Ashlee murphy 699002 4 August 2014

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Initial

sketches

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Sequence of process

Planning!• Initially the group planned to have an

interlocking network of bricks in the form a pyramid style. Conforming to an compression style that would allow the structure to be sturdy, evenly balanced, and strong against settlement and dead loads, and horizontal forces. This approach was used as we rejected the idea of a tick top, as it would be susceptible to a loss of balance. !

The midst of building !!• During the build, it was observed that

the structure was extremely resource intensive and time consuming, despite its strength. The decision was made to construct a solid inner core, protected from shear force by a circular structure. This allowed the core to remain stable so if the exterior was knocked down upon testing time, it would remain tall and sturdy. The surrounding circular wall was designed with gaps, to be maximise material and to allow flexibility. This contributed to a distribution of weight and reduced pressure on the base of the structure. !

Alterations to designs!!• At a little over a metre high, resources

once again began to dwindle and the exterior was becoming weak. To combat this, the circular wall and the core were joined into one. Not only did this reiterate the early plan of a thin peak, but it also solidified the exterior as the pressure was redirected through the core. The structure was able to reach 2.2 metres before it reached its peak value.

• During destruction, (by throwing timber and removal of bricks) the exterior crumbled, yet the core remained standing due to the compactness of the rectangular timber bricks. !

LOG BOOK | Studio report |

Before After

This diagram demonstrates the buildings peak swaying under a wind load

This diagram demonstrates the structures load path, and the diffusion of weight through the core.

Ashlee murphy 699002 4 August 2014

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Loads and forces

!Load paths!

The timber bricks that made up the structures core were impacted by a small compression force, where the external load created by the interlocking brick layers compacted the materials within the timber and allowed it to become strong. !Tension forces and compression forces would have acted equally on the timber bricks that encased the core as a circular structure. Whilst the edges of each timber block experienced compression as a result of the external weight, the middle part of the brick would have undergone tension to allow for the compaction at either end. This elongation of the centre of the brick would have been minimal due to the small magnitude of the area. !During building the tower was experiencing static load, in which each brick slowly applied to the structure didn't cause it to fluctuate its position until it reached its peak value, and swaying could be observed at the towers peak. !A gravitational load was constantly being exerted on the structure, however because this load was both distributed and compressed it had little impact on the structures collapse. !

The core was so sturdy, blocks were able to be removed from the circular structure with no impact on the overall strength.

Tension

Compression

Point load Distribution load

This diagram demonstrates the opposing forces at work on the circular structure

Ashlee murphy 699002 4 August 2014

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!Materials

For a small scale model build, the lightweight timber was an ideal material to work with. It’s simple rectangular shape allowed patterns and joinery to be carried out with ease. When compressed, as the timber bricks were in our core, they became strong and were unable to be knocked down.

A rectangular shape is far easier to work with than circles or squares because they allow overlap, as demonstrated by the structures exterior and seen in masonry in real life builds. This type of overlapping solidifies the structures strength and diffuses any downward forces. The materials interlocking system was what allowed the core to remain standing even when under dead or active loads.

On an industrial level this specific material or one similar in size and weight would be utterly useless for real scale builds. Alone it is too small and weak, and despite compression could easily buckle under point load. The amount needed for a real scale build would present economic issues such as, expense and be very demanding of time, however this

timber is readily available.

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The other groups structures focused on incorporating the “dog” by creating an internal space for it. Subsequently, both structures were open, with thin walls and no base to diffuse gravitational force. Positive aspects of this type of design were the use of minimal resources, and were relatively easy to build high. Without any horizontal force acting on the structures they were able to remain upright, this was aided by the gaps in the brick work that minimalised wind loads as the breeze could slip through the cracks. However up against stronger horizontal forces, the structures crumbled instantly.

Group twoGroup one

This sketch demonstrates compression at work, and the diffusion of tension through the structure.

Ashlee murphy 699002 4 August 2014

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- wind loads, and earthquake loads

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Key terms:!Load path: Is simple the direction in which each consecutive load will pass through connected

members. Masonry: Is the building of structures from individual units laid in and bound together by mortar.

Compression: The application of balanced inward forces at different points. Reaction force: Acts in the opposite direction to the action force.

Point load: Refers to a point where a bearing or structural weight is intense and transferred to the foundation.

Beam: Structural elements capable of taking heavy loads.

Site analysis!• Process of studying the contextual

forces that influence building layout and establish its relationship to the landscape. Site surveys begin by gathering physical site data, including all environmental, social, technical and historical elements. It also involves analysis of existing structures, and determination of possible future outcomes. !

Loads on buildings!• Dead loads - act vertically downward,

comprising the self weight of the structure and the weight of the building elements, fixtures and equipment permanently attached to it.

• Settlement loads are imposed on a structure by subsidence of a portion of the supporting soil and the resulting differential settlement of its foundation

• Ground pressure is the horizontal force a soil mass exerts on a vertical structure

• Water pressure is the hydraulic force groundwater exerts on a foundation system

• Thermal stresses are the compressive or tensile stresses developed in a material constrained against thermal expansion or contraction.

! | Learning Loop |

Basic Structural Forces: A force is an influence that produces change in something!• Possess’ both magnitude and direction • Represented by an arrow whose length is proportional to the magnitude • The arrows orientation represents direction • Collinear forces occur along a straight line

- The load path of a building

This image demonstrates vertical beams taking a settlement load