Tom's Construction Blog

2007-05-29T23:08:00.001-07:00

Article Review - 'Windows Glazed Over On Energy Use'

2007-05-28T07:23:00.000-07:00

The Age published this article today on the importance of glazed windows in relation to energy conservation, entitled 'Windows Glazed Over On Energy Use'.

The author touches on how Australian energy efficiency regulations for buildings are inadequate and up to 20 years behind those of the UK & US. Some experts claiming that a great deal of buildings in our country take up to 60% more energy to heat and cool than what they should.

Windows are widely recognised as a thermal weakpoint of many buildings. However, the use of double-glazed windows and other energy efficient panes can effectively plug this weakpoint.

With double-glazing costing a mere $10 more for every square metre of floor area, I believe it is time that the Government step in and make such measures compulsory in all new buildings.

Site Visit #9

2007-05-27T21:26:00.000-07:00

In this photograp we can clearly observe the bondek formwork on the upper level of this commercial building. A support system of reinforced concrete columns and universal beams work to suspend the sacrificial formwork. We can also see safety railing to prevent labourer from falling off the edge of the building.

This is a basic cavity staircase that is yet to be poured. Below the timber formwork treads is steel reinforcement that has been placed in anticipation of the pour.

Timber formwork has been used here to shape and hold the small concrete slab above whilst it is poured and sets. I would imagine that the temporary props have already been removed, and they would almost be ready to remove the timber framework.

Major Project Presentation

2007-05-27T17:07:00.000-07:00

After many days (and nights!) of exertion I have arrived at my final piece. As you can see it encompasses one portal made of two HB beams / trusses. These are spaced at 4 metre centres, as Alvar Aalto did at Otaniemi. Please excuse the poor quality of the photos but these were taken at 5am in a low-light environment, and the flash simply drowned out the colour / detail.

My poster is not quite as impressive, but aptly shows where I gained my inspiration from and how I went about designing and building the scale model.

Article Review - 'Galvanizing As Insurance'

2007-05-26T17:26:00.000-07:00

I came across this succinct article on the Azobuild website, entitled 'Galvanizing As Insurance'. It merely confirms how important a role steel galvanizing can play when resisting rust and corrosion.

The particular case they outline is that of the Royal Brighton Yacht Club (which is coincidentally around the corner from me), where of course the marine environment dictates the way in which their buildings are finished.

The yacht club's extension, including an addition 3700 square metres of hard standing for Olympic class yachts, will be largely undertaken in concrete, reinforced with galvanised steel. Whilst the designer confess that the precast concrete panels will eventually be penetrated by sea-water, the durable nature of the galvanised rebar will allow the structure to stand for 40 odd years.

Site Visit #8

2007-05-25T07:17:00.000-07:00

This is yet another sight that I randomly passed somewhere in the Geelong CBD - I've forgotten the name of the actual street.

Here we can observe the temporary timber formwork above a forest of props sitting on the floor of the level below. I would guess that the concrete is yet to be poured.

Another shot of the comprehensive props. Formwork is also seen.

Concrete block masonry wall and reinforced concrete retaining wall work to create an underground cavity. Steel starter bars for a concrete column or the like can be seen in the background.

Completed Building Visit #3

2007-05-23T14:56:00.000-07:00

Here I have visited Fagg's Mitre 10 in Belmont, Geelong, along with my housemate. A variety of truss systems have been used throughout the building, each creating different structural qualities and aesthetics.

A timber lattice truss has been utilized in this instance to span over a distance of 12+ metres. The intricate pattern of the trusses webbing and relatively large scale make for a pleasant design feature that can be witnessed from both inside and outside the building.

Here we can see a mono-truss in a multiple fink-like arrangement running perpendicular to the central lattice trusses. The chords and webbing of the truss are comprised on timber, whilst the addition of steel plates at junctions aid the connection of the elements. Also evident are the timber purlins and foil insulation.

This is just a detail of a junction where the square hollow section column meets the trusses and beam. Rigidity in this type of joint is of utmost importance, but the use of bolting instead of welding gives the overall intersection a level of structural flexibility.

Behind the aforementioned retail store, is a large-spanning steel portal frame. Pretty conventional construction (which I have covered in my earlier visit to Bunnings) allows the warehouse to span upwards of 40 metres without internal support. Strips of transparent corrugated roofing allows additional penetration of natural light during daylight hours.

Article Review - 'D'SECO Launches AED 380 Million Oval Tower in Dubai'

2007-05-20T04:24:00.000-07:00

As both the name and the above graphic suggest, this building is an engineers nightmare. I came across this article, 'D'SECO Launches AED 380 Million Oval Tower in Dubai' on the AME Information website.

