Article Review - 'Windows Glazed Over On Energy Use'

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

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

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'

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

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

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.