The images below represent the structure of a ‘tower’ consisting of high-density blocks arranged adjacent to another in a hexagonal base. The most dominant construction element in this structure is compression and gravity. The material is highly suitable for mass construction. The blocks have intentionally been organised in a way they overlap each other—similar to a brick wall—which introduces an impressive compressive strength.

WEEK 1

JUSTIN HAN (637711)WEEKS 1 - 3

CONSTRUCTING ENVIRONMENTSLOGBOOK S1, 2014

As shown in the Fig. 1, each block above and below the two consecutive blocks in the middle can coexist. They create load path to hold the two together, which avoids tragedies such as collapsing outwards. The biggest advantage of this mass construction is that the structure will only get more stable and rigid as it progresses further due to increased mass and gravitational force (see Fig. 2).

As highlighted in lecture, round or circular structures tend to be far more supportive for compressive structures compared to rectangular or triangular bases. However, comprised of rectangular materials, a perfect round base does not seem very feasible, thus hexagonal base provides similar strength. Hexagonal base already sets up for a stable structure, as there are eight columns to support vertical forces. This solid base contributes the structure’s potential to be a heavy, high-rise tower with higher stability.

Fig. 1: brick wall sructure

Fig. 2: high gravity

JUSTIN HAN (637711)WEEKS 1 - 3

CONSTRUCTING ENVIRONMENTSLOGBOOK S1, 2014

As highlighted above, compressive brick wall structure that inter-relates with mass and gravity allows partial demolition in the base without altering its stability. The tower’s strength and stability cannot be underestimated, and the image above shows no doubt that this particular structure is significantly strong; strong enough to support a normal female sitting weight.

In order to maintain the tower’s stability while it has gained enough height, the hexagonal shape gets altered into a pentagonal base. This narrows and tightens the frame of the tower, and keeps the gravity towards the centre. Similar structures can be observed in twin towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (see Fig. 3).

Fig. 3: twin towers

Petronas Twin Towers (2012)

HIGH MASS/ GRAVITY VS STABILITY

JUSTIN HAN (637711)WEEKS 1 - 3

CONSTRUCTING ENVIRONMENTSLOGBOOK S1, 2014

Critical thinking is extremely crucial within academics, especially architecture. This frame structure represented in the image below shows very little understanding of the task. NOTE: Although this is not a reflective journal, I would like to confess that, the task was clear to me but due to my lack of leadership, I was not able to convincingly remind the group to take advantages of tensile strengths of balsa woods. The group’s motives were highly based on competition to gain height among other groups rather than creating a stable, strong frame using tensile structure.

WEEK 2

Balsa woods are significantly low in density and are often extremely appalling in terms of compressive strengths (Silva 2007). Conversely, this material shows excellence in tension as a result of its linear grains. The image of the cubical frame represents its useage of compressive structure that is extremely unsuitable given the material’s characteristics. Its square base is also not suitable for the material because the columns in each corner are forced to take the vertical forces on its own. However, as an example, a triangular base with a tower-like construction incorporating the skeletal system would have established a far more stable structure. Although, most built-forms with skeletal system, including cranes and Eiffel Tower, tend to have square bases with more dense columns.

Triangular barriers in the image above provide tensile support that prevents columns from falling outwards. However, the issue of falling inwards does not seem to have been taken under consideration. Despite the fact that balsa woods are extremely fragile with compression, it is harsh that there is no extra support for the columns.

JUSTIN HAN (637711)WEEKS 1 - 3

CONSTRUCTING ENVIRONMENTSLOGBOOK S1, 2014

Fixed joints made out of balsa wood contribute to the overall stability of this structure (see Fig. 4&5). Fixed joint allows all three sides and another column to join and stay fixed. Surprisingly, these joints are one of the key elements of this exercise; preventing the extreme case of falling apart. However, there are issues created by the joints. As a result of these joints, horizontal parts are more susceptible to fragility and are unable to carry any loads (see Fig. 6). It is apparent that this frame is too large for tensile structure, and its requirement for more barriers in between is no doubt.

FIXED JOINTS

Fig. 4: middle joinf

Fig. 5: base joint

Fig. 6: compression, tension and horizontal