Constructing EnvironmentsWeek 5 Journal - Structural Concepts Part 1

Daniel Kellett 635876

0.1 - Description/Classification of Structural Systems

Figure 2 - Foundation System

Figure 1 - Main Structural of Building Figure 4 - Interior Structure

Figure 3 - Foundation System

The Eastern Resource centre link is the joining structure between two pre-existing buildings. The primary structure of the site includes a steel framework as seen in figure 1. This framework connects to concrete footings which can be seen in figure 2. The secondary structure of the site incorporates a timber and glass cladding system with encases the space but maintains that outdoor feel as well as insulation and support structures within the walls and floor systems that assist in the overall structure and function of the site itself.

Figure 7 - Concrete Beam

0.2 - Identification, Description, Location of Structural Materials

Figure 8 - Timber BattenFigure 6 - Insulation

Figure 9 - Rubber Flooring

Figure 5 - Steel Beam Concrete beams and the use of concrete footings within the structure and foundation systems of the structure act as a strong material both for the primary structure of the site as well as the anchoring material for the site into the ground. This is due to the strong compressive nature of the concrete and its ability to withstand heavy loads.

**Beams are usually also reinforced with steel in order to withstand tension forces and increase strength.

Timber battens are used in the design for both structural and aesthetic purposes. The battens assist the structure in providing attachment points within the wall structure as seen in Figure 8 as well as adding cladding systems to the exterior which increases the aesthetic appeal of the overall design.

Rubber flooring is used in sections of the site and acts as a material that is durable and requires low maintenance. The possibility for a range of styles and colours also allows for multiple uses of the rubber within the space.

Steel is used in the structure both for the interior super structure but also as reinforcement for the concrete in order to make it stronger and therefore increase the load capacity of the site. It is an ideal material for the overall structure of the site due to its strength and its ability to span across large spaces without vertical support assistance.

The insulation within the site allows for conditions within the site to be maintained at a reasonable level. They help to keep the heat in and the cool out. It is used also due to its ability to fit into spaces with abnormal shapes and configurations.

0.3 - Structural Joints & Fixings

Figure 11 - Pin Joint With welding

Figure 12 - Concrete Anchor

Figure 13 - Bolt Joint between structural members

Screw - A screw is similar to a nail, however the main shaft of the screw has a spiral thread that runs the length of the shaft. Through rotating the screw into a surface, the

screw provides a strong join between the materials being joined as simple push and pull force does not act to remove the screw from position.

Figure 14 - Screw

Figure 16 - Grout/Concrete

Concrete - Concrete is a strong, long-lasting material that is commonly used in construction projects due to

its strong, compressive nature. The concrete is able to be made on site and can form a variety of conventional

and abstract forms. It is however primarily used for foundations and the transition from the building into the

ground.

Figure 10 - Welding

Weld - Welding is used within the site, primarily on metal materials, to bind two components together by heating and melting the surface of the metal pieces which then combine and, when cooled, form a single piece, hence connecting the side halves together. This method is a strong way of joining, especially metals, together.

Figure 15 - Bolt

Bolt - Bolts are used for various purposes and can be employed to join a variety of materials. They do this by connecting ends with nuts which attach to the other end of the bolt and so secure the components together.

Carbon Footprint

The Carbon footprint of this building structure would be moderate as there is a large amount of energy and resources required to produce the materials that are used in this space. That said, the emissions and footprint the building puts out after construction is far less than other buildings as this space is primarily used as a meeting and transition link for human traffic between the two surrounding sites.

Embodied Energy

With projects of this size, the embodied energy for many of the materials contributes to a large sum of energy required to produce the finished product. The energy required in order to:

• Remove the raw materials from the earth or extract them from other materials• Produce the final product alongside other materials• production of facilities in order to produce these materials

And Finally:

• Transport - This plays a massive role in the overall embodied energy for the project. Transport occurs right throughout the process, from initial raw material transport, to the transport of the finished product from the production location to the site in preparation for construction.

As previously mentioned, the environmental impact is substantial, but not in the sense of output once construction has been completed as this structure is simply a link between two building spaces. The main environmental impact for this space has come in the form of the emissions produced during the production and transport of the materials required to complete this structure.

Recyclability

The recyclability of concrete is not very easy, environmentally helpful or beneficial for other uses, however the timber and steel can be recycled or melted down in order to produce other materials such as metal allots for various other purposes and paper or wood shavings for gardens and homes.

Economic Implications of Decisions

Decisions regarding materials used and the budget for the overall product sway the main outcomes achieved from the build. Depending on the economic standings at the time, decisions of whether more expensive materials or cheaper materials should be used may effect the end result greatly. The choice for cheaper materials, may mean longer ongoing costs for the company for maintenance , however start-up costs are less and so more difficult times are the initial stages of the project might see this approach. The same goes for the opposite position taken.

0.4 - Sustainability, Environment and Economical Implications