In reading #4 Chin describes the fundamental basic building block for a structural system. The best way to start of structure is with a more rectangular shaped postal and lintel frame work. For example that system is when the ration of the long to shot damsons is greater than 1.5:1. When the system is close to complete or before you begin to do such, you have to make sure which system you’ll use. Different materials and different spacing for the system is needed for various damsons of the site. You can use a grid to help you process and understand the fundamental system that you need for your building. When contrasting a lateral force you must have a center of mass as strong as possible.

Amira Abdalla

March 8, 2019

Professor Montgomery

ARCH 1231

In this part of the book by Ching, he explains the structural topologies of the buildings. First, he summarizes the pieces that make up the structure and their functions. For example, the vertical joists are supported by the horizontal beams which are defined by the length of the vertical parts. In order to build a strong foundation, the more rectangular the structure is the better (ratio of long to short is 1.5 : 1). Think of an X and Y axis. The horizontal beams are the X (independent) axis which define the spacing that depicts where the vertical joists Y (dependent) should be placed. Furthermore he describes a structural pattern as a grid. He defines the intersections as the location of the columns or a threshold in the design. The spaces between vertical joists define the movement spaces. And finally, any spaces present between 2 structures can be filled in with a third structure such as load bearing walls. Later on, he writes about structural stability as a series of structures working together to keep the foundation stable if joined correctly. For example, the horizontal diaphragm acts as the compression plate that tests the Braced and rigid frame to keep out any angular changes in the structure. The shear wall also acts against gravity which prevents the structure from digging into the ground. Moreover, he warns us that structures must be arranged symmetrically to avoid any distortion. With that said. He vividly explains with the use of images to help the reader visualize the meanings of his terminology.

In Ching’s book, He explains how structural units (beams, columns, and bearing walls) need to be placed in order to carry the load of the structure. When it comes to beams and columns there is a rule on how wide the span between them must be. The span also depends on how the structure is. For example, if there are two bearing walls they are more effective with a series of joists or planks.  On page 2.20, Ching shows a chart on span can the material hold and what they can hold with that length.  Structural patterns is another way for the materials to bear. Ching states, “The inherent geometric order of a grid can be used in the design process to initiate and reinforce the functional and spatial organization of a building design.” In the structure there should also be lateral stability. The basic design for that are Rigid frames, shear walls, and braced frames.  Rigid frames and braced frames can use additional design for more lateral support such as knee bracing, k-brace, and cross-bracing. However, the lateral forces should be arranged in a symmetrical order of center and mass to prevent destructive torsional effects.

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.

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.