STRUCTURAL CONCEPTSWEE

K 5

# 640263 KATHRYN RANDALL-DZERDZ

Structural Systems

b) PRIMARY STRUCTURE: the structural system that trans-ferrs live and static loads through the the building and to the ground (fig.2).

a) FOUNDATIONS AND FOOTINGS: transfers and distributes the load/s of

the building to the ground (fig.1).

LOAD-BEARING COLUMNS

Figure 1; Concrete footing. (Sketch: K. Randall-Dzerdz)

Figure 2; Columns of the primary structure.Figure 3; Doors and windows of the secondary structure.

c) SECONDARY STRUCTURE: the non-loadbearing structure of a building consisting of walls, doors,

windows and features that contribute little to the load-bearing capacity of

the structure (fig.3).

Note: unless otherwise stated, all architectural images are a attributed to Cox Architects and Planners.

Structural materials

Figure 4; Brickwork Figure 5; Structural concrete

Figure 6; Varied use of steel

Figure 8; Grout

Figure 9; Loose insulation

Figure 7; Solid concrete block

Note: unless otherwise stated, all architectural images are a attributed to Cox Architects and Planners.

Brick (fig.4): existing walls.Structural concrete (fig.5): slabs, footings, walls.Steel (fig.6): structural framing.Concrete block (fig.7): walls.Grout (fig.8): used between some joints.Loose insulation (fig.9): between walls, floors and roof-spaces.

joints and fixingsJoints observed are predominantly fixed:

Welded:due to the primarily steel structure of the Eastern Resource Centre, many elements are connected through the heating and subsequent cooling and hardening of metals. This cooled, solid mass that is developed creates a fixed joint (fig.10).

Bolted:Many elements are bolted together with multiple bolts to create a fixed joint (fig. 11). If singular bolts were used on these areas, a pin-joint may be formed allowing movement in the struc-ture. Chemset: Chemset is used in some instances (fig.12) in con-junction with bolts to reinforce the bond between the bolt and the element it is being affixed to.

Figure 10: Welded joint.

Figure 11: Bolted fixing.Figure 12: Chemset fixing.

The structure must consider connections to existing buildings, not just joints be-tween structural elements

Note: unless otherwise stated, all architectural images are a attributed to Cox Architects and Planners.

sustainability AND ENVIRONMENTMany processes within the acquisition, manufacturing and transportation of struc-tural materials will produce carbon dioxide and consume energy.

Data collected in the United Kingdom by Tata Steel (2002) reveals that the produc-tion of one tonne of steel may produce almost one tonne of carbon dioxide. Howev-er, this may be reduced to approximately 0.4 tonne if 100% recycled steel is used.

The production of steel may also consume about 17 GJ of energy. This is termed em-bodied energy; the energy that is used to manufacture and construct the steel com-ponent. The more complex the steel element, the more energy it consumes, and the more carbon dioxide it produces.

Concrete used in footings and walls cannot be recycled or broken down into its constituent parts and reused. Consideration appears to have been taken in the construction of a new structure, and existing concrete slabs utilised as best as possible to avoid removal and relaying (fig.13). This is also a more economical approach.

Steel has a high strength-to-weight ratio, there-fore less material may be used compared to other materials, resulting in a more economical and efficient structure. Cheaper materials may not be an economically wise choice in the long-run, and may break down quicker or require more energy and revenue to maintain.

Figure 13: Utilisation of existing concrete.

References:Ohio Department of Transportation n.d., ‘Bridge Terms - C’, Available: http://

www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/Engineering/Structures/bridge%20operations%20and%20maintenance/PreventiveMaintenanceManual/BPMM/glossary/c_terms.htm

[2013, September 5].

Tata Steel 2002, The carbon footprint of steel, Available: http://www.tatasteel-construction.com/en/sustainability/carbon_and_steel/ [2013, September 5].

GLOSSARY: CONTINUOUS SPAN

A continuous span extends, without joints, over multiple

supporting structures.

A continuous span is often utilised in bridges, and may

be used where long spanning elements require support at multiple points throughout

their length.