Site Visit: Life be in it Centre- Completed structure

The above image shows a portal frame construction spanning 35 metres. The structure is supported by steel columns and beams with the outside cladding being sheet metal. While it's not visible in the picture, this portal frame relies upon eaves gutters to collect and circulate rain water to storm water drainage.

Erection of Tilt-up Concrete Panel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFm5LF6yWzI
The above link shows the erection of a tilt-up concrete panel into place. It is important to remember that the greatest amount of stress placed upon a concrete panel is during the lifting procedure. For this reason the panel must be appropriately supported and raised from engineer designed lifting points.

Site Visit 3: LaTrobe Terrace.

The picture above shows the intersection of two precast concrete panels. A small hole can be seen in the side of one panel and contains a steel shackle used for lifting the panel. This steel fixture is added during panel fabrication. Also note the vertical grey strip of mastic dividing the two panels to allow for future movement.

In the centre of the above picture two intersecting 'I' beams can be seen. The rigid connection method used at the intersection of these two beams is referred to as a bolted moment end plate connection. The two beams have been purposely connected at this point, due to the absence of excessive bending moments. To the far left of the beam, two vertical steel elements can be seen extending between the two flanges. These steel sections are known as stiffening plates and help prevent bending in that part of he beam.

The above picture shows a steel column descend into the concrete slab below. The reason for this is that the concrete slab is a non structural element used only as a durable and rigid floor surface. The column on the other hand is a structural element and needs to transfer the loads from above to the pad footing below slab level.

The above picture shows various steel 'I' beams and columns connected together to form a two-way rigid frame. The beams are being primarily used as the primary support for a second level. Attention must also be paid to the precast concrete panels in the background. These panels form a load bearing wall due to the absence of columns and therefore a portal frame. This can also be assumed due to the direct connection of the 'I' beams to the concrete panels.

In the foreground of the above picture, two intersecting concrete panels can be seen. Protruding from the top of these panels are steel starter bars potentially awaiting for the placement of further concrete panels.

Site Visit 2: 5 Capital Dr, Grovedale

In the above two pictures precast concrete panels can be seen set in place. In particular, it is important to note that below the panels are two white objects used as spacers until the panels are permanently fixed into place. These are called shims.

The above picture shows a horizontal precast concrete panel placed between and resting on the edge of two vertical panels. This panel is acting as a lintel. In the upper and lower corners of the lintel steel screw-in plates have been used to hold it in place temporarily.

The above picture shows a typical floor slab and a black plastic damp proof membrane. The precast concrete panel to the left contains a hole which is used as a fixing point between the precast panel and the concrete slab.

Evidence of Major Project Research

The above images show load bearing concrete panel construction for an industrial warehouse. The advantage of concrete panels in this application mainly relates to their durability as a cladding in environments where forklifts and other machinery reap havoc.

Tutorial Exercise 6.

The above picture shows a section view of a two story office block and its various components.

Construction Article 6-

Article web address: http://www.construction-manager....

Article Source: Construction Manager Magazine.

Article Title: Bye-bye brickie.

Article Author: Kristina Smith.

Article Publish date: May 2006.

Summary: This article describes a new type of brick that relieves the necessity of mortar. These 'v' shaped bricks are laid with the first course being attached to a purpose-made polymer starter track, and every fourth course after that is fixed with screws onto vertical battens. This new type of brick has significant time and labour savings.

Construction Article 5-

Article web address: http://www.construction-manager....

Article Source: Construction Manager Magazine.

Article Title: A gap in the market.

Article Author: Rory Olcayto.

Article Publish date: September 2006.

Summary: This article describes concrete sandwich panels that are internally insulated. Unlike standard panels which are insulated by fibre or foam the reinforced concrete panels described in this article employ a newer system referred to as vacuum insulated panels (VIP's). While standard insulation traps gases to reduce heat transfer, VIP's work by removing these gases thus producing a vacuum within the slab. The use of VIP's within precast concrete panels reduces the thickness of the panel compared with those insulated with fibre or foam.

Tutorial Exercise 5.

Shown above is an end section of a load bearing concrete panel wall and its various elements.

Construction Article 4-

Article web address: http://www.construction-manager....

Article Source: Construction Manager Magazine.

Article Title: Slice of inspiration.

Article Author: Kristina Smith.

Article Publish date: July 2004.

