Project II : Understanding Forces in Building Construction

(1) Group Task (30%)

1. You are to propose a building (tensile/membrane construction or grid shell construction) and identify the structural systems used in the construction of the building of your choice. 
2. Describe each structural system identified in terms of Function, Material and Load Distribution. 
3. Produce a model on an A3 base showing the different structural systems used in the above building. Suitable scale and material to be used for the construction of the model shall depend entirely on you. However, do take note that quality and workmanship of the model produced will be considered in the assessment of this project. 
4. You are then required to prepare ONE (1) A3 size presentation board, analysing the success or failure of the model together with the mitigating measures. You are to include a brief introduction of the building, construction method, modelling process as well as detailing of different parts of the buildings to show how it is constructed. 
5. Students are encouraged to use annotated sketches / diagrams to explain the forces, structural movement experienced. 
6. Photographs of the model and the process in making the model should also be incorporated into this A3 sized presentation board. 
7. The models and A3 sized boards must include students’ names, students’ ID. 

Group board:

Modeling Process:

Group Model:

(2) Individual Task (10%)

1. Each student is required to manually draw an exploded Axonometric construction detail on an A3 size sheet. The details must be complete with annotations, specifications as well as references to show your understanding on how the building is constructed. 
2. Student must include a key drawing to show where the detail is taken from the building. 
3. The drawings should be formatted in an A3 sheet complete with title block. Use appropriate scale for the detailing. 
4. The drawing will be submitted in a plastic sheet protectors complete with student’s name, student ID and Tutor-In-Charge.

Reflection:

In a group of two, we first chose a grid shell structure, Perdana Canopy in Malaysia to be furthur research on. Identifications of basic structural systems in construction were really important for us to  differentiate in terms of loads and forces acting on structural elements. To start off the board itself we need to recognize and apply the implications of construction system in design. Then, analyse the issues of strength, stiffness and stability of structures including modes of structural systems, forces, stress and strain and laws of static. For the model, we actually tried and error on the materials and connection of the materials and finally decided on square plastic tubes and cable ties. We worked both on the models and boards, to fully unerstand how the structure we chose are formed.