Building Structure

Project 1 - Fettuccine Truss Bridge

Here is the link to the final Project 1 Report

In a group of six, we were required to design and construct a fettuccine bridge of 750mm clear span and maximum weight of 200g. Other than the aesthetic value, the design of the bridge must be of high efficiency. For example, by using the least amount of materials to sustain the higher load. In order to achieve a higher efficiency, we had to analyse and evaluate the Material strength by adopting the appropriate method and determining the strength of the fettuccine, such as the tension and compression strength. By knowing the strength of the fettuccine, we were able to determine which members had to be strengthened. Besides, we also had to study the structural analysis of the truss by identifying the critical members of the truss and strengthening them, when necessary.

The objectives of this project are :

To develop student’s understanding of tension and compressive strength of construction materials
To develop student’s understanding of force distribution in a truss
To design a perfect truss bridge which fulfils the following criterias:
- High level of aesthetic value
- Minimal construction material

Project 1 has helped me to understand better the construction of an effiecient truss as well as how to calculate the load and weight of the bridge truss. Through our research on the finding of the best efficient bridge design using fettucine, we came to understand the strength and weakness of the fettucine. This has helped us alot in order to strengthen the truss design as fettucine is strong in compression but weak in tension. Besides, the overall calculation has also helped us to improve on our bridge truss design and gain better understanding on which point of the bridge truss is strong or weak.

Group photo after fettuccine bridge testing

Project 2 - Extension of a R.C. Bungalow

In a group of 2, we were required to extend another building out of an original plan for project 2. The extended plan must include proper measurement of columns, beams and walls.

After doing so, we were to analyse the weight and load withstand by the beams and column via calculation. Each team member had to choose their own respective beams and columns to calculate. All the measurement and calculation had to be documented or written down in A4 papers. My partner and I then compile our calculations togther in a report, including our drawn plans and diagrams, that indicates our respective beam and column as well as the force and load acting on them.

Throughout this project, I was able to understand better the proper steps and calculation needed for determing the load and force acting on the beams and columns. The overall assignment has taught me well on how to properly arrange and write a proper analytical report as well as understanding better the construction details of a building. Hence, I have gain a lot of knowledge regarding the technical part of architecture from this project, which I also believe would be a great deal of help not just in my exams but in my future works and design as well.

Here is the Link to the Final Project 2 Report