SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN

Research Unit for Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia

Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Architecture

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 2 [ARC 2513]

Prerequisite: BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 1 [ARC 1223]
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Project: 1(6/7 students in a group)
Understanding Forces in Skeletal Structure
35% of final marks (25% teamwork & 10% individual
presentation)

Submission date: Model testing (week 6 Submission (week 7)

Introduction

Skeletal construction method is one of the most widely used structures for
building support. Skeletal structure provides the load bearing resistance of
the structure and supports the secondary elements

Objectives of Project

The objectives of this project are as follows:

• To create an understanding of skeletal structure and its relevant

structural components.
• To understand how a skeletal structure reacts under loading.
• To demonstrate a convincing understanding of how Skeletal
Construction works.

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 • To exploit the qualities inherent in Skeletal Construction.
• To be able to manipulate Skeletal Construction to solve an oblique
Design problem.

Learning Outcomes of this Project

Learning outcomes assessed in this project include:

• Apply construction system in design.

• Recognize the implication of construction systems in design.
• Analyse the issues of strength, stiffness and stability of structures
including modes of structural systems, forces, stress and strain and
laws of static.

Tasks - Methodology

Group
Your task is to construct model of a tower according to the following
specifications.

• Materials for model: small drinking straws, thread, match stick, stapler
bullets, smoking pipe cleaner. A5 size plywood for the base.
• Height of the tower model should not be lower than 30 cm, measured
from the base and the top of the tower should be able to support a 5
cm x 5cm cardboard.
• Students are encouraged to try and keep the total length of straw used
to a minimum.
• The pipe cleaners should be cut into lengths of not more than 3 cm.
• The straws should be cut into lengths of not less than 4 cm.
• The completed model will be tested with 2kg load for 2 minutes
applied at the top of the tower structure.
• Analysis on the success or failure of the tower together with the
mitigating measures in the case of failure is to be provided in the form
of an A3 presentation board.
• Students are encouraged to use annotated sketches / diagrams to
explain the forces, structural movement experienced during the testing
of the tower.
• Photographs of the tower should also be incorporated into the
presentation board.
.

Submission Requirement
• Model of the tower (students name and ID should be clearly pasted
onto the base)

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 • A3 bound report complete with visuals, sketches and inclusive of the
detailing and progressive documentation of your project.
• Visuals / Photos used in the submission must be clear and well
communicated.
• Sketches are meant to provide visual documentation and
communication. Therefore sketches are required to be neat, clear and
annotated.
• Assumptions can be made through reference from book/drawings. DO
NOT PLAGIARISE.
• Softcopy is required to be attached with the hardcopy.

Suggested Format of A3 Report/Documentation

Cover page- Name and student ID number should be written clearly (TUC
Logo)
Table of Content
Introduction of site & elements
Findings and Analysis
Referencing (MUST)

Assessment criteria

The assessment for this assignment will be based on your

• Ability of the model to take the total load applied in the specified duration.
• Clarity of the analysis on success / failure of the model.
• Total length of straw being used to construct the model
• Quality / workmanship of the model produced.
• Quality of the documentation of visuals sketches, drawings and load and
forces detailing of the construction elements.
• Creativity and clarity of ideas, materiality and richness of content
• Clear visual and verbal communication of your understanding of the
projects.
• Appropriate and sufficient referencing

Marking criteria

Marks shall be distributed as follows:

Strength of the model (30%)

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 • Ability of the model to take the load of 2 kg, for 2 minutes or less load
for less time or completely unable to take the load.

Design of the model (25%)

• Originality & practicality

• Ability to conform to design criteria eg. Tower height is not less than
30cm, the pipe cleaners should be cut into lengths of not more than 3
cm and the straws should be cut into lengths of not less than 4 cm.

Workmanship of the model (25%)

• Neat and acceptable workmanship

• Quality workmanship

Presentation Board with analysis (20%)

• Clearly and coherently analysed

• Showing good understanding
• Proper visuals and diagrams identifying loads and forces with explanation

NOTE: PLEASE BE INFORMED THAT INVIDUAL COMPONENTS IN GROUP

WORKS IS EVALUATED BASED ON PEER EVALUATION AND INSTRUCTUR’S
EVALUATION ON INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE OF A GROUP MEMBER.

Suggested References

1. Chudley, R. 2006, Construction Technology. 4thedition.

Pearson and Prentice Hall.
2. Lyons, Arthur, 2004. A. Materials for Architects and
nd
Builders. 2 Edition. Oxford. Elsevier Butterwort-Heinemann
3. Seeley, Ivor H.1995, Building Technology. 5th edition.
Basingstoke, Hants: MacMillan
4. Ching, Francis D.K. 1991. Building Construction
Illustrated. New York. Van Nostrand Reinhold.
5. Simmon, H. Leslie, 2001. Construction: Principles,
Materials and Method. 7th Edition. New York. John Wiley & Sons.
6. Zannos, Alexander. 1987, Form and Structure in
Architecture: The Role of Statistical Function. Von Nostrand Reinhold
Company, New York