In these readings, Ching explains how a structural units has its own use in terms of how big it is, and how much space it creates.. An example is that a two way slab and four columns would usually represent a horizontal layer of space. Ching also introduces spans and patterns, and explains that each has a purpose in design. For example, if there is a large horizontal slab, it usually determines the space of each vertical support, in which they should be related. Patterns in a design usually leads to grids, and grids have a huge meaning in design. Grid lines would usually be beams and load bearing walls, while intersecting lines would indicate a column. In terms of lateral stability Ching talks about how some structural units depends on each other, due to how much weight it may support. The best example would be two columns and one beam going across them. Another would be a horizontal slab with four columns supporting it, even adding a fifth on in the center if necessary. These structural information is important, because it literally balances anything being built.
Category: Uncategorized (Page 8 of 12)
For chapters 2.19 through 2.23 in Chang’s “Building Construction illustrated” we are introduced to three key elements when thinking about the design and construction of an inclosed space. The first being structural Units and the two dementions which defines it; Horizontal span (which should consist of either reinforced concrete, slabs, gurders or planks) and Vertical support ( consisting of loadbearing walls, columns and beams). The second topic (Structural patterns) dives into the purpose of creating a grid that aligns with the functionality of the structure; which ultimately will determine the placement of the columns or load bearing walls according to the critical points or intersections within the grid. The third point made by chan is Lateral stability, which should have one of the following constructions; knee bracing, k brace or cross bracing in order to better avoid destructive torsion.
Yet again, Francis Ching expresses the importance of stabilizing all structure from every force there is. Good ways to reinforce a building is by adding frames (rigid and braced) and sheer walls, bracing is something every structure must have. Every structure has it’s own grid, which helps us to understand their function. In a gird we can see which columns and load bearing walls that are holding the most weight from their horizontal spanning elements. From this, we can determine which columns and or load bearing walls needs to be reinforced in case of an emergency. Ching also shows the limits of every material, some have their limits.
Referring to ching book in this section ching is talking and describing about all the different kinds of structure (structural spans, structural patterns) and what is it made or formed of (planks or decking, joists, beams or griders, slab or plate structure, bearing wall and column/ beam frame). He’s also mentioned te different types of bracing depending on the perpose of the building and the meterial that it is made of ( knee bracing, k- brace, cross bracing, and cable bracing). He also taked about structular grides that some parts of the grides can be removed or even sometime it would be shifted at an angle to the side of the grid.
This section mentions structural units, structural spans, structural patterns, and lateral stability. Structural units keeps a building organized and is the building block for the structural system. A structural unit is able to be formed from columns, beam, slab, and load bearing wall and can make space for habitation. Horizontal spans can be concrete slabs or grinders, beams, and joints. Load bearing walls or framework of columns and beams can be used for the vertical support. Structural spans is about the relationship between the span and spacing which influences the dimensions and scale of spaces. Structural patterns is about grid lines and critical points which help to indicate columns or load bearing walls. Lateral stability is about a building being made stable enough so that it can not be effected by any conditions.
According to ching reading, we know about a building need plank, beams, slab,bearing wall and braced frame. The rigid frame is a frame with rigid joints capable of resisting changes in angular relationships. The shear wall is transferred lateral loads to foundation. Braced for diagonal members.The vertical span may be provided by load-bearing walls or columns and beams.This way buildings can withstand wind and earthquake or more disasters.These structures can be made of wood, cement, reinforced concrete, stone, etc.
Architecture and Building Construction work in different aspects. Architecture is about having that image of creating a building, the art aspects, building construction focuses more on how to physically create such a thing. It is important to know these things, architects and engineers must work together to figure out the scale and proportions that is appropriate to create comfortable space for human activities. Each have a critical role to play, one cannot work without the other. Francis Ching also teaches about the different systems that run in a building. Structural systems are beams, columns, etc. Enclosure systems is the “shell” (roof) of a building. Mechanical systems is the “essential services to a building”, water systems and sewage disposal is a part of mechanical systems.
There must be a state of equilibrium in all structures, meaning that all forces should be equal with each other. There are many ways to ensure equilibrium in a structure. Trusses (bracing) are a very good example that is used in all building/bridges. Example: every truss in a bridge is withstanding many forces, two common ones being tension and compression or even both, these forces must be equal to each other or else they fall apart. It’s also important to know which material is best to resist these forces. Concrete itself is good when under compression, very bad in tension, steel in the other hand is good with both, it has it’s limits.
Reading Number 4, Ching goes into vivid detail on Structural elements and how they function, He tells us about elements like Structural spans and how long certain materials can be able to span as a beam, Structural patterns which allow us to use grid lines and critical points to indicate columns or load bearing walls, lateral stability which tells us that while a building is being built it must be able to not only resists vertical loads like gravity but also have the ability to resist things like wind and seismic forces for any direction he tells us supports can be made by using things like rigid frames, shear walls and braced frames which can range from Timber/ Steel/ Reinforced concrete. During the beginning of the reading changes states that a structural unit has to have a structural system which also has to consist of things like columns, beams, slabs etc.
Francis D.K Ching explains how architecture and building construction are not really the samething. Architecture should be considered the following conceptual system of order in addition to the physical construction Ching mentions on page 2.02. Building control is only the execution of architecture. He also talks about system which is an assembly of interrelated or independent part forming a more complex and unified whole and serving a common purpose. Some systems he mentioned were structural system, Enclosed system, and mechanical system. Each system had its on functional way of importance. Ching explains and shows drawings that defines its way of form.
