BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 2 [ARC 2513]
Project 1: Understanding Forces in Skeletal Structure
Popsicle stick tower
To understand how forces transfer in skeletal structures and how structural components react with each other under loading.
Our group intended to make the load to transfer in a torque direction, therefore we specifically designed for the upper sticks to transfer the load into the lower sticks at its' perpendicular sides.
This method requires high accuracy and very strong joints to hold the points that the forces will push outwards. Strong bracings are also needed. Unfortunately, the model was already imbalanced before the test, and with two weak bracings, it collapses at 40kg, but only the top bracing breaks and the other parts remained in good condition.
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Project 2: Understanding Forces in Solid Structure and Surface Structure
Sectional model of Bechtler Museum by Mario Botta
One of the unique features of this building is how such large area of cantilever could be supported by a 1 meter diameter concrete column with claddings.
Besides loving Mario Botta's work, our group find this museum interesting due to the overall design of the museum, simplistic and harmony yet a very standout building to it's surrounding.
As a contemporary art museum, the interior has a clean and white exhibition spaces with huge skylights over the ceilings of the fourth floor.
Process of the model making and analysis on the forces transferring in this solid structure are written in the report attached below.