Currently named the apt 'Oval Tower', organisers foresee the building as becoming iconic in its sophisticated modern glass finish and pure white structure. With flexibility of floor space and overall comfort main focal points of the design, it will be interesting to observe how the architects and engineers balance form with function.

Also of interest will be the way in which the building is errected as its emphatic oval elevation will surely provide engineers and constructors alike with a plethora of obstacles.

Dubai certainly seems like the place to be at the moment!

Site Visit #6

2007-05-15T01:28:00.000-07:00

I visited this construction site a few weeks ago just as the construction workers were completing their days work. It is located in the Geelong CBD, on Malop St.

Here we can see a number of strutural concrete columns extending into the foundation. Note the extensive use of steel reinforcement within the coloums. As a multi-storey commerical building, it is important that the structural elements are more than capable of withstanding both dead and live loads imposed upon them. Starter bars at the top of the column will aid in the fusion of slab and extending column. In the background one can witness a subsequent column with its formwork still cladded as the concrete cures.

Detail base of the column where it presumably meets with the covered pad footing. Not quite sure what the concrete panel is around the column, but it may be some sort of retaining wall or sacrificial formwork for the slab pour.

Shot of the construction workers in their fluorescent safety gear!

Infil compacted presumably in anticipation of the concrete slab pour. Note ridge in foundation to help shape the strip footing. Also pictured is services that will penetrate the slab as well as steel starter bars for a column.

This is the building adjacent to the above construction site, not sure it it is part of the same project. However it is utilizing tilt-up precast panels to shape an indoor/outdoor staircase. I would imagine that the strut centred in the photograph is temporary, however this particular one looked rather permanent in person - unusual positioning.

Close up of some of the steel reinforcement cages scattered around the site ready to be installed. I would imagine that these particular cages will be utilized as some rather large pad footings.

Major Project Development

2007-05-14T07:17:00.000-07:00

Well the due date for this project is fast approaching and I'm starting to feel as it I may be running a little behind in the major assignment. In the rough plan above, one can observe that I have decided to do my section where the showroom/offices join with the warehouse. In the last few days I have also managed to draw up a 1:50 section of the detail I intend on constructing. All of the components and sizing are not set in stone yet, but this will be a fairly accurate portrayal of things to come.

It has been a little hard grasping some of the construction techniques that Aalto has used in the Sports Hall at Otaniemi, but I did manage to gain some insight into the project by contacting both the Helsinki University of Technology and the Finnish Association of Architects.

Now I need to quantify the amount of balsa and associated materials I will need, and its off to Bunnings!

Site Visit #5

2007-05-13T08:50:00.000-07:00

This is a rather large residential building I visited in East Brighton, just off Dendy St.

Here we can see the general timber studs with panel bracing for this two-storey masonry veneer building.

Worker's protective balustrading for construction safety purposes.

Internal studs and associated panel bracing with 'pryda' floor joists/trusses.

Detail of pryda floor joists.

Detail of galvanised UB and square hollow section and pryda joists above with steel lintel welded to underside of UB to support the masonry above.

Gangnail trusses.

Roof insulation and angle bracing over rafters/trusses.

Gang nail trusses in actual location.

Rainwater sump below box gutter with chipboard ponding board.

Reinforced core-filled masonry retaining wall.

Article Review - 'Green homes going mainstream'

2007-05-13T04:31:00.000-07:00

Another article I found on CNET News focuses on prefabricated residential construction and its associated ‘green’ focus. Entitled ‘Green homes going mainstream’, the author explores how simple design and construction alterations, such as placement of doors & windows, can greatly reduce energy consumption.

Focussing on ‘Michelle Kaufmann Designs’, a small husband & wife firm that design modular houses that are manufactured off-site, whom concentrate on achieving a balance between aesthetics, function, and environmental sustainability.

An interesting insight into the lack of architecturally administered design in residential constructions, that invariably leads to uninspired design and inefficient buildings. MKD’s solution to this problem is to provide the wider market with pre-packaged green solutions, that don’t cost more and doesn’t take longer than conventional construction methods.

Efficiency of building offsite in a controlled factory environment, as opposed to rudimentary onsite construction, is also touched on.

With the world’s population slowly but surely becoming increasingly aware of our volatile environment, it seems as if the industry will begin to see more and more of this precise, green, modular construction.

Site Visit #4

2007-05-13T03:51:00.001-07:00

This is a multi-residential construction site I visited just off Church Street, in Brighton, Melbourne.

A clear example of bondeck formwork creating the upper levels up this building.

Concrete block work and in situ concrete slab with lightweight metal stud partitioning wall. Commencement of suspended ceiling and associated lighting wiring.

Detail demonstrating the use of angle steel in balustrading support.

Division of interior spaces with metal studs, in addition to mechanical (air conditioning) and electrical services installation.

