In the reading, Ching talks about concrete, masonry, steel, stone, and wood. Different materials have different units and precast forms for easier and safer usage. Concrete, for example, consists of cement, water, and aggregate. It can be done on site, but for it to be sturdy and functioning, it needs steel reinforcement. steel reinforcement must be tied with both, vertical and horizontal elements to minimize shrinkage, cracks and control thermal expansion and contraction. Steel comes from the manufacturer in precast shapes. W, S, C, L, WT, structural tubings (circular, square or rectangular) and bars. Brick is a masonry unit of clay formed into a rectangular prism, same as stone there are different types of bricks and they are soft mud, sand bricks, water struck brick, stiff mud, and dry press.
Author: Nazar Turchyn
In this reading, Ching talks about structural units, spans, patterns lateral stability, and how they are put together. Ching states that by combining several structural units like slabs, girders, beams, and joists, we can make a basic place for habitat that can resist not only the loads placed on it but also the different weather and climatic conditions. However, depending on the material you use, and the spaning systems (one way or two-way), Timber, steel, or Reinforced concrete, different systems will be used. in order to have the structural stability, the structural system must be designed to not only carry vertical loads, but to also withstand strong winds, and forces from any direction.
When constructing structures, the most important thing we have to think about is gravity. Gravity Newtons third law of force states that for every force acting on a body, the body exerts force having an equal magnitude in the opposite direction. Columns are rigid structural components designed to support axial compressive loads. Long slender columns are subject to failure by bulking rather than crushing. when the proportion near the middle of a column buckles, the whole column fails. To avoid collapse, the weight must be equally distributed with at least four columns. That way, even if the weight and force is too high, the columns will reach equilibrium, and hold the weight.
Even thought Architecture and building construction have things in common, like need to undenstand the material, elements and components for building, they are different. Ching explains that architecture is not only about the building, but also about scale, proportions, functional zoning according to purpose and use, and the building as an integrated component within nature and build environment. Structural System was designed and built to support and transit applied load vertically and horizontally. Enclosure system is the roof, exterior walls, doors and windows that provide shelter from weather, control of heat, moisture, air and privacy. Mechanical System provides services to a building that includes water supply, sewage disposal and electricity.
Egress is the action of going out or leaving a place. it is It is the based on the three components, Exit access, exits, and exit discharge. Exit access is the exit placement in the buildings. Exits are the exits themselves, where they are located, and how much of them are in a building. Exit discharge is the safety and time it takes to leave the building without danger. Egress is one of the most important thing in the building, and the building code, because safety is the priority in the building construction. Stairs are supposed to be safer than elevators, because the walls are fireproof, and the doors are closing automatically. also during danger, they are designed to quickly get people outside as fast and safe as possible.
