Structural Systems:These are made to transmit applied gravity and loads to the ground so that the structure will stay standing. They form the foundation of the building (Ching, 2008). There are four types of structural systems: solid, surface, skeletal and membrane, The majority of modern structures are a hybrid. (Construction Systems 2014)

Enclosure System:This is the shell of the building and includes the door, exterior walls, roof and windows. (Ching, 2008)

Mechanical System: This system includes artificial lighting, sewage, ventilation, heating, that provides essential services to a building (Ching, 2008)

ESD: Solar panels are one of the many ESD strategies. Other strategies include night air purging, wind energy and thermal mass

WEEK 1

Roller Joint Pin Joint Fixed Joint

Roller joints allow horizontal movement as well as rotation (Structural Joints, 2014)

Pin Joints only allow rotation to occur (Structural Joints, 2014)

Fixed Joints do not allow for any movement (Structural Joints, 2014)

Joints are essential to structures as the connect the pieces together in order to form a structure. Different joints are used in different parts of a structure depending on the materials present in the construction and the function of that particular part of the structure. For instance, most bridged would require a roller joint and/or a pin joint as they will allow tension and compression to occur without the bridge breaking when the live loads are applied.

A truss is used to increase the strength of the base. Trusses require less material while still providing enough strength to hold up the structure. (Structural Joints, 2014)

A triangular base requires less material than other shapes such as a square.

When constructing different building systems, various factors will be taken into account including performance requirements, aesthetic qualities, regulatory constraints, economic considerations, environmental impact and construction practices. (Ching 2014). These factors all play into the shape, function and efficiency of the structure.

Taping the sticks together at the top helps the top of the structure stay upright.

REFERENCEChing, F 2008. Building Construction Illustrated,JOhn Wiler & Sons INC,Australia

Construction Systems 2014, online video, youtube, AustraliaRebecca Cameron

ESD and Selecting Materials 2014, online video, youtube, AustraliaRebecca Cameron

High Access 2013, High Access, United Kingdom viewed 18 March 2014,<http://www.highaccess.co.uk/glossary-of-terms>

Load Paths Diagram 2014, online video, youtube, AustraliaRebecca Cameron

MacMillan Dictionary 2009, MacMillan, United Kingdom viewed 20 March 2014,<http://www.macmillandictionary.com/about.html>

Structural Joints 2014, online video, youtube, AustraliaRebecca Cameron

The Free Dictionary 2013, Princeton University, United states of America viewed 19 March 2014,<http://www.thefreedictionary.com/bracing>

The Free Dictionary 2010, Princeton University, United states of America viewed 19 March 2014,<http://www.thefreedictionary.com/frame>