Summary: This article describes the use of precast reinforced concrete panels to form walls. However these are precast panels with a diferrence. The panels described in this article consist of two outer skins of precast concrete with a filling of lattice girders between. Such panels are lifted onto starter bars, fixed into position with props and are then filled with in-situ concrete forming a soild concrete panel. This system is said to reduce wall erection by up to 65% compared with traditional pre-cast concrete panels.

Construction Article 3-

Article web address: http://www.construction-manager.co....

Article Source: Construction Manager Magazine.

Article Title: Bag to the Future.

Article Author: Professor Remo Pedreschi.

Article Publish date: February 2006.

Summary: This article describes the use of fabric formwork to produce pre-cast concrete columns. Rather than traditional methods of formwork that are stiff and rigid, materail formwork is flexible and has shown to be inexpensive, strucurally efficient and aesteically desirable.

Tutorial Exercise 4.

The above picture shows the various elements involved in the construction of a load bearing pre-cast concrete panel wall.

Site Visit 1: Pakington St - Rope Works Site

Foreground: Precast concrete panels that have been craned into place to act as a load bearing wall.
Background: I beams arranged in a manner to provide for a two-way rigid framework.
- I beams can be seen stored on the ground ready for internal framing use.
- Steel props can be seen supporting the precast concrete panels until the are appropriately stabilised.
- Mastic can be seen above protruding from the wall.
- This brown/orange material is fitted between neighbouring concrete panels to allow for movement.
- As mastic is a foam like material it is covered with a rubbery water proof membrane which can be seen in the lower half of the above picture.
- Two holes remain in the precast concrete panels above after support struts have been removed.
- Such holes are grouted over.

Construction Article 2-

Article web address: http://www.construction-manager.....

Article Source: Construction Manager Magazine.

Article Title: A whole new ball game.

Article Author: Stephen Cousins.

Article Publish date: November 2007.

Summary: This article describes a new construction technique known as 'bubbledeck' which is a light weight concrete slab system. It involves the use of air filled plastic bubbles sandwiched between mesh reinforcement before being covered with concrete. This system provides greater strength than a standard in-situ concrete slab and has both cost and time advantages.

Construction Article 1-

Article web address: http://www.construction-manager.co.uk....

Article Source: Construction Manager Magazine.

Article Title: Tips of the trade — Cladding.

Article Author: Stephen Maddalena.

Article Publish date: February 2008.

Summary: This article provides some advice in relation to the use of pre-cast concrete panels. It suggests that to achieve the maximum benefits from pre-cast panels team members such as the structural engineer and the pre-caster should maintain open communication.

Geelong Carousel- Completed structure

BUILDING: Geelong Carousel Pavilion (Geelong Waterfront).
ARCHITECT: McGlashan Everist Pty Ltd.
ENGINEER: Meindhart (Vic) Pty Ltd.
BUILDER: Wycombe Constructions Pty Ltd.

Geelong Carousel

The above picture shows two diagonal circular sections supporting the carousels cantilevered roof structure. These hollow, cylinder like steel supports have been pressed at either end and pin joined to act as flexible connections.

Tutorial Exercise 3

The following can be seen above.
- Wire safety mesh on both walls and the roof.
- Sinsilation and insulation behind the safety mesh.
- A stanchion (verticle U beam) meeting with an angled beam to form a knee joint.
- Horizontal 'C' girts on the walls to support the outside cladding.
- 'C' purlins on the roof to support the safety mesh, insulation and outer roof.
- Diagonal bracing rods on the left side wall.

Tutorial Exercise 3

This image shows a section drawing of the various elements included in portal frame construction. Note the use of Lysaght 'Kliplok' roofing due to the 2 degree pitch. This type of roof provides greater strength compared to 'Custom Orb' or other corrugated styles.

Tutorial Exercise 2

This image shows a section drawing of the various elements included in portal frame construction.

Tutorial Exercise 1- Completed structure

Building: Barwon Valley Activity Centre (BVAC).
Location: 1 Barwon Heads RD, Belmont Vic.
Year of construction: Unknown.
Builder: Unknown.
Architect: Unknown.

Tutorial Exercise 1

Shown here is diagonal cross bracing in the form of of 20mm rods. These members act in tension, preventing structural failure caused by wind forces and temperature expansion. These struts are used as ties between columns.

Tutorial Exercise 1

Shown in this image is a knee joint whereby a beam intersects with a column tranferring the roof load to the pad footing below. The connections seen here involve the use of stress tested bolts which are fixed into place on site relieving the necessity of welding. Note the absence of haunching and the use of horizontal stiffening plates in the column to prevent bending of the flanges.