Technology project

The Floating Structure Design Designers: Haocheng Tong & Yiran Jing For ARC6854 Environment and Technology Design 06.10.2020

Contents

1. Team Member Introduction

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2. Works & Schedule 1

3. Relation to the Studio Works 1 4. Why Floating Structure? 2 5. Design Research 3 6. Design Concept 4

7. Structure Design & Installation 5 8. Future Development 21 9. Conclusion 21

10. Bibliography 22

1. Team Member Introduction

Haocheng Tong

Yiran Jing

Structure Design Structure Calculation Structure Optimization Theoretical Research Drawing & Modeling

Structure Details Igloo Design Materials Research Information Collection Technical Drawings

About us: We were members of the Waterweavers studio and had similar demand for floating sturcture.

So we formed a team. We tried to create a new structure which can float on the River Don and can be used for a long time. We also designed some lightwight structures which can combine the floaters.

2. Works & Schedule

A.Preliminary Research

D.Floating Structure Design

B.Cases Study

C.Concept Design

E.Lightweight Structure Design

F.Revision

3. Relation to the Studio Works

The floating structures will be used in these river areas. The functions and mode of floating modules are determined by personal studio deisgn project. We just share the same floating structure.

Haocheng Tong: The Floating Exhibition Provide for invisible industiral history exhibtion, including small screening rooms, and photography exhibitions rooms.

Yiran Jing: Bring Salmon Back to the River Don Provide for the exhibitions about salmon and ecological protection and also create more places for public activities.

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4. Why Floating Structure?

Haocheng Tong Studio Work: The Floating Exhibition

The floating structures in Haocheng's project has metaphorical meanings: the power of the water. This power also points to the physical energy in histroy: the water-power for industry. On the other hand, the floating structures is a semi permanent and flexible structure. It is very suitable for scattered exhibitions and can also provide different forms (for the connection among the exhibition sits), such as floating bridge, floating road, floating platform etc.

Yiran Jing Studio Work: Bring Salmon Back to the River Don

The floating structures in Yiran's project has high use and practical value. The floating structures can be transformed to the floating farms for salmons. It reduce the distance between human and river. It can also provide public spaces for children. They can stay at the floating cabins and study the knowledge about salmon and ecology or obverse the aquatic animals closely.

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5. Design Research

During the time of research, we found that the relative infomation are few, especially the real project for small moudle system (many of them only stay in the design stage). This part is like a collection for different kinds of cases. We referred some details from these cases and development our own design idea.

A. Cases Study for Small Moudle

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Our original idea was to design a special ship, like the pictures on the left part. The ship was very convenient. It can move freely on the river. However, the water in the River Don was very hurry and many dams existed in the river. So we change the idea to small floating moudle. The pictures on the right shows different kinds of floating strategy. The first was a boat house. The second was a floating concrete moudle which was for the ecosystem restoration and the third was a floating house in flooding area.

B. Cases Study for Pontoon Moudle

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Then we focused on the pontoon systems because they were cheap and easy to design (for the buoyancy calculation). But the problems were that most of pontoon systems were temporary and have vulnerable structure. like the case on left, the floating foundations were made by plastic drums. The cases on the right were all the temporary moudles. They used wooden and plastics materials. So we decided to deisgn a new pontoon systems which have strong structure and can carry more weight.

C. Cases Study for Connection System

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These connection systems were select form the the real huge floating projects. We can refer the principles of them and change them to the small ones. 1.Flexifloat connection system. 2.Cable connection system. 3.Heijsehaven connection system.

4.Longitudinal connection system. 5.McDermott MOB connection system.

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6. Design Concept

Our design concept was inspired by the silicone ice cube tray. Seeing the pictures above, it was a holistic and high-strength structure (from micro scale). The projecting parts are able to provide effective displacement (for Archimedes' principle). So we tried to transform it to a rigid structure.

We can design a gridded structure to fixed the projecting parts. And the projecting parts can be transformed to a semi pontoon floating moudle. That means we need to install the gridded structure at first and then embed the floating block (maybe the light material with a hard shell) in the grid.

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7. Structure Design & Installation

A. Initial Ideas and Design Drafts At first stage, we created small 3D models for one moudle. We were thinking about how to transform the ice cube tray to the floating structure so we decided to research the projecting part of the tray. Maybe we can use the light material like the foam plastic block to fill the latticed container and use a hard materials to proctect them.

