Week 2 Journal

Fenly Jo (615460)

With 40 sticks of balsa wood, we attempted to build the tallest tower possible. We decided to build a square base and taper the tower.

Bigger base for stability

Gradually reducing in size to reduce dead load

Weak joint using cello tape causing structure to fail

Load is distributed unevenly causing structure to lean to one side

Diagonal beams were added to support the weak joints as it was very clear these joints were failing compared to other columns.

Added column would essentially transfer load to the ground, the more stable joint.

Week 2 Journal

Fenly Jo (615460)

As we added more supporting columns to the tower, it started to lean even more to one side

It is visible that this column is not able to withstand the load put on it due to weak joint and the fact that the tower is heavier on one side

As the column the base of the tower, largest amount of load is transferred there, hence failing the entire structure

We discovered that adding more supporting columns did not solve the problem because: -  It increases dead load -  Weak joint will not be able

to support increased dead load

What we should have done

Triangular pattern to the structure- distribute the load evenly Stronger adhesives for stronger joints

Supporting beams- to reinforce the columns on the base Most stress occurs here, therefore load needs to be transferred evenly to the ground for stability