Constructing Environments

Week 01: Mass Construction

• In this weeks tutorial, we used elements of mass construction to build wooden structures with the ability to not only house a small dog but also to withstand weights of up to 100 kilograms. Like this, we used similar techniques to mass construction, a building technique using masonry. Though this technique is not the most practical, as proved in Fridays tutorial it allows for the production of very strong and reliable structures.

Although I could not include a photographic guide depicting the steps taken to complete our individual structures, we as groups decided which designs worked best and began. The group in which I was involved decided that it would be wisest to create a structure out of the most blocks in order to give it ample strength and thus a very high static load (Ching 2008). As shown in figure 1.2, other groups decided to minimize the number of blocks used and adopt other techniques for their structures. The group which designed figure 1.2 initially designed the structure to house the small dog, however, after succeeding at this task they went on to reinforce the platform thereby strengthening the external structure.

• Though the structure illustrated in figure 1.2 used less resources, its static load i.e. the amount of weight it could withstand was much less than all the other structures. Figures 1.1 and 1.3 were able to withstand massive vertical pressure however this was predominantly when the weight was spread evenly. When weight was focused on one part of the structure, other than its centre, the structures typically became deformed. Furthermore, if pressure was placed laterally rather than vertically, the buildings tended to crumble.

• Masonry has great compressive strength however its tensile strength is much lower unless the structure is reinforced (Ching 2008). It is undoubtedly a fantastic building technique which played a huge role throughout history but following the introduction of new, superior technologies, other methods have came into play and may be considered better.

Edward Aitken Student ID - 585164