Tray Projecting Part

Figure 31

Figure 32

Polystyrene Foam

Filling the container

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Resin

Protecting the foam, as a shell

Polystyrene Foam

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin It was the initial draft, not the final structure.

We tried to use the acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin to make a shell to protect the floating block: polystyrene foam. You can see 4 blocks form a moudle. This is our initial deisgn idea. On the below, you can see our developing process.

After created the initial idea, we needed to think about how to connect the moudles and how to develop a lightweight building structure. In the second stage, we did research and drew lots of drafts. The pictures below showed our drafts about our project.

We also do some material research here.

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B. Floating Foundation Design Introduction

Platform Front

Platform Back

This is the design of the floating foundation. We can see the structure clearly in here. We will explain the detail design, materials and installation in the following pages.

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Detail Front

Cross-shaped Fixed Frame Aluminium Alloy

Edge-Edge Hole

Fixed Frame Aluminium Alloy

Protective Shell ABS Plate

Column Fixing Hole

Moudle-Moudle Lock Connection Aluminium Alloy

Platform Fixed System Hole Floating Block Polystyrene Foam

Shell-Frame Connection Plastic Expansion Bolt

Edge Fixed Frame Aluminium Alloy

Moudle-Edge Lock Connection Aluminium Alloy

Frame-Fram-Edge Connection Aluminium Alloy

Detail Back

Connection Pontoon Polypropylene Random

Bottom Edge Fixed Frame ABS Plate Bottom Cross-shaped Fixed Frame ABS Plate

There are two connection systems in the foundation. The first is in the first image which is consist of the Cross-shaped Fixed Frame, the Fixed Frame and the Edge Fixed Frame. The sceond is in the second image which is consist of the Bottom Crossshaped Fixed Frame, the Bottom Edge Fixed Frame and the Connection Pontoon. These two system ensure the structural stability of the floating blocks.

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C. Floating Foundation Installation This is the first part of this structure. When you get it, you need to check its two sides.

Then you should connect this part to its base by using plastic expansion bolts.

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When you finish, you need to combine the two components. Our purpose is to combine a grid frame and then we will connect it with the floating bloacks. This process is on land not in river.

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For the next step, we need to combine the Edge Fixed Frame to this grid structure. So we begin to connect the edge frame.

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After you finish this step, you need to prepare to connect the protective shells and the floating blocks. There are two different connection parts. The first use bolt (shell - cross-shaped frame) because it's a long-term structure. The second is lock system (moudle - moudle / moudle - edge) because it consider about the structure replacement and over-water construction (probability).

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Finish

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D. Moudle Buoyancy Calculation (Estimation)

According to the Archimedes’ principle: Fb = Vs x D x g

Fb is the buoyancy force that is acting on the object, Vs is the submerged volume of the object, D is the density of the fluid the object is submerged in, and g is the force of gravity.

Now, let's assume that a unit module is completely submerged in water: Vs = (1/3 x 0.45m x (0.36m² + √ (0.36m² x 0.16m²) + 0.16㎡) x 4 = 0.114m³ x 4 = 0.456m³ Fb = 0.456m³ x 1000Kg/ m³ x 9.8N/Kg = 4468.8N Therefore, the limit weight of one module is 4468.8N. (Ignore the quality of the crossshaped light metal object)

E. Fix System View form water

You can see the structure of the river. We try to put the steel pipes into the riverbed.

Then we can connect the steel pipes to the floating structures by using ropes or wireropes.

It's a very easy,cheap and convenient way and will not destroy the natural environment.

F. Waterproof & Floor Covering

Figure 33

Maybe we can use the marine glue to solve the problem of waterproof. For the floor covering, I design a grid frame which can be put on the top of of floating block. The moudle floor board can be embed in it.

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F. Lightweight Structure Design

This structure design is like an example which can show how to use the floating structure. We try to mainly use the wooden materials to build this cabin. It is similar to a concept design so we not give specific calculation and measurement data. After showing the structure design, we may give some imaginations to rich the uses of these constructions.

Parallel Projection 12

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Wood

Aluminium Alloy

At first step, you need to connect the parts which is showed in red circle to the floating structure. Then you need to put the wood columns on the parts and fixed them by using the bolts.

