Constructing Environments

Structural Concept: Ormond College Centre for Theology and

Ministry

Description/Classification of Structural SystemsFoundations & Footing:- The Ormond Theology building uses shallow concrete footings, also known as a spread foundation- In some areas of the building, it uses a concrete slab foundation- The footings are classified by its size, allowable load, reinforcement, bearing of footing and is written as (eg. BT1)

Primary Structure (Horizontal & Vertical):- Uses steel beams and columns & horizontal & vertical members to carry applied loads to the ground- The steel beams and columns are arranged in a grid frame- The roof beams are cantilevered, only secured by concrete columns on the exterior

Secondary Structure (Horizontal & Vertical):- The building uses a cladding grid frame as support for the glass wall at the entrance- Framing is used around windows and doors to increase the combined stiffness of the glass for structural stability- The awnings that overhang from the building are held to the building by braces and clamps.

Identification, Description, and Location of Structural Materials

Steel: Alloy of Iron, Carbon, and other elements, strong in tension

● There are I-Beams which are used to hold up the roof

● Steel reinforcement inside the concrete used.

● Steel columns embedded in concrete columns

Concrete: Composite material made from aggregate which is embedded in material such as cement which glues or sticks the aggregate together.

● The concrete is in situ in relation to the external columns

Structural Joint

This is a caulked joint, and is used when you want to make something watertight (usually pipes). A caulked joint is typically a join between two structural elements where a gap is left to allow for movement. Eg. expansion. The gap is then filled with a caulking rubber to cover the joint. An example is an articulation joint in a brick wall.

Structural FixingsI. WELD

● The use of melting, mixing and breaking can be used as structural fixing but is only restricted to some metals

● Not appropriate for joining materials with low weldability

II. CONCRETE

● The mixture of cement, aggregates and water. It’s a thick paste that will transform into a stiff structure

● Poured into ground in order to fix structures

III. BOLT

● They are used in conjunction with a nut attach and fasten two materials together ● Suitable for two thin materials

IV. SCREW

● An externally threaded and headed fastener that tightens when torque is applied● The threads resist movement of the screws and the pull-out force

V. NAIL● Pin-shaped fastener● Is driven into the workpiece by a hammer● Holds materials together by friction axially and shear forces laterally

Sustainability/Environmental Analysis/ Economical Implications

-Concrete slabs and columns were in situ which saves energy and cost of transportation of heavy materials-Transportation of materials to site increases both energy and pollution from vehicles (fuel etc) as well as cost-Embodied energy and carbon footprint increases in the construction of the building through machinery use-Concrete walls have different finishes (made to look like timber etc) which requires extra time and expertise, increasing overall cost-Short footings and shallow spread foundations is highly economical-glass panelling of the buildings facing is more expensive than conventional windows-A cantilevered roof requires stronger members/supports in order to sustain higher loads, need for steel/concrete instead of more conventional timber, increasing cost-main materials used were concrete and steel which both have individual positive and negative factors towards sustainability. Brick and glass were also used a fair amount and both are sustainable as shown by positive outcomes in all aspects of the above table

MATERIAL APPROX. LIFESPAN (YEARS)

CARBON FOOTPRINT (CO2/kg)

EMBODIED ENERGY (MJ/kg)

RECYCLABLE

CONCRETE (IN SITU)

75+ 0.159 1.9 Potentially - difficult to

BRICK 100+ 0.24 2.5 Yes - crushed and used as fill

STEEL 100+ 1.37 38 Yes

BLUESTONE PAVERS

100+ 0.056 1 Yes

PLYWOOD 100 1.07 10.4 Yes

GLASS (WITH GLAZING)

10-20 0.85 12.7 Yes - remelted

ReferencesGeoff Milne 2010, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra, viewed 5th September 2013, <http://www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/fs52.html> Greenspec 2013, viewed 5th September 2013, <http://www.greenspec.co.uk/embodied-energy.php> Quality Check Home Inspection 2013, viewed 5th September 2013, <http://www.qualitycheckhomeinspection.com/node/3>