Description

 

Architecture and building construction are not necessarily one or the same thing. The crucial part of making a “dream” happened, in needs of understanding of the construction methods which includes the structural system. A structural system of a building is designed and constructed to support and transmit applied gravity and lateral loads safely to the ground without exceeding the allowable stresses in its members. Capturing the ideology of how load is distributed throughout the building allows a designer to build a sustainable and stable building.

 

The main objective of this project is to enable understanding and exploration towards the structural system and its relevant components by creating a skeletal load-bearing structure model. The stronger the structure is, the higher the efficiency it has. The efficiency of the model is calculated by using the method, Efficiency = (Height x Load) / Mass of Tower. Together with my team, we have created a unique skeletal structure and tested on its efficiency in withstanding loads.

 

Throughout the process of constructing the model, we started off with doing research on skeletal buildings and what makes a building strong and efficient in confronting the loads it might have. The discussion and brainstorming sessions we had have made us understand the skeletal structure even more. The designing stage has also contributed to that a lot. Besides, the understanding on the construction of a skeletal structure grew while we were building the model. Upon the completion of the project, we were able to draw a critical and constructive response to the efficiency of our skeletal tower and the causes of its structural fatality. All in all, it has been a great experience.