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After successfully installing the columns, you need to install the beams. It is a very easy process. You just need to put the beams on the columns.The clamping slot will fix them.

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This step is important. You need a hammer to pound the wooden nails into the small fixing holes. You should finish the work in the botton of the inclined support structure at first.

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Then you need to install the parts of roof beams and the special roof structures.

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Special Roof

Frame Plate

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In this step you need to install the basement of the wood wallboard at first. The wallboard under the roof not need any wooden nails. They can form a strong structure.

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After finish the installation of the wallboard. You need to install the roof parts. You need use the wood nails to fixed the wallboards of this part.

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It is the last step of the installation. Before installing the last few roofs, you need to install the outermost board.You need use nails to fix them. After finish this step, you need to prepare for the roof waterproof and floor covering.

Finish

This is the sectional view of this project. You can see the human body scale and space scale. The structure surface will be covered by light wood boards or other materials(We will discuss that later).

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G. Advantages & Disadvantages

A. Advantages: a. Easy be transported b. Freedom of moudles combination c. Easy to get the raw materials & Low cost d. Completly prefabricated (can replace damaged parts)

* Special remarks: 1. Dismantling on the river

B. Disadvantages: a. Some parts of structures are fragile b. Problems in waterproof design c. Many parts needs special customization d. Complex Installation

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Finish

2. Transportation

4600

3. Vulnerable parts

2400

84 Blocks

The floating blocks are easy to carry. You can put them in the ordinary lorry and take them to the site.

4. Holes in waterproof design

You can see that the connection of beams parts are very thin. It You can see that the roof structure can not directly prevent has the risk of breaking. leaking water of two sides cracks.

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H. Igloo Design, Reseach and Analysis

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"When people talk about salmon, the most thought is Scandinavia Norway. There are lots of salmon. So I hope the River Don also reminds people of salmon. Therefore, the shape of igloo was design, trying to connect Scandinavian and salmon through the hearts of people."

(The origin and formation of this igloo, the theoretical process is not what I came up with, I just draw it out and give some knowledge introduction)

5 common domes:

One single dome element start from here ----- losahedron Diagram 1V=1 Frequency, more "V" means more frequency

Why the igloo is 5V dome?: 1 2 3

1V dome

2V dome

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3V dome

The 5 frequency geodesic dome has 5 edges for each edge of the lcosahedron 4 vertices on each edge are pushed outward.

5V Dome 5-way

4V dome

5V dome

5 The 5 frequency dome has 5 edges on each side and 25 triangles for each face of the locsahedron.

Split Pattems

5-way

So if we connect those 5 points, it is a line

One single pattern on 5V dome

The strus and weight, the Basic data of salmon fish education centre: others was calculated by author Height: 3.33m Diametre: 6m Cloth Cover: 63.19m² Volume: 66.53m² All struts: 306m Triangle: 275 1''PVC 183.9bs=83.4g Floating Salmon fish educational centre weight: G=83.4kg·9.8N/kg=817.32N One moudle floating foundation max buoyancy: 4468.8N (4468.8-Calculation showed on before page) 8.17.32N<4468.8N So the salmon educational center could floating on river The calculations and some theories was according to website: https://www.ziptiedomes.com/geodesic-dome-calculators/5v715-geodesic-dome-calculator.htm

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Triangle shape more stable to connect other pipes

1 1/2" Inner corn 1" branch pipes

Top view of how those connectors making together

This is a straight pipe connection

Perspective view of those connectors

Two sides "+.-" connector Three dots positive connector

Negtive connector

One single element of conectors with cloth

The outside of igloo will use thick cloth as material

How one pipe to connect the other

A. Advantages: a. Light weight, anyone can install b. Local vernacular material c. Change size easily, according to the site size d. Suitable for all weather conditions

B. Disadvantages: a. Complex mathematical calculations are required b. Can not bear a lot of weight c. Some parts installation needs two people cooperation d.Plastic products are not recycled material 20

8. Future Development

A. Functional Diversification: It's a floating bridge here. Maybe this structure can be used in other field. In addition, it can also develop to a emergency construction system for natural disasters.

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B. Different Forms: You can see the special triangular structures. It' allows the floating structure to be combined into more styles.

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C. Large Structures: Maybe some moudles can combine a big moudle. This may strengthen the strucure and provides the possibility of being used in the sea.