Plasterboard lining being applied to stud wall (I believe pink plasterboard either represents fire-proof or wet area boarding - but I could very well be wrong).

Article Review - 'Skyscraper design gets a new spin'

2007-05-12T21:20:00.000-07:00

Browsing through CNET News online, I came across this article on a proposed rotating skyscraper in Dubai: 'Skyscraper Design gets a new spin'.

At an estimated cost of $350 million, the ‘Dynamic Architecture’ building will physically spin. Whether orientating towards the sun, changing the view, or merely rotating slowly for effect, each level will be capable of independently revolving around the building’s central axis.

However, of arguably greater interest, is the fact the building is to have an underlying energy efficient theme, with the integration of 48 horizontal wind turbines fitted between levels, and capable of producing enough energy to operate the skyscraper two-fold.

Standing at over 300 metres tall, the ‘scraper will encompass offices, apartments and even a ‘6-star’ hotel. It is suggested that 90% of the building will be manufactured off-site in a controlled factory environment, and speedily assembled around a central ‘core’, the fixed nucleus of the structure.

If nothing else, their modular approach is avant-garde (at least in this context) and I am eagerly awaiting the development of this project.

Firms involved include 'Dynamic Architecture' of Florence, 'LERA' Engineers of New York, and construction management company 'Bovis Lendlease' of London.

Completed Building Visit #2

2007-05-11T23:05:00.000-07:00

Here I have visited and photographed the interior of the Malop St Officeworks in Geelong. As you can observe it is a warehouse type structure utilizing lightweight steel trusses to span extended lengths.

Here one can observe the basic flat truss shape (Warren configuration) that is used throughout the structure.

This is a more detailed shot of the apex of the roof. We can witness addition bracing, albiet minor, about the web connections.

General overview of some of the services in the building. Airconditioning services appear to be covered in a brand of insulation. Light is suspended from lightweight steel members in the roofing structure.

This is a good shot representing the diagonal cross-bracing between some of the truss systems. Such bracing would help counter torsional stresses.

Detail of the connection between the truss and square hollow section column. Basic steel L-plate with bolting has been utilized.

Article Review - 'Em-Breuer-Ed', On The Road To Throwing Away A Landmark Skyscraper

2007-05-10T04:59:00.000-07:00

I came across this aptly entitled article, 'Em-Breuer-Ed', on the FreeTimes website a few days ago. Whilst not directly relevant to our construction studies, it is nevertheless a very sobering read on the politics and associated controversy that architecture and construction can create within a community.

Whilst the Marcel Breuer Tower is considered relatively significant, it is not quite old enough to be of great historical importance, but on the same note, this is far from a new building.

The future of the currently redundant reinforced concrete building, the only Breuer-designed skyscraper, is being heavily contested by the rash local planning commision and a number of concerned architects.

It is likely that the iconic building will be demolished, as a majority of the county commisioners see the building as inoperative with its smaller-than-usual floor plate. The associated cost of demolishing the structure and clearing the site, and replacing it with a more 'functional', modern building runs into the hundreds of millions of US dollars.

Economic issues aside, I find it hard to believe how some people, coincidently those of a local council, are willing to sacrifice beautiful, significant architecture in the name of gaining a few extra square-metres per floor level. Just astonishing..

(..reiterates my interpretation of councils as being a quite unique collection of rather senseless individuals.)

Site Visit #3

2007-05-05T06:41:00.000-07:00

Small residential building comprising light steel framework. The steelwork is non-galvanised, which may lead to rusting.

Good example of a combination of onsite weldings and prefabricated bolt connections.

Detail of steel column's endplate being bolted to slab.

Reinforced concrete wall and rendered blockwork creating a garden bed / retaining walls.

Hot-dip galvanised circular hollow setion. Most likely to an external column.

Starter bars for garden bed.

Example of onsite welding for connection of beams. Bolts may yet to be secured, or perhaps they will not be used if the bolt openings on the adjacent beam are not aligned.

Major Project Research

2007-05-04T02:02:00.000-07:00

After exploring Alvar Aalto’s oeuvre of work more thoroughly, I have come to admire, above all, his aforementioned Sports Hall at Otaniemi, near Helsinki, Finland. Well, this is perhaps not entirely true. But for the sake of this construction exercise, I feel that the gymnasium exemplifies all of the structural qualities needed for warehouse design. The common ground between the two buildings is of course the open, long span nature of both.

The building utilizes truss-like beams and columns (Swedish patented HB beam system) to create these rather sizable timber frames capable of spanning, in this case, 58 odd metres. The roof is not made from sheet roofing, but rather quaint tongue-and-groove timber panels with double bitumen felt for water proofing.

Whilst I have been unable to source any working drawings of the building, as the photographs suggest, the actual structure of the building is rather palpably expressed, and I believe, with a little bit of research into this particular truss / HB beam design, I will be able to extract all the information I need from photographs alone.

