimensions

as they appear on this floor plan? What

units are used for dimensions?

Social room→86.8 m²

Square metres

Is there a grid? What system is used for

identifying the grid lines?

Yes, there is a grid

Alphabet-number system

(Cox

Architecture,

2012)

25

What is the purpose of the legend?

To represent certain elements

using symbols

Why are some parts of the drawing

annotated? Illustrate how the

annotations are associated with the

relevant part of the drawing.

It shows information that cannot

be illustrated or represented by

symbols

Illustrate how references to other

drawings are shown on the plan. What

do these symbols mean?

Arrows show the direction of the cut

taken.

The numbers within the circle indicate

page number references.

How are windows and doors identified?

Provide an example of each. Is there a

rationale to their numbering? What do

these numbers mean? Can you find the

answer somewhere in the drawings?

Each number represents the same type of

door/window and size.

Door Tag with Room Tag (Cox Architecture, 2012)

Window Tag with Room Tag (Cox Architecture, 2012)

Illustrate how floor levels are noted on

the plan.

Floor level (metres) above datum

(Cox Architecture, 2012)

Are some areas of the drawing

clouded? Why?

Yes, some sections are clouded

They are particular instructions

and notes for a certain structure,

i.e. revisions



elevation? How does it differ from the

information shown on the plan?

It shows the side views of the

building

The texture of the materials used

can be seen

Are dimensions shown? If so, how do

they differ from the dimensions on the

plan? Provide an example of the

dimensions as they relate to the

elevation.

The length and height of some

structures are shown in

millimetres.

For example, the height of the

function parapet is 1115mm.

In the prior plans, these

dimensions were in metres.

What types of levels are shown on the

elevations? Illustrate how levels are

shown in relation to the elevation.

Finished floor level


Spot level


Is there a grid? If so, how/where is it

shown?

Yes partially, only numbers are

shown

They are located along the

vertical axis

What types of information on the

elevations are expressed using words?

Illustrate how this is done.

Design elements

Instructions

Illustrate how the doors and windows

are identified on the elevations.

Door Tag with Room Tag


Window Tag with Room Tag


Find where this elevation is located on

the plans.

Refer to the drawing number

DRAWING CONTENT-ELEVATIONS


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DRAWING CONTENT-SECTIONS


section? How does it differ from the

information shown on the plan and

elevation?

A cross-section through the

building

It shows the indoor and other

hidden elements from a side view

Illustrate how the section drawing

differentiates between building

elements that are cut through and those

that are shown in elevation (beyond).

Provide example of how different

materials are shown on the sections.

Find where this section is located on the

plans.


DRAWING CONTENT-DETAILS

What sorts of things are detailed?

Walls

Canopy

Roof and facade

Function room

Pop up window

Fireplace

Are the details compressed using break

lines? Why?

Yes, because this allows the

details to be analysed at a closer

scale and thus, this shows the

finer elements

Provide examples of how different

materials are shown on drawings at this

scale.

Elevation (Cox

Architecture, 2012)

Section (Cox Architecture,

2012)



28

Find the locations of these details on the

plans, elevations and sections.


The drawing set seems to be consistent with

the observations from last week. In Figure 53,

the social room can be seen with the bay

window structure. These in accordance with

the drawings as the plans, elevations and

sections have both the social room and the

bay window featured together.

Like the drawings, these two structures are

constructed from vertical and horizontal

timber elements.

Furthermore, the number of windows from last

week’s observation is consistent with the

plans.

Also, the existing turret roof is being

maintained as instructed in the drawings.

Part 3

Figure 53: Oval Pavilion (Picture: Achini Attanayake)

The scale of the building is obviously larger

than the scale used in the drawings. Hence,

this is why a ratio was used to represent large

elements of the structure in a smaller and

more practical size.

The architectural drawings show all the

materials, texture, detailing and the size of

major elements of the overall building.

The structural drawings examine the smaller

elements of the building such as trusses, the

grandstand, wall braces and connection

joints.

Therefore, when compared with the structural

diagrams, the architectural drawings seem

more superficial as it excludes the finer details

of the building.

Bay window Social room

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CONCRETE PLANK: a flat beam used for floor or roof decking

GIRDER: a beam which is used to support the ends of joists

JOIST: a horizontal member used to support a floor or ceiling which have limited overhang potential (Ching, 2008)

SPACING: the repeating distance between a series of lie or similar elements (Newton, 2014)

WEEK 4 GLOSSARY

(Newton, 2014)

(Newton, 2014)

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1

SPAN: the distance measured between two structural supports (Newton, 2014)

STEEL DECKING: boards or planks of corrugated metal used usually for relatively short spans (Ching, 2008)

(Ching, 2008)

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WEEK 5: COLUMNS, GRIDS AND WALL SYSTEMS

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Figure 54: Our allocated section (Cox Architecture, 2012)

Our allocated section consisted of the right half

of the entrance to the function room.

The structural elements include footings

(Foundations & Foundations), brick walls

(Secondary structure), timber panels (Primary

structure, timber beams (Primary structure,

concrete slabs (Foundations & Foundations)

and glass block flooring (Secondary structure).

The predominant materials used are concrete,

timber, brick and glass.

Figure 55: Fixed joint (Newton, 2014)

Since this particular section of the

building is rigid, there are only fixed

joints used.

Steel angles are predominantly used

in this section to connect beams to

concrete.

Mitre and butt joints are also used throughout this part of

the building.

Figure 56: Butt joints

(Ching, 2008) Figure 57: Mitre joints

Figure 58: Steel angles

34

Figure 59: Column (Picture: Achini

Attanayake)

Figure 60: Wall (Picture: Achini

Attanayake)

We began constructing the walls, panels,

columns and beams.

We used balsa wood as we were familiar with the

product and could cut different shapes from it.

However, due to the thinness of the sheet, we

had to stick several layers to make it stable as

seen in the columns (Figure 59).

Figure 61: Finished product (Picture: Achini

Attanayake)

Unfortunately, due to time restraints

and lack of group cooperation, we

didn’t finish our model.


Figure 63, 64: Other groups models

(Pictures: Achini Attanayake)

In Figure 63, their section was the same as

ours. However, they choose to focus on the

roof structure and its timber framing.

Figure 64 had a similar structure to our own as

it consisted of concrete walls and columns.

Slab

Beam

Wall

Column

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AXIAL LOAD: the load that creates a force which runs parallel to the axis of a member

BUCKLING: when a structure becomes unstable and begins to bend

LINTEL: a horizontal structural member which spans an opening, usually doors or windows

NOGGING: a supporting member placed between joists and studs; also known as dwang

SEASONED TIMBER: when moisture is removed from timber to provide increased dimensional stability (Newton, 2014)

WEEK 5 GLOSSARY

(Ching, 2008)

(Prointeriordesigner.com, 2014)

37

STUD: a vertical member used in the framework of a wall (refer to diagram above)

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2014-1_Logbook Submission Part 1 ENVS1003

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Transcript of 2014-1_Logbook Submission Part 1 ENVS1003