Shalinn Tan Jiawen
Taylor's University Lakeside Campus
School of Architecture, Building and Design
Bachelor of Science(Hons) in Architecture
Semester 4
Building Structures
[ARC2523]
Project 1:
Fettucine Truss Bridge
In a group of 5, we were to design and construct a bridge of high efficiency using only fettucine with a limited weight of materials allowed. The requirements are a bridge of 350mm clear span and 70g maximum in weight.
The objectives of this project is:
1. To develop student’s understanding of tension and compressive strength of construction materials
2. To develop student’s understanding of force distribution in a truss
3. To design a perfect truss bridge which fulfils the following criterias:
a) high efficiency
b) minimal construction material
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In order to achieve higher efficiency, we learnt to analyse and evaluate each of the following items.
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Material strength
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By adopting appropriate method, determine the strength of fettucini, i.e. tension and compression strength
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By knowing the strength of fettucini, you will be able to determine which members to be strengthened
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Structural analysis of the truss
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Perform detailed structural analysis of the truss, by applying 100kN at the center of the truss.
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Identify critical members
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Strength the critical members
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At the end of the project, I was able to evaluate, explore and improve attributes of construction materials and also explore and apply understanding of load distribution in a truss. Other than that, I was also able to evaluate and identify tension and compression members in a truss structure and explore different arrangement of members in a truss structure
Project 2:
Analysis of a Reinforced Concrete Building
In a group of 3, we were to obtain the floor plans of a maximum 3 storeys bungalow, preferably 2 storeys to carry out structural framing and prepare structural drawings for the bungalow. Structural plans included the foundation plan, ground floor plan, first floor plan and roof plan.etc.
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The second part of the project was individual tasks whereby each member is to analyse the following:
1. To analyse minimum 6 beams (each beam must subject to different types of load, i.e. UDL from one or more than one slabs, beam with point load(s) or combination of UDL and PL)
2. To analyse minimum 4 columns (from foundation to roof level)
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At the end of everything, we were to compile our findings into a report. I have learnt to produce a complete documentation on structural system of a case study, Explore and understand the concept of structural analysis, Identify structural components, Recognize, Execute and implement basic procedures of building structure design and Produce a structural proposal