On this note, I have decided to construct a physical model for presentation as opposed to a 3D CAD model. I feel that for this exercise actually executing a physical, 1:10 model with my own two hands will put me in better stead as to actually understanding the structural composition of the section. Computers can be a little mind-numbing at the best of times :)

Site Visit #2

2007-04-29T00:39:00.000-07:00

This is a two storey residential apartment block, comprising of 20 units from memory, that I visited in Hampton. Whilst I was taking photographs of the building from outside the security fence, I was fortunate enough to be spotted by the construction manager, who got out of his car and happily showed me through the building.

Drainage pipes and tanking to sub-basement structure.

Workmen's scaffolding platforms.

Heavy precast panels that frame the main entrance to the building. Adjacent walls showing rebated lines on precast panels for ornamentation.

Acro props working to temporariliy support the curing slab above.

High density/strength reinforced precast concrete beams holding the weight of the above bondeck and slab. Reduces the required space for the floor/ceiling cavity.

Services penetration through bondeck slab. Most likely for smoke detectors.

Steel connection plates welded to adjoining concrete precast panels. Combined with the insitu floor slab this creates ample rigidity between the wall panels. Also, caulking between panels is evident, working as a membrane against moisture penetration.

Major Project

2007-04-25T00:45:00.000-07:00

As an architecture student, the project brief outlined that I must choose an eminent architect and an associated material that the architect was known to have used extensively in their oeuvre.

After initially deciding to select the famed Australian architect Harry Seidler (and his associated love for reinforced concrete), I decided to expand my horizons by choosing an equally fascinating architect, but one with which I was not as familiar with.

Ultimately, I decided to choose the Finnish modernist, Alvar Aalto. To me, his stunning austerity and harmonious compositions remain utterly seductive. A distinct set of personal design principles allowed Aalto to generate a style devoid of romantic excess, creating functional yet non-reductionist buildings.

Whilst Aalto explored a number of diverse materials, a favourite of his was the masonry; in particular, the plain but honest brick. Consequently, I have selected the brick as the main material element in my investigation.

Additionally, I will perhaps explore the nailed timber trusses that Aalto had been known to use in some of his longer spanning buildings such as the Sports Hall in Otaniemi (1952).

Site Visit #1

2007-04-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

This construction site is located on the corner of Bay St. and Cochrane St. in Brighton (South-east Melbourne). It is a small/medium sized commercial buildilng, with both office and retail spaces spread over three levels, in addition to a two level basement. A number of precast concrete panels have been elevated in the last few days, and the overall form of the building is starting to take shape.

This is a graphic interpretation of the proposed building.

Here we can view some external precast concrete tilt-up panels with temporary props. The photo also shows some shade cloth which helps reduce the flow of dust and debris off site. Safety railing is also present.

Scaffold props and temporary support beams are ready for the bondeck formwork to be placed upon.

This photographs shows a steel reinforcing cage for a concrete column. It is awaiting the application of some formwork to shape the concrete pour about the rio. Note that starter rods from the previous pour are connected to the new cage to help produce a level of structural homogeneity.

Here we can see the proposed lift shaft made from prefabricated concrete panels, with its temporary props.

Portal Frames - Detail Sections

2007-04-17T04:36:00.001-07:00

Detail (sheet roofing / concrete panel)
Box Gutter Section

Gutter Section
Gutter Section

Portal Frame Section #3

2007-04-16T21:29:00.000-07:00

Portal Frame Section #2

2007-03-21T19:40:00.000-07:00

Portal Frame Section

2007-03-14T16:34:00.000-07:00

Portal Frame Construction

2007-03-07T18:19:00.000-08:00

This is an exterior photograph of the Waurn Ponds Bunnings Warehouse. Within the structure a portal frame system has been used in order to span long distances (upwards of 40 meters in some circumtances) whilst minimising, and even negating the need for cumbersome column supports midspan.

Inside the warehouse, the structural elements combine to create a palpable skeleton. Here we can observe the joint and associated members where the near-horizontal rafter (or beam) connects to the adjacent stanchion (or column).

Of particular interest in this photograph is the supporting haunching that sits on a diagonal slope on the underside of the rafter. Haunching typically extends about 15 to 20% of the overall span from the stanchion, and acts as an extended brace to augment the rigidity of the knee joint.

In the close-up we can gain a better insight into the juncture that connects the stanchion with the rafter. Universal steel beams - not columns - have been used in both instances due to the fact force from the long-spanning rafter creates a large lateral pressure on the stanchion in addition to the downward compressive forces a typical column would incur. A number of heavy duty bolts add the bulk of rigidity through plates and flanges, as they allow a little more flexibility in their join as opposed to welding practices.