Segujja Kakembo Constructing Environments: Studio Journal Week 7 Student no. 636665 Semester 2 2013 Tutorial 1
Week 7 Studio Journal
This week comprised of an off campus site visit Location: Victoria St “Green Square� Apartments in construction Large scale project. Very stimulating and interesting activity; able to be on actual construction site, first hand experience. Explored various components of construction stages and elements of a large scale project.
Week 7 Studio Journal
Pre fabricated concrete panels, supporting framestructure for the swimming pool area.
Identifying construction systems Main structural elements of the site: Concrete Timber framing Structural steel
Steel poles secure the panels in place during construction.
Timber columns and beams which are used as the supporting framework for load bearing walls. This is an example of the dominant concrete structured walls and framing of the appartment complex. Pre fabrication can happen off site which allows for a quicker conctruction process.
Timber framing Photo taken by Tony Duong (2013)
Week 7 Studio Journal
Steel columns are galvanised; conteracts the moisture from the swimming pool (due to the humidity)
Identifying construction systems Pool deck area
Light weight concrete utilised at higher levels.
The pool deck area inside the appartment complex was the perfect example of how various construction systems, elements and materials utilised work towards forming the final model. Pre fabricated panels as part of the primary/secondary structure. Structural steel for strength and reinforcement.
Post tensioning is used as a method of reinforcing the slab
Water proofing at the base of the swimming pool area (exterioir side shown). A membrane coat is applied in order to prevent water leakage and protect the concrete.
Week 7 Studio Journal Identifying construction systems Car Park
Fans are situated at the blockwork walls; seve as vents for the pollution.
Conccrete slab roofing to support the structures and loads of the above levels over the car park.
Photo taken by Tony Duong (2013)
Form decking; made of steel possibly colorbond type of decking. Common construction method for roofing due to its flexebility and availability.
The car park exemplified the works of the mechnaical system of a building under construction.There were various electrical wires and cables running through the area.
Week 7 Studio Journal Identifying construction systems Interior (inside the appartment) Photo taken by Tony Duong (2013)
Water proofing mebrane (blue coating) has been coated over the flooring system of the bathrooms. This prevents potential damage caused by leakage and can lead to the destruction of the floor material.
Matting is used over any habitable areas as apposed to the bare concrete flooring. Also works as a sound muffler to an extent absorbing the noise from the walls (eg. preventing echoing).
The balcony of the appartment rooms also has a water proofing mebrane. This membrane is double-coated directly over the concrete slab.
Week 7 Studio Journal RECAP List of building materials identified at the site: Light weight concrete Pre fabricated cocncrete (slabs, panels) Post tensioned concrete Galvanised concrete Structural steel Steel beams and columns Timber (framing - variety of types of timber) All of these materials make up the key structrual features and support of the appartment complex. It was intersting to note that the construction team did NOT use any footings. This is due to the fact that the appartment complex is being built through ‘deep foundations’ which means the load of the structure is transferred to the stronger subsoil below. This is facilated through the steel columns and reinforced concrete which stabilize the structure (Wkipedia 2013).
Week 7 Studio Journal References Ching, F 2008, ‘Building Construction Illustrated’, 4th Edition, New Jersey, John Wiley & Sons. Sika Building Trust 2013, Sika Group, NSW viewed 7 October 2013 <http://aus.sika.com/en/solutions_ products/02/02a015.html> Wikipedia 2013, Wikipedia, viewed 12 September 2013, <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foundation_ (engineering)>