9. Conclusion

I think this structure design really meet our requirements about studio works. It can bear enough weight on the river and can be combined freely into various forms. On the other hand, the deficiencies are material research, waterproof design and budget estimate. Maybe these can be improved in next time. For the cooperation process, we discussed with our tutors and other teams just on the internet. It was very special experience during this special time.

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10. Bibliography

Davis, W, J, Orville O, and Bernard S., (1996). Pontoons and pontoon vessel. U.S. Patent No. 5,540,169.

Drummond, G, and B, Clutter., (1973). Modular unit for a floating dock system. U.S. Patent No. 3,760,754.

Glynn, R, and Sheil, B., (2017). Fabricate 2011: Making Digital Architecture (Vol. 1). UCL Press.

Habibi, S., (2015). Floating Building Opportunities for Future Sustainable Development and Energy Efficiency Gains. J Archit Eng Tech 4.142.

Koekoek, M., (2010). Connecting modular floating structures. Gemeente Rotterdam: Netherlands.

Matsukawa, C, A., (2011). Floating Architecture: A Solution for the Char People of Bangladesh.

Moon, C., (2011). Sustainable Characteristics of Floating Architecture. Proceedings, IAPS International Network Symposium.

Phillips, G, E., et al., (2007). Self-contained marine propulsion system for a pontoon boat. U.S. Patent No. 7,182,033.

Sestito, I, and Rosolino T., (2010). Modular floating construction. U.S. Patent No. 7,712,428.

Schmidt, C., (2018). Modular pontoon boat. U.S. Patent No. 9,862,464.

Stevens, E, J., (1998). Modular pontoon deck. U.S. Patent No. 5,803,007.

Images

Figure 1,2,3,4: [Unknown title] https://www.archdaily.com/801538/arca-quelen-susana-herrera-plus-factoria?ad_source=search&ad_ medium=search_result_all Figure 5,6: [Unknown title] https://www.archdaily.com/46547/bohemian-flats-boathouse-competition-winner?ad_source=search&ad_ medium=search_result_all

Figure 7,8: [Unknown title] https://www.archdaily.com/798241/aptum-architectures-floating-concrete-act-as-mangroves-for-shorelines?ad_ source=search&ad_medium=search_result_all Figure 9,10: [Unknown title] https://www.archdaily.com/908940/so-unveils-prototype-floating-emergency-structure-in-istanbul

Figure 11,12,13,14: [Unknown title] https://www.archdaily.com/569709/jellyfish-barge-provides-sustainable-source-of-food-and-water?ad_ source=search&ad_medium=search_result_all Figure 15,16: [Unknown title] From Drummond. G and B. Clutter., (1973) Modular unit for a floating dock system. U.S. Patent No. 3,760,754.

Figure 17,18: [Unknown title] From Stevens, Ernest J., (1998) Modular pontoon deck. U.S. Patent No. 5,803,007.

Figure 19,20: [Unknown title] From Sestito, Ilario, and Rosolino Tarenzi., (2010) Modular floating construction. U.S. Patent No. 7,712,428.

Figure 21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30: [Figure 1: Flexifloat steel pontoons [www.flexifloat.com] ] [Figure 2: Connectionsystem Flexifloat [www. flexifloat.com] ] [Figure 8: Tightening connection Improved Ribbon Bridge] [Figure 9: Sketch of top view connection improved ribbon bridge] [Figure 10: Picture of connection Heijsehaven] [Figure 11: Pontoon connection Heijsehaven: Lower connection with vertical pins] [Figure 14: Rigid connection by clamping claw] [Right: Clamping connection] [Figure 6: McDermotts Nonlinear Movement allowing MOB Connection] [Figure 7: Schematization of McDermotts MOB connector] From Koekoek, M., (2010). Connecting modular floating structures. Gemeente Rotterdam: Netherlands.

Figure 31: [EPS] http://jsbxt.com/Index.asp?Product/Product43/12.html

Figure 32: [ABS TACTICAL HELMET] http://jsbxt.com/Index.asp?Product/Product43/12.html

Figure 33: [Unknown title] https://m.alibaba.com/product/60829488309/paint-sealant-for-wax-sealant-car.html Figure 34: [Unknown title] https://www.997788.com/pr/detail_2322_21762580.html Figure 35: [Unknown title] https://www.flickr.com/photos/ligthelm/